Can You Use Baking Soda as Deodorant?

Baking soda is a pantry staple that does more than help your cookies rise. For some people, it’s also a go-to natural deodorant alternative. But is baking soda safe for armpits? Can it really keep body odor away? And what happens when your skin doesn't love it back?

Why People Try Baking Soda as Deodorant

If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to fight odor, baking soda might seem like a quick fix. It’s cheap, easy to find, and known for absorbing smells. That’s why people often use it in their fridge, shoes, and yes even their armpits.

Here’s why it’s tempting to use baking soda as deodorant:

• It neutralizes odor: Baking soda helps balance pH and absorb sweat, which reduces stink.
• It’s affordable: A box costs less than most store-bought deodorants.
• It feels DIY-friendly: You can mix it with oils or powders to make your own formula at home.

But what works in your fridge doesn't always work on your skin. Especially if your underarms are sensitive.

Is Baking Soda Safe for Armpits?

Here’s the truth: Baking soda can be safe for some people. But it’s not ideal for everyone. Especially not for sensitive skin.

Baking soda is alkaline, meaning it has a high pH. Your skin, especially your underarms, prefers a slightly acidic environment. When that balance gets thrown off, irritation can happen fast.

So if you’re asking, “Is baking soda safe for armpits?,” the answer depends on your skin. If you’ve ever noticed redness, itching, or stinging after using it, your skin might not be a fan.

Common Baking Soda Deodorant Side Effects

Many people try baking soda for body odor, but end up with:

• Redness or rash
• Dry, flaky skin
• Burning or stinging
• Bumps or breakouts

These signs usually mean your skin’s protective barrier is irritated. That can happen when baking soda changes your skin’s natural pH too much. It’s especially common if you apply it after shaving or on already sensitive skin.

Why Baking Soda Causes Underarm Irritation

The science is simple. Your skin’s barrier works best at a pH around 5.5. Baking soda has a pH of 8 to 9. That’s a big shift. When you apply it to your underarms, it can strip away oils and upset your skin’s balance.

This doesn’t just cause discomfort. It can also make your skin more likely to react to other ingredients, bacteria, or even your own sweat.

If you've ever searched for a sensitive skin deodorant alternative, chances are you’ve seen baking soda listed. But for many people, it ends up causing more problems than it solves.

Should You Try a DIY Baking Soda Deodorant?

DIY deodorants are popular, and baking soda is a common ingredient. But if you want to try a homemade deodorant for sensitive skin, you’ll need to be careful with how much you use.

Here’s a basic baking soda deodorant recipe that people often try:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Optional: A few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree)

Mix it into a paste and apply a small amount with your fingers. But even this mild version can still cause baking soda underarm irritation for some people.

Tips if You Still Want to Try It

• Patch test first: Try it on a small spot of skin before using it on your armpits.
• Use less baking soda: Try cutting the amount in half and adding more arrowroot or clay instead.
• Don’t apply right after shaving: Your skin is more sensitive then.
• Moisturize: Use a gentle lotion or oil to protect your skin barrier.

Better Alternatives for Sensitive Skin

If baking soda doesn’t work for you, you’re not out of options. There are other natural deodorant alternatives that fight odor without irritating your skin.

Look for ingredients like:

• Magnesium hydroxide: A gentle compound that stops odor without throwing off your skin’s pH.
• Zinc oxide: Helps fight bacteria and calm irritated skin.
• Arrowroot powder: Absorbs moisture without being abrasive.
• Kaolin clay: A soft, natural clay that helps keep you dry.

These ingredients are often found in deodorants made for sensitive skin. They offer the odor-fighting power you need, without the harsh effects of baking soda.

Why MAGS Skin Skips the Baking Soda

At MAGS Skin, we believe deodorant should work with your skin, not against it. That’s why our formulas leave out baking soda. Instead, we use magnesium to stop odor and restore balance.

Our magnesium-based deodorant is designed for sensitive skin. It’s gentle, effective, and pH-friendly. Plus, it won’t sting after shaving or cause that burning feeling you might get with baking soda.

So if you’ve been searching for a sensitive skin deodorant alternative that actually works, we’ve got you.

Quick Takeaways

• Baking soda as deodorant can fight odor, but it’s not for everyone.
• It may cause underarm irritation, especially for sensitive skin types.
• High pH levels in baking soda can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier.
• DIY baking soda deodorant recipes are popular, but often too harsh.
• Better options include magnesium, zinc, and clay-based deodorants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can baking soda get rid of body odor?

Yes, it can help neutralize odor by absorbing sweat and balancing pH. But it may also irritate your skin, especially over time.

Why does baking soda make my armpits burn?

Because it’s alkaline. That can upset your skin’s natural pH and cause stinging, redness, or dryness.

Is there a safer alternative to baking soda deodorant?

Yes. Magnesium-based deodorants are a gentle, effective option for sensitive skin. They fight odor without the harsh effects of baking soda.

Can I mix baking soda with other ingredients to make it gentler?

You can try. Adding arrowroot powder, clay, or coconut oil may help. But even diluted, baking soda can still cause irritation for some people.

Bottom line: Baking soda works for some, but not all. If you’ve tried it and your skin isn’t happy, you’re not alone. Look for a deodorant that respects your skin’s balance and still keeps you fresh. That’s where MAGS Skin comes in.