15 DIY Ways To Lighten Dark Underarms
By: Mansi Sat, 26 July 2025 07:28:26
You're not alone. Many women feel self-conscious about showing their underarms—especially when they appear darker, even after trying various remedies and maintaining good hygiene. And unfortunately, makeup can’t really hide it.
But here's the good news: dark underarms are extremely common, and having fair underarms is actually quite rare. So if this is something you're dealing with, don’t worry. With some consistent care and a few natural remedies, you can lighten the area over time. Try these home treatments to help you feel more confident in your skin—no filters needed!
# Lemon Juice
A natural bleaching agent, lemon juice is rich in citric acid and helps exfoliate and lighten the skin.
You’ll need:
2 tbsp lemon juice
How to use:
- Soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off.
- Use 2–3 times a week for best results.
# Gram Flour and Sugar Scrub
Gram flour (besan) helps lighten skin, while sugar acts as a natural exfoliator.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp gram flour
1 tbsp raw sugar
How to use:
- Mix the ingredients into a thick paste.
- Scrub your underarms gently for 3–5 minutes.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes before washing off.
- Use once a week.
# Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera contains aloesin, an enzyme known to reduce pigmentation. It also soothes irritated skin.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
How to use:
- Apply generously to underarms.
- Leave for 20 minutes and rinse.
- Repeat 1–2 times a week.
# Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV helps exfoliate dead skin and lighten dark areas with regular use.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp ACV
1 tbsp water
How to use:
- Mix and apply to underarms.
- Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Use daily for faster results.
# Tea Tree Oil
Known for its antibacterial and brightening properties, tea tree oil also combats odor.
You’ll need:
2 tbsp tea tree oil
How to use:
- Apply and massage into underarms.
- Leave for 30 minutes, then wipe with a wet tissue.
- Use once a week.
# Rosewater & Honey Pack
Rosewater brightens skin and balances pH, while honey moisturizes deeply.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp honey
How to use:
- Mix and apply to underarms.
- Leave for 20 minutes and rinse.
- Use weekly.
# Turmeric & Yoghurt Mask
Turmeric is a natural brightener, and yoghurt soothes the skin.
You’ll need:
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp yoghurt
How to use:
- Mix and apply to underarms.
- Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse.
- Use daily for visible results.
# Olive Oil
Packed with antioxidants, olive oil not only brightens but also deeply nourishes the skin.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp olive oil
How to use:
- Apply and massage for 1–2 minutes.
- Leave on for 30 minutes, then wipe off.
- Use once a week.
# Castor Oil
Castor oil draws out impurities and clears pores, helping reduce darkness.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp castor oil
How to use:
- Dab on with a cotton ball.
- Leave for 15 minutes and rinse.
- Use 2–3 times a week.
# Multani Mitti & Rosemary Oil Pack
Multani mitti absorbs oil and exfoliates dead cells, while rosemary oil soothes skin.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp multani mitti
1 tbsp rosemary oil
How to use:
- Mix and apply the paste.
- Leave for 15 minutes and wash off.
- Use daily for best results.
# Sunflower Oil
High in vitamin E, sunflower oil helps improve skin tone and texture.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp sunflower oil
How to use:
- Massage into underarms for 1–2 minutes.
- Leave for 30 minutes and wipe off.
- Use weekly.
# Cucumber Juice
Naturally cooling and lightening, cucumber juice soothes and brightens.
You’ll need:
2 tbsp cucumber juice
How to use:
- Apply using a cotton ball.
- Let sit for 15–20 minutes, then rinse.
- Use 2–3 times a week.
# Potato Juice
Potatoes act as natural bleach and help reduce pigmentation.
You’ll need:
2 tbsp potato juice
How to use:
- Apply with a cotton ball.
- Let it dry (about 20 minutes), then wash.
- Use 2–3 times a week.
# Alum Powder
Alum helps balance the skin’s pH and naturally lightens underarm skin.
You’ll need:
1 tbsp alum powder
1 tbsp water
How to use:
- Make a paste and apply.
- Leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.
- Use once a week.
# Pumice Stone
A pumice stone gently exfoliates and removes dead skin, revealing brighter underarms.
How to use:
- Use while bathing to scrub underarms gently.
- Repeat twice a week.
