Is Bicarb in Natural Deodorant Safe?
Rachel RobsonShare
If you’ve been browsing natural deodorants recently, chances are you’ve seen the words “baking soda free” floating about.
It’s become a bit of a buzzword in the world of natural deodorant — and if you’re someone with sensitive skin, it might’ve made you pause before buying anything that contains bicarbonate of soda (or sodium bicarbonate, if we’re being official).
We use bicarb in our deodorant balm — and we do so intentionally, because it works. But like most things in skincare, it’s not a one-size-fits-all ingredient.
Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been curious (or cautious) about it.
What is sodium bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate (often called baking soda or bicarb) is a naturally occurring salt, found in mineral springs and even produced by the human body in small amounts.
It’s widely known for its ability to neutralise odours, which is why you’ll often find it in toothpaste, household cleaners, and — you guessed it — natural deodorants.
It works by reducing acidity and helping to eliminate the bacteria that causes body odour, making it a go-to ingredient for many natural skincare formulations.
So… what is bicarbonate of soda doing in my deodorant?
Most of us are familiar with bicarb in the kitchen, but it’s actually a bit of a powerhouse when it comes to odour control too.
Here’s how it works:
- It helps neutralise the acids in your sweat
- It gently reduces the bacteria that causes body odour
In short: it doesn’t just cover up smells — it prevents them from forming in the first place. That’s why so many natural deodorants (ours included) use it as a key ingredient.
But does it irritate skin?
For some people — yes. But that doesn’t automatically make it a “bad” ingredient. The reason bicarb can cause irritation is because it’s more alkaline than your skin’s natural pH.
Healthy skin tends to sit around 5.5 on the pH scale, while bicarbonate is closer to 9. That mismatch can lead to things like dryness or redness, especially if your skin is already a little compromised.
It’s not usually a true allergy — more like a temporary imbalance. And for many people, the irritation disappears once your skin adjusts or if you reduce how often you use it.
Why we still choose to use it
There’s no ingredient quite like it when it comes to keeping body odour at bay — especially naturally.
We include just the right amount of bicarbonate in our balm to keep things fresh, while balancing it out with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients like:
- Organic coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Arrowroot powder
Together, this blend helps support your skin while still being seriously effective.
A few tips if you're new to bicarb
If you're switching from antiperspirant or using bicarb deodorant for the first time, here's what we recommend:
- Patch test first – just to be sure
- Apply to clean, dry skin – and not straight after shaving!
- Start small – a little goes a long way
- Be patient – your skin may need a bit of time to adjust if you’re coming off commercial deodorants
Not getting on with bicarb?
Don’t worry — it doesn’t mean natural deodorant isn’t for you. Everyone’s skin is different. Some people can use bicarb daily, some occasionally, and some need to avoid it altogether. That’s totally normal.
We’re already working on a bicarb-free version of our deodorant using magnesium and clay, designed especially for more sensitive skin. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, keep your eyes on our socials or sign up for updates — we’ll let you know when it’s ready.
Conclusion
Bicarbonate of soda has gained a bit of an unfair reputation in the natural deodorant world — but when it’s used thoughtfully and balanced well, it can be a brilliant (and natural) solution for body odour.
We believe in creating products that are not only kind to your body, but actually do what they’re supposed to. Our deodorant balm is proof that natural can be both gentle and effective — no compromises needed.
Still got questions? Feel free to reach out — we’re always here to help.
