10 Best Underarm Exfoliators in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Most commonly infused in face toners, serums, creams, and cleansers, Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA) are also effective exfoliators for underarms because they eat away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Popularly known AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids. 

Glycolic acid lightens the skin, regulating its melanin production and lessening the risk of underarm discoloration. Meanwhile, lactic acid enhances ceramide production, preventing dryness, and helps improve uneven skin tone even without whitening it. When applied, these two may sting a bit, but worry not! They’re just working on exfoliating the skin.

Salicylic acid and willow bark are the most common examples of Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA). They are often used to remove dark spots. Moreover, exfoliators that has leave-on salicylic acid rids the skin of dull cells while keeping the skin’s natural oils intact.

If your underarms are prone to irritation, but you’d still want to get the benefits of a hydroxy acid, exfoliators with Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) may work best for you. They have relatively larger molecules than that of AHAs and BHAs, so it doesn’t penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. 

However, they do a good job of breaking down dull skin cells on the skin’s surface. With these, PHAs are compatible with dry and itchy skin. Common examples of PHAs are Gluconolactone, Galactose, and Lactobionic.

Now that we’re talking about those with sensitive skin, you may also consider looking for underarm exfoliators that are gentle and soothing. Botanical ingredients such as aloe vera, ginseng, and peppermint oil, among others, are some of the most gentle ingredients that can be found in underarm exfoliators. Moreover, they also soothe itch and irritation.

When you're battling with dead skin cells on your armpits, you're also battling with underarm discoloration. This means that your underarms may darken, and this can easily be solved with exfoliants containing whitening agents. Example of ingredients that whiten and even out skin complexion are kojic acid, glutathione, tranexamic acid, and papaya enzymes, among others. 

If you’re a busy person, someone that goes out often, or just want an underarm exfoliator that you can bring anywhere, you may opt for exfoliating pads. They are handy and easy to use, as you can just swipe them on your underarms, then you’re good to go! Most exfoliating pads are already infused with exfoliating toners, so you don’t need any more cotton pads to apply to your skin.

Like you apply clay masks on your face to cleanse and detoxify it, you can also do the same with exfoliating masks. They remove impurities, toxins, pollutants, and dead skin cells, leaving your underarms fresh and clean after rinsing. Kaolin clay is a great example of a clay mask that removes build up from products you use on your armpits. 

If you do not like having overly intricate underarm routines where you have to apply multiple products to your skin, you may prefer using exfoliating soaps instead. These can be used daily as you shower. Just remember to choose what’s right for you as some exfoliating soaps may be intensely drying and harsh to the skin.

Because of their consistency, liquid toners and solutions which contain acids or other botanical extracts can seep quicker and better into the skin’s pores. With these, your armpits are not only cleansed and exfoliated but also free from odor-causing bacteria.

Scrubs that can be used on the underarms usually have microbeads that buff away dead skin cells quicker. However, this can cause microtears on your skin, especially when used aggressively. Not to mention, they are non-biodegradable, so be sure to choose microbead-free scrubs. 

Instead, go for ones made of natural ingredients like finely ground fruit seeds. It is also recommended to opt for facial scrubs rather than body scrubs as they are formulated to be gentler than the latter.