Armpit Detox: An Easy DIY Mask for Switching to Natural Deodorant

Thinking about switching to natural deodorant, like a homemade deodorant spray? Then an armpit detox might be just what you need. Follow along with me!

It’s an easy recipe that works great and leaves the underarm skin feeling fresh, clean, and rejuvenated.

Now, I freely admit that the words “armpit detox” may not be part of your regular vocabulary. 

But hear me out!

Maybe you’re one of those people that natural deodorant doesn’t work on. Or, no matter how often or how vigorously you wash your armpits, they still smell bad?

Well, an armpit detox sounds like exactly what you need. In this post I’ll share what it is, how to do it, and how to make the switch to a natural, plant-based deodorant while you’re at it. 

What Is an Armpit Detox?

But what does it actually mean to detox your armpits? What even is an armpit detox?

Simply put, it’s an all-natural method to reduce underarm body odor, improve underarm skin condition, and help make the switch to a natural deodorant.

Now, “detox” makes it sound more intense than it really is. I’ll be honest with you: this isn’t some deep cleanse.

What this mask actually does is draw up the leftover buildup from old antiperspirants, soak up excess oil, and cut down on the residue that causes odor. So think of it like a really good clarifying mask, just for your underarms.

Why You’ll Love This

• It’s better for your budget: Compared to pricy armpit detoxes, you can make this for a very low cost. And all you need are just a few essential ingredients and a mixing bowl. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
• It’s quick: Five minutes on, rinse off in the shower, and you’re done.
• It makes the switch easier: If natural deodorant has never quite worked for you, this is what helps. It gets your skin through that smelly adjustment stretch so you actually stick with it.

What Goes Into It

• Bentonite clay: A popular ingredient for a homemade bentonite face mask, this clay is extremely porous, so it soaks up everything from old deodorant buildup to excess sweat.
• Activated charcoal: Charcoal helps draw dirt and other little particles to the surface of the skin so you can rinse them right off. Fair warning, it stains everything, so we rinse in the shower.
• Apple cider vinegar: A little ACV neutralizes odor-causing bacteria for fresh-smelling pits all day long.
• Fractionated coconut oil: Just enough to bring everything together into a smooth paste, and it’s gentle on the skin.

How to Make an Armpit Detox Mask

Follow along and trust the process, that’s really all it takes. You’ll need a small mixing bowl and a wooden or silicone spoon. Skip anything metal, since it reacts with the clay and changes how it works.

1. Add the bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and apple cider vinegar to your bowl.
2. Add the fractionated coconut oil a little at a time, and stir until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste.
3. Spread an even layer over each armpit and let it sit for about 5 minutes before washing off.
4. Rinse clean in the shower, and pat dry.

Tip! It’s best to wash clean in the shower, as the charcoal will stain everything, towels, clothes; you name it, it’ll stain it.

Store it out of reach in a cabinet or fridge for up to 5 days.

Variations

This recipe is easy to make your own, and a lot of people tweak it. I haven’t personally tested all of these, but here’s what folks like to do:

• Add a drop or two of lavender or tea tree essential oil if you’d like a light scent.
• Skip the bentonite clay and use just activated charcoal. You’ll want to cut the apple cider vinegar in half so the mixture isn’t too runny.
• Use just clay and water for the simplest possible version.

How Often to Use It

For most people, twice a week does the trick during the transition. Generally, it works pretty quickly, absorbing the foul odors and lasting throughout the whole day.

I noticed almost no sweating throughout the whole day and absolutely zero stench at the end of the day, using this during my switch to natural deodorant.

The first couple of weeks tend to be the smelliest part, so that’s when it helps most. Once your skin settles in and the odor calms down, you can stop or just use it now and then.

Making the Switch to Natural Deodorant

When beginning the transition to natural deodorant products, remember that your body will likely need time to adjust, usually at least two weeks, and sometimes up to a month for the chemistry to balance out completely. 

During this time, you’ll probably notice more sweating and more odor than usual, even while wearing a natural deodorant. That’s completely normal, and it’s only temporary because our bodies do a great job adjusting.

This is where regular showers help too, so use them to your advantage. For me the whole thing was quite short-lived, and I transitioned to natural deodorant real quick in the grand scheme of things. 

A good homemade natural deodorant on hand doesn’t hurt either. And note: I chose to change deodorants in the summer months, so I could wear short-sleeved tops and air my armpits when needed.

Expert Tips

• Do not use any metal when working with clay, as it can react and change the properties of the clay. Stick with glass, wood, or silicone.
• Use it two times a week for the best odor and moisture-absorbing results.
• You may notice some redness after washing the mask off. Light redness is normal, but there should be no pain.
• I chose to make the switch in the warmer months, so I could wear short sleeves and let my underarms breathe.

A Few Safety Tips

• Do a quick patch test on the inside of your arm before your first full use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• If any stinging, burning, or irritation occurs, rinse it off right away and stop using it.
• This is for external, cosmetic use only.
• Keep it stored out of reach of children.

Takeaways

Switching to a natural deodorant can be scary, particularly if you’ve been using a conventional antiperspirant for years.

It’s a hard habit to break, that’s for sure, but using this armpit detox will help make the process go smoothly and quickly. And having a homemade whole-body deodorant spray on hand definitely didn’t hurt!

Whether you decide to make your own deodorant or buy a natural one, this DIY armpit detox will be right there to help you through it.

Armpit Detox FAQs

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If you tried this Armpit Detox or any other tutorial on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!