Baking Soda Deodorant and Why It Burns (And What I Use Instead)

Girl, Your Pits Deserve Better

You try to switch to a natural deodorant and suddenly your underarms are on fire. We're talking irritation, redness, or somehow smelling worse than you ever have before. Sound familiar? Trust me, I've been there.

My Natural Deodorant Era Was a Disaster

Back in 2015, I decided to make the switch to natural deodorant. After going through fifteen, yes fifteen, different deodorants, I was still funky. I smelled worse than I ever had, and my pits were on fire. Something wasn't adding up.

That's when I discovered the culprit: baking soda.

So What's Actually Going On With Baking Soda?

Here's the thing, baking soda being alkaline isn't actually the problem. Raising your pH is a good thing. An alkaline environment is one where odor-causing bacteria are less likely to thrive. That's the goal.

The problem is that baking soda raises your pH way too fast. Because it dissolves so quickly, it can shock your skin, potentially disrupting your natural barrier and contributing to that burning, irritated feeling.

Why I Switched to Magnesium

Magnesium works similarly to baking soda but in a gentler way. It helps create that same alkaline environment where odor-causing bacteria are less likely to hang around, but it gets there gradually, so your skin's barrier has a chance to stay balanced. No burning, no redness, just a more comfortable experience.

And here's the bonus: magnesium isn't water soluble. So when you start sweating, it stays intact and keeps doing its job.

The Bottom Line

Girl, you don't have to choose between natural deodorant and smelling funky halfway through the day. You just have to ditch the baking soda.

Ready to make the switch? Shop the Refillable Deo Starter Kit and find your perfect match.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional if you experience persistent skin irritation.