Glycolic acid is a staple ingredient in facial peels and cleansers thanks to its ability to fade hyperpigmentation and slough away dead skin cells. And now, beauty enthusiasts on TikTok have found a new use for the trendy skin care acid, claiming that it works as a natural deodorant.
What is glycolic acid? | Can glycolic acid be used as a deodorant? | Are there any risks? | How to use glycolic acid for underarms | The best glycolic acid products for underarms | How we chose | Meet our experts
The #glycolicacidasdeodorant tag on TikTok is filled with videos of people saying that they've ditched their deodorant for a glycolic acid formula. Users have claimed that it can stop sweat, reduce odor and even help with armpit discoloration.
We're always looking for new ways to keep our underarms dry and smelling fresh, especially in the heat of the spring and summer. That's why we turned to Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, to get her thoughts on the viral trend.
What is glycolic acid? | Can glycolic acid be used as deodorant? | Are there any risks? | How to use glycolic acid for underarms | The best glycolic acid products for underarms | How we chose | Meet our experts
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Alpha hydroxy acids are commonly used in skin care to treat sun spots, pigmentation, fine lines and to help with texture and tone of skin, Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, a dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York, previously told TODAY.
Can glycolic acid be used as deodorant?
While many users on TikTok have claimed that glycolic acid formulas can be a good replacement for your go-to deo, it won't actually keep your armpits dry on hot days. "Applying glycolic acid will not reduce sweating," Garshick says. "In order to be considered an antiperspirant, or a product that blocks sweat, a product must contain an aluminum-based compound that forms a plug to block the release of sweat."
That being said, it may help keep odor at bay. "Glycolic acid is thought to help reduce body odor by reducing the pH of the skin and making it harder for the odor-causing bacteria to survive," Garshick says. "By exfoliating away the dead skin cells and lowering the skin’s pH, it may also help to prevent body odor by preventing buildup and making it less likely for bacteria to lead to foul-smelling odors."
One dermatologist called the trend "legit" in a viral TikTok video and added that it doesn't just get rid of odor, but can also help with ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation in the area.
Are there any risks?
Glycolic acid, like other exfoliating acids, can be irritating on the skin, especially when used on your armpits, where your skin is thin and the folds rub against each other, Dr. Garshick says. This can lead to redness, flaking and sensitivity.
To reduce your chance of irritation, you should stick to lower concentrations. "The maximum concentration of glycolic acid that can be used on this area is eight to 10%, but even that can be irritating, so the lower the concentration, the better," Garshick says. And it should be used sparingly, only one to two times per week.
How to use glycolic acid for underarms
The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid Toning Solution is a favorite among the supporters of the trend. And while Garshick says the solution is a great option for your face, it's not intended to be used as a deodorant and, as a result, can lead to irritation. Instead, you're likely better off using a deodorant that has glycolic acid built into the formula, as it may contain other ingredients that will minimize sensitivity.
The best glycolic acid products for underarms
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Pads
- Travel-friendly
- Leaves no residue
- 30 wipes in pack
Other key ingredients: Aloe, coconut | Size: 30 wipes
If you want to test glycolic acid's purported odor-quelling abilities for yourself, Garshick says that these deodorant wipes may do the trick. "[They're] formulated with glycolic acid in the form of a biodegradable wipe, but also contain probiotics, aloe leaf juice and glycerin to help hydrate the skin to reduce the chance of irritation," she adds. The pack comes with 30 individually wrapped wipes which can be packed in your carry-on, purse or gym bag so you can freshen up while on the go.
"Worked perfectly and kept working into the next day (roughly 20 hours later till my next shower)," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "I even ran and lifted within that 20- to 24-hour window and it still worked! No rashes or itchiness or anything else."
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
- Dries quickly
- Spa-like scent
- Roller can be hard to use
Other key ingredients: Aloe, hyaluronic acid | Size: 2.3 ounces
According to Sephora, multiple people mentioned that this Kosas deodorant “made them feel fresh,” and raved that their “body odor was neutralized.” It’s even formulated to prevent ingrown hairs and brighten the underarm area.
“I’ve never worn an antiperspirant, but as far as more natural deodorants go this is the best one I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a lot)," shares associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. "It lasts forever, has barely any scent (which I prefer), leaves no white residue on clothing and most importantly I don’t smell — even after a hot yoga class. Not to mention, the brand says it soothes skin, visibly brightens, and helps with ingrown hairs."
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
- Shea butter adds moisture
- Easy-to-use stick design
- Irritating for some
Other key ingredients: Salicylic acid, shea butter | Size: 1.5 ounces
I recently started using this body stick for keratosis pilaris bumps along the backs of my arms and razor burn on my legs. But when I remembered this trend, I figured I'd try using it under my armpits too. While I've only used it a handful of times, the initial results seem promising. Not only has it helped improve the appearance of razor bumps, but I've also noticed less odor when I sweat. I have sensitive skin, so I was worried that it would be drying or irritating, but I haven't had any problems, likely thanks to the inclusion of shea butter in the formula.
Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
- Clear gel
- Soothing chamomile extract
- Not effective for some
Other key ingredients: Niacinamide, chamomile extract | Size: 1.7 ounces
According to the brand, incorporating 5% glycolic acid into this gel deodorant can help with odor, improve discoloration, and even out bumpy skin. The formula also includes niacinamide and chamomile extract, which can help strengthen the skin barrier.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. To create a list of the best glycolic acid products for underarms, we interviewed expert sources, searched through product reviews and bestsellers and used our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, MD, is a dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
