I rubbed a thick slice of raw potato under my arms every morning. 5 days later, this is what happened. Full article 👇

 

I Rubbed a Thick Slice of Raw Potato Under My Arms Every Morning—5 Days Later, This Is What Happened

Let’s be honest—when you first hear about rubbing a raw potato under your arms, it sounds a little strange. Maybe even ridiculous. I mean, potatoes belong in the kitchen, not in your daily hygiene routine… right?

That’s exactly what I thought when I first stumbled across this unusual tip. But after seeing it pop up again and again—on forums, in DIY beauty groups, and even in natural wellness discussions—I got curious. People were claiming it could help with body odor, lighten underarm skin, and even soothe irritation.

So I decided to test it for myself. No deodorant. No shortcuts. Just a simple slice of raw potato, used every morning for five days straight.

Here’s exactly what happened.

Why a Potato?

Before diving into the experiment, I wanted to understand why anyone would even consider using a potato this way. As it turns out, potatoes aren’t just starchy vegetables—they’re packed with compounds that can be surprisingly beneficial for the skin.

Raw potatoes contain:

Enzymes and antioxidants that may help soothe and repair skin

Vitamin C, known for brightening and evening out skin tone

Mild natural acids that can gently exfoliate

Anti-inflammatory properties that may calm irritation

In natural skincare, potato juice has been used for years to help reduce dark spots, puffiness, and uneven skin tone. Some people even use it on their face.

So the idea isn’t completely out of nowhere—it just sounds unconventional when applied to underarms.

The Rules of My 5-Day Experiment

To make this test as fair as possible, I set a few simple rules:

I would use a fresh slice of raw potato every morning

I would rub it under each arm for about 1–2 minutes

I would let it dry naturally before getting dressed

I would not use deodorant or antiperspirant during the test

I would keep everything else in my routine the same

I wasn’t expecting miracles—but I was definitely curious.

Day 1: Skeptical Beginnings

The first morning felt… weird. There’s no other way to describe it. Standing there, rubbing a cold slice of potato under my arms, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.

The potato felt slightly moist but not messy. It left a thin, almost invisible layer on my skin as I rubbed it in. There was no strong smell—just a faint, earthy scent that disappeared quickly.

After letting it dry, my underarms felt surprisingly fresh. Not perfumed, not masked—just clean.

By midday, I started paying attention. Normally, without deodorant, I’d expect at least a hint of odor. But there wasn’t much. Not completely gone—but noticeably less than usual.

That got my attention.

Day 2: A Noticeable Difference

By the second day, the process felt less strange and more like a routine. Slice, rub, wait, done.

What surprised me most was how my underarms felt throughout the day. There was:

Less moisture than I expected

Minimal odor, even in the afternoon

No irritation or stickiness

I also started noticing that my skin felt smoother. Not dramatically different, but softer to the touch.

At this point, I was cautiously impressed.

Day 3: The Real Test

Day three was the real challenge. I had a busy day, including time outdoors and a bit more movement than usual. If the potato trick was going to fail, this would be the day.

But something interesting happened.

While I did notice a slight natural scent by late afternoon, it was far less intense than I expected—especially without deodorant. It wasn’t unpleasant, just… normal.

Even more surprising: there was no buildup. Sometimes, skipping deodorant can lead to a sticky or uncomfortable feeling, but my underarms still felt clean.

That’s when I started to think: maybe this isn’t just a trend.

Day 4: Unexpected Skin Changes

By day four, I started noticing something I hadn’t even been looking for—my underarm skin tone seemed slightly more even.

Now, this wasn’t a dramatic transformation. But the darker areas looked just a bit lighter and less patchy.

This makes sense when you think about it. Potatoes are often used as a natural remedy for pigmentation, thanks to their vitamin C and mild bleaching properties.

I also noticed:

Less redness after shaving

A calmer, more balanced skin texture

No dryness or irritation

At this point, I was genuinely surprised.

Day 5: The Final Verdict

By the fifth day, the experiment didn’t feel like an experiment anymore—it felt like a habit.

Here’s what stood out most:

1. Odor Control

Was it as strong as deodorant? No.

But did it significantly reduce odor? Yes.

The potato didn’t mask smell—it seemed to neutralize it naturally.

2. Skin Improvement

This was the biggest surprise. My underarms looked:

Slightly brighter

More even in tone

Smoother overall

3. Comfort

No itching. No irritation. No residue.

In fact, it felt more comfortable than many products I’ve used.

So… Does It Actually Work?

After five days, I can confidently say:

Yes—but with some limitations.

Rubbing raw potato under your arms can:

✔ Help reduce mild body odor

✔ Improve skin texture

✔ Gradually even out skin tone

✔ Soothe irritation

But it’s not a complete replacement for deodorant in every situation—especially for:

Intense workouts

Hot, humid days

Long, physically demanding routines

Think of it more as a natural alternative for light daily use, rather than a heavy-duty solution.

Why It Might Be Working

There are a few possible explanations for the results:

Antibacterial Effects

Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. Potatoes may help reduce bacterial activity on the skin.

Mild Acidity

The natural acids in potatoes could be helping to balance skin pH, making it harder for odor-causing bacteria to thrive.

Skin Brightening Compounds

Vitamin C and enzymes may help gradually lighten pigmentation and improve skin clarity.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Completely natural

Affordable and accessible

Gentle on sensitive skin

Multi-benefit (odor + skin care)

Cons

Not as strong as deodorant

Requires daily prep

Results may vary by person

Slightly inconvenient compared to store-bought products

Tips If You Want to Try It

If you’re curious and want to test it yourself, here are a few tips:

Use a fresh slice each time (don’t reuse)

Choose a firm, raw potato

Rub gently for 1–2 minutes

Let it dry before dressing

Store the rest of the potato in the fridge

Optional: you can even juice the potato and apply it with a cotton pad for a less messy experience.

Final Thoughts

At the start of this experiment, I expected a funny story—something I could laugh about and move on from.

Instead, I found a surprisingly effective, natural alternative that actually delivered noticeable results in just five days.

Is it perfect? No.

Is it worth trying? Honestly—yes.

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the ones we overlook. A basic kitchen ingredient, used in an unconventional way, turned out to be more effective than I ever imagined.

So if you’re looking for a natural, low-cost way to freshen up your routine—or you’re just curious enough to try something new—grab a potato, slice it up, and give it a shot.

You might end up just as surprised as I was.