Why Your Natural Deodorant Is Causing a Rash

If your natural deodorant is leaving you with a red, itchy underarm rash, you're not alone. Many people make the switch to cleaner products only to end up battling irritation. So what's going on?

Why Natural Deodorant Can Cause a Rash

Natural deodorants skip the aluminum and synthetic fragrances found in traditional formulas. That’s great news for your health. But they can still cause discomfort if your skin doesn't agree with certain ingredients or if the formula throws off your skin’s pH balance.

Here are the three main reasons your natural deodorant might be causing a rash:

• pH imbalance: Your underarm skin has a natural pH around 5.5. Some deodorants, especially those with baking soda, are much more alkaline. That imbalance can lead to irritation.
• Ingredient overload: Essential oils, plant extracts, and natural preservatives can be too much for sensitive skin. More isn’t always better.
• Friction: If your deodorant is gritty or your skin is dry, rubbing can lead to micro-tears and inflammation.

Baking Soda: A Common Culprit

Baking soda is a popular ingredient in natural deodorants. It helps neutralize odor, but it’s also highly alkaline. That means it can disrupt your skin’s natural pH and lead to a baking soda deodorant rash.

Here’s how it happens:

• Your skin’s barrier gets disrupted.
• That leads to dryness, redness, and even peeling.
• Over time, your skin can become more reactive to other ingredients.

If you're wondering why natural deodorant causes irritation, baking soda is often the answer. Not everyone reacts to it, but if you have natural deodorant sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid it.

Other Ingredients That Might Be Causing a Rash

Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s gentle. Some plant-based ingredients can be irritating, especially in high concentrations.

Watch out for these:

• Essential oils: Tea tree, lavender, citrus, and peppermint oils can all trigger reactions in sensitive skin.
• Alcohol: Used as a preservative or to help the formula dry faster. It can be drying and irritating.
• Fragrance (even “natural” ones): Your skin doesn’t care whether it’s synthetic or botanical. Fragrance is a top cause of allergic reactions.

These ingredients in natural deodorant causing rash may not bother everyone, but they’re common triggers especially if your skin barrier is already compromised.

Is It Just Part of the Detox?

You may have heard that irritation is just part of “detoxing” when you switch to a natural deodorant. That’s not exactly true.

Your body doesn’t need to detox through your armpits. What’s really happening is your skin is adjusting to a new product. Sometimes that includes a switching to natural deodorant rash, but it’s not something you have to suffer through.

If your deodorant is causing an armpit rash, it means it’s not working for your skin. It’s okay to try something else.

How to Soothe a Natural Deodorant Rash

If you’re dealing with an underarm rash from natural products, take a break. Stop using deodorant for a few days and let your skin heal.

Here are some tips to calm the irritation:

• Rinse with cool water and a gentle cleanser.
• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel.
• Use a cold compress if your skin feels hot or inflamed.
• Avoid shaving until the rash clears up.

Once your skin is calm, you can try a new formula made for sensitive skin. Look for magnesium-based deodorants, which help fight odor without disrupting your skin’s pH.

At MAGS Skin, we use magnesium hydroxide instead of baking soda. It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t mess with your skin’s natural balance.

How to Prevent Future Rashes

Choosing the right deodorant is key, but how you use it also matters. Here’s how to keep your underarms happy:

• Less is more: Use a pea-sized amount. Too much product can build up and cause irritation.
• Wait after shaving: Shave at night and apply deodorant in the morning to reduce friction and sensitivity.
• Patch test: Try a small amount on the inside of your arm before using it on your pits.
• Hydrate your skin: Moisturized skin is more resilient. Use a gentle lotion if your underarms feel dry.

If you’ve had issues with natural deodorant pH imbalance or reactions in the past, these small changes can make a big difference.

What to Look For in a Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

If you’re prone to irritation, choose a deodorant that’s made with natural deodorant sensitive skin in mind. Here’s what to look for:

• Magnesium hydroxide: Fights odor without raising your skin’s pH.
• Fragrance-free or lightly scented: Less fragrance means less chance of a reaction.
• Smooth, non-gritty texture: Reduces friction and micro-tears.
• No baking soda or alcohol: These can dry out or inflame your skin.

Pay attention to how your skin reacts. A good deodorant should feel like it’s doing nothing. That means it’s working without causing problems.

Quick Takeaways

• A natural deodorant rash is usually caused by pH imbalance, harsh ingredients, or friction.
• Baking soda deodorant rash is one of the most common types of irritation.
• Stop using products that burn, sting, or leave your skin red.
• Switch to a magnesium-based formula if you have sensitive skin.
• Patch test new products and give your skin time to adjust.

Gentle doesn’t mean weak. It means smart. If your current deodorant is causing problems, it’s time to find one that works with your skin not against it.

MAGS Skin is designed for people who want odor control without the irritation. Our formulas are made for sensitive skin, with ingredients that support your skin’s natural balance. Because fresh should never hurt.