The latest natural beauty trend taking over TikTok involves using lemon juice as a natural deodorant. Many users are cutting lemons and rubbing them directly on their underarms to keep body odor at bay. But does this beauty hack really work? As a natural body care company, we decided to investigate this trend to see if there is legitimacy in its claims.
Can Lemon Act as a Natural Deodorant?
Lemons are rich in citric acid, which has antimicrobial and acidic properties. These properties can alter the pH level of the skin, creating an environment that is unfavorable for odor-causing bacteria.
Does Using Lemons as Deodorant Work?
While lemons do have antimicrobial properties, there is a lack of scientific studies specifically examining their effectiveness as deodorants. Most information available is anecdotal or based on personal experiences. Lemons have a pH of 2-3, making them much more acidic than the underarm’s natural pH of 5.5-6.5. While this acidity can make the underarm an unfavorable environment for bacteria, it can also be too harsh for the delicate underarm skin, potentially causing irritation, redness, darkening, and inflammation. Also, the high concentration of vitamin C in lemons can stain clothes. If you’re going to explore this alternative, proceed with caution.
Pros and Cons of Using Lemon to Reduce Body Odor
Pros:
- Natural and eco-friendly option
- Citrus scent can provide a refreshing fragrance
- Antimicrobial properties may inhibit bacterial growth
Cons:
- Lack of scientific evidence on effectiveness
- May cause skin irritation or sensitivity due to its acidic nature
- May disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin
- Vitamin C can oxidize and stain clothes
- May cause hyperpigmentation due to irritation
How to Use Lemon Juice as a Deodorant
If you want to try lemon juice as a deodorant, cut a lemon in half and squeeze out one teaspoon of juice. Dip a cotton ball into the juice and apply it to your underarms. To avoid stinging, don’t apply lemon juice directly after shaving.
Alternatives for Using Lemons for Underarm Odor
If you’re interested in natural options for reducing underarm odor, consider deodorants like Nala Care’s free-from deodorants. Nala Care’s personalized deodorants are available in a sensitive skin formula, free of harsh compounds, and effectively reduce body odor without irritating the skin. Many clean brands are incorporating lemons into their products. These products work effectively on both odor and wetness.
Lemons contain citric acid that kills bacteria and unwanted scents, provide a fresh scent that masks body odor, and have astringent properties that close pores. With any natural formula, it can take two to four weeks for your body to adjust and reach peak performance. During this detox period, you may be wetter and more odorous as you rid your body of harmful chemicals and adjust to the change.