Ask the Expert Top Questions About Natural Underarm Care Answered

Taking care of your underarms is super important, but a lot of people don’t really think about it. Lately, more folks are starting to worry about the chemicals in regular deodorants and are switching to natural options instead. 

In fact, the organic deodorant market was worth about $138.4 million in 2024 and is expected to grow fast—by 14.8% each year from 2025 to 2030.

Natural underarm care is all about using plant-based ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. It helps control odor while keeping your skin healthy. More people are making the switch, but they often have questions about how it works, what to expect, and whether it actually helps.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, with expert advice to make the transition easy.

15 Most Common Natural Underarm Care Answered

More and more people are looking for better, safer ways to take care of their underarms. Natural options are getting popular because they’re healthier and good for the planet. 

If you're curious about making the switch, here are answers to 15 common questions to help you out.

1. Why should I consider switching to natural deodorants?

Most regular antiperspirants have aluminum-based ingredients, like aluminum chlorohydrate, that work by blocking sweat ducts to cut down on sweating. Some people avoid them because of concerns about possible health risks, especially a link to breast cancer. 

But research, including studies from the National Cancer Institute, hasn’t found solid proof that aluminum in antiperspirants causes cancer.

Because of this, many people are switching to natural deodorants. Instead of stopping sweat, these products use plant-based ingredients to fight odor. 

One great option is Lotus Botanicals' LuminaFresh underarm spray serum. It has witch hazel, which helps control moisture, and chamomile, which soothes the skin. It’s a simple, effective way to stay fresh without using aluminum-based antiperspirants

2. Do natural deodorants prevent sweating?

Natural deodorants are formulated to control body odor without interfering with the body’s natural sweating process. 

Unlike antiperspirants, which contain aluminum compounds to temporarily block sweat glands, natural deodorants use ingredients such as baking soda, arrowroot powder, and plant extracts to neutralize odor-causing bacteria. As a result, they help maintain freshness but do not prevent perspiration.

For instance, users of Lotus Botanicals LuminaFresh Underarm Spray Serum with Raspberry and Strawberry reported that it effectively reduced body odor throughout daily activities and exercise. However, it did not minimize sweating. 

Many noted that while they remained odor-free, they still experienced moisture, highlighting the key difference between deodorants, which focus on odor control, and antiperspirants, which are designed to reduce sweat production.

3. How can I manage excessive underarm sweating naturally?

Dealing with super sweaty underarms, also called axillary hyperhidrosis, can be tough, but there are natural ways to keep it in check. What you eat makes a difference—cutting back on caffeine and alcohol might help since they can make sweat glands work overtime. 

Drinking sage tea is another option. Sage has tannic acid, which helps tighten the skin and may reduce sweating. A daily cup could be worth a try.

There are also things you can put on your skin to help. Apple cider vinegar can balance pH levels and fight bacteria that cause odor. A mix of cornstarch and baking soda works too—it absorbs moisture and keeps you feeling fresh. Just apply it to dry underarms and see how it goes.

These remedies don’t work the same for everyone. Experts say there isn’t a lot of strong research on natural ways to stop sweating, so results can be hit or miss.

4. What causes underarm odor, and how can natural products help?

Since, underarm odor happens when sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin, sweat itself doesn’t smell. But when bacteria break it down, it creates an unpleasant odor. Certain factors like stress, certain foods, and hormones can make it worse.

Natural ingredients can help keep odor away by stopping bacteria from growing. Witch hazel and chamomile are great for this—they fight bacteria and soothe the skin at the same time.

Lotus Botanicals has a LuminaFresh Underarm Spray Serum that uses these ingredients to keep your underarms fresh. It also helps with dark spots and won’t clog your pores. 

On top of that, it dries quickly and feels super light on the skin.

5. Are there natural remedies to lighten dark underarms?

Dark underarms can be a bit annoying, right? They usually happen because of things like shaving, tight clothes rubbing against the skin, or just dead skin piling up. The good news is that natural remedies can help!

Lemon juice is a simple fix since it has citric acid, which works like a natural bleach. Just rub some on your underarms, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and wash it off. Doing this regularly can make a difference.

Another great option is a mix of turmeric and yogurt. Turmeric fights bacteria and soothes the skin, while yogurt’s lactic acid gently exfoliates. Making a paste with both and applying it for about 10 minutes can help fade dark patches.

These remedies take time, so patience is key. It’s also smart to do a small test first to make sure your skin doesn’t react badly.

6. How can I exfoliate my underarms naturally?

Keeping your underarms smooth and healthy is easy with regular exfoliation. It helps clear away dead skin, unclog pores, and even prevent ingrown hairs. This means a more even skin tone and less body odor. 

A simple way to do this at home is by making a gentle scrub with brown sugar and coconut oil. Just mix two tablespoons of brown sugar with one and a half tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil until you get a nice paste. 

Once done, massage it onto clean underarms in small circles for a minute or two, then rinse with warm water. Your skin will feel soft, fresh, and moisturized.

If you’d rather use a ready-made product, check out the Ubtan De-Tan Radiance Face Scrub from Lotus Botanicals. Made with turmeric, rose, chickpea powder, sandalwood, and 24K gold, this scrub gently exfoliates and brightens the skin. 

Even though it's meant for the face, its natural ingredients make it great for underarm care too.

7. Can diet affect underarm odor?

What you eat has a big impact on how you smell. Some foods, like garlic, onions, and veggies like broccoli and cabbage, contain sulfur compounds that your body breaks down. 

When you sweat, these substances can create a strong odor. Even red meat can change the way you smell. 

One study found that men who didn’t eat meat had a more pleasant scent than those who did.

Drinks matter too. Alcohol turns into acetic acid in your body, which seeps out through your skin, leaving a noticeable smell. Caffeine makes you sweat more, which can make body odor stronger. 

Cutting back on these foods and drinks might help if you're worried about how you smell.

8. What are some effective natural deodorant brands?

People are ditching chemical-packed skincare and switching to natural products, and it’s easy to see why. 

More and more folks are realizing that ingredients like parabens and artificial fragrances might not be the best for their skin. That’s why natural and organic options are getting so popular—they feel safer and better for the planet.

Lotus Botanicals is one brand that really stands out in the natural skincare world. They focus on using ethically sourced, plant-based ingredients to create products that are both safe and effective. 

Take their Lumina Fresh Underarm Spray Serum—it’s packed with several natural ingredients to keep underarms fresh while evening out skin tone. Their Vitamin C Skin Brightening range is another favorite, helping to bring out that natural glow with face washes and serums. 

With products that are pure and powerful, Lotus Botanicals has earned the trust of those who want skincare that’s good for them and the planet.

9. How can I soothe underarm skin irritation naturally?

If your underarms feel itchy and irritated, natural remedies can help calm the skin. Aloe vera is great for this—it cools and soothes irritated areas, helping to reduce redness. Just apply some pure aloe vera gel and let your skin absorb it. 

Coconut oil is another good option since it keeps the skin soft and fights germs. Rubbing a little virgin coconut oil on the affected area can ease dryness and irritation.

For example, imagine someone dealing with an itchy underarm rash. After washing the area with a gentle, fragrance-free soap, they dabbed on some aloe vera gel twice a day. Within a few days, the redness and discomfort started to fade. It’s a simple and effective way to keep your underarms feeling comfortable. 

Just be sure to use natural products without added chemicals and do a quick patch test to make sure your skin reacts well.

10. Is it normal to experience a detox period when switching to natural deodorants?

Switching from regular antiperspirants to natural deodorants can bring some noticeable changes, especially in how much you sweat and how your underarms smell. This happens because of shifts in the tiny bacteria living on your skin. Regular antiperspirants use aluminum-based ingredients to block sweat, which also affects the mix of bacteria under your arms. 

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that using these products regularly increases certain bacteria, like Staphylococcaceae. When you stop, the balance changes, and this can cause stronger body odor for a while.

Even though many people call this a "detox" phase, there’s no strong scientific proof behind it. Your body naturally takes care of itself, and organs like the liver and kidneys handle detoxing. 

The shift in odor and sweat is just your skin adjusting to a new routine, not a deep cleanse. If you’re making the switch, just give it some time—your body will find its balance again.

11. How often should I apply natural deodorant?

How often you need to apply natural deodorant depends on your body, how active you are, and the type of product you use. 

For most people, putting it on once a day—right after a morning shower—works just fine. This way, your skin is clean and dry, making the deodorant more effective at keeping odor away. Take Lotus botanicals, for example—they suggest using their latest LuminaFresh natural deodorants every morning to stay fresh.

But if you're sweating more, like during workouts or in hot weather, you might need to reapply. 

Since natural deodorants don’t have aluminum like regular antiperspirants, they don’t stop sweat—just the smell. That means in places with high heat, like New Delhi in the summer, some people find themselves reapplying midday to stay fresh.

12. Can natural deodorants cause skin reactions?

A lot of people choose natural deodorants to stay away from synthetic chemicals, but they can still cause skin irritation. Things like baking soda, essential oils, and natural scents might sound harmless, but they can be rough on sensitive skin. 

Baking soda, for example, messes with your skin’s pH, which can lead to redness and dryness. Some essential oils and plant-based fragrances can also trigger allergies or rashes.

On the other hand, regular deodorants and antiperspirants use ingredients like aluminum salts and artificial scents, which can also cause skin problems for some people. 

But brands like Lotus Botanicals make deodorants with gentle, natural ingredients that help keep odor away without irritating your skin. They’re a great option for anyone looking for a skin-friendly choice.

13. How does fabric choice affect underarm health?

What you wear really affects how your underarms feel and smell. Clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton help a lot because they let air flow and soak up sweat, which helps it dry faster. This means less sweat sitting on your skin and fewer bad smells. 

But synthetic materials, like polyester and nylon, don’t do this well. Instead, they trap moisture, making it easier for bacteria to grow and cause strong body odor. 

Studies even show that polyester holds onto smells more than cotton because it doesn’t absorb water, letting odor-causing compounds build up.

Some fabrics can also make skin problems worse. Polyester, for example, doesn’t let skin breathe, which can make it hotter and sweatier, sometimes leading to rashes or irritation. People with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema often feel more comfortable in cotton since it’s softer and less likely to cause problems. 

Wearing natural, breathable clothes isn’t just about comfort—it can keep your underarms fresh and irritation-free.

14. Can stress influence underarm odor, and how can I manage it naturally?

Stress sweat smells worse than regular sweat because it comes from special sweat glands in your underarms and groin. These glands, called apocrine glands, release a thick, protein-rich fluid when you're feeling stressed, nervous, or excited. 

At first, this sweat has no smell, but once it mixes with bacteria on your skin, it starts to stink. The bacteria break down the proteins and lipids in the sweat, creating strong odors. That’s why stress sweat smells much stronger than the sweat from exercise or heat.

To keep stress sweat under control, calming activities like yoga or meditation can help your body stay relaxed. Washing your underarms often with antibacterial soap removes bacteria and keeps odor away. 

Wearing loose, breathable clothes made from cotton can also help by keeping your underarms dry and making it harder for bacteria to grow.

15. Is it true that shaving contributes to underarm odor?

Shaving your underarms can actually help with body odor. That’s because underarm hair holds onto sweat, giving bacteria a place to grow—and that’s what causes the smell. When you shave, sweat dries up faster, leaving less moisture for bacteria to thrive. 

In fact, research shows that shaving and then washing can cut down armpit odor by over 57% compared to just washing alone.

But shaving isn’t always smooth sailing. It can sometimes cause irritation, especially since the underarm skin is pretty sensitive. You might get razor burn, which makes your skin red and itchy, or razor bumps, those tiny, annoying red spots. 

These problems usually happen when you use a dull blade, press too hard, or shave in the wrong direction. 

To keep your skin happy, use a sharp razor, apply shaving cream or gel, and shave in the direction your hair grows.

Switch to Natural Underarm Care for a Healthier You

Taking care of your underarms the natural way has tons of perks! It helps you avoid harsh chemicals and keeps your skin happy. If you deal with body odor, sweating, or irritation, switching to gentler options can make a big difference. Natural deodorants, along with simple remedies like tea tree oil or witch hazel, can help you stay fresh. So, do you want an easy fix? Try Lotus Botanicals' Lumina Fresh Underarm Spray Serums—it fights odor, brightens skin, and keeps you feeling great all day.