Home Remedies for Dark Underarms

Introduction

Skin is the largest organ in the body. The human skin in the underarm (axilla) region is unique. It contains large numbers of hair follicles and oil glands and so is treated differently to avoid odor and sweat. There is also an urge for hair removal to maintain personal hygiene. But these treatments have a risk of skin irritation and reddening (usually in patches). Inflammation and injury to this sensitive area can lead to increased melanin (a skin pigment responsible for colour) production, making the skin dark. Dark underarms is generally a common concern for women as they have an impact on aesthetics. If you face similar issues with your underarms, read along for some helpful home remedies that will come in handy. 

What Causes Dark Underarms?

Studies¹ support that underarm darkening is characterized by increased production of a natural skin pigment called melanin due to mild irritation. Hair plucking is mainly responsible for skin damage. 

Other factors that may be responsible for dark underarms are: 

• Allergic reactions caused by using cleansers and soaps¹. 
• Using antiperspirants (substances that reduce sweating) and deodorants that may cause skin irritation and underarm skin darkening¹. 
• A condition called acanthosis nigricans, which can be genetic or often linked with diabetes and obesity, characterized by dry and dark patches of skin in the neck, groin (area between the abdomen and the upper thigh), or underarms area². 
• Some medications like some antibiotics, antimalarials or anticancer drugs³. 

Apart from these, certain fungal infections like tinea cruris, erythrasma and pityriasis versicolor can also lead to darkening of underarms. These require prompt diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist. 

Apart from hormonal changes, pregnancy, medications and genetics, it is pretty common and a usual occurrence to have dark armpits. A person need not worry about that. Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency may also cause the condition. Supplementation with niacin can reduce the darkness of the armpits.

Dr Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Symptoms Associated with Dark Underarms

• Darkening of skin under the arms commonly occurs as an inflammatory response to hair removal and other treatments, which results in the following symptoms in the underarms: 
• Redness 
• Soreness 
• Dryness 

In certain skin types, these changes that occur due to irritation can result in hyperpigmentation or development of dark areas of skin in the underarms¹. 

Suggested Home Remedies for Dark Underarms

Traditional medicinal remedies are used to treat a number of skin disorders, with medicinal plants being particularly effective in the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation. Following are some home remedies for managing dark underarms: 

1. Saffron

Saffron is also known as red gold. Studies⁴ report that saffron has anti-pigmentation effect by decreasing melanin production. It may be used in combination with milk or cream. This mixture can be applied to the affected area on the underarms, which may help in lightening the skin colour. 

2. Grape Seeds

Grapeseed oil has antioxidants such as vitamin C and E and also beta-carotene (a component of vitamins and several types of fatty acids). Due to the presence of these compounds, grape seed oil can help with lightening of skin in the underarms. Studies have shown that both oral and topical preparations of grapeseed oil can be beneficial for hyperpigmentation as it inhibits the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of melanin pigment that causes skin darkening^5,6. 

3. Coffee and Green Tea

The rate of skin darkening can be suppressed by the consumption of coffee and green tea. Thus drinking coffee and green tea may result in suppression of hyperpigmentation in the underarms⁷. 

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera inhibits the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of pigment, causing skin darkening⁸. Aloe vera gel can be applied and massaged gently in the underarm area for lighter armpits. 

5. Liquorice Extract

Liquorice is known to inhibit the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of melanin that causes skin darkening and thus inhibits pigmentation⁹. You can use liquorice in any form and apply it to your underarms. 

6. Others

Some other plants may also be useful to manage skin darkening. These include heartwood, raspberry, citrus fruit peel, pomegranate, corn bran, and longan seed¹⁰. 

Dark underarms can be a source of insecurity for many individuals, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, they can be lightened and eventually fade away. Consult a dermatologist to determine the best course of action and find the right combination of home remedies and medical treatments. 

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Period Pain

When to Seek Medical Help?

You should seek medical advice for dark underarms if you observe the following: 

• Fresh dark patches on your skin 
• Changes in the skin that you are not sure about. 
• Persistent symptoms such as pain and redness 

These may indicate an underlying health issue such as hormonal disturbance or infection, which require medical attention. 

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Blackheads

Conclusion

The underarm skin is unique and contains oil-producing glands and hair follicles. Thus, the skin in this region has special requirements based on the desire to maintain hygiene and personal care. Personal care activities may cause irritation, redness and hyperpigmentation, causing dark underarms. Dark underarms may be of concern due to their impact on a person’s physical appearance. Several home remedies like using saffron, coffee, green tea, etc., can help in the management of underarm skin hyperpigmentation. You should contact a doctor if any underlying conditions such as acanthosis nigricans are suspected. 

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Malaria

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Evans RL, Marriott RE, Harker M. Axillary skin: biology and care. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Oct;34(5):389-95. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark-Harker/publication/225051996_Axillary_skin_Biology_and_care/links/5f61db5a4585154dbbd57a38/Axillary-skin-Biology-and-care.pdf 
2. Hughes EK, Brady MF, Rawla P. Acanthosis Nigricans. StatPearls [Internet]. 2025 Jan. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431057/ 
3. Thomas P, Kind P, Dathe O, Ruzicka T. Axillary hyperpigmentation with 5-fluorouracil/cis-platinum combination therapy. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 1995 Aug 1;5(1):31-5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/092699599500026A 
4. Akhtar N, Khan HM, Ashraf S, Mohammad IS, Ali A. Skin depigmentation activity of Crocus sativus extract cream. Trop J Pharm Res. 2014 Nov 1;13(11):1803-8. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjpr/article/view/110735  
5. Shawahna R. Effects of a grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera L.) loaded dermocosmetic nanoemulgel on biophysical parameters of facial skin: A split-face, blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(11):5730-5738.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35713012/ 
6. Yamakoshi J, Sano A, Tokutake S, et al. Oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasma. Phytother Res. 2004;18(11):895-899. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15597304/ 
7. Fukushima Y, Takahashi Y, Kishimoto Y, Taguchi C, Suzuki N, Yokoyama M,et al. Consumption of Polyphenols in Coffee and Green Tea Alleviates Skin Photoaging in Healthy Japanese Women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Mar;13:165-72. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32104042/ 
8. Ali SA, Galgut JM, Choudhary RK. On the novel action of melanolysis by a leaf extract of Aloe vera and its active ingredient aloin, potent skin depigmenting agents. Planta Med. 2012;78(8):767-771. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22495441/ 
9. Stiani SN, Yusransyah Y, Septiana D, Sumantri IB. Effectivity and Evaluation of Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract Serum Formula as a Facial Brightening. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2024 Sep 1;17(9):4142-8. https://www.rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2024-17-9-2 
10. Smit N, Vicanova J, Pavel S. The hunt for natural skin whitening agents. Int J Mol Sci. 2009 Dec;10(12):5326-49. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/10/12/5326 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

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