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!
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.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From ₱399
This underarm whitening cream is a crowd-favorite for a good reason. It has a chock-full of great ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin E, and glycerin which ensures that you not only have bright underarms but also smooth, firm, and healthy skin.
It also reduces the appearance of pores and repairs and protects your skin from within. This product is perfect to use alongside the lightening deodorant spray included in the package which keeps your underarms fresh and odor-free.
Given all these benefits, no wonder it has garnered positive reviews in Lazada, Shopee, and BeautyMNL! One user even commented that they were able to see the results in just one week. If you're curious about this, order yours now!
Belo's Underarm Whitening Cream promises to whiten your underarms in as early as 2 weeks, thanks to its alpha-arbutin content which targets dark spots, and its hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid ingredient, a skin-brightening ingredient that prevents melanin formation.
This cream that has a lightweight texture also prevents redness caused by frequent plucking or shaving. One user said that it was able to improve the complexion of her underarms and that this product was also effective on her elbows and knees.
That's because it whitens the skin at the cellular level with its special, dermatologically tested formula which is also safe for sensitive skin. For an underarm whitening cream that's manufactured by one of the leading cosmetic brands in the Philippines, look no further than this product!
From ₱155
GlutaMAX's underarm whitening cream does not only whiten your underarms but also has ingredients such as shea butter extract and flavosterone extract that reduce the appearance of stretch marks and delays hair growth for smoother underarms.
With its glutathione and Vitamin C content, it can effectively lighten both your armpits and other intimate areas. Many users have had good experiences with this product, with one user saying that she was still able to see results after 3 or 4 uses even though she was not able to apply it religiously.
From ₱495
This clinical-strength yet gentle product aims to lighten your underarms and address chicken skin from deep within. With its nano-encapsulated technology, it can be easily be absorbed by your skin.
It's also formulated with retinol, one of the most popular skincare ingredients used in the market, to rejuvenate and heal the skin for a healthier look. This product contains six natural whitening ingredients such as alpha arbutin from bearberry extract, vitamin C, and licorice extract that keep your armpits bright.
It has anti-aging properties as well, because of its ellagic acid content. Additionally, it comes in convenient packaging, having a pump mechanism for you to access the product easily.
From ₱399
This underarm whitening cream nourishes and whitens your underarms and other delicate areas with glutathione, a popular skin-whitening antioxidant, and kojic acid, another well-known effective ingredient that stops melanin production to brighten up your skin. Because of this, you'll be able to get amazing results in 7 days!
It also uses Japanese sakura flowers and Japanese bearberry that help moisturize the skin and give it a healthy rosy glow. According to user reviews, this cream has a great formula and is a delight to use with its cute pink packaging. Many have also seen results in the promised 7-day timeframe.
From ₱299
With niacinamide in its formulation, this underarm whitening cream is able to lighten the skin and repair its barrier at the same time, giving you bright and healthy underarms. It also has licorice extract and alpha-arbutin to soothe redness and address hyperpigmentation, respectively.
This product is best used at night since you're supposed to avoid using deodorant with this product. A lot of users would buy this again and again because most find it effective and lightweight. They also said that a little goes a long way with this product, making it cost-effective.
From ₱67
This product contains niacinamide, alpha arbutin, and soybean oil that not only whitens your skin but also moisturizes it. This underarm whitening cream also inhibits hair growth, making it an all-around cream that is able to address any problems that you may have regarding your underarms.
Users have rated this product highly since it delivers results pretty quickly. It keeps their underarms dry, which is great for the hot weather in the Philippines. It has a good scent, too, that helps you feel fresh while looking good. Costing less than Php 100, this cream is a budget-friendly option that anyone can use.
From ₱399
This product contains the latest peptide technology and is formulated with rich cocktail exfoliants that naturally address skin discoloration and chicken skin. It doesn't contain any harsh bleach or hydroquinone and instead whitens your underarms with all-natural and organic ingredients that deeply penetrate your skin.
These ingredients include niacinamide, glycerin, sunflower oil, and witch hazel extract, among others. It's able to even out skin tone and keep it light, bright, and smooth even if you still shave or wax. Because of its effectiveness, many users claim that they have purchased this numerous times already!
From ₱189
With niacinamide, kojic acid, bearberry extract, and citric acid as part of the ingredient list, this product is indeed effective! Citric acid is responsible for its ability to smoothen your skin since it promotes cell turnover. Since it's made from all-natural ingredients, it's safe for pregnant or lactating women.
This cream is also great for those who are fond of unscented products since it is entirely scent-free. That's one of the main reasons why users love it - aside from its being effective and lightweight, it's not sticky as well, which makes it compatible with the hot weather in the Philippines.
From ₱170
Thanks to the combined power of glutathione and yogurt, this underarm whitening cream clears dead skin cells and helps you achieve whiter, brighter, and softer underarm skin. It also contains wasabi extract that effectively deodorizes your armpits.
If you pluck, shave, or wax often, this product minimizes the pores brought about by frequent hair removal. Besides treating chicken skin, it can also reduce odor without irritating your skin. So even those with sensitive skin can use it!
According to reviews, it is very absorbent and thick but is able to dry quickly. Plus, it has a fragrant scent that most users love. For those who are looking for something that can moisturize and soften their underarms while keeping them white, you will surely love this product!
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.
With summer upon us, show your underarms some tender loving care by checking out our other articles below of 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
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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageMobile data
Investment and asset management
Banking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation