This post may contain affiliate links that support the site at no cost to you.
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:
No products found.
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.
No products found.
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.
No products found.
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.
No products found.
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!
No products found.
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.
