Itchy armpits are annoying, embarrassing, and exhausting. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re clawing at your underarms in the supermarket queue, at your desk, or in bed when you’re meant to be relaxing.
The good news: most itchy underarms are fixable once you know what’s actually irritating your skin barrier and how to support it instead of stressing it.
This New Zealand guide walks you through common causes of itchy armpits, products that make it worse, the botanicals that can help (like kawakawa and mānuka), and a simple routine you can start today.
Common Causes of Itchy Armpits (That Might Surprise You)
Your underarm skin is thin, warm, and often damp — a perfect storm for irritation. Most itchy pits come from some mix of these:
Shaving Rash and Micro-Cuts
Dry shaving, blunt blades, and shaving in a rush can leave tiny cuts and scrapes. Anything you put on top (deodorant, perfume, even some “natural” products) can sting and itch over already irritated skin.
Fragrance and Alcohol Overload
Strong synthetic fragrance, heavy essential oils, and alcohol-based sprays are common triggers for itchy, red underarms. If your pits burn, tingle, or feel hot after applying a product, fragrance or alcohol may be the culprit.
Bicarb (Baking Soda) Deodorant Burns
Bicarb can help odour, but at higher levels it is alkaline and abrasive. On sensitive skin it can cause redness, darkening, and intense itch. If your “natural” deodorant leaves red patches in the exact shape of where you applied it, bicarb sensitivity is very likely.
Sweat, Heat and Bacteria Imbalance
Sweat itself is mostly water and salt. The problem starts when sweat, heat and bacteria build up in a tight, covered area. This can lead to odour, itch, and sometimes a rash or small bumps.
Fungal or Yeast Overgrowth
Warm, damp folds of skin are ideal for yeast and fungi. This can look like a red, defined rash that itches or burns and sometimes appears on both sides. Persistent or painful rashes should be checked by a doctor.
Existing Sensitive Skin Conditions
If you have eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, your underarms may flare easily. Harsh washes, scrubs, and fragranced products can quickly tip your skin over into itch and inflammation.
Fabric and Friction
Tight synthetic fabrics, seams rubbing the same spot, and staying in a sweaty sports bra too long can all contribute to itchy pits. Your skin may calm down simply by changing fabrics and giving the area more air.
pH-Balancing Mistakes
Many body washes are more alkaline than your skin likes. Repeatedly washing with a product outside your skin’s comfort zone can slowly damage the barrier, leading to dryness, itch and irritation.
Natural vs Conventional: What Actually Irritates Your Pits
“Natural” doesn’t automatically mean gentle, and “conventional” doesn’t automatically mean bad. What matters is how your skin reacts.
Common irritants to watch for:
- Strong synthetic fragrance or heavy essential oil blends
- Denatured alcohol and alcohol-based sprays
- High bicarb (baking soda) levels
- Aluminium salts in some antiperspirants (for some people)
- Scrubby exfoliants used directly on underarms
- Harsh surfactants and body washes at the wrong pH
Gentler options to look for instead:
- pH-balanced cleansers made for sensitive skin
- Hydrosol-based foams using botanicals instead of straight water
- Fragrance-free or lightly scented products
- Deodorants formulated specifically for sensitive underarms
- Simple ingredient lists you can actually read
NZ Botanicals That Help Calm Itchy Underarms
One advantage of living in Aotearoa is access to powerful native plants that support the skin barrier instead of fighting it. Three standouts for itchy pits:
Kawakawa: Calming Support for Stressed Skin
Kawakawa has a long history of traditional use for irritated, reactive skin. In modern skincare, kawakawa-infused oils, balms and hydrosols are loved for:
- Soothing general redness and heat
- Comforting skin that’s been shaved, rubbed or over-washed
- Supporting the skin barrier as it repairs
Mānuka and Pink Mānuka: Odour & Bacteria Balance
Mānuka (and pink mānuka) are known for their powerful, targeted support against problem-causing bacteria. In underarm care they can help:
- Keep odour-causing bacteria in check without stripping the skin
- Support a cleaner, fresher feel between washes
- Partner with gentle surfactants to cleanse without harshness
Lavender Hydrosol: Gentle Everyday Comfort
Lavender hydrosol is much gentler than straight lavender essential oil. In a pH-balanced foam cleanser it can:
- Refresh underarms without sting or burn
- Add a soft, calming scent instead of a heavy perfume
- Be suitable (when formula is right) for both underarms and intimate areas
A Simple 3-Step Routine to Stop Itchy Armpits
You don’t need ten new products. You need a calm, repeatable routine your skin can trust.
Step 1: Switch to a Gentle, pH-Balanced Cleanser
Replace harsh body washes with a mild, pH-balanced cleanser or foam that’s designed for sensitive underarms (and ideally safe for intimate areas too). Hydrosol-based formulas using kawakawa, mānuka and lavender are ideal for daily use because they refresh without stripping.
Step 2: Soothe and Support the Skin Barrier
After washing and gently patting dry, apply a light layer of a soothing product such as a kawakawa balm or a simple oil blend made for sensitive skin. The aim is to:
- Calm any existing redness or heat
- Lock in a little moisture without clogging
- Give the barrier time to repair
Step 3: Choose the Right Deodorant (Or Pause It)
If your deodorant is causing the problem, the fastest relief often comes from stopping it for a short time. Let the skin calm down using just a gentle wash and soothing product. When you reintroduce deodorant:
- Look for low- or no-bicarb formulas
- Choose fragrance-free or lightly scented options
- Avoid applying straight after shaving
- Start with a small amount and see how your skin responds
Signs Your Deodorant Is Wrong for You
It’s easy to blame your skin, but often the formula is the issue. Your deodorant may not be right for you if:
- You see a clear red outline where you apply it
- Your underarms burn, tingle or feel hot after application
- The itch gets worse the longer you wear it
- The skin looks darker, rougher or flaky over time
In these cases, stop that product, go back to a calm routine, and then try a different formula once the skin has settled.
Everyday Habits That Help Prevent Itchy Pits
Small changes add up. To keep itchy underarms away long-term:
- Wash daily with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser — especially after sweating
- Rinse thoroughly so no product residue is left sitting on the skin
- Dry by patting, not rubbing
- Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo where possible
- Avoid staying in damp sports bras or tops for hours
- Use a clean razor, with a slip product, and shave in the direction of hair growth
- Give your underarms occasional “rest days” without deodorant if you can
When Itchy Armpits Mean You Should See a Doctor
While most itchy pits are product- or friction-related, it’s important not to ignore more serious signs. Talk to a health professional if:
- The itch is severe or keeps you awake at night
- Your skin is cracked, bleeding, or weeping
- You notice a strong new odour with discharge or a defined red rash
- You have a painful lump, swelling, or fever
- Nothing improves after switching to gentle products for 1–2 weeks
FAQ: Itchy Armpits and Sensitive Underarms
Why are my armpits suddenly itchy?
Sudden itchy armpits are often caused by a new product (like deodorant or body wash), shaving changes, tighter clothing, or sweating more than usual. Think about what you changed in the last few days: a different deodorant, laundry powder, fabric, or razor can quickly trigger irritation.
Can deodorant cause itchy underarms?
Yes. Deodorants are a common cause of itchy pits, especially if they contain strong fragrance, alcohol, or high levels of bicarb. Some people also react to aluminium salts or certain essential oils. If your itch lines up exactly with where you apply deodorant, it’s worth stopping that product and trying a gentler formula.
What relieves itchy armpits fast?
First, rinse with cool or lukewarm water and switch to a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Pat dry, then apply a soothing product (like a kawakawa balm or a light, fragrance-free moisturiser). Avoid deodorant and perfume on the area until the itching settles. If the itch is severe or the skin looks infected, see your doctor or pharmacist.
Why do my armpits itch after shaving?
Shaving removes hair but also takes off a thin layer of skin and can leave micro-cuts. Applying strong deodorant or alcohol-based products straight afterwards often stings and leads to itch. To reduce this, use a fresh razor, shave with slip, rinse well, avoid harsh products afterwards, and consider shaving at night so your skin can recover.
Can I use a hydrosol-based cleanser under my arms and on intimate areas?
Many hydrosol-based cleansers are designed to be gentle enough for both underarms and intimate areas, but it depends on the exact formula and pH. Look for products that clearly state they are pH-balanced and suitable for sensitive or intimate skin, and always patch test first. If you feel burning or lasting discomfort, rinse off and stop using it.
Is kawakawa good for irritated underarm skin?
Kawakawa is widely used in New Zealand skincare for supporting irritated, reactive skin. In a balm or infused oil, it can help calm redness and support the skin barrier as it repairs. As always, if you have allergies or a diagnosed skin condition, check with your health professional before trying new products.
How long does it take itchy armpits to heal after switching products?
Mild irritation can start to improve within a few days once you remove the trigger and support the skin barrier. More intense rashes or burns can take 1–3 weeks to fully settle. During this time, keep your routine simple, avoid known irritants, and give your skin as much calm consistency as possible.
Can I still smell fresh if I have sensitive, itchy underarms?
Yes. Staying fresh with sensitive underarms is about smart layering, not harsher products. Use a gentle cleanser daily, dry thoroughly, wear breathable fabrics, and choose a low-irritant deodorant made for sensitive skin. Some people also carry a small travel-sized foam cleanser or hydrosol to refresh during hot or busy days without triggering irritation.
