Is underarm odor a big no-no or is your skin a little extra sensitive? This fragrance-free option is worth trying. It’s a roll-on formula that contains gentle lactic acid and mandelic acid to help brighten underarms. The addition of aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid helps soothe and hydrate the skin, which may feel a little irritating. “For someone whose darkening is being caused by irritation, I would usually start with fragrance-free,” says Dr. Palm. And to top it all off, “this formula is marketed as therapeutic and allergy tested and contains hydrating ingredients along with acids,” she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dark underarms?
“There are many different causes of dark underarms, but irritation is probably one of the most common,” says Dr. Palm. Shaving, friction from clothing, ingrown hairs and even some deodorants can cause low-grade inflammation, leading to excess pigmentation known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). “It is more noticeable in patients with medium to darker skin tones and may persist longer,” says Dr. Palm.
While some discoloration is simply the result of irritation or hair removal, sudden changes are noticeable. Underarm darkening can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition, so Dr. Shah says, “If the darkening grows suddenly, worsens rapidly, becomes thick or velvety, or appears in other layers of the body, such as the neck or groin, consult a health care professional.” Medical conditions such as acanthosis nigricans are characterized by thick, velvety, dark patches on the skin. It is often associated with insulin resistance, obesity or certain endocrine disorders. “Hormonal changes and genetic factors can also contribute to the development of underarm pigmentation,” says Dr. Shah.
How can you reduce dark underarms?
The first step to getting glowing underarms is to figure out what’s causing them to become irritated in the first place. “Skin is often exposed to skin-to-skin contact and friction from clothing, which can contribute to gradual darkening over time,” says Dr. Shah. Hair removal can also play a role: “Shaving and waxing can cause mild inflammation and irritation, potentially leading to increased color production,” says Dr. Shah.
And just because your underarms aren’t your face, doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to skin care sensitivities. “Underarm skin is more delicate and sensitive than skin in many other areas, making it more vulnerable to irritation and subsequent pigmentation,” says Dr. Shah. It makes your deodorant worth taking a closer look at. “Fragrance, certain preservatives, or simply a formula that doesn’t match your skin can cause irritation. Switching to something gentle and keeping skin moisturized can make a surprisingly big difference,” says Dr. Palm.
Which ingredients work best for dark underarms?
When it comes to brightening uneven underarm tone, several tried-and-tested skin care ingredients can help, including niacinamide, kojic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), and tranexamic acid. “These ingredients work through a variety of mechanisms, including reducing melanin production, promoting skin cell turnover, and helping fade existing discoloration over time,” says Dr. Shah.
But resist the urge to throw every polishing component at the problem. If you’re using deodorant formulated with exfoliating acids, you probably don’t need to layer on additional exfoliating serums or treatments. “I would prefer someone to consistently use a gentle product, rather than layering on multiple acids at once, causing the area to become irritated and darker than where they started,” says Dr. Palm.
How long does it take to lighten dark underarms?
Think slow and steady rather than overnight change. How quickly you see results depends on what caused the discoloration and how deeply the pigment has set in. “You may start to see some improvement within 4 to 8 weeks, but I usually tell patients to give the routine a try for about 8 to 12 weeks before deciding whether it’s working,” says Dr. Palm.
We tested brightening deodorants by evaluating their application, texture, scent, staying power, and ability to improve the appearance of uneven underarm tone over time. Our testers considered a variety of skin types and concerns, including sensitive skin, irritation, discoloration, and bumps, and paid close attention to how each formula felt on freshly shaved and unshaven skin.
Our testers noticed a formula designed to support the skin barrier and soothe irritation, along with skin-recommended brightening and exfoliating ingredients like niacinamide, mandelic acid, azelaic acid and licorice root. Deodorants, which heal cuts, apply easily without excessive residue or irritation and help keep underarms feeling fresh all day. With consistent use, our top picks also help improve the appearance of discoloration, bumps, and uneven tone while offering a pleasant scent and comfortable wear. We also considered how long each formula kept testers feeling fresh and dry, as performance can vary greatly from one deodorant to another.