Deep Armpit Scrub, Natural Ingredients We Recommend for the Shower

Curious what natural ingredients you can use in the shower for a deeper armpit scrub?

In order for our natural deodorants to really work its magic, there are a few armpit care tips we need to keep in mind for a lasting fresh and clean smell. There are many factors that go into stinky body odor. Our diet, hormones, lifestyle and habits all contribute to our underarm stench. One trick to ensure your armpits (and your children’s armpits) smell if not like roses, then at least mild, is by treating your armpits to a deep shower scrub. In this article we’ll discuss all the natural ingredients that are safe and effective at cleaning those underarms! 

Epsom Salt Scrub

When curating your own shower scrub, you’ll want to find your base exfoliator. Epsom salt is a great option for gently exfoliating the skin by your underarms. The ideal way to use epsom salt is when you add a tablespoon of a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil and 3-5 drops of lavender oil. Jojoba oil fight’s fungi and infections whereas Lavender essential oil is both a natural moisturizer and is antibacterial. An epsom salt scrub is ideal for those with a more sensitive skin, or dry skin type.

Citrus Scrub

Lemon juice, or the juice of your favorite citrus fruit contain high levels of citric acid, an alpha hydroxy which is commonly used for exfoliation. Citrus has the power to boost collagen in skin, circulation and overall skin tone. Circulation helps provide the necessary nutrients and minerals throughout the body and remove toxins from the body. 

For a zesty armpit scrub mix together:

• 1/2 cup sea salt or himalayan salt
• 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/4 cup Jojoba oil, almond oil, or olive oil
• Zest of a lemon, grapefruit or orange
• 5-7 drops orange essential oil

Coffee Scrub

The grains of your favorite coffee make for a perfect exfoliator. The tiny granules are gentle on the skin, while still being effective at removing dead cells and surface bacteria from the surface of the armpits. When mixed with an antibacterial carrier oil like coconut oil, your underarms will feel invigoratingly clean. 

In a bowl, mix together:

• 1/2 cup coffee grounds
• 2 tbsp. Hot (not boiling) water
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil, warmed to that it’s in a liquid state

While the coffee grounds removes the surface bacteria, the detoxifying effect of coconut oil with its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties will give your armpits a fresh start. Coconut oil contains an exceptionally high percentage of Lauric acid (50%!). Lauric acid converts into monolaurin in the body, which is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial compound.

Other Ingredients to mix into your DIY armpit scrub Include:

1. Rosemary leaves
2. Tea tree oil
3. Green tea
4. Activated charcoal or mineral-rich mud
5. Raw organic honey

Final Thoughts and Suggestions 

We feel the more simple the recipe, the safer and more effective it will be. Always perform a skin patch test before using essential oils in your mixtures, and never apply an essential oil directly to the skin without mixing it into a moisturizing carrier oil like jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil or coconut oil. Many oils like tea tree oil are too strong for the skin and can cause irritation or dryness when it’s not paired with a nourishing carrier oil. 

Exfoliation is recommended 1-2 times per week, depending on the condition of your skin. After mixing together your favorite recipe in a bowl, massage in a circular motion over the surface of each armpit. Then rinse well with warm water. An underarm scrub is best performed in the shower, because as you can imagine, it can get pretty messy and challenging over your bathroom sink! 

Naturally, many of the ingredients mentioned above can be found in our loving and nurturing natural deodorants, made for children and adults alike! Pick your favorite scent for you, and your child or partner’s favorite scent for them, this way no one needs to rely on harmful ingredients to remove or disguise body odor!