This multipurpose wonder takes less than 30 seconds to apply and may even cost less.

Here’s a new discovery that’s taken theskin care community by storm: Theface acidsthat make your skin look younger just might work as deodorant!

How? Well, your armpits smell because the bacteria that are feeding off your sweat and oil glands are producing waste (aka odor) — not the sweat itself. But a swipe of face acids may act like a weather change to the bacteria, causing alow pH environmentso they can’t survive.

The 30-second beauty routine

After applying acid products like alpha hydroxy acid exfoliants to your face, swipe a thin layer over your armpits as well.Pixi Glow TonicandPaula’s Choice 2 percent BHA liquidare good products for this.

Boughta cult productthat was way too harsh for your face? Try it on your pits! As a bonus, these ingredients may reduce ingrown hairs as well!

Note:This trick only works to reduce odor. Acids won’t be able to stop sweat like an aluminum-based antiperspirant product, since it won’t block the ducts of your sweat glands. There’s also not a lot of current research on this topic.

确保开始用小剂量或百分比, just like you would with your face. Low pH products can irritate the skin.

If you’re unsure if your product falls in the acid category, check outour guide to face acids. And, as always, stop use if your pits turn irritatingly red or painful.


Michelle explains the science behind beauty products atLab Muffin Beauty Science. She has a PhD in synthetic medicinal chemistry. You can follow her for science-based beauty tips onInstagramandFacebook.