Does Natural Deodorant Cause Dark Armpits? The Real Reason Behind Dark Underarms
Are your armpits looking a bit darker than normal? What if I told you that your deodorant may be to blame?
Today, I’m sharing my favorite non-toxic deodorant that is a gem for sensitive skin and will help you to say buh-bye to dark pits.
Switching to natural products feels like the first place to start when you’re moving toward a more natural life. You swap out your aluminum-based deodorant for something plant-based, free from synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals, expecting fresh pits and peace of mind.
But then… you catch yourself in the mirror and notice dark underarms. Cue the panic: “Wait. Does natural deodorant cause dark armpits?”
The good news: natural deodorant isn’t the villain here. Let’s dive into why dark patches show up in the underarm area, which deodorant ingredients are the significant contributors to irritation, and how to find the best natural deodorant (spoiler: it involves a baking-soda-free formula that’s a perfect match for sensitive skin).
First Things First: Why Do Dark Armpits Happen?
Before blaming that new deodorant, let’s look at the real triggers:
1. Irritation from Specific Ingredients
Many natural deodorants use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as an active ingredient to neutralize body odor. The problem? Its alkaline nature disrupts your skin’s natural pH. Over time, that leads to irritant contact dermatitis, skin irritation, and even an armpit rash. This irritation can cause dark spots and underarm rashes—especially if you have delicate skin.
When I first started trying natural deodorants, this was me. Finally, after some trial and error, I landed on Primally Pure’s line, and all that irritation was a thing of the past. Now, their new baking soda-free line is even more gentle on your sensitive underarms.
2. Shaving + Friction
Shaving with a dull blade or wearing tight clothing creates micro-injuries. Your underarm skin responds by overproducing melanin, leaving behind dark patches. Add in buildup of dead skin cells, and the underarm area looks even darker compared to the surrounding skin.
3. Allergic Reactions
Some people experience allergic contact dermatitis from artificial fragrances, essential oils, or even common ingredient blends in traditional deodorants. An allergic reaction can trigger inflammation, and inflammation often equals darker skin.
4. Medical Conditions
Sometimes dark underarms aren’t about deodorant at all. Acanthosis nigricans—a medical condition tied to hormone levels and insulin resistance—can cause thick, velvety dark patches. If you suspect this, skip the home remedies and see a qualified health provider for professional medical advice.
Why Baking Soda Is the Biggest Offender
Let’s talk more about baking soda, because it’s a common ingredient in natural deodorants. While it’s great for cleaning the kitchen sink, on your delicate underarm skin, it can act like sandpaper.
Its alkaline nature causes further irritation, especially for people with dry skin or sensitive skin.
In thick paste formulas, too much product can lead to more friction and more irritation.
Over time, that irritation shows up as dark armpits, underarm rashes, or deodorant stains on clothes.
While not everyone will have reactions to it, I have heard from so many people that “natural deodrant doesn’t work” for them, and all it took was a simple swap to a baking soda free product!
Featuring: Primally Pure’s New Deodorant (Baking-Soda-Free!)
Enter: Primally Pure’s new product, a baking-soda-free deodorant made with natural ingredients like grass-fed tallow, organic beeswax, and magnesium carbonate hydroxide from dead sea salts.
✨ Why it’s the best natural deodorant for sensitive skin:
Aluminum-free deodorants with no synthetic fragrances or artificial fragrances.
No baking soda—which means less risk of irritation, fewer underarm rashes, and less chance of developing dark spots.
Includes soothing natural ingredients that are nourishing to your skin, so it doubles as skincare for your underarm area.
This new deodorant is a perfect match if you’ve tried conventional deodorants or traditional antiperspirants and ended up with irritated skin, dark patches, or deodorant stains.
Natural Ingredients That Work Better
If baking soda is out, what should you look for in a gentler formula? How about I just show you the Primally Pure label and you can see for yourself why I am such a fan:
Charcoal Scent Deodorant :
Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Coconut Oil, Magnesium Hydroxide from Dead Sea Salts, Tallow from 100% Grass-Fed Cows, Organic Beeswax, Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide from Dead Sea Salts, Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Kaolin Clay, Activated Charcoal, Essential Oils of Organic Eucalyptus and Organic Peppermint, Non-GMO Vitamin E
Unscented Deodorant:
Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Coconut Oil, Magnesium Hydroxide from Dead Sea Salts, Tallow from 100% Grass-Fed Cows, Organic Beeswax, Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide from Dead Sea Salts, Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Kaolin Clay, Non-GMO Vitamin E
I love that each and every ingredient is intentionally included to be supportive to your holistic health and wellness.
How to Brighten Dark Underarms (Safely!)
If you’re already dealing with dark underarms, don’t worry—there are natural options and gentle skincare products that can help.
Switch your deodorant
Start with a gentler formula that avoids baking soda, artificial fragrances, and use of harsh chemicals. Non-toxic deodorants like Primally Pure are a good idea.Exfoliate lightly
A gentle scrub with raw sugar and warm water (not lemon juice, which can cause further irritation) helps remove buildup of dead skin cells. One of my favorite body scrubs is the Primally Pure coffee scrub— it smells like you just walked into a cute coffee shop, and it leaves your skin feeling like you just left the spa. I may or may not have found my husband using it several times because it smells that goodMoisturize daily
Natural oils like coconut oil or skincare products with tallow (like the PP deodorant 👏) help prevent dry skin and soothe irritated skin.Consider hair removal methods
Shaving is a common issue that leads to darker skin. If you can, switch to waxing or laser hair removal to reduce friction and armpit rashes.Skip the TikTok “armpit detox” hacks
While “tiktok - make your own lemon juice armpit mask” may sound trendy, DIY remedies with lemon juice or thick paste concoctions often cause more irritation than results. Remember, just because you see something on social media does not mean it is a good idea 🥴😅Check with a healthcare provider
If you suspect acanthosis nigricans or another medical condition, seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health provider. Sometimes topical corticosteroids or prescription skincare products are necessary.
What About Traditional Deodorants and Antiperspirants?
Traditional deodorants and traditional antiperspirants usually rely on aluminum salts or aluminum compounds to block sweat glands. While safe for most people, they can cause irritant contact dermatitis or leave deodorant stains. That’s where aluminum-free deodorants and natural options shine—offering protection without potential health risks or buildup of harsh ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Does natural deodorant cause dark underarms? Not directly. What causes dark armpits is irritation—most often from baking soda, allergic reaction to essential oils or synthetic fragrances, or the friction from shaving and tight clothing.
The benefits of natural deodorants are real: fewer harmful chemicals, gentler formula, and natural ingredients that support the rest of your body and your natural life.
If you’re tired of dark patches or dark spots under your arms, switching to a baking-soda-free, aluminum-free deodorant with soothing, plant-based ingredients is the best place to start.
👉 Try Primally Pure Baking-Soda-Free Deodorant here and finally give your underarm skin the gentle care it deserves.
Quick FAQs
Does baking soda cause dark armpits?
Yes, baking soda is a significant contributor to dark armpits due to its alkaline nature and risk of irritation.
Can I lighten my underarm area with home remedies?
Skip lemon juice—it often causes further irritation. Instead, use gentle skincare products with aloe vera, shea butter, and natural oils. I love the Primally Pure Everything Spray!
When should I see a doctor?
If dark patches look velvety or spread quickly, you may have acanthosis nigricans linked to insulin resistance or hormone levels. Always follow the advice of your physician or a qualified health provider.
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