Skip or Save? Fact-Checking TikTok-Viral Underarm Trends

Dusky underarms and body odor seem to be common problems, given the sheer volume of TikTok-viral trends dedicated to addressing them. Thousands of people have turned to these hacks – from using everyday kitchen ingredients to chemical exfoliants – and are satisfied with the results. But how many of them are just internet gimmicks? Learn the facts behind TikTok’s biggest underarm trends and whether they’re worth your time.

Skincare experts consider glycolic acid the gold standard of chemical exfoliants. It’s a member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family with a low molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate the skin much deeper than its counterparts. This explains why it’s a TikTok-viral ingredient for fading dark spots, clearing up chicken skin, and keeping your kili-kili fresh.

Glycolic acid is great on paper, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for deodorant with antiperspirant for several reasons. First, it won’t do anything to reduce sweat. What it can do is lower the pH level of your underarms, which may help ward off odor-causing bacteria. Second, applying glycolic acid to your sensitive armpit area daily may overexfoliate the skin, leading to redness and more pigmentation.

If you’re still keen on adding glycolic acid to your underarm care routine, do so cautiously and in moderation. Experts recommend limiting its use to no more than three times a week to prevent over-exfoliation.

Few household products are as useful as baking soda. A sprinkle of this white powder can freshen up carpets, remove yellow stains from your shirts, and, as it turns out, neutralize odor in your underarms. Does it work as a natural deodorant? Kind of. According to research, baking soda has high antimicrobial properties to inhibit the growth of bacteria that live off your sweat and make armpits smell funky.

However, the alkaline nature of baking soda can disrupt the skin’s pH balance. It may cause dryness, inflammation, and even armpit rashes. Instead of relying on baking soda, you’re better off with Rexona Dry Serum Deodorant Sakura Radiance, which can protect you from BO for up to 48 hours with regular use. This deodorant has skin-loving ingredients, such as vitamin E and licorice extract, that help smoothen underarms and reduce dark marks.

Anything with the word “detox” is always met with some skepticism because it’s just not possible to purge toxins from the body – that’s a job for your kidneys and liver. Therefore, don't take the TikTok-viral armpit detox trend literally. Think of it as a deep-cleansing method for your axilla region, not a detoxification process.

An armpit detox involves mixing bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar and using it as a mask. TikTokers say it clears aluminum buildup from antiperspirants and treats bumps or ingrown hair, though there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims. Still, it can be a good alternative for purifying and exfoliating your delicate underarm skin.

Lemon is a popular ingredient in many deodorants and underarm brightening creams, so this TikTok-viral fruity hack should be safe, right? That’s not the case, unfortunately. Dermatologists are against rubbing lemon directly onto the skin as doing so can trigger phytophotodermatitis. This condition occurs when certain chemicals in citrus fruits react with sunlight, resulting in painful blisters.

Lemon has a skin-brightening effect thanks to its high levels of vitamin C. In other words, you can fade discoloration on your underarms without putting your skin at risk by using vitamin C-rich products, such as Dove Radiant + Care Deodorant Dry Serum 3% Niacinamide 10x Vitamin C & E Dark Marks Reducer. It also has vitamin E, omega-6, and 10x collagen for boosting the skin's radiance.

Put a spoonful of turmeric powder, a squirt of facial cleanser, a splash of micellar water, and a stack of cotton rounds inside a jar, and you’ll have the TikTok-viral turmeric wash pads. This DIY recipe is supposed to smoothen texture and even out skin tone on the underarms. If you look at the science, turmeric does show promising benefits in improving skin pigmentation.

Turmeric is generally safe for all skin types, but some people may be allergic to it. Do a patch test on your wrist before applying this yellow concoction to your pits. Also, store it in a small, tightly sealed container and keep it in your fridge to prevent mold. Throw it out after two to three weeks or if you notice any changes in color and smell as this can indicate spoilage.

TikTok-viral or not, it’s always better to take every skin hack on social media with a grain of salt. Talk to a licensed professional if you have specific concerns regarding your underarms. They know the best way to tackle the issue and help you achieve glowing skin.