If you mean 6 detailed home remedies/recipes for dark underarms, here are gentler options. Dark underarms can come from friction, shaving, irritation, or conditions such as acanthosis nigricans, so home remedies may not remove the underlying cause.
1. Aloe vera gel
Ingredients
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1–2 teaspoons pure aloe vera gel
How to use
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Apply a thin layer to clean, dry underarms.
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Leave for 15–20 minutes.
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Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
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Use once daily if your skin tolerates it.
2. Plain yogurt + oatmeal
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon plain, unsweetened yogurt
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1 teaspoon finely ground oatmeal
How to use
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Mix into a smooth paste.
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Apply gently—don’t scrub aggressively.
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Leave for 10 minutes.
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Rinse and moisturize.
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Try 2–3 times per week.
3. Licorice + aloe soothing mask
Ingredients
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1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
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A small amount of cosmetic-grade licorice root extract (follow the product’s recommended dilution)
How to use
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Mix according to the extract manufacturer’s instructions.
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Apply a thin layer for 10–15 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly.
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Use a few times weekly.
4. Cooled green tea compress
Ingredients
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1 green tea bag
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½ cup hot water
How to use
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Steep for 5 minutes and allow it to cool completely.
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Soak a clean cotton pad in the tea.
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Place it on the underarms for 5–10 minutes.
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Rinse and moisturize.
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Repeat once daily.
5. Gentle moisturizer + reduced friction
This isn’t a “mask,” but it’s often more useful darkening around the neck or groin, it’s worth seeing a clinician because that pattern can be associated with insulin resistance and than acidic DIY recipes.
Routine
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Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
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Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing.
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Wear loose, breathable clothing.
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Avoid repeated rubbing and harsh deodorants.
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If shaving causes irritation, use shaving gel and a clean, sharp razor.
6. Niacinamide lotion
For a more evidence-based at-home option, consider a fragrance-free body lotion containing about 4–5% niacinamide rather than making a DIY mixture.
How to use
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Patch-test first.
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Apply a thin layer to clean, dry underarms once daily.
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Stop if you develop burning, rash, or significant irritation.
Avoid DIY lemon juice, baking soda, toothpaste, or undiluted vinegar. They can irritate or burn the skin and potentially make pigmentation worse.
If the skin is thick/velvety and darker than the surrounding skin, particularly if you also have similar darkening around the neck or groin, it’s worth seeing a clinician because that pattern can be associated with insulin resistance and other medical conditions.