This clever ingredient is part of the reason our deodorants work so well, and it’s not only present in deodorant. It’s also a common ingredient in toothpaste (remember the old toothpaste advert “that must be the baking soda!”) and lots of other cosmetic applications.
We’ll refer to it as Sodium Bicarbonate from here, since that is the correct labelling term. Although it is sometimes referred to as Baking Soda, this is more of an ‘Americanism’.
With the abundance of misinformation about sodium bicarbonate, it can be difficult to know what is true and what is false. In this article, we will explore the facts behind sodium bicarbonate and its use in deodorant products, so I thought I’d provide some clarity.
What is Sodium Bicarbonate and Why is it Used in Deodorant?
Sodium Bicarbonate is a salt, commonly found dissolved in mineral springs.
Sodium Bicarbonate is an antibacterial and pH neutraliser. In our deodorants, it is used to neutralise the acid in sweat and eliminate underarm bacteria, therefore preventing body odor from forming. It is an amazing deodoriser!
What are the Benefits of Using a Natural Deodorant with Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium Bicarbonate is a large part of the reason that our deodorants work SO well, and this is thanks to the wonder of chemistry! When alkaline Sodium Bicarbonate meets with sweat molecules it neutralises the acids that cause body odor and restores balance.
It is important to be aware that not all natural deodorants are created equal and some may cause skin issues. This is because the product was not formulated properly and it did not contain the right ingredients to prevent irritation. It is possible that the natural deodorant you used contained an ingredient that your body was sensitive to, causing a rash. To ensure that this doesn't happen again, make sure you read the label carefully before purchasing any natural deodorant and look for products with fewer ingredients listed on them.
Here are some simple steps to ensure that you get the most out of your deodorant and keep yourself smelling fresh all day long.
- Wash your underarms thoroughly & gently. Ensure that you remove all product applied from the previous day and rinse well.
- Exfoliate gently to rid yourself of bacteria and dead skin cells — it’s a safer bet towards ensuring your delicate skin is ready for a fresh application. We use our Nourish Cleansing Soap Bar , the turmeric give a gently exfoliation and the coconut milk preps the skin for optimal application!
- Apply sparingly [ 2 or 3 swipes will do!] Experiment with how much you need for optimal effectiveness.
