It started with good intentions — a switch to natural products, a cleaner routine.
But for Emma, a fitness instructor who tried a popular natural deodorant, things didn’t go as planned.
“I loved the idea of using plant-based products,” she said. “But after a week, my underarms were red, itchy, and stinging. I thought I was allergic to natural deodorant — turns out, it was the baking soda.”
Emma isn’t alone. While many natural deodorants aim to replace aluminum with “gentler” ingredients, one common substitute — baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) — can cause irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin.
What Is Baking Soda Doing in Deodorant?
Baking soda is a natural alkaline compound that neutralizes odor-causing acids in sweat. Sounds simple and effective, right? In small amounts, it may work well for some people — at first.
But here’s the problem:
Your skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic (around 4.5–5.5), and baking soda has a much higher pH (8–9). When applied daily, especially to freshly shaved or sweaty underarms, it can:
- Disrupt the skin’s acid mantle (its protective barrier)
- Cause redness, dryness, or a burning sensation
- Lead to microtears, rashes, or long-term skin sensitivity
- Worsen with friction, sweat, or heat
This kind of irritation can sneak up on people — often starting mild and becoming worse over time with repeated use.
Why Sensitive Skin and Daily Use Don’t Mix with Baking Soda
If you apply deodorant more than once a day — post-commute, after workouts, before social events — baking soda-based formulas can become increasingly harsh, especially on thin underarm skin. Add shaving or heat into the mix, and irritation becomes even more likely.
That’s why many dermatologists and natural skincare experts now recommend avoiding baking soda in formulas designed for daily, long-term use.
The AtomFresh Approach: Gentle, Effective, and Baking Soda-Free
At AtomFresh, we believe going natural should never mean compromising your comfort.
Our deodorant balms are completely free from baking soda, aluminum, and Paraben — and instead use:
- Zinc ricinoleate to trap and neutralize odor molecules
- Saccharide isomerate for long-lasting hydration and skin barrier support
- Botanical extracts like licorice root to soothe and calm
These ingredients work together to offer long-lasting freshness without the harshness — making it a perfect sensitive skin deodorant for everyday use.
What You’ll Notice When You Make the Switch
Once you stop using baking soda and switch to a gentle balm like AtomFresh, you may notice:
- Fewer breakouts or rashes in your underarm area
- No more sting after shaving or sweating
- A more comfortable feel all day, even in hot weather
- Natural scent that stays close to the skin, not the room
- A sense of confidence that comes from knowing your product is working with your body, not fighting against it
Clean Beauty Starts with the Basics
If you’ve ever experienced irritation and didn’t know why — it might not be your skin. It might be your deodorant.
Choosing a natural product isn’t just about avoiding aluminum — it’s about finding something that respects your skin. That’s why we built AtomFresh to be free from baking soda, and full of clean, plant-based ingredients that actually support your skin.
Because feeling fresh should never come at the cost of feeling comfortable.
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