Baking Soda Deodorant: Does It Work, Side Effects & Best Alternatives (UK)

Baking soda — or sodium bicarbonate — has been used as a natural deodorant for decades. It's cheap, widely available, and for many people it works brilliantly. But for others it causes rashes, redness, and irritation that can last for days. So what's going on?

This guide explains the science behind baking soda as a deodorant, who it works for, who it doesn't, and what to use instead if your skin doesn't get along with it — including a growing range of bicarb-free natural deodorants that give you the same odour protection without the sting.

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What Is It? | Does It Work? | Side Effects | Rash Treatment | Bicarb Deodorants | Bicarb-Free Options | Comparison | FAQs

What Is Sodium Bicarbonate and Why Is It Used in Deodorants?

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is a naturally occurring alkaline salt. In deodorants, it works primarily through pH chemistry: body odour is caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat into acidic compounds. Baking soda raises the pH of the underarm environment, making it hostile to these bacteria — no bacteria, no odour.

It also has mild absorbent properties, which helps with moisture control. This is why it became such a popular ingredient in natural deodorant formulations, particularly in stick and cream formats from independent brands.

Unlike aluminium chlorohydrate (used in conventional antiperspirants to physically block sweat glands) baking soda does not stop sweating. It only addresses odour. If you're switching from a conventional antiperspirant, this is worth knowing — you will still sweat, but without the smell.

Does Baking Soda Actually Work as a Deodorant?

Yes — for many people, it works very well. Studies on pH-based odour control support the mechanism, and anecdotally, baking soda-based deodorants have a strong following in the natural beauty community.

Effectiveness tends to be best when:

Applied to clean, dry skin immediately after washing

Used consistently — it works better as a daily habit than occasionally

Combined with absorbent ingredients like arrowroot powder or shea butter, which help the formula adhere and spread evenly

Used in cooler conditions or lower-activity days — intense heat or exercise may require reapplication

The main brands using sodium bicarbonate in their formulas — including Kutis Skincare, Scrubber, and Ben & Anna — combine it with skin-conditioning ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils to balance the alkalinity and improve wearability.

Side Effects of Using Baking Soda as a Deodorant

This is where it gets more complicated. A significant minority of people — estimates vary, but figures of 20–30% are commonly cited in natural beauty communities — experience one or more of the following:

Redness and irritation, particularly after shaving

Contact dermatitis — an inflammatory skin reaction that can cause a rash, itching, or burning sensation

Darkening of underarm skin with long-term use, thought to be linked to the disruption of skin pH and increased friction

Dryness and flaking in some skin types

Why Does Baking Soda Irritate Some Skin?

The short answer is pH. Healthy underarm skin has a slightly acidic pH of around 4.5 to 5.5. Sodium bicarbonate has a pH of around 8.3 — considerably more alkaline. Applied daily, this can disrupt the skin's natural acid mantle, which protects against bacteria, irritants, and moisture loss.

People with naturally drier skin, eczema, or a history of contact dermatitis are more likely to react. Freshly shaved skin is also significantly more reactive, as the skin barrier is temporarily compromised.

The concentration of sodium bicarbonate matters too. Many brands have reduced concentrations in response to customer feedback, or have developed separate 'sensitive' or 'bicarb-free' ranges for those who react.

Baking Soda Deodorant Rash: What to Do

If you develop a rash from a baking soda deodorant:

Stop using the product immediately and let the skin recover — this can take 3 to 7 days

Apply a fragrance-free, pH-balanced moisturiser or a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to soothe the area

Avoid shaving the area until the rash has fully cleared

Switch to a bicarb-free deodorant once healed — see recommendations below

If the rash is severe, spreading, or doesn't improve within a week, consult a GP or pharmacist.

Natural Deodorants With Sodium Bicarbonate — UK Options

If you've used baking soda deodorants before without issue, or want to try one for the first time, here are the formulations we stock:

Kutis Skincare — Bicarb Deodorant Sticks (55g)

UK-made in compostable cardboard tubes. Kutis combine sodium bicarbonate with shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils — the fats help buffer the pH and improve skin contact. Available in Lavender & Bergamot, Lemongrass & Tea Tree, Grapefruit & Rose, and Orange & Patchouli. Vegan and plastic-free.

Scrubber — Natural Deodorant Sticks (85g)

Scrubber's standard range uses sodium bicarbonate alongside natural waxes in a robust plastic-free stick. The Patchouli & Mango and Earl Grey & Jasmine are popular everyday scents.

Ben & Anna — Soda Deodorant Paper Tubes (40g)

Ben & Anna's Soda range is named after its key ingredient — sodium bicarbonate — and comes in fully plastic-free FSC-certified paper tubes. The formula is 100% natural and available in a wide range of scents including Coco Mania, Pink Grapefruit, Mint, Persian Lime, and Aloe Vera Fragrance Free. Certified by NATRUE and the Vegan Society.

Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorants: For Sensitive Skin

If sodium bicarbonate doesn't agree with your skin, you don't have to go back to conventional antiperspirants. There's a growing range of bicarb-free natural alternatives that use different mechanisms to control odour:

Magnesium hydroxide — a gentler alkaline compound that creates an antibacterial environment without the same pH spike. Better tolerated by most sensitive skin types.

Zinc ricinoleate — a zinc salt derived from castor oil that physically traps and absorbs odour molecules. Used in many sensitive skin formulas.

Prebiotic ingredients — support a balanced skin microbiome rather than wiping out all bacteria.

Kutis Bicarb-Free Range (50g)

Kutis developed their bicarb-free line specifically for customers who reacted to their standard range. Same compostable packaging, same price, different formula. Available in Unscented, Grapefruit & Mandarin, Lavender & Bergamot, and Lemongrass & Tea Tree.

Scrubber Extra Sensitive Range (85g)

Scrubber's Extra Sensitive line reformulates without sodium bicarbonate for those who react. Available in Ylang & Rose, Earl Grey & Jasmine, and Grapefruit & Mandarin. Same size as the standard range — easy to switch without any extra cost.

Lavera Basis Sensitive Range

For those who prefer a roll-on or spray format, the Lavera Basis Sensitive Roll-On and Basis Sensitive Spray use zinc pca and sea salt as the natural mineral actives — no bicarbonate, no aluminium salts. NATRUE certified, dermatologically tested, and suitable for sensitive skin.

Ben & Anna — Sensitive Range (40g)

Alongside their Soda range, Ben & Anna also make a bicarb-free Sensitive line for those who react. Available in Japanese Cherry Blossom and Highland Breeze. Same paper tube format, no bicarb.

Bicarb vs Bicarb-Free: Quick Comparison

For a full overview of all our natural deodorant options — sprays, roll-ons, creams, and crystal formats — see our Aluminum-Free Deodorants collection. If you want to understand the difference between aluminium chlorohydrate and potassium alum, read our guide: Is Aluminium Chlorohydrate in Deodorant Harmful?. If you're also interested in plastic-free and zero waste formats, see: Zero Waste & Plastic-Free Deodorant UK: The Complete Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is baking soda safe to use as a deodorant?

For most people, yes — sodium bicarbonate is non-toxic and has a long history of use in cosmetics. However, a significant minority experience skin irritation due to its high pH. If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower-frequency application and monitor for redness.

Why does baking soda deodorant cause a rash?

Baking soda has a pH of around 8.3, which is considerably higher than the skin's natural pH of 4.5–5.5. This disrupts the skin's acid mantle and can cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals, particularly after shaving or if applied in high concentrations.

Can I use baking soda deodorant every day?

Many people do without any issues. If you're new to it, try every other day initially and observe how your skin responds before making it a daily habit. Apply only to clean, dry skin and avoid freshly shaved areas.

What's the best natural deodorant if baking soda irritates me?

The Kutis Bicarb-Free range, Scrubber Extra Sensitive range, Ben & Anna Sensitive range, and Lavera Basis Sensitive are all formulated specifically for this. Crystal deodorants from Salt of the Earth (which use potassium alum rather than sodium bicarbonate) are also a popular choice for sensitive skin.

Does sodium bicarbonate stop you sweating?

No. Sodium bicarbonate is a deodorant ingredient, not an antiperspirant. It neutralises the odour caused by sweat but does not reduce sweating itself. Only aluminium-based compounds (aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium) act as antiperspirants by blocking sweat glands.

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