A journal of MalyNature's experience with using ayurvedic herbs, botanicals, as well as other natural and gentle ingredients to make spa quality hair, skin and other self-care products. It is a lifestyle blog about some of my favourite things.

Jan 21, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Underarm Detox: Benefits, Ingredients, and Recipes

    
Photo by Billie on Unsplash

Your underarms might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to detoxing, but giving this sensitive area a little extra care can make a big difference. Whether you're transitioning to natural deodorants or just looking to rejuvenate your skin, an underarm detox can help remove impurities, reduce odour, and improve overall skin health. 

Let’s dive into the why, how, and what of underarm detoxing, including the benefits of key ingredients like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and essential oils. 

Why Do an Underarm Detox?
 

 Every day, our underarms are exposed to sweat, deodorants, antiperspirants, and bacteria. Over time, this can lead to product buildup, clogged pores, and even discoloration. 

An Underarm Detox: 

                                 

Removes Buildup: Cleanses the skin of product residues and toxins. 
Balances pH Levels: Helps maintain the skin’s natural acidity to prevent odour-causing bacteria from thriving. 
Supports Transition to Natural Deodorants: Minimizes odour and irritation when switching from antiperspirants. 
Improves Skin Tone: Reduces discoloration and promotes smoother, healthier-looking underarms. 

Key Ingredients for Underarm Detox



1. Bentonite Clay Bentonite clay is a powerhouse ingredient in underarm detox products. Known for its strong detoxifying properties, it: Draws out impurities, toxins, and product buildup. Balances the skin’s pH to inhibit odour-causing bacteria. Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin. 
DIY Tip: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of bentonite clay with water or apple cider vinegar to create a smooth paste. Apply to clean underarms, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. 

2. Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal is another star ingredient with deep-cleaning abilities. Its benefits include: Absorbing toxins, sweat, and bacteria from the skin. Neutralizing odour and preventing bacterial growth. Reducing oiliness while unclogging pores. 
DIY Tip: Combine 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal with bentonite clay and water for a detox mask that leaves your underarms fresh and clean. 

3. Lemon Essential Oil Lemon essential oil offers a refreshing scent and powerful antibacterial properties. It: Neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. Helps brighten dark underarms by reducing pigmentation. Acts as a natural deodorizer and astringent. 
Caution: Lemon essential oil is phototoxic, so avoid sun exposure after use. Always dilute it with carrier oil or other ingredients. 

4. Citric Acid This gentle acid is a game-changer for pH balance and exfoliation. Citric acid: Helps lower the pH of underarm detox products to match the skin’s natural acidity. Reduces bacterial growth and odour. Exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter underarms. 
DIY Tip: Add a small pinch of citric acid to your detox mask or deodorant spray for an effective pH-balancing boost. 

How to Do an Underarm Detox

How to Do Underarm Detox- VIdeo

1. Prepare the Area Start with clean, dry underarms. If you’ve recently shaved, wait 24 hours before detoxing to avoid irritation. 
2. Apply a Detox Mask Mix ingredients like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and essential oils into a paste. Apply a thin layer to your underarms and leave it on for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 
3. Moisturize After rinsing, apply a natural moisturizer such as coconut oil or aloe vera gel to prevent dryness and soothe the skin. 
4. Repeat Regularly For best results, detox 1–2 times a week, or as needed. 

Simple DIY Recipes Underarm Detox Mask Ingredients: 

MalyNature- Underarm Detox
                        

1 tablespoon bentonite clay 
1 teaspoon activated charcoal 
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or water 2–3 drops lemon essential oil Instructions: 
Mix all ingredients in a non-metal bowl to form a smooth paste. Apply to clean underarms and leave for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. 

Natural Deodorant Spray Ingredients: 
1 cup distilled water 
1/4 teaspoon citric acid 
5–7 drops lemon essential oil 
Optional: 2–3 drops tea tree oil 
Instructions: 
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto clean underarms as a natural deodorant alternative. 

These recipes are quick options to get the job done, however, if you are looking for a more stable, properly formulated product with a long shelf life, consider MalyNature's underarm detox and natural deodorant. 

Cautions and Tips
 
                                              


Patch Test First: Always test new ingredients or recipes on a small area of skin to check for sensitivity. 
Avoid Open Skin: Do not use detox products on freshly shaved or broken skin. Consistency is Key: Underarm detoxing is a process, so be patient and consistent. 
Sun Protection: If using lemon essential oil, avoid sun exposure after application. 

An underarm detox can be a refreshing way to rejuvenate your skin, reduce odor, and prepare your body for natural deodorants. With powerful natural ingredients like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and lemon essential oil, you can create simple yet effective products at home. Give your underarms the care they deserve and enjoy healthier, fresher skin!

Have you ever tried an underarm detox or natural deodorant? Were they effective?


        
   

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