When it comes to natural deodorant, baking soda is the heavyweight champ of odor-fighting ingredients. But how does it work and is it right for you?

What causes body odor?

Contrary to popular belief, sweat is NOT the source of B.O. Sweat is odorless; the culprit is actually the bacteria that feed off of the sweat. Another little-known fact? Your body produces two types of perspiration: eccrine and apocrine. Apocrine sweat contains fat and proteins that bacteria love to feed on. And when they do, the waste they produce is what makes us stink. Ain’t mother nature grand?

What is baking soda?

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which was created 4 million years ago when salt lakes around the planet began to evaporate. It became a household staple in 1846 when two brothers-in-law teamed up to bring this powerful powder to people everywhere; Arm & Hammer has been synonymous with baking soda ever since.

Because of its alkaline pH, baking soda has the ability to neutralize acidic substances. This comes in handy for controlling odors and helping cakes rise. But the alkalizing effect can also soothe indigestion and heartburn, treat insect bites and stings, remove stains, fight tooth decay and freshen breath. In addition to its everyday uses, baking soda has a variety of medical applications, including treating kidney disease.

Why use baking soda in natural deodorant?

Just like that little orange box in your fridge helps eliminate the smell of your week-old Chinese leftovers, baking soda neutralizes the smell of B.O. making it a safe, natural way to stay fresh.

  • A naturally-occurring mineral that is effective in fighting body odor
  • Free of the chemicals and additives, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, found in traditional deodorants and antiperspirants
  • Detoxifying effects help neutralize acid and alkalize the body
  • Helps balance and regulate pH levels in the body, which are often out of whack due to our modern diet of processed foods, for better overall health

Isn’t aluminum also a natural element? Why is baking soda healthier?

They might both be naturally occurring elements, but aluminum is one of the most toxic heavy metals on Earth. It’s been associated with everything from hormone disruption to tumors. Aluminum is used in many conventional deodorants and antiperspirants to block the pores and prevent you from sweating — not a healthy thing. Your body was meant to sweat, and the process eliminates toxins, excess salt and calcium.

What’s more, aluminum-based deodorants can actually make armpit odor worse. They kill very few odor-causing bacteria; in fact, they can cause bacteria to multiply. A truly effective natural deodorant will absorb sweat before it becomes fuel for odor and over time, will gradually reduce the body’s excess sweating.

What about those “natural” labels?

Beware of “natural ingredients” labels that many manufacturers plaster on their products. Personal care and beauty products are among the least regulated on the market, with virtually no safety standards or labeling requirements. A maker needs only one natural ingredient in a sea of toxic chemicals or a minuscule percentage of organic ingredients, and they can label themselves as natural and organic.

The best defense against this shady practice is to arm yourself with knowledge of quality ingredients and to shop with fully-transparent manufacturers who have a commitment to making products with no harmful toxins or chemicals. We are dedicated to bringing you sustainable solutions that are crafted by hand using only the highest quality organic and non-GMO ingredients. Frankly, it doesn’t get better (or cleaner) than this.

Is baking soda deodorant right for me?

Since each of us has our own unique body chemistry, baking soda isn’t right for everybody. If you’re considering making the switch to natural deodorant, read the blog to find out if baking soda is the formula for you.

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