There are many claimed benefits of an armpit detox. Here are five common claims and what the research says.
Claim: Increases the effectiveness of natural deodorant
Most armpit detoxes are meant to make the transition from an aluminum-based antiperspirant to a natural deodorant easier. Many of the articles in favor of armpit detoxes claim that the natural deodorant, such as baking soda deodorant, will work better afterward.
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However, there’s no proof that these detoxes reduce odor or make a deodorant more effective. But deodorant and antiperspirants change the types and amounts of bacteria in the armpit.
A small 2016 study found that people who wore antiperspirant or deodorant had fewer Staphylococci microbes than people who didn’t use any antiperspirant or deodorant.
Results also showed that the people who wore deodorant without any sweat-blocking ingredients, like aluminum, had more Staphylococci bacteria, while people who didn’t use any product had more Corynebacterium.
When the people in the study who typically used deodorant without sweat-blocking ingredients, or who went without any product, applied an antiperspirant, the Staphylococci bacteria on their skin decreased.
These changes can make room for bacteria that emit odor to take over. Antiperspirant can increase the amount of Actinobacteria, an odorous bacterium, on the skin, according to a small 2014 study.
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This imbalance in bacteria can be one reason why transitioning from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant can make you feel extra smelly. It takes time for the bacteria on your skin to balance out, and any product applied — including natural deodorant, soap, or a detox mask — can alter the types and amounts of bacteria.
The vinegar in the detox mask may help remove some odor-causing bacteria, but so will soap and water.
Claim: Removes the buildup of antiperspirant or deodorant
Antiperspirant works by temporarily clogging sweat glands to decrease sweating. It does this by creating a gel on the surface of the skin. It’s not absorbed into the skin, but it does contain irritants, such as fragrances and alcohol.
A couple of thorough washes with soap and water using a wash cloth will remove any antiperspirant or deodorant.
A detox mask may also remove the antiperspirant from your skin. But it’s more likely that rinsing the mask off with water when you’re done will do the trick.
If you want to be sure all traces of fragrances, alcohol, and other irritants are removed, follow the water rinse with a soap and water scrub with a washcloth to remove the antiperspirant.
Claim: Detoxes your body
From removing “cancer-causing toxins” to draining lymph nodes, some armpit detox articles make bold, unproven claims.
But can you actually remove toxins through the skin?
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“All of these clay products and things that are trying to pull out toxins are really just a myth,” says dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal. “The liver and kidneys really take care of detoxing the body from any harmful chemicals. There’s no way to get them out of the sweat glands or out of the skin.”
There’s no evidence that toxins can be physically pulled out of the skin or deeper layers of tissue. Sweat can carry toxins like heavy metals out of the body, but it’s unlikely that clay alone can lift them from the tissues under the skin.
There’s also no research showing that toxins in deodorants or antiperspirants result in breast cancer. This is just a breast cancer myth.
Claim: Reduces irritation from natural deodorants
Redness and itchiness may be from an increase in bacteria as your body adjusts. More likely, it’s a reaction to the ingredients in the natural deodorant, like baking soda and cornstarch.
Stop using a product immediately if you develop burning, itching, redness, or a rash. An armpit detox can’t prevent this irritation. It will likely make it more inflamed if you’ve already had a reaction.
Claim: Eliminates odor
The promise of odorless pits might make holding your arms over your head while the detox mask dries seem worth it. Turns out, there’s actually something to this claim.
Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. However, it’s important to properly dilute the vinegar, and remember that it won’t keep you sweet-smelling indefinitely.
It helps to understand how sweating works.
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