Whether you find the idea of an armpit detox genius or gross, it’s generating quite a bit of buzz on TikTok. Yep, people are applying a good old clay face mask to their armpits, with claims that it’s eliminating the need for deodorant.
Similarly to using a scalp scrub to clean out any product build-up in our hair, it turns out that after years of wearing deodorant, our armpits require their own form of detoxification.
Brought to TikTok fame by @melodeerosemiller, who attempted to ease the transition from her regular antiperspirant to an aluminium-free deodorant (a process which she claims isn’t as simple as just switching over products), she began regularly lathering on a mix of clay and apple cider vinegar to her armpits in an attempt to reduce her recent increase in body odour.
So how does using a clay face mask on your armpits help?
In case you weren’t aware, deodorants work by masking body odour, while antiperspirants (specifically ones with aluminium) are designed to prevent sweating by blocking the sweat ducts. This means that when we stop using the latter, our bodies undergo a purging period as our pores eventually unblock and allow for sweat to flow freely.
And how many people can honestly say they could handle an “adjustment” period where their body odour increases? Or in the words of Melodee Miller, have your “armpits stink all the time”. Not us, that’s for sure.
According to TikTok users, clay masks remove deep impurities and unclog pores, hitting fast forward on the detox process and restoring armpits to a healthy state almost immediately. In fact, some users found that regular armpit masking eliminated the use for deodorant altogether.
Body odour aside, other benefits discovered via the TikTok trend included the clearing up of bumps and underarm-acne, as well as the lightening of the armpit area as hyperpigmentation was reduced.
So which are the best clay masks to use if you’re keen to give an armpit detox a try? Here are our top three picks…
Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Clay Mask, $18.99 at Chemist Warehouse
“It truly detoxifies, purifies, and leaves your skin feeling soft and… clear. My pores were visibly reduced and my skin looked brighter and smoother.” – Iona718
A’kin Brightening Glow Clay Mask, $20.99 at Priceline
“My skin after using this mask is luminous, supple and plump. My skin tone is more even and my skin feels extremely smooth.” – Izzy09
Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask, $49.95 at Priceline
“I get less breakouts as this product helps to close and detoxify your pores. Do not be fooled by the small mask container as this product lasts ages surprisingly.” – beautybabe1904
I’m too old to use a specific product for anything but the intended purpose and I find that works best anyway – at least for me.
It would be good for some people with sweat problems perhaps as it may help them feel more confident
That sounds interesting!
I like using the Swisse manuka honey mask on my face, never attempted using it on my pits. Not sure I will be trying it out either, I quite like my aluminium deodorants as I’m a bit of a sweaty betty.
Sounds good I have a jar of Sukin clay mask and wasn’t sure what do with it as it’s for oily skin and mine is dry. Voila arm pit masking.
Luckily for me I don’t sweat a great deal. Don’t feel the heat either so maybe that’s why. Clay mask good idea and hope it helps anyone who needs it.
I am also one of the lucky ones that doesn’t sweat much, so will not try this idea.
I was not expecting a close up of an armpit. It’s too early for that.
not an area that I have ever thought of masking -I use an antiperspirant all the time
What a great idea!
I sweat plenty. Also shower plenty xD
My underarms are quite dry and sensitive so I don’t know if I would use a mask
It’s an interesting idea, especially for anyone with strong body odour.
You can buy armpit detox products. I think Lavanila makes one and I’ve seen a couple of other brands whose names I can’t remember off the top of my head. But also a good use for those surplus clay mask deluxe samples I have stashed away in my beauty cupboard.
Never really thought about doing this, detoxing my armpits but I am willing to try this will have to get a good Clay Mask. 🤔
It sounded crazy at first, but I can see the logic behind it. I use a natural deodorant in winter, but in summer, I need a full-strength antiperspirant.
I use acid on my armpits. This is not really any different but acid is less mess.
I’ve never heard of this before and never thought about doing it. Maybe I’ll give it a go.
Such a waste to put on armpits.Nooooo!
Not something I could be bothered doing.
Not sure about this
It does make sense, quite a few of the natural deodorant companies also sell a detox kit. Not for me though, I can’t stand the wetness, I need an anti perspirant.
I’m not sure about this one…
okay so I tried detoxing my armpits for two months, and I still smelt horrible. Summer came around and I just couldn’t handle it, I could smell my armpits 24/7 so I went back to antiperspirant .. this wasn’t for me. I would’ve loved to go all natural but I had bad armpit odour for a long time.
What an interesting concept. Will I try it? Probably not.lol
I’ve been doing this for ages, I have a pit detox mask which is brilliant
Not for me but I like these for my face
Interesting idea and does make sense… But I couldn’t be bothered to walk around with my arms up for minutes….
yes my arm area is often red and irritated
Good idea. I simply use dry body brush and happy with it.
Interesting idea. It makes sense, but surely it feels rather… strange. Sticky.
Interesting idea that makes sense, but I don’t think I’d bother trying
Sounds interesting might give it a go
I can see how a clay mask on the armpits could work for some people. I made the switch to deodorants without aluminium at a time when there were only a couple on the market. These days, there are so many to choose from.
Only thing I used on pits is micellar. Works so great as a deo, removes all scent producing bacteria and I stay fresh all day!
This is a bit odd! I haven’t heard of this before.
Hm…not sure about this…