DIY Armpit Detox to Rid Your Underarms of Toxins and Heavy Metals

Do your armpits smell no matter how much deodorant or antiperspirant you put on? Do your underarms feel tender and your lymph nodes seem swollen? Are you considering to making the switch to natural deodorants? Well, if any of these questions resonate with you, then maybe it’s time to give yourself a much-needed detox — an armpit detox.

Underarm detoxes have become very popular lately, but the reasons and benefits behind this craze aren’t far off. From balancing the pH level of your skin to helping reduce the smell of your underarm, these detoxes have been used by many women all over the world and maybe you should give them a try too.

If you’re not convinced, read the following benefits of an underarm detox to help change your perspective.

Benefits of an Armpit Detox

It can detox your underarms: From removing cancer-causing toxins to draining lymph nodes, some of the armpit detoxes have ingredients like bentonite, diatomaceous earth and charcoal clay that have been proven to draw out cancers and heavy metals naturally.

Gets rid of foul body odor: No one likes body odor, and luckily the apple cider vinegar (ACV) present in this recipe serves as an antibacterial agent that helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

Removes deodorant buildup: Antiperspirant and deodorant work by temporarily clogging sweat glands to decrease sweating. They also contain irritants such as fragrances, alcohol and other ingredients that can irritate the skin. Using a detox mask can help remove buildup and detox the underarms.

Makes it easier to switch to natural deodorant: Armpit detoxes are meant to make the transition from an aluminum-based antiperspirant to a natural deodorant easier.

Now that you know what all an armpit detox can do for your skin, you can formulate your own detox with these few and simple ingredients.

Make It Yourself Armpit Detox Mask


  • 1 tablespoon Diatomaceous earth clay
  • 2 teaspoons of water
  • 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 3 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil


  1. In the palm of your hand or in a small bowl, mix the diatomaceous clay and water until you form a Greek yogurt-like consistency because you don’t want your mixture to be too runny, but not super thick either.
  2. Spread in an even layer over your armpits and let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes. Diatomaceous clay is known to draw impurities from within the skin, so it’s normal for the area to turn red. This shouldn’t hurt at all, but the armpits can be sensitive, so if there are signs of irritation, remove the clay right away.
  3. Wash off the clay in the shower, or with a wet, warm washcloth.
  4. If desired, you can swipe your armpits with apple cider vinegar using cotton balls or a second washcloth. ACV is known to neutralize bad bacteria that may be causing the odor and tea tree oil reduces redness and inflammation, but they are both also mildly acidic, which is not recommended if you have sensitive skin.
  5. Repeat the detox daily, or as needed, to keep the stink at bay or as you are switching to natural deodorant.

Recipe inspired by Hello Glow.
