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Exfoliating underarms isn’t as common as facial exfoliation, but it’s gaining popularity due to its benefits.
A regular armpit exfoliation routine can help smooth skin, reduce dark spots, and even improve natural deodorant effectiveness. If you feel that your underarms are discolored, ashy, or that you don’t smell as good as you could, this guide will help you figure out an exfoliation routine that will work best for you!
I had laser hair removal in my underarm area a few years back, but I’ve continued to exfoliate my underarms to keep them smooth and to prevent body odor forming in my sweat glands. It’s been great for me! And using the best armpit exfoliator helps so much.
This guide explores the best chemical, physical, and DIY armpit exfoliators to get smoother, healthier skin without irritation.
Why Exfoliate Your Underarms?
Your underarm area has delicate skin, which can be sensitive to various products and routines. Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that build up, causing dark underarms or clogged pores that trap sweat and odor-causing bacteria.
If you feel like your sweat smells bad, exfoliation can actually help! Using a chemical exfoliant like the ones linked below will actually kill the odor-causing bacteria in your underarms, preventing that sour smell when you’re active.
If you feel like your shaves don’t last long, you can go longer between shaving your underarms by exfoliating shortly before you shave. Exfoliating regularly will also prevent ingrown hairs, giving you smoother underarms overall.
And if you’re experiencing darkness in your underarms that you want to get rid of, you can get a more even skin tone by exfoliating!
Depending on which of these you’re trying to achieve, you’ll pick a different best armpit exfoliator. Let’s take a look!
Types of Exfoliants
There are two main types of exfoliants: chemical and physical. Each type offers different benefits, and some may be more suited for sensitive skin or specific concerns, like dark spots or ingrown hairs.
- Chemical exfoliants: These include active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. They dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily from the underarm area. Chemical exfoliants are best if you have sensitive skin or you’re mostly worried about odor. However, you shouldn’t use them right before or after you shave your underarms.
- Physical exfoliants: These are products that contain small grains, like sugar or salt, or tools like body scrubbers. Physical exfoliants work by scrubbing away dead skin from the surface and are best used gently on the underarms to avoid skin irritation. These are shave-friendly but won’t assist you with odor issues.
Best Chemical Armpit Exfoliants + Benefits
Okay, there are brands out there that will sell you an armpit-specific chemical exfoliant. You don’t need that!
Before you even look at the list below, go look on your bathroom counter and see if you have a chemical exfoliant serum sitting there. If you do, it’ll work on your underarms too. (Don’t use a peel though!)
If you want it though, here’s the Billie deodorant:
- 🔘ALUMINUM~FREE, BAKING SODA-FREE, VEGAN, CRUELTY~FREE.
- 🔘COMPLETE ODOR PROTECTION: Stops odor before it starts with a pH-adjusting multi-acid blend.
- 🔘BRIGHTER LOOKING SKIN: AHAs help clear ingrown hair and dark spots around underarms.
- 🔘LIQUID-GEL FORMULA: Lightweight, breathable liquid-gel formula that dries clear.
- 🔘SCENT: Lavender Milk smells like fresh herbs with creamy undertones and a pink pepper pop.
I have tried this (your friends aren’t your friends if you can’t borrow their deodorant) and it’s a great product! I wouldn’t personally pay for it separately unless I needed something to keep in my gym bag. The best armpit exfoliator doesn’t necessarily say armpit on it.
It’s cheaper and easier to just get a simple chemical exfoliant to use. It doesn’t have to be specifically for your armpits. I’ve been using the same pack of Stridex wipes for like a year.
- FACE WIPE ACNE TREATMENT: Stridex Sensitive Pads are an easy way to treat acne and prevent new acne from forming. Stridex reduces the number of pimples and blackheads, and allows the skin to heal.
- FACIAL CLEANSING WIPES: Each acne face pad is specially textured for great cleansing with a great feel whether you want scrubbing or smooth, soft application. They contain 0.5% salicylic acid and skin soothers, including aloe, to gently clean your skin.
- ALCOHOL FREE FACE PADS: All Stridex pad formulas are completely alcohol-free, so you get proven acne-fighting effectiveness without the skin-irritating burn and redness that alcohol-based formulas can cause.
- RECOMMENDED USE: Acne pads are recommended for mild to moderate acne that is dry or easily irritated. Effective skin cleansers work to remove dirt, oil, sweat and other impurities from the skin, penetrate to unclog pores, and dissolve deep down oil.
- QUICK & EASY TO USE: Clean the skin, then use the pad to cover the entire affected area with a thin layer. Start with one application daily then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or directed by a doctor. Wash hands after use.
Stridex is about as mid-2000s non-aesthetic skincare as you get. (It’s probably cheaper in your drugstore than at the Amazon price.) I use the green box because it’s aimed at sensitive skin, and I don’t use it every day. I am not someone whose sweat tends to smell super strong, but it definitely is noticeable sometimes. Using the pads twice a week is about right for me. If I go down as far as once a week, I do notice a little odor in the summer or after hot yoga.
- BRIGHTEN, EXFOLIATE, AND RESURFACE: Embrace newfound confidence with the Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating treatment made with powerful ingredients to reveal your most radiant skin. Renew and resurface while you rest, wake up glowing!
- FIGHT BREAKOUTS AND IMPROVE TEXTURE: Notice the difference in your skin! This gentle yet exfoliating treatment targets texture, congestion, clogged pores, enlarged pores, and dullness with a formula designed to bring out the best in your skin.
- POTENT FORMULA FOR RADIANT SKIN: Glycolic and lactic acid (AHAs) go to work on the surface of your skin to promote renewal and improved texture, while Salicylic Acid (BHA) works to combat breakouts, blemishes, and irritations.
- PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN: Apply a few drops to clean skin at night up to three times per week. Let sit for several minutes before continuing with your routine. We recommend wearing SPF during the day when using this product.
- GENTLE ENOUGH FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Powerful enough to bring results and gentle enough for regular use; this serum is suitable for all skin types. Our serum has a pH of 3.5, is fragrance-free, vegan, and was never tested on animals.
Good Molecules also has a cute lil exfoliating serum that’s AHA based and gentle enough to use a few times a week if you need to. I would suggest this over the Stridex if you’re also experiencing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or skin darkening. It’ll address the buildup of dead skin cells and clear you up!
Remember: depending on the chemical exfoliation type, it might hurt to shave after.
Best Physical Armpit Exfoliants + Benefits
For those who prefer hands-on exfoliation, physical exfoliants work well, especially before shaving. Be mindful to use these products with a gentle touch to avoid skin irritation.
- AMAZING SCENTS: Indulge in a warm, smoky floral scent with key notes of Raspberry, Sheer Jasmine and Musk.
- REVEAL VIBRANT SKIN: Apply a generous amount of Tree Hut Body Scrub to damp or dry skin. Buff in circular motions for even coverage and effective exfoliation. Rinse well and enjoy silky-smooth skin. Our specially formulated array of sugar and natural oils gently polishes away dead skin to reveal a beautiful, radiant glow.
- REAL SHEA, REAL RESULTS: 100% all-natural premium shea butter delivers deep moisturization that nourishes and softens dry skin while helping promote elasticity and hydrate without stripping moisture. Our Shea Sugar Scrub is proudly vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, with no formaldehyde donors, and always cruelty free!
- ELEVATE YOUR SHOWER ROUTINE: We formulate with high concentrations of skin-loving, plant-based ingredients that leave your skin feeling healthy and strong. Our assortment boost any shower routine with natural ingredients perfect for all skin types. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub is perfect to use as a prep for shaving, tanning, or restoring youthful shine.
- MADE IN THE USA: Our family-owned and operated brand offers made-in-the-USA skin and body care that transforms your hygiene routine into a self-care ritual. With our bestselling Tree Hut body scrub collection, shave essentials, and body hydrators, Tree Hut offers you Long-lasting scents with glowing results.
Tree Hut is that girl for a reason — scrubby enough but not harsh, and deeply moisturizing. These are safe products to use on your underarm as well as your body. Use your judgement and don’t scrub too hard! If you prefer a physical scrub, this may be the best armpit exfoliator for you.
I linked you my favorite Tree Hut scent — Desert Haze!
- DETOXIFYING UNDERARM SCRUB: Reset your armpits to their natural best with an effective armpit detox. This coconut & charcoal underarm detox scrub draws out impurities and removes pore-clogging antiperspirant buildup (like aluminum), helping eliminate stubborn underarm odor and restore skin balance. A must-have for transitioning to natural deodorant, it preps your skin for better absorption and longer-lasting freshness. Experience a complete underarm reset with clean, nourished, and odor-free pits.
- GENTLE EXFOLIATION & SKIN RENEWAL: Polish away dull, rough skin and unlock brighter underarms! Our ultra-fine apricot seed powder gently exfoliates to sweep away dead cells and old deodorant residue, reducing clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and the appearance of dark underarm spots. Infused with green tea extract to calm irritation, this armpit scrub is safe for sensitive skin and leaves your underarm area soft, smooth, and ready for a more effective deodorant application. Helps improve skin tone.
- NOURISHING COCONUT & CHARCOAL FORMULA – Experience the power of natural ingredients. Activated charcoal purifies and draws out toxins from pores, while arrowroot powder absorbs excess sweat to keep you feeling fresh and dry. Hydrating coconut oil and gentle apricot powder work together to condition and renew your skin without stripping moisture. Enjoy a light tropical coconut scent after each use, with no lingering charcoal smell.
- IDEAL FOR NATURAL DEODORANT USERS – Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant? This underarm detox scrub removes pore-clogging buildup, helping deodorant absorb better and last longer. Say goodbye to odor, irritation, and imbalance—hello to fresh, smooth underarms! Use 2-3 times per week to maintain clean, odor-free skin. Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and pairs seamlessly with your favorite natural deodorant for long-lasting protection.
- CLEAN, VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE – Pacifica’s Coconut & Charcoal Armpit Detox Scrub is made with 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and skin-safe ingredients—no aluminum, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or talc. This natural underarm exfoliator cleanses, detoxifies, and preps skin without harsh chemicals, making it ideal for women, men, and teens. Love your underarms and the planet with this eco-friendly skincare essential, housed in a recyclable jar made from post-consumer materials. Enjoy fresher, smoother underarms while embracing sustainable, clean beauty with every use.
If you use natural deodorant, you may prefer a charcoal-based scrub for a little armpit detox! I honestly don’t know a ton about these products, but when I’m done with my current deodorant I do plan to switch to natural. I was recently diagnosed with a thyroid condition and told to clean up my personal care products, so a natural product like this one looks great to me.
What to Use (and Not Use) Before Shaving Your Underarms
Exfoliating before shaving can prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, but those chemical exfoliants can feel burny!
If you’re using a chemical exfoliant, use it the day before you shave, not the day of. Underarm skin is sensitive, and an alpha hydroxy acid can feel like it’s burning if you shave right after! You’ll still have the benefits a day later.
If you’re using a physical exfoliant, use it right before but be gentle in sensitive areas!
DIY Armpit Exfoliant – Quick and Easy
If you prefer natural products, a DIY best armpit exfoliator is an easy solution. Try this simple recipe to get the benefits of regular exfoliation without chemicals:
DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon grated potato or lemon juice (if you want to lighten the area; don’t use the lemon juice if you’re about to shave!)
Directions:
- Mix the brown sugar with coconut oil until it forms a thick paste.
- Apply it to clean, damp skin in the underarm area, gently massaging in circular motions.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Follow with a light, hydrating lotion to lock in moisture.
This scrub can be used once a week to keep your underarms soft and smooth. Coconut oil helps hydrate and repair while brown sugar buffs away dead skin.
Final Thoughts
Exfoliating underarms might not be in everyone’s skincare routine, but it can make a big difference in reducing dark spots, improving the effectiveness of natural deodorant, and preventing ingrown hairs.
Whether you choose a gentle chemical exfoliator or a homemade scrub, regular exfoliation will keep your underarms healthy and smooth.
