Is baking soda in natural deodorants really safe?

A few years ago, when I started making natural cosmetics, I naturally wanted to make deodorant that would be natural but still offered protection against unpleasant odors… This was quite a project for me, because due to the hormonal problems I was experiencing, I couldn't find anything natural on the market that would suit my armpits. Where to turn for advice in the fastest possible way? To Uncle Google of course! It either inundates you with so much information that 100% convinces you of something or 100% discourages you. That is, you know 100% what is true and what is best to take matters into your own hands. And I did.

Ok, natural ingredients…there are quite a few of them that deodorize, among them you will find coconut butter , neem oil (which, hand in hand, stinks worse than sweat), essential oils ..

But these are just ingredients with a mild effect. What is it that you can use in a deodorant to protect you from unpleasant odor? Yes, baking soda… I know ;). The most tips for homemade deodorant are baking soda. The one you use to bake, clean, etc. Not only recipes for home use, but also most natural deodorants on the market.

Is SODA really that OK?

If you’re new to the natural cosmetics industry, you’ve probably done some research and come across countless articles explaining the benefits of using baking soda as a natural deodorant. Baking soda has several beneficial properties that make it a favorite among natural deodorant enthusiasts. For example, baking soda is effective at absorbing all types of moisture, including sweat, which is why it’s used to keep your underarms dry. It’s also effective at killing the odor that comes with sweating. For these reasons, many natural brands continue to use baking soda as a main ingredient. However, the truth is that baking soda is not good for your skin and can have serious long-term consequences.

Why think before you reach for or make your own deodorant with baking soda?

To understand the negative effects of baking soda on your skin, you first need to understand how your skin works. The top layer of the epidermis is a moisture barrier. It keeps your skin moist and supple. This protection or barrier is called the acid mantle. It has a pH of about 5.5, making it slightly acidic. This thin acidic layer not only protects against moisture loss, but also protects your body from dirt, viruses, and bacterial infections.

Baking soda is a highly alkaline ingredient with a pH value of around 8.3. When you use baking soda in your deodorant, a chemical reaction occurs between your slightly acidic skin and the highly alkaline baking soda . This reaction damages your skin's natural acid mantle and moisture. Over time, your skin becomes more susceptible to infections, pollution, and sun exposure.

What are the possible side effects of baking soda in deodorant?

People who switch to a natural deodorant based on baking soda may experience skin irritation or a rash within the first week of use. Many baking soda advocates will try to chalk it up to a “detox.” But this is actually an allergic reaction. A rash is one of the signs that your deodorant is harming your skin. The longer you use the deodorant, the more damage you can do. Again, it depends on your skin and your sensitivity.

My experience with homemade deodorant and store-bought baking soda deodorants

Let me start by saying that I have really problem-free skin that can withstand a lot. I haven't used many skincare products in my life and that's still the case today. Maybe that's why I don't have problems with dryness, etc. I use basic natural cosmetics , every now and then I treat myself to some natural butter or body cream that I prepare, exclusively for the purpose of "cuddling". The first day I used deodorant with soda , I was impressed, it actually protected me throughout the day. The first week of use impressed me. Over time, however, My skin turned red , I attributed it to a skin reaction in the sense of getting used to the soda, because I read that this can happen in the first few days of use. But unfortunately it didn't stop there. I started to smell a very annoying smell but I didn't know why. It was like burnt. And as horrible as it may sound, it was burned! My skin was black, a living horror! I got a chemical burn on my skin, so I stopped using it immediately. It took a while to heal, and it also peeled off, which is normal with a burn. Since then, baking soda has not convinced me anymore! My partner loved the deodorant and still asks me for it today. But I didn't even think of making it... For me, baking soda is exclusively for cleaning purposes and nothing more.

And you? What kind of deodorant do you use? I hope I didn't scare you with this post. If you're happy with your baking soda deodorant and it doesn't cause you any problems, of course, use it. I just wanted to express my opinion on using baking soda on your skin.

But since the desire for a natural deodorant was still growing, I prepared a deodorant that will not contain soda. Yes, the SkinFairytale products will also be joined by a natural deodorant, which is already being tested by quite a few members of our family, friends and acquaintances. We will introduce it to you next year… 😉

Catherine

Update 2020: Deodorants are here! <3