Why Baking Soda May Cause Armpit Irritation (And What to Do About It)

Switching to natural deodorant is a big step toward taking better care of yourself, and let's be real, it's a GOOD move. But if you've noticed that your pits are feeling a little more irritated than usual, baking soda might be the culprit. Don't worry, though; I've got the lowdown on why this happens and how to keep your armpits happy and healthy.

The Lowdown on Baking Soda in Natural Deodorants

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a popular ingredient in natural deodorants for a good reason. It's highly effective at neutralizing odor, which is why you'll find it in so many natural formulas. It creates an alkaline environment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria and absorbs moisture to help keep you dry. Sounds great, right? Well, it is—until it's not.

When we decided to create natural deodorants at Good + Plenty Naturals, we spent months researching ingredients. Baking soda kept coming up as the heavy hitter for odor control. And yes, it works. Many of our customers who tried our original formula loved how effective it was. But then we started hearing from others who experienced irritation, and we knew we needed to understand why.

Why Baking Soda Can Cause Irritation

While baking soda does a fantastic job at keeping odor at bay, it's not always so kind to your skin. Here's why:

pH Imbalance

Your skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, usually around 4.5 to 5.5. This acidity helps protect against harmful bacteria and keeps your skin barrier intact. Baking soda, on the other hand, is alkaline with a pH of around 9. When you apply something with a higher pH to your skin, it can disrupt your skin's natural balance, leading to irritation, redness, and even a rash. This is especially common for those of us with more sensitive skin.

The skin under your arms is particularly vulnerable because it's thinner than the skin on other parts of your body. When you regularly apply a high-pH substance like baking soda to this delicate area, you're essentially weakening your skin's natural defenses over time. For Black women especially, whose skin can show hyperpigmentation more visibly when irritated, maintaining pH balance is crucial for even skin tone.

Abrasiveness

Baking soda is also slightly abrasive. While it's great for scrubbing your kitchen sink, it might be too rough for the delicate skin under your arms. The fine particles can cause micro-tears in the skin, which can lead to irritation, especially when combined with friction from shaving or tight clothing.

Think about it—we put our armpits through a lot! We shave them, we wear fabrics that rub against them all day, and then we apply deodorant with potentially abrasive ingredients. For many women, this combination becomes too much for the skin to handle.

Sensitivity and Allergies

Some people are simply more sensitive to baking soda than others. Even if you've never had a reaction to it before, repeated exposure in a deodorant that stays on your skin all day can eventually lead to sensitivity. Allergic reactions are also possible, though they're less common.

What makes this tricky is that your body can develop a sensitivity over time. You might use a baking soda deodorant for months with no issues, then suddenly start experiencing irritation. This delayed reaction makes it hard to identify baking soda as the problem at first.

Signs of Baking Soda Irritation

Wondering if your deodorant is causing problems? Here are some common signs of baking soda irritation:

Redness: The skin under your arms may appear red or inflamed. On darker skin tones, this might look like darkening or a purple-brown discoloration.

Itching: Persistent itching that doesn't go away with washing. This might be worse after showering or when you're warm.

Rash: A rash that looks bumpy, scaly, or feels warm to the touch. You might notice small bumps or what looks like tiny pimples.

Dryness: Your skin may feel excessively dry or flaky, even if you're moisturizing regularly.

Discomfort: A general feeling of discomfort or burning under your arms, especially when you sweat.

Darkening of skin: For many Black women, irritation can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, causing the underarm area to darken over time.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to make a switch. And don't feel bad about it, your body isn't being "difficult," it's just telling you what it needs!

What to Do About It

So, what's a girl to do if baking soda is wreaking havoc on her pits? Don't sweat it, there are plenty of ways to keep fresh without irritation.

Switch to a Baking Soda-Free Deodorant

One of the easiest solutions is to switch to a baking soda-free natural deodorant. Good + Plenty Naturals offers sensitive  baking soda-free option that's just as effective at keeping odor in check but much gentler on your skin. Our formula uses magnesium hydroxide, a natural mineral that neutralizes odor without disrupting your skin's pH. It's a GOOD way to stay fresh without the fuss.

Our baking soda-free formula also includes coconut oil to moisturize and soothe, plus provide natural antibacterial properties. We've had customers tell us they switched after experiencing irritation and their underarms went right back to being normal.

Soothing Your Skin

If your skin is already irritated, you'll want to soothe it with some gentle care:

• Stop using the offending deodorant immediately and give your skin a break.
• Apply a soothing balm or aloe vera gel to calm the irritation. Look for products that are fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin.
• Moisturize regularly to help restore your skin's natural barrier. Opt for a moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or coconut oil.
• Consider applying a cold compress if the irritation is particularly uncomfortable. A clean washcloth soaked in cold water can provide immediate relief.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub against the affected area while your skin heals.

Armpit Detox

If you're in the process of switching to a natural deodorant, an armpit detox can help ease the transition. This detox can draw out impurities and reduce the chances of irritation as your skin adjusts to a new routine. Good + Plenty’s Armpit Detox Mix is a good choice for this, combining natural ingredients that cleanse and calm the skin.

Our Armpit Detox Mix contains bentonite clay, which helps draw out toxins and impurities that have built up from years of using conventional antiperspirants. It also includes activated charcoal, which is excellent for absorbing odors and clarifying the skin. Just mix with apple cider vinegar (which helps balance pH) and/or water, apply to clean underarms, let sit for 10-15 minutes, and rinse.

Many women find that doing an armpit detox once a week for a few weeks helps their skin adjust more quickly to natural deodorant and reduces odor during the transition phase.

Patch Test New Products

Before switching to a new deodorant, it's always a good idea to do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to see if there's any reaction. This can save you from full-on irritation later on. For women with sensitive skin, this step is non-negotiable! Even natural ingredients can cause reactions in some people. A patch test takes just a minute to do but can save you days of discomfort.

Give Your Pits a Break

Sometimes, your skin just needs a little time to heal. If you're dealing with irritation, consider going deodorant-free for a few days. Wash with a gentle soap, we highly recommend an antibacterial soap to prevent odor, keep the area dry, and let your skin breathe. You can use a mild dusting of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to absorb moisture if needed.

This might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you're used to wearing deodorant every day. But remember, your natural body odor isn't the enemy! It's just your body doing what bodies do. If you're concerned about odor during this healing period, try washing your underarms midday with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Also keep some alcohol free witch hazel on hand for a quick midday refresh, if needed.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

What you put into your body can affect your skin's health. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can support your skin's natural healing processes. Foods high in vitamins A, C, and E are particularly good for skin health.

Did you know that certain foods can actually help reduce body odor from the inside out? Chlorophyll-rich foods like spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can help neutralize odors. Citrus fruits can alter your body's pH to make it less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria. And probiotics from yogurt or fermented foods support healthy bacteria balance throughout your body.

Consider Your Clothing

The fabrics you wear can make a big difference in armpit health. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and bamboo allow your skin to breathe better than synthetic materials. This is especially important when your underarms are healing from irritation. Dark-colored clothing can also hide any temporary sweat marks if you're worried about going without antiperspirant during your healing period. And looser fitting tops will prevent additional friction against sensitive skin.

Making the Switch Smooth

Switching to natural deodorant should be a positive experience, not one that leaves you scratching your head and your armpits. By choosing a baking soda-free formula and taking steps to care for your skin, you can enjoy all the benefits of natural deodorant without the irritation.

Remember that there might be an adjustment period as your body gets used to natural deodorant. Many people experience what we call the "detox phase," where you might notice more odor or sweat as your body adjusts after years of antiperspirant use. This is normal and usually passes within a few weeks. Stick with it, and your body will thank you!

Keeping It GOOD Under Your Arms

Your journey to a more natural lifestyle doesn't have to come at the cost of your comfort. Baking soda might work wonders for some, but if it's causing you trouble, it's time to find an alternative that works for your skin. At Good + Plenty Naturals, we believe in creating products that work with your body, not against it. So go ahead, give our baking soda-free deodorant a try, and keep things fresh, comfortable, and irritation-free.

Remember, taking care of your whole body, from head to toe (and yes, those pits in between), is an act of self-love. You deserve products that respect your body's natural balance while helping you feel confident all day long.

 

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Medical Disclaimer: The content on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.