10 Home Remedies For Underarm Odor

When it is very hot, we exercise or we wear clothes that are too tight, we tend to perspire. In addition to the discomfort that is generated due to the humidity in the body and the stains on the clothes, the worst thing, without any doubt, is the smell in the armpits.

Despite being a very common problem, many people are unable to remedy it. Sometimes, this problem can have hormonal causes that have nothing to do with bacteria or poor hygiene, so it is always advisable to go to the doctor.

In the following article we offer you some alternatives in case the bad smell comes from the latter. Do not worry: if it is something specific, you just have to follow the following steps.

The key is to control the development of bacteria,  which are the ones that give off that annoying smell. If you don’t want to use deodorants or antiperspirants full of chemicals and substances that can irritate your skin, we recommend the following home remedies:

1. Antibacterial soap

It is very important to maintain hygiene in the area, and washing several times a day with antibacterial soap could help greatly. Scented soaps are not recommended because they can have the same effect as deodorants.

Another interesting option to avoid irritations are neutral soaps. Don’t forget to dry your armpits well to avoid that unpleasant musty smell.

• If you are looking for an even more natural option, you can buy soaps made with goat or almond milk and natural herbs such as calendula or lavender. Of course, remember first to check if you suffer from any type of related allergy.

2. Hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide has many properties when it comes to disinfecting wounds, so it will always come in handy for our first aid kit. However, it is not recommended as a deodorant, as it can irritate the skin. 

3. Lettuce

Despite the urban legends that circulate about lettuce and its supposed efficacy against this problem, there is no scientific evidence that these properties are real.  

If you still want to give it a try, keep reading below.

What should you do?

• Wash two lettuce leaves well and place one under each arm after bathing and drying the area.
• Leave to act until they reach room temperature. Do not rinse.

4. Vinegar

Because the bad smell in the armpits can be due to the accumulation of bacteria, we need something that is responsible for eliminating them. A very effective one is believed to be vinegar. However, it could make the problem worse, due to its pungent odor, as well as cause some irritation in certain skin types. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor first.

If this gives you the go-ahead, this is how to use it:

• Apply with a clean cotton or cloth to the area, previously sanitized.
• In the morning rinse well and wash with antibacterial soap.

5. Lemon to control underarm odor

The acid in this citrus may also reduce odor by killing bacteria. However, it could also be irritating, so we recommend caution in its use. Check first how your skin reacts to this fruit.

What should you do?

• You can cut a lemon in half and rub under one arm. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with plenty of warm water.
• If it burns, it may be because you have irritated or ingrown hair. Wash immediately if that happens.
• Repeat every night. Do not forget that lemon, in contact with the sun, can stain the skin.

6. Potato slices

It could be used to reduce the bad smell caused by the proliferation of bacteria, but they must be very moist to be effective. Remember, as we have mentioned before, check that you do not suffer from any type of allergy or intolerance related to this tuber.

What should you do?

• It is as simple as cutting a potato into medium slices (about 1 cm thick) and placing in the armpits.
• Change when 20 minutes have passed or they are already dry.

7. Corn starch

It is believed that it could work in cases of bad smell. However, there is no scientific research to confirm this claim. If you want to try it anyway, follow these steps:

What should you do?

• If you want, you can mix them in equal parts and apply to the armpits every night.
• Leave on until the next morning.

8. Tea tree oil

This essential oil is famous for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you combine it with lavender essential oil (in equal parts) you will not only eliminate the bad smell in the armpits, but also, you will enjoy a rich perfume all day.

• Try using it every morning and after bathing.

9. Aloe vera

Of course, aloe could not be missing from this list. It is an alternative that contains antibacterial properties that could help against odor. In addition, it is a good moisturizer.

What should you do?

• It’s as easy as cutting an aloe vera stalk horizontally and applying it under one armpit.
• Leave on for a few minutes and remove the stalk, but do not rinse off the gel. You will feel freshness instantly.

10. Sage

Sage is believed to have protective effects against Streptococcus mutanss bacteria ,  so you can try using the essential oil. Just apply with a cotton ball after bathing and let it dry on its own.

If you notice an odor in your armpits, try any of these natural remedies until you find the one you like best or offer the best results. Remember to check first that you do not suffer from any related allergies.

If your situation still does not improve, do not hesitate to go to the doctor.