Underarm whitening creams can bring back your confidence to raise your hands while wearing sleeveless tops. No need to be kili-kili conscious! Because there are a lot of brands offering different underarm whitening products, it can get overwhelming to choose the best one.
We’ve prepared a buying guide with comments and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz to help you choose the right product for you. We’re also going to be listing down our top 10 picks that we’ve found in Lazada, Shopee, and other online selling platforms, so stay tuned!
Quick List - Top Underarm Whitening Creams
Luxe Organix
Infused With 10% Niacinamide to Restore and Lighten Underarms
GMEELAN
Subtle Floral Freshness With Skin-Brightening Benefits
Greenika
Non-Irritating Formula That Targets Odor and Texture Together
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
When choosing underarm whitening creams, opt for those with beneficial ingredients for your skin. You can also pick one with hydroquinone for added potency. Make sure to check for any special instructions. For more info, refer to our buying guide below.
To prevent hyperpigmentation in your underarms, some good ingredients to have in your whitening cream are Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Glycerin, to name a few. We'll be discussing them in detail below.
Niacinamide has many benefits for your skin, with the main one being its potent ability to lighten skin and address hyperpigmentation. It also has the ability to protect your skin from pollution, toxins, and sunlight that will help your skin have a light appearance.
That's because it inhibits the transfer of melanosomes, an organelle that stores melanin, to the surface of the skin. This prevents the skin from looking dark, which is one of the many reasons why niacinamide is used in a lot of skincare products. You can also look at products with glutathione or kojic acid for similar results.
Niacinamide is one of the crowd favorites - and with good reason! It is known to be a jack-of-all-trades given its many uses. However, one use that has given it much attention is its ability to decrease epidermal hyperpigmentation.
Multiple studies have shown consistent results in improving hyperpigmentation and even reducing dark spots. Remember though, as great as niacinamide is, it's not for everyone. Best to patch test, patch test, patch test!
Aside from fading discolored spots on your underarms, Vitamin E is also able to help your skin in a lot of ways. First, it’s a great source of antioxidants that protect your skin from damage - perfect because the skin in your underarm area is delicate - and has anti-inflammatory properties as well.
More specifically, Vitamin E can combat free radicals that break down collagen in your skin, which causes skin blemishes like dark spots. Because of the protection that it gives, it will help your skin stay plump and soft.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in human skin. If you read the label, look for ingredients such as alpha-tocopherol or tocopherol acetate (usually in 1-5% concentrations). The great thing about Vitamin E is that it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory with hydrating properties too!
Typically, Vitamin E is more effective when combined with other antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C). But remember, these can be irritating if applied in higher concentrations, especially to such a delicate area such as the underarms. With all things, patch test!
Glycerin is a natural ingredient and is a humectant, which means that it pulls water from the air and the deeper levels of your skin into the outer layer. It moisturizes the skin, helping it stay strong and smooth. It can also be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Having said that, it is a good soothing ingredient, which is beneficial for those who wax their armpits often and have more sensitive skin. It can help calm your skin while making sure it gets the moisture that it needs so that you can have bright and flawless underarms.
Have you read the labels of most of your skincare products? A lot of them would actually contain an ingredient called "glycerin," which is pretty underrated. In truth, glycerin is a great humectant that has the ability to hold water and moisturize the skin. It provides a protective layer that protects the skin and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.
One common skin-lightening ingredient used all around the world, including the Philippines, is hydroquinone. It is a skin-bleaching agent used to lighten discolored skin and address hyperpigmentation. Although it has some benefits for the skin, it's still important to check its concentration inside the product.
Make sure that your underarm whitening cream only contains 2-4% of hydroquinone, the safest level at which it can be used. Excessive concentrations may have adverse effects on your skin, like causing melanocytes to regroup and increase melanin production that will result in more hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone is a double-edged sword. It remains one of the gold standards for treating melasma (the brown or blue-gray pigmentation that typically develops on the face). However, it's important to know that it is classified as a drug, thus, warrants proper monitoring by a doctor. Hydroquinone, if used improperly, may lead to side effects (e.g., rebound hyperpigmentation) without medical supervision.
Like any skin whitening product, make sure to check your underarm whitening cream for any special instructions or guidelines. This can be how long to leave it on and how many times a day it should be used. If you're taking medication or if using a product with retinoids like retinol, it's also best to consult with your doctor before purchasing any product.
That's because if you don’t take note of these guidelines, your underarm whitening cream may take too long or may not work at all to deliver your desired result. In some cases, they may even do more harm than good. Hence, always be mindful when using these products.
As with any new product, always make sure to follow the instructions, whether it is a leave-on product or wash-off product. An important thing to do is to patch test to ensure that you won't develop an irritant or contact dermatitis-type reaction!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net Content | Notable Ingredients | Contains Hydroquinone | Duration of Use | Frequency of Use | Packaging | Special Instructions | |||||
1 | Belo Underarm Whitening Cream | ![]() | Dermatologist-Approved Whitening Cream for Sensitive Underarms | 40g | Niacinamide, Bee Venom, Licorice Extract, Alpha Arbutin | Leave Overnight | Use Every Night | Tube | Use Pea-Sized Amount | ||
2 | Luxe Organix Intensive Whitening Underarm Cream | ![]() | Infused With 10% Niacinamide to Restore and Lighten Underarms | 40g | Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid, Licorice Extract | Leave Overnight | Use Every Night | Tube | Avoid Using With Deodorant | ||
3 | GMEELAN Sakura 5X Ceramide Underarm Whitening Cream | ![]() | Subtle Floral Freshness With Skin-Brightening Benefits | 30g | Japanese Sakura Extract, Glutathione, Ceramide | Allow to Fully Absorb | Use Daily, Morning and Night | Pump | unknown | ||
4 | Greenika Underarm Armpit Whitening Cream | ![]() | Non-Irritating Formula That Targets Odor and Texture Together | 30g | Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Lactic Acid, Vitamin E | Allow to Fully Absorb | Two to Three Times Daily | Jar/Tub | Pat Underarms Dry Before Use | ||
5 | GlutaMAX Underarm & Inner Thigh Ultimate Skin Lightening Cream | ![]() | Brighten and Smooth Underarms With Glutathione and Vitamin C | 30g | Glutathione, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Arbutin, Flower Extracts | Leave Overnight | Use Daily Before Bedtime | Tube | Use Pea-Sized Amount, Do Not Apply on Broken Skin | ||
6 | Clarity Essentials Underarm Whitening Cream | ![]() | Gentle Underarm Care That Delivers Visible Brightening and All-Day Freshness | 10g | Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Tomato Extract, Sodium Lactate | Allow to Fully Absorb | Use Daily, Morning and Night | Jar/Tub | Do Not Apply on Broken Skin, Can be Used as Regular Deodorant in the Morning | ||
7 | Organic Skin Intensive Whitening Underarm Cream | ![]() | Soothes and Softens Underarms While Reducing Hair Regrowth | 20mL | Niacinamide, Glutathione, Sakura Extract, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera Extract, Virgin Coconut Oil | Allow to Fully Absorb | Use Daily, Morning and Night | Tube | Best Used With Organic Skin Toner | ||
8 | Hello Glow Whitening Quelch Serum Deo Cream | ![]() | Underarm Whitening Cream That Doubles As Deodorant | 60g | Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Bisabol, Sorbitol, Madecassoside, Vitamin E | Allow to Fully Absorb | Use Daily (AM or PM) | Tube | Use Pea-Sized Amount | ||
9 | A Bonne Yogurt Milk Whitening Underarm Cream | ![]() | Gentle Whitening Cream for Shavers, Waxers, & Pluckers | 30g | Shea Butter Cream, Vitamin E, Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Extract, Methylparaben, Glycerine, Fragrance, Gac Extract, Gooseberry Extract | Allow to Fully Absorb | Use Daily (AM or PM) | Tube | Pat Underarms Dry Before Use | ||
10 | Mosbeau Royal White Underarm & Dark Spot Cream | ![]() | 14-Day Whitening for Underarms and Intimate Areas | 50g | Royal Jelly, Shea Butter, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Fulvic Acid, Artemia Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Paeonia Siffruticosa Root Extract, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract | Leave Overnight | Use Every Night | Jar/Tub | Do Not Apply on Broken Skin, Do Not Use Together With Deodorant |
Many say it’s worth every peso, an affordable yet effective option for daily use. One reviewer shared that it helped lighten her underarms and saved her from expensive laser treatments. Another mentioned that it brought back her confidence to wear sleeveless tops.
Net Content | 40g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Niacinamide, Bee Venom, Licorice Extract, Alpha Arbutin |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Leave Overnight |
Frequency of Use | Use Every Night |
Packaging | Tube |
Special Instructions | Use Pea-Sized Amount |
Net Content | 40g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid, Licorice Extract |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Leave Overnight |
Frequency of Use | Use Every Night |
Packaging | Tube |
Special Instructions | Avoid Using With Deodorant |
Net Content | 30g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Japanese Sakura Extract, Glutathione, Ceramide |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Allow to Fully Absorb |
Frequency of Use | Use Daily, Morning and Night |
Packaging | Pump |
Special Instructions | unknown |
Those with sensitive skin like that it doesn’t cause irritation, redness, or itchiness, even with regular use. Many say it helps reduce chicken skin and leaves their underarms feeling smoother. One reviewer called it the “best and most effective” product they’ve tried so far.
Net Content | 30g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Lactic Acid, Vitamin E |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Allow to Fully Absorb |
Frequency of Use | Two to Three Times Daily |
Packaging | Jar/Tub |
Special Instructions | Pat Underarms Dry Before Use |
Reviews mention:
Many love the fast-absorbing texture. One buyer saw visible improvement in both underarm and bikini line discoloration within a few days. Those who’ve used it consistently for over a month say it delivers noticeable results and is worth continuing.
Net Content | 30g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glutathione, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Arbutin, Flower Extracts |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Leave Overnight |
Frequency of Use | Use Daily Before Bedtime |
Packaging | Tube |
Special Instructions | Use Pea-Sized Amount, Do Not Apply on Broken Skin |
Net Content | 10g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Tomato Extract, Sodium Lactate |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Allow to Fully Absorb |
Frequency of Use | Use Daily, Morning and Night |
Packaging | Jar/Tub |
Special Instructions | Do Not Apply on Broken Skin, Can be Used as Regular Deodorant in the Morning |
Reviews mention:
Customers say it works well with their skin type, with some even repurchasing it multiple times. Many report seeing visible improvements in underarm appearance in less than two weeks. The light, powdery scent is also a common favorite, giving a fresh and clean feel.
Net Content | 20mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Niacinamide, Glutathione, Sakura Extract, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera Extract, Virgin Coconut Oil |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Allow to Fully Absorb |
Frequency of Use | Use Daily, Morning and Night |
Packaging | Tube |
Special Instructions | Best Used With Organic Skin Toner |
Users like its creamy texture, subtle scent, and how it helps prevent sweat stains. One shared, “I tried it for one week before leaving a review, and I noticed my underarms really lightened and smelled great.”
Net Content | 60g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Bisabol, Sorbitol, Madecassoside, Vitamin E |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Allow to Fully Absorb |
Frequency of Use | Use Daily (AM or PM) |
Packaging | Tube |
Special Instructions | Use Pea-Sized Amount |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers find the packaging convenient and great for travel. Many love the soft, silky finish without any sticky feel, and say it works well for all skin types. The scent is also a favorite, fresh with a light, fruity touch.
Net Content | 30g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Shea Butter Cream, Vitamin E, Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Extract, Methylparaben, Glycerine, Fragrance, Gac Extract, Gooseberry Extract |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Allow to Fully Absorb |
Frequency of Use | Use Daily (AM or PM) |
Packaging | Tube |
Special Instructions | Pat Underarms Dry Before Use |
Many love the creamy texture that absorbs quickly without any sticky residue. One long-time user calls it an effective whitening cream, while another was happy to find it again after seeing real results in the past. Some noticed visible improvements in just 1 to 2 weeks, saying it works well for lightening both underarms and dark spots.
Net Content | 50g |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Royal Jelly, Shea Butter, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Fulvic Acid, Artemia Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Paeonia Siffruticosa Root Extract, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract |
Contains Hydroquinone | |
Duration of Use | Leave Overnight |
Frequency of Use | Use Every Night |
Packaging | Jar/Tub |
Special Instructions | Do Not Apply on Broken Skin, Do Not Use Together With Deodorant |
Underarm whitening may be tricky. Let Dr. Katrina help you with her answers to the web's most asked questions. Check them out below!
Dark underarms actually have many different causes, from one's skin type to the different things we subject our underarms to. For instance, people with darker skin types are typically more prone to developing dark underarms. Other people with underlying conditions such as diabetes or who have hormonal changes (e.g., pregnant) could even develop a condition called "acanthosis nigricans," which presents with dark, almost velvety underarms.
More notorious for leading to dark underarms are actually the things we subject our underarms to—plucking, shaving, waxing, to name a few. Since the area is also pretty occluded, it's possible that certain products that we apply to it could lead to an irritant or allergic-type reaction that would eventually lead to something we refer to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Did you know that even our underarm hair contributes to the dark color of our underarms? At the end of the day, it pays to identify the underlying cause so that these can be better addressed.
Since our underarms are a particularly sensitive area (given its anatomical location and tendency for occlusion), extra care must be given to what we apply to our underarms. Hence, DIY creams, even if they come from natural ingredients, don't assure us that they will be 100% free from causing irritation.
In theory, there should be no problem applying underarm creams on other areas of the body. Save perhaps for underarm creams that contain antiperspirant ingredients, as these typically would cause the skin to really effectively be dry, and that just might have a weird sensation on areas of the body you typically wouldn't apply such. Think super dry knees or elbows.
No, more is not always better. In fact, just an ample amount given the surface area that would be absorbed into the skin should be enough. Applying more product than you should might increase the risk of developing an irritation, not to mention, it would also lead to product wastage.
Show your underarms some tender loving care by checking out our other articles below. You'll find the best products that'll help you achieve smoother, whiter, and hair-free pits. No matter what you're looking for, we're bound to have it here!
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Re-editor: Danielle Trinidad
Reviewed by: Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Belo|Underarm Whitening Cream
No. 2: Luxe Organix|Intensive Whitening Underarm Cream
No. 3: GMEELAN|Sakura 5X Ceramide Underarm Whitening Cream
No. 4: Greenika|Underarm Armpit Whitening Cream
No. 5: GlutaMAX|Underarm & Inner Thigh Ultimate Skin Lightening Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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