If you are bored of regular deodorants and want to try something more natural, you may have heard about baking soda deodorant. Baking soda is cheap, easy to get, and already in many homes for cooking, cleaning, and deodorizing. But will it really act as a deodorant?
What Causes Your Pits to Smell?
Sweat by itself is not usually extremely smelly. Most of the smell is caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down chemicals in sweat. Your underarms have sweat glands, and this area might be warm and moist. This makes it easier for germs to grow. That’s why you could smell more body odor after working out, on hot days, or after working up a sweat for a long time.
Deodorants are designed to help control that smell. Antiperspirants, meanwhile, are designed to reduce sweating. Learn more about the difference between deodorant vs antiperspirant.
Is Baking Soda an Effective Deodorizer?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can suppress odor because it can change the habitat where the microorganisms that produce odor live. It is also a deodorizer, which is why it is often used to get rid of bad smells in refrigerators, shoes, and other locations. So baking soda deodorant might work for certain people who have armpit odor. But there’s a major difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant.
- Deodorant: Aids in controlling bodily odor.
- Antiperspirant: Decreases sweating (especially useful for conditions like excessive sweating).
Baking soda can help with smell, but it is not a proven replacement for an antiperspirant if your big problem is excessive sweating.
Recipe for a Natural Homemade Deodorant using Baking Soda
It is incredibly easy to make a simple baking soda deodorant at home using everyday natural ingredients like coconut oil.
What you will need:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 Tbs of baking powder
- 1 Tbs of cornstarch or arrowroot
Preparation & Application:
Mix the ingredients in a clean bowl to get a uniform paste. Save a little in a clean jar. To use, take a very small amount and gently apply to clean, dry underarms. You don’t have to butter it up. A small piece will test your skin’s sensitivity.
Useful tip! Test a small patch of skin elsewhere before applying homemade deodorant to both underarms. Check for burning, itching, redness, or swelling. If you experience an adverse response, you can wipe it off and cease use. Read our guide on how to perform a patch test correctly.
Why Baking Soda Can Be Bad for Your Skin!
This is one of the biggest problems with DIY baking soda deodorants. The skin beneath the arms is tender. Baking soda is alkaline, while healthy skin tends to be slightly acidic. Some people, whether in excess or directly, can have baking soda harm the skin barrier.
This may lead to:
- Redness
- Itch Burning sensation
- Drought
- Peel.
- Small spots
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Some can react after a few applications; some are fine with baking soda. Natural doesn’t mean safe for everyone.
Does baking soda darken your underarms?
If it produces constant irritation, it can perhaps cause dark-looking underarms. When skin becomes irritated, it may respond by producing additional pigment. This can result in darker blotches, especially in people who are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
If you see your underarms getting darker after using a natural baking soda deodorant, stop using it and let your skin rest. Do not scrub the area aggressively in an attempt to remove the darkness. It can make the irritation worse. Instead, check out safer ways for dark underarms treatment.
Baking Soda Deodorant and Regular Deodorant
Both remedies can assist with body odor, but they use distinct approaches.
| Feature | Baking Soda Deodorant | Regular Deodorant |
|---|---|---|
| Helps control odor | Yes | Yes |
| Stops sweating | No | Usually no |
| Can contain baking soda | Yes | Depends on product |
| Fragrance | Usually low or none | Often available |
| Skin reaction | Possible | Possible |
| Easy to make | Yes | Ready to use |
If you have sensitive skin, don’t assume homemade deodorant will automatically be better for you. A fragrance-free, less commercial product could be plain and easier on your skin.
Who shouldn’t use baking soda deodorant?
If your underarm skin is sensitive or irritated, baking soda is likely not the ideal choice for you. Do not apply it immediately after shaving or waxing. These activities can leave tiny areas of discomfort on the skin. Baking soda might burn. DO NOT USE on broken skin, wounds, or rash. If you have a history of sensitivity to skincare products, patch testing is very important.
How to Use Baking Soda Deodorant Without Risk?
If you want to give it a try, just remember these straightforward rules.
- Use a small amount. More baking soda does not mean better odor control.
- Don’t apply it after shaving. Give your skin some time to calm down. See our tips on preventing razor burn and irritation.
- Don’t scrub it into your skin. Apply gently.
- Patch test first. This can help you notice a reaction before applying it to both underarms.
- Stop if your skin burns or becomes red. Don’t try to “get used to it.”
- Keep the homemade product clean. Use clean hands and a clean container.
What If Baking Soda Doesn’t Work On Your Skin?
You don’t have to push yourself to use it. Other ways to deal with body odor: Change out of sweaty clothes periodically, use fabrics that breathe and keep the area dry, and wash your underarms regularly. You can also look for deodorants for sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, fragrance-free products may be a better option. Mind you, it’s not about finding the most “natural” product. You are looking for something that changes smell but doesn’t hurt your skin.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Normal body odor is usually not a problem. But if you start sweating a lot more than usual, at night for no obvious reason, or it’s getting in the way of your daily life, it’s worth discussing with a doctor. You should also seek medical treatment if you develop a persistent rash, swelling, pain, severe itching, or changes in your skin after stopping the use of this medication and they do not go away. Consult a professional dermatologist if needed.
Sum up,
So, does baking soda deodorant actually work? This can help some people control underarm odor, largely by changing the surroundings that can cause odor. But it doesn’t prevent you from sweating like an antiperspirant. The biggest issue is that baking soda might irritate the skin of some people. Applying it after shaving or on already irritated skin, or using too much of it can make things worse.
If you want to use a natural baking soda deodorant, start small and always do a patch test first. Discontinue use if burning, redness, itching, or darkening occurs. Natural is not always best. It actually depends on how your skin responds.
FAQs
Can I use baking soda for deodorant?
It can be innocuous to some, but it can irritate sensitive skin. Always do a patch test before regular use.
Does baking soda prevent armpit sweat?
No. It might help with smell, but it doesn’t work as an antiperspirant.
Is baking soda responsible for black underarms?
If the irritation persists, your skin may look darker from the irritation. Read more on hyperpigmentation causes and remedies.
How much should I apply baking soda deodorant?
There’s hardly a single figure that works for everybody. Use sparingly at first. Discontinue if skin gets irritated.
Homemade deodorant versus commercial deodorant: Which is better?
Not exactly. Homemade products can work for some but have the potential to irritate the skin as well. Pick what’s safe and comfy for your skin.
