Easy Ways to Lighten Underarms at Home

Coconut oil, in addition to removing dark spots from the underarms, also helps neutralize odors and moisturize this delicate region of the skin.
Easy Ways to Lighten Underarms at Home
Karla Henríquez

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Last update: 26 May, 2022

The skin under your arms is an area that tends to become darkened or stained due to various factors. It may be genetics, for example, if other members of your family have had this problem. Chemical deodorants and antiperspirants, on the other hand, often contain substances that can significantly discolor the skin. In today’s article we’ll be looking at how to lighten underarms using natural methods.

Whatever the cause, skin under the arms that is darkened or stained is unsightly to look at and affects your self-image. This is especially the case when you want to wear sleeveless or strapless tops.

There are products on the market that claim to lighten underarms and remove dark spots. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune buying those treatments.

Are you ready to learn about these natural treatments to lighten underarms?

Lemon and sugar scrub

This natural exfoliant is the first step toward visibly whiter, stain-free armpits. Because of lemon’s high citric acid content, lemon should only be applied to the skin at night. This is because exposure to sunlight could have adverse effects.

Lemon is a very powerful bleaching agent, while sugar helps naturally exfoliate and remove dead cells. All you need to do is mix a tablespoon of brown or unrefined sugar with half a cup of lemon juice. Apply this directly to the underarm area and let it sit for 15 minutes, before rinsing and drying your skin.

Cream to lighten underarms at home

A spoonful of honey
With these affordable ingredients it’s possible to make your own whitening cream. It will help to remove dark spots and naturally lighten the skin under your arms. To make it, you’ll need to mix a tablespoon of honey, the juice of one lemon, and two tablespoons of rolled oats in a bowl. Once you’ve formed a paste, apply it directly under the arms and leave it on for 10 minutes.

Lemon juice

You should apply the juice directly to your underarms before going to sleep at night. Lemon is a natural astringent that helps deep clean the skin and stimulate the removal of dead skin cells. Just apply lemon juice to clean underarms, leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse before going to bed.

Yogurt and oatmeal

A bowl of oats
The combination of yogurt and oatmeal has powerful lightening and exfoliating effects to help reduce dark spots under the arms. This is primarily through the removal of dead skin cells. Just mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with half a teaspoon of ground oats. Rub this into the underarm skin using a soft circular motion before removing with cold water.

Coconut oil

Regular use of coconut oil can significantly reduce dark spots from the underarm skin. This oil has a pleasant aroma that can also neutralizes odor. In addition, high content of vitamin E and other properties make it an excellent moisturizer for the delicate skin under the arms.

Hydrogen peroxide

Bottle of hydrogen peroxide
Another economical and effective way to reduce the appearance of dark underarms is the use of hydrogen peroxide. This natural product helps remove all kinds of stains. However, you should use it with caution at first to avoid a potential allergic reaction.

It’s recommended to use a lower concentration so as not to irritate the skin. Firstly, just apply it to the areas of the armpits that are affected, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.

Apple cider vinegar

This product contains natural acids that help eliminate and prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin. It’s also very effective as a bleaching agent and neutralizes odors in the underarm region.

Just mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, and apply this to your underarms using a soft cloth. You can try using just apple cider vinegar, but test a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause your skin to react.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.