Deodorant concealer risks: Derms say tinted sticks are not daily makeup
Tinted deodorants can cover dark underarms temporarily, dermatologists say, but daily use may irritate sensitive skin.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The deodorant concealer risks dermatologists cite are not wild beauty-horror stuff. The bigger concern, they told NBC Selected, is that tinted underarm sticks may irritate an area that already deals with sweat, rubbing and product buildup.
Deodorant concealer is a newer twist on regular deodorant: it contains pigment meant to blend with a person’s skin tone while still helping control odor. The pitch is simple enough, a quick cover-up for dark or uneven underarm skin when wearing sleeveless tops, swimsuits or tank tops.
Dr. Shamsa Kanwal, a board-certified dermatologist and consultant at My Psoriasis Team, told NBC Selected that these products can give a temporary cosmetic improvement. She described them as closer to body makeup with deodorant benefits than a treatment for pigmentation.
Is deodorant concealer safe?
The dermatologists interviewed by NBC Selected did not label deodorant concealer as dangerous, but they urged caution about using it every day. Dr. Tanya Kormeili, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, said makeup in the armpits is better reserved for occasional use, because underarm skin sits in folds that hold sweat and moisture.
That matters because friction, trapped sweat and residue can lead to irritation and discomfort, according to Kormeili. Irritation can also worsen the discoloration that users may be trying to hide.
Kormeili also noted that deodorant concealers are not the same as antiperspirants. Deodorants target odor, while antiperspirants are designed to reduce sweat. Fragrance in some products may also bother sensitive skin and contribute to darkening over time, dermatologists told NBC Selected.
What causes dark underarms?
Kanwal told NBC Selected that common triggers include shaving, waxing, friction, ingrown hairs, inflammation and reactions to deodorants or fragranced products. Eczema, folliculitis and repeated irritation can also leave underarm skin darker.
The underarm area is thin and sensitive, so repeated rubbing from clothing or hair removal can prompt the skin to produce extra melanin after irritation. That can leave a darker patch even after the original flare-up settles down.
Kanwal also said discoloration that looks thick or velvety should be checked by a doctor. That kind of change may be acanthosis nigricans, which can sometimes be linked with insulin resistance or another medical condition, according to NBC Selected.
Does deodorant concealer treat hyperpigmentation?
No. Dermatologists told NBC Selected that deodorant concealer covers the look of uneven tone for a short period, but it does not correct the underlying pigmentation.
For longer-term improvement, Kanwal recommended first reducing whatever is irritating the skin, such as friction, close shaving or products that sting or itch. She said ingredients including niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid may gradually help discoloration when used carefully.
Which deodorant concealer is getting attention?
The category is still small, according to NBC Selected, with few products and limited long-term feedback. One of the more visible options is Joban Beauty Tinted Deodorant, which is sold in five shades: light, warm, medium, tan and dark.
NBC Selected reported that the Joban product had less than a three-star average on Amazon from 12 reviews, while Joban’s own website listed a 3.9-star average from 382 reviews, including 267 reviews of four stars or higher.
Kanwal said tinted deodorant should be washed off at day’s end so pigment, sweat and product residue do not sit on the skin. She recommended lukewarm water, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, patting the area dry and using a simple moisturizer if the skin feels dry.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.