I Found the 5 Best Underarm Brightening Creams and Treatments for Dark Armpits
Plus, advice from leading dermatologists to banish hyperpigmentation for good.
We’ve all been there. You’re in the bathroom, doing your body care routine, you lift your arms and wonder, ”Am I ever actually going to have smooth, even armpits?” If that series of events sounds even vaguely familiar to you, you’ve likely researched the best underarm brighteners, only to be met with a slew of products and an overwhelming amount of information from questionable sources. So, in the spirit of beauty research, I’ve done us all a favor and brought in the big guns to banish dark armpits.
“Underarms live in a perfect storm of friction, moisture, hair removal, and product exposure,” Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at Yale, tells me. “Shaving, ingrown hairs, tight clothing, and irritating deodorants can trigger inflammation, which may leave pigment behind, especially in deeper skin tones. Genetics can also play a role.”
There are a whole host of other reasons why armpit darkness can occur and quite a few potential solutions to address it. Ahead, I’ve created a master list of dermatologist-recommended products and ingredients that help to address the appearance of dark underarms, and, even better, I'm sharing the insight I’ve learned on how to properly stack products that you may even already own to slowly but surely brighten dark underarms and armpits. The fall glow-up calendar begins now.
Best Underarm Brightening Treatments
- Best Underarm Brightening Treatment Overall: Biologique Recherche Cible PIGM 400
- Best Vitamin C Underarm Brightening Treatment: RoC Revive + Glow Brightening Moisturizer
- Best Pigment-Blocking Underarm Brightening Treatment: Eucerin Radiant Tone Serum
- Best Azelaic Acid Underarm Brightening Treatment: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
- Best Deodorant Underarm Brightening Treatment: Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best Underarm Brightening Treatment Overall
I started using this serum recently, and I have to say, it’s working phenomenally. Not only is the roll-on packaging perfect for application, but the formula itself doesn’t irritate my underarms or make them itchy, so it’s been extremely easy to keep it in my routine.
Key Ingredients: Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder (mechanical exfoliator); Niacinamide (Brightening and soothing); Glycerin (soothing and hydrating)
What I Love: Easy roll-on applicator; Thin serum consistency that doesn’t leave a sticky residue when blended in
What I Don’t: Can be hard to find in person because Biologique Recherche has a limited number of distributors
Review for MC: “I won’t lie, I didn’t have very high hopes when I started using this product, but boy am I glad that I did anyway. Not only is this serum easy to apply and travel with (there will be no missed steps in my routine while traveling), but it also absorbs easily into the skin with no residue. I hate sticky underarms, which is why I don’t use many liquid products on the area, but this one is a fantastic addition to any armpit-care routine.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Wilson testing the Biologique Recherche Cible PIGM 400.
Best Vitamin C Underarm Brightening Treatment
What’s lightweight, oil-free, and packed with 10 percent vitamin C? That’s right, it’s the Roc Revive + Glow brightening moisturizer, and even though it’s marketed as a face and neck cream, it’s fantastic for use under the arms as well. A small dollop is all you need to apply, but if you’re wearing it during the day, make sure that you also apply SPF before leaving your house.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C (Brightening); Propanediol (Moisturizing)
What I Love: Under-$30; Easily accessible
What I Don’t: Slightly awkward application experience given the jar packaging
Review for MC: “The serum delivers stabilized vitamin C to block the production of abnormal pigmentation and lighten dark spots. The moisturizing formula protects the skin, making it a great double-acting product that can be used on a daily basis.” — Director of cosmetic and clinical Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital, Joshua Zeichner, MD,
Best Pigment-Blocking Underarm Brightening Treatment
Eucerin is one of my favorite drugstore brands, and this serum is a fantastic addition to any underarm routine. It’s a dark spot-correcting formula that is non-comedogenic and clinically proven to work, plus the pump applicator makes it perfect for dispensing either directly onto the skin or onto the hands without any awkward maneuvering.
Key Ingredients: Thiamidol (pigment inhibitor); Hyaluronic acid (plumping hydrator)
What I Love: Pump packaging; Gold standard main ingredient; Non-comedogenic
What I Don’t: A bit pricey for a drugstore option
Review for MC: “This serum contains a patented ingredient called thiamidol, which has been shown to be effective in blocking the enzyme responsible for excess pigment production in human skin. Many of the other pigment-blocking ingredients on the market have been tested on mushroom models, but thiamidol is the only ingredient that’s been studied in human cell models and has been clinically proven to be effective at pigment inhibition. The serum also delivers skin-soothing and brightening licorice root extract along with hydrating hyaluronic acid.” — Dr. Zeichner
Best Azelaic Acid Underarm Brightening Treatment
Big K-Beauty fan? Anua has you (and your armpits) covered with its azelaic acid serum. You’ve likely heard of it on the ingredient list if you’re also trying to address acne-prone skin, but it also helps to address discoloration by targeting abnormal pigment cells. While you should always speak to your doctor before adding a new product to your routine, Azelaic acid is generally considered very gentle and can typically be used safely during pregnancy.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic Acid (calms inflammation and addresses uneven pigmentation); Hyaluronic acid (plumping hydrator)
What I Love: Affordable; K-Beauty brand; Sensitive-skin friendly
What I Don’t: Might take a little longer to see results than with other products on this list
Review for MC: “Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum combines azelaic acid with hyaluronic acid, so you get discoloration care with a hydration cushion. Pro tip: apply a thin layer at night two or three times weekly, but not immediately after shaving.” — Dr. Gohara
Best Deodorant Underarm Brightening Treatment
I love a multitasking product when it actually works, and Dove’s Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant does just that. Not only does it help with odor protection and sweat, but it also features niacinamide to gently brighten the skin over time. Who doesn't love a multi-tasking deodorant?
Key Ingredients: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (sweat reduction); Niacinamide (brightening)
What I Love: Odor and sweat protection while brightening underarms
What I Don’t: Scent can be a little strong
Review for MC: “Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant is a convenient everyday option that combines odor and wetness protection with ingredients designed to support more even-looking underarm skin. The niacinamide in the formula supports the skin barrier while it helps reduce the appearance of discoloration, all without being overly aggressive.” — Dr. Gohara
Why Do Armpits Become Dark?
As Dr. Gohara mentioned, there are numerous reasons for armpit darkness. However, there are also a few health-related signs to watch out for. “If the skin becomes noticeably darker, thicker, or velvety, it may be acanthosis nigricans, which can be associated with insulin resistance or other metabolic changes,” she says. “That is a reason to speak with your doctor about checking blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.” If you notice these changes in the area, don’t freak out. Dr. Gohara says to “think of it as your skin sending up a small check-engine light,” which essentially means that your body is signaling that it may need more support to function optimally. Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you tell your doctor about these changes.
Hyperpigmentation can also be a result of hormonal influences on the skin, UV light exposure, and inflammation, something Dr. Zeichner says to be cognizant of. “In the underarm area, hair removal from shaving or waxing can lead to irritation and inflammation that triggers your producing cells to go into overdrive,” he says. Even low-grade inflammation can lead to significant pigmentation over time, so if you want to address underarm darkness, keep an eye on your routine: the clothing you wear, the products you use, and your hair removal methods can be among the most mundane contributors to the issue.
How Do I Get Rid of Dark Armpits?
Of course, there are lasers and slightly more intensive treatments that you can use to treat armpit darkness. However, there are also at-home options if a trip to the dermatologist isn’t in your near future. In short, the same basic treatment recommendations should be used to treat pigmentation on the face versus below the neck.
“First, you want to make sure that you are protecting the skin from inflammation and UV damage,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Moisturize and apply sunscreen to any sun-exposed areas. Additionally, you can apply a moisturizer after hair removal to maintain skin hydration.”
To get a little further into the science, when it comes to hyperpigmentation, Dr. Zeichner breaks down the applicable ingredients into three categories:
- First, you want to block the production of abnormal pigmentation
- Second, you want to increase turnover to help the skin shed pigmented cells more quickly.
- Finally, you want to reduce Inflammation and protect the skin.
To block the production of abnormal pigmentation, look for ingredients like vitamin C. “Antioxidants not only neutralize radical damage, but also block the enzymes responsible for excess melanin,” Dr. Zeichner says.
For enhanced cell turnover, look for products containing retinol or glycolic acid. (Editor’s note: remember, Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that helps to improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. It’s also something that you may already have in your skincare routine. Bring it below the neck!) "This helps the skin eliminate cells that are loaded with melanin,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Lastly, give your ‘pits' some TLC, just like you would with your face. “To calm any inflammation, opt for ingredients like niacinamide,” Dr. Zeichner says. “This is a derivative of vitamin B3 commonly used in skin care to soothe the skin and even skin tone."
On the more practical everyday front, make sure to reduce friction and inflammation wherever possible. “Wear breathable, less restrictive clothing, avoid aggressive scrubbing, and do not repeatedly shave over irritated skin,” Dr. Gohara says. When you’re shaving, soften the hair with warm water first, use a moisturizing shaving gel, shave in the direction of hair growth, and use a clean, sharp razor with light pressure. “One or two careful passes are plenty,” Dr. Goahra says. “If shaving consistently causes bumps, consider trimming or professional laser hair removal with someone experienced in treating your skin tone.”
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Meet the Experts
Mona Gohara, M.D. is a dermatologist and clinical professor at Yale,
Joshua Zeichner, M.D. FAAD is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, associate professor of Dermatology, and director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
