Today is a story about an armpit detox. Yay!
My armpits have issues. And no, that isn’t code for anything else. It’s pretty literal. I have #pitproblems, y’all. While most of you can shave and apply deodorant all willy nilly, I have to practically spend a good 20-30 minutes A WEEK caring for my extra sensitive pit area. I know, it’s crazy. I’ve recently come across the idea of doing an armpit detox and the idea sounded so bizarre (and genius) that I just had to share it with you fine folk.
Because who doesn’t want to read a post about an armpit detox, right? Things you should know…
- I don’t use traditional deodorants and haven’t for years.
- I use this stuff.
- I don’t shave.
- I get my pits waxed and maintain by trimming.
- I prevent razor bumps with this stuff.
- I moisturize and cleanse my pits with an exfoliating glove and this stuff.
- I moisturize nightly with this stuff.
Talk about some pampered pits. And trust me…if I don’t follow that regimen to a tee, I’m left with inflamed and very unhappy pits. After hearing about an armpit detox, I’ve added that to my regimen and do it every 2 weeks.
But…why?
It really helps my pits smell better. Before doing it, I found myself smelling like a goat and having to wash under my arms every few hours. Even WITH my natural deodorant. The detox seems to pull the yuck smell out and I’m left with fresher skin and more importantly…I don’t smell like a barn! It’s easy to do and only takes two ingredients.
Bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. The bentonite clay will likely work wonders on its own but of all the recipes I read mentioned that apple cider vinegar may be beneficial. Since I use it on my hair, I figured it couldn’t hurt using it on my skin, as well. As a matter of fact, whenever, I do this detox, I also apply it to my face. Hayyyyy!
I use about 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay and about 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
I’ll add more to make a paste if it seems too thick.
I apply under the arms, let sit for 30 minutes or so and then rinse off. I do this as needed and find that I have to detox more often when it’s hot. I encourage all of my natural deodorant wearing people (or those who want to convert to natural deodorants) to try this detox.
Now keep in mind, y’all – I am NOT an expert. Or a dermatologist. Or a naturopath physician. I’m just a regular person who mixed things together and found a solution and while I found the results to be fantastic, I do know it may or may not work for you. If it does, you’ll thank me forever.
All of the products that I mentioned are below…
Sooo, do you use natural deodorants or do you stick with the regular stuff?
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
I don’t really have problems with my pits but I’ve been meaning to try this mask forever now and the thought of using it on my pits makes it even more tempting lol. This stuff seems to do it all!
Give it a whirl!
I’ve been thinking about moving to natural deodorants. I had a scare with a lump a few months back in my armpit. It turned out to be just an inflamed follicle…but it still made me question putting all those chemicals on my freshly shaved skin. I will look into this!
I got those inflamed follicles all the time mostly due to my wonky hair but still, they’re scary, right?
Is there anything bentonite clay can’t do? I’ve never even THOUGHT about putting it on my armpits, but I think I might give it a try. The weather’s been gross and has been doing me no favors 🙁
Bentonite Clay for President! That stuff does everythiiiiing!
OMG I am sooo glad you posted this! I’ve been switching from normal deodorants to natural and I still can’t get rid of the goat smell. I have to try this out! One question though: when do you moisturize? Before bed? Right out of the shower before putting on deodorant? Thanks!
Yep, I moisturize right before bed. I just slather the pits up with coconut oil or shea butter. And THEN I apply the deodorant. You may need to try that detox out a few times before you find it effective. Good luck ridding yourself of the goat smell. <3
Just switched from regular deodorant to Schmidt’s (lime) & I sweat but never smell.
I love it!
Isn’t it fabulous? I can’t wait to try the lime!
I use this mask on my face twice a week and it’s been a game changer for my oily and acne prone skin. Never thought of using it on my pits, but I tried it last night. It definitely “sucked the stink” out, as my washcloth definitely needed a good wash afterwards. Question: you mentioned you did it for 2-3 days, but then how often after that do you do it? 2-3 days each week? Or month?
Thanks for sharing, by the way. I now know I’m not the only one out there terrified of smelling like a goat!
Sorry for the not clarifying. Haha! I do it 2-3 days in a row about once or month and as needed. In the summer time, I find that I need to do it more often because I’m sweating more. Hope that makes sense!
I epilate and I love it! I use those disposable square exfoliating cleansing pads meant for face on my pits before I shower (makes SUCH a difference) and I use the Stridex in the red box (alcohol free) on my pits and bikini line to prevent ingrowns. 🙂
Girl…you’re a superhero in my book. I epilated once and I almost didn’t live to tell the tale.
I’m gonna try this! My pits were cool with regular deo until I got pregnant. It’s unreal how I can literally chill all day and still have smelly pits.
Haha,I know what you mean. Wait until baby girl is born. You’ll be sweating like you won’t even believe. And whether you have the time or energy to bathe is an entirely different story.
Oh and I am highly intrigued! I will be picking up some of this clay immediately. I have serious armpit issues as well. I had contact dermatitis in both just a few weeks ago which hurt. I switched to natural deos last fall but they’re not cutting it in the summer heat. I switched back to anti perspirant and had inflamed pits within a week. I might be allergic to aluminum. Coconut oil is a wonder in the pit area and usually works great as a deo. I’m going to do this detox and see if it helps! Not smelling like barnyard animals would be a huge bonus, LOL! Thanks for sharing!
PS: If you ever have a flare-up of redness, irritation and/or pain, soaking a cotton pad or “flannel” (if we’re getting British) in a little cold milk with a tsp of turmeric and letting the compress sit on your pits for a few minutes is a BIG HELPER! It reduced my issues in 2 treatments, plus I love that it’s a natural remedy.
*taking notes* I had no idea milk could help with that. Thanks babe!
European Wax sells a really great ingrown hair/bump serum. I used to use the tendskin, but it’s so harsh on my skin! The EW stuff is gentle but works really well!
Ooooh, where do you get that from? I’m all for trying new things!
I buy mine at a European Wax salon! I’m not sure if you can buy it online.
Thank you so much for posting this!!! I have had issues for years…and constantly switching, still feeling like “Um…I hope there’s someone with a sandwich with onions on it nearby…” is NOT a cool feeling!! I’ve already bought the deodorant and will be buying the ingredients for the detox in a few minutes! Thanks, again!
I hope it works for you, babe!
I’m going to have to try this. I have hidradenitis suppurativa and my flare ups on my armpits are the worst. I use this clay on my face and it helped to clear up my cystic acne. But I never thought to use it on my pits.
Hi Jasmine,
I have the same chronic illness. Has it worked for you? I’m desperate!
I literally did a face mask with this stuff + the ACV last night! Never thought of putting it on the pits, however– I will try it!
I looooove using it as a face mask, too!
I wish I could use baking soda natural deodorant. I finally didn’t smell like a goat anymore when I used it. Had to quit after 6 month because of the itchy rash from the baking soda 🙁 Hoping the clay & vinegar help.
Oh, Denise! I’m so sorry you experienced this. I also have a TERRIBLE reaction to baking soda and no longer use it under the pits. On the hunt for other natural deodorants that don’t have baking soda in them. So many do.
I can not get bentonite clay in my corner of the world (and the cost of delivery is way too high to buy online) so can use green clay or any other clay?
I haven’t tried any other clay. I say give it a try!
Definitely going to try it, thanks for the info
Thaaaaaank Yoooou. I don’t know what happened, but over the last five months I’ve been having a strong odor under my arms and nothing has helped. I’ve used natural deodorant for 2 years since aluminum based gives me a rash, and I’ve always been super sweaty no matter what, but never smelled. I was desperate and found your blog and so far so good! after 2 days of treatment I smell so much better. I even went for a workout and I don’t smell even a hint of the stinkies. Thanks girl!
Wooohooo! It’s such a game changer, isn’t it? I’m so thrilled for you, Alyssa!
I’ve been doing the detox for the past 4 days. I’m trying a few natural deodorants but either don’t like the smell or they don’t “hold” me. Urgh. I tried a new one this morning and had to wash up again since I was stinky by noon!
My sister insists that I’m having problems because I’m still wearing natural deodorants while I’m detoxing. But the thought of going without is frightening! Do you still wear the deodorant while you are detoxing?
When it comes to natural deodorants, I find that I have re-apply regularly. Especially during the warmer months. I’m like you, I totally can’t go without deodorant while detoxing. Ha!
Why do you need a product to prevent razor bumps if you don’t shave?
It mostly helps for ingrown hairs. Because my hair is curly, whether I shave or not, I still suffer from those nasty buggers.