Dark underarms are a common skin concern that many people experience at some point. They can be caused by several factors, including frequent shaving, friction from clothing, buildup of dead skin cells, use of irritating deodorants, or even certain medical conditions such as Acanthosis Nigricans [1]. While dark underarms are usually harmless, they may affect confidence and comfort.
The good news is that there are gentle, natural remedies that may help improve the appearance of underarm skin over time.
In this blog, we will explore some simple and natural home remedies that can help gently brighten and even out the skin tone of your underarms.
Safety Note: Patch Testing is Essential
Before applying any new ingredient, particularly acidic ones like vinegar or citrus juice, always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of your skin. Discontinue use immediately if you experience redness, burning, or irritation.
Natural Remedies to Support Brighter Underarms
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its soothing, skin-lightening, antioxidant, and moisturising properties [4]. It can help reduce mild inflammation and even tone out the skin. Simply massage fresh aloe vera gel into your underarms and let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with water. Use this remedy daily for consistent skin hydration.
2. Cucumber
Few studies have shown that cucumber has natural hydrating and potential skin-lightening properties and may help lighten dark skin, including the underarms [3].
How to use:
- Grate a cucumber and apply the juice to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with water.
3. Potato
Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that may help improve the appearance of underarm skin over time by gently brightening the area.
How to use:
- Peel a potato and grate it to extract the juice.
- Apply the juice to your underarms and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with water.
- Use this remedy daily for best results.
4. Turmeric and Milk
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidants that may help soothe the skin and inhibit melanin production [5], while milk has lactic acid that can gently exfoliate and support a smoother appearance.
How to use:
- Mix turmeric powder with milk to create a paste, then apply it to your underarms.
- Leave the paste on for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for best results.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and has moisturising properties that may help nourish and soothe the skin. Consistent moisturization is key to reducing friction and irritation that can lead to darkening.
How to use:
- Massage a small amount of coconut oil into your underarms.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with water.
- You can use this remedy daily, but results may take time.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s) that may help gently exfoliate the skin and improve its appearance over time. Exfoliation helps remove the buildup of dead, pigmented skin cells.
How to use:
- Apply a small amount of highly diluted apple cider vinegar (e.g., mix with equal parts water) to your underarms using a cotton pad.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
- Use this remedy 2–3 times a week. Always perform a patch test first and ensure it is heavily diluted to prevent chemical burns or irritation.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties and may help support healthier-looking skin by reducing microbial overgrowth [6].
How to use:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil (following a 1:10 dilution ratio), then apply it to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 10–15 minutes before washing off with water.
- You can use this remedy 2–3 times a week. Always perform a patch test first, as tea tree oil can cause irritation if used undiluted.
8. Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which may help gently exfoliate the skin and improve its appearance over time. This mild, natural acid helps break down dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing.
How to use:
- Apply plain yoghurt to your underarms and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for best results.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Underarm Darkening
Following some simple lifestyle habits can help prevent underarm darkening and maintain healthier-looking skin:
- Choose Gentle Deodorants: Avoid deodorants with harsh chemicals, alcohol, and strong fragrances that may irritate the skin. Opt for natural formulations suitable for sensitive underarms.
- Exfoliate Weekly: Gently exfoliate your underarms once a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent buildup. Use soft motions and avoid abrasive scrubs.
- Wear Breathable Clothing: Loose, cotton clothing reduces friction and irritation that can cause darkening.
- Shaving and Hair Removal Care: Use shaving cream, change razors regularly, and moisturise afterwards to minimise irritation. Alternatively, consider professional hair removal to reduce chronic friction from shaving or waxing.
When to See A Dermatologist?
It is important to understand that home remedies are effective for addressing superficial hyperpigmentation caused by irritation or friction. They are not effective against medically-caused darkening.
If you experience persistent or severe darkening of the underarms that does not improve with home remedies, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can determine the underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation, such as a hormonal imbalance or the skin condition Acanthosis Nigricans [1], and recommend appropriate treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or other medical interventions. A dermatologist can also develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific skin concerns.
Summary of Approach: Dark underarms can often be reversed with simple, natural remedies that exfoliate, soothe, and gently lighten the skin over time. Ingredients like aloe vera, potato, and turmeric work gently to fade pigmentation and improve skin texture. While results may vary, consistent care and lifestyle adjustments can naturally and safely lead to visibly brighter underarms. For persistent or medically related pigmentation, consult a dermatologist for advanced treatments.
Expert Quote
“Dark underarms can be embarrassing, but several natural remedies can help reduce pigmentation effectively. Consistency and gentle care are essential—and always do a mandatory patch test before trying any remedy to prevent irritation or adverse reactions.”
–Dr. Sachin Singh
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I remove black underarms quickly?
There is no safe, quick fix for dark underarms using home remedies. To lighten dark underarms, you can try one or more home remedies, but it may take a few weeks to months before you see visible changes.
How to make underarms white at home?
It is important to remember that home remedies are not a magical quick fix for dark underarms. Consistently applying home remedies may take days or weeks for results to become evident. Focus on gentle lighting and evening out the skin tone, rather than aiming for “white” skin, which is often an unhealthy goal.
Can Multani Mitti remove dark underarms?
Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) can help gently exfoliate the skin. You can make a paste by mixing it with a small amount of water and rose water (avoiding lemon juice unless heavily diluted due to irritation risk), applying it to your underarms for 10–15 minutes, and then rinsing off.
How can underarm darkness be removed permanently?
While permanent removal of darkened underarms is challenging, consistently using gentle remedies, maintaining good hygiene, and most importantly, addressing the root cause (e.g., switching deodorants, losing weight if necessary, or treating underlying medical conditions) can lead to long-term improvement. Advanced procedures offered by a dermatologist, such as laser treatments, may offer the most long-lasting results.
Can I leave potato juice on my underarms overnight?
It is not recommended to leave potato juice on overnight; instead, apply it for 10-15 minutes and rinse off to avoid potential skin pore blockage or irritation.
Can lemon remove dark underarms?
Citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent and may help lighten dark underarms when applied daily for 10-15 minutes. However, citrus fruits can significantly increase skin sensitivity to light and cause photodermatitis, leading to increased pigmentation. If you use lemon, ensure it is diluted, used briefly, and never expose the area to sunlight afterwards.
References
[1] Website, N. (2025). Acanthosis nigricans. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acanthosis-nigricans/
[2] Hollinger, J. C., Angra, K., & Halder, R. M. (2018). Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A Systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 11(2), 28–35. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5843359/
[3] Nurhasanah, N., Hidayat, T., & Alamsyah, A. (2024). Whitening and hydrating property of cucumber fruit extract (Cucumis sativus) as a lightening serum. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391586580_Whitening_and_Hydrating_Property_of_Cucumber_Fruit_Extract_Cucumis_Sativus_as_a_Lightening_Serum
[4] Pal, S., Raj, M., Singh, M., Kumar Saurav, Chetan Paliwal, Saha, S., Sharma, A. K., & Singh, M. (2024). The Effect of Aloe vera on Skin and Its Commensals: Contribution of Acemannan in Curing Acne Caused by Propionibacterium acnes. Microorganisms, 12(10), 2070. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12102070
[5] Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
[6] Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.19.1.50-62.2006