Why We Avoid Sodium Bicarbonate in Skincare

Sodium Bicarbonate: Why We Don’t Use It in Our Deodorant

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is a naturally occurring compound used for everything from baking fluffy cakes to soothing indigestion, unclogging pipes, and cleaning pans. It’s a staple in most households, known for its versatility and effectiveness. But just because it’s a miracle worker in the kitchen, should it also have a place in your bathroom cabinet—or more specifically, on your skin?

Let’s talk about bicarbonate of soda for skin—and why at NAYA, we believe it’s best left in the cupboard, especially when it comes to delicate areas like your underarms.

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

If you look at the INCI lists of many “natural” deodorants, sodium bicarbonate is often the key ingredient used to neutralize odor. Why? Because it works. With a pH of around 9.5, this alkaline compound creates an environment under your arms that neutralizes acids and suppresses odor-causing bacteria.

From a functional standpoint, a tablespoon of baking soda mixed with warm water might indeed reduce odor or even cleanse grime. But when you apply soda bicarbonate on skin, especially sensitive skin, the results can be far from glamorous.

Should You Use Bicarbonate Soda on Skin?

While effective in neutralizing smells, baking soda and water mixtures can disrupt the delicate balance of your skin—particularly under your arms, where the skin is naturally slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6). This mismatch in pH levels can lead to skin conditions, irritation, and long-term damage to your skin barrier.

Comparison Table: Baking Soda vs. Skin-Friendly Alternatives

How to Transition to Natural Deodorant

Switching to a natural deodorant—especially one without bicarbonate of soda—can take a little time, but your body will thank you. During the first 1–3 weeks, your sweat glands and skin microbiome recalibrate. You might notice a temporary increase in odor or moisture as your body detoxes from conventional antiperspirants that block sweat. Be patient and support the process by gently exfoliating dead skin cells, staying hydrated, and wearing breathable fabrics. With consistent use, your skin will find its balance, and you’ll notice less irritation, fewer ingrown hairs, and a more harmonious relationship with your body’s natural rhythms.

Sweating Is Good: Why We Shouldn’t Block It

Sweating isn’t just normal—it’s vital. It helps regulate body temperature, eliminate toxins, and support a balanced skin microbiome. Traditional antiperspirants often contain aluminum salts that plug your sweat ducts, disrupting this essential process. While it may feel more comfortable short-term, blocking sweat can backfire—trapping bacteria and upsetting your skin’s pH, especially under the arms where skin is most delicate. At NAYA, we believe in working with your body, not against it. That’s why our deodorant gently neutralises odor without stopping your body’s natural and necessary functions.

Why Baking Soda Can Be Problematic for Skin

Here’s why we keep sodium bicarbonate out of our formulations at NAYA:

1. It Disrupts Your Skin’s Natural Barrier

The skin under your arms is already sensitive skin. When you apply an alkaline substance like sodium bicarbonate to an acidic environment, you create the perfect storm for side effects like irritation, inflammation, and disruption of your skin’s microbiome. Over time, this weakens your skin’s barrier and can cause chronic dryness or redness.

2. It’s a Common Irritant

Even a teaspoon of baking soda can cause problems. Some people don’t realise they’re allergic until after applying it. Many report a stinging or burning sensation after using deodorants with parts baking soda as the active. This irritation can increase if you’ve just shaved or exfoliated. Not ideal.

3. It’s Too Abrasive

Used to scrub dead skin cells off pots and pans, sodium bicarbonate is far too harsh for daily use on the body. It acts like an overly aggressive exfoliant, leaving skin dry, red, and even sore. Even when diluted with a cup of baking soda in a baking soda bath, it can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

4. It Offers No Added Skin Benefits

Aside from odor control, bicarbonate soda on skin doesn’t nourish or protect. It doesn’t improve texture, boost hydration, or help with common skin conditions. It simply strips and neutralizes, with no balancing effect. And while baking soda baths are sometimes used for fungal infections or itching, frequent use can deplete natural oils and microbiota—especially if you soak for longer than 15 minutes or 20 minutes at a time.

5. It’s Better for Baked Goods Than Your Armpits

Sodium bicarbonate is excellent in baked goods. It’s a leavening agent that helps batter rise and fluff. But that doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin and nails, or your underarms. What’s good for your muffins might not be good for your microbiome.

The NAYA Difference: Kind to Skin & Microbiome

At NAYA, we’ve chosen not to use sodium bicarbonate in our deodorant. Instead, we use gentle plant-based enzymes and probiotic actives that protect your skin’s microbiome and maintain your natural pH balance. Our formula supports your skin without disrupting it—offering odor protection that works in harmony with your body.

Our natural deodorant:

• Supports healthy bacteria instead of eradicating them
• Neutralises odor effectively and gently
• Leaves your skin and leave area smooth, balanced, and happy
• Won’t burn, sting, or over-exfoliate

No washing your face with baking soda, no baking soda bath mishaps, and no more guessing whether your underarm routine is damaging your skin.

Final Thoughts

Sodium bicarbonate might be a go-to for cleaning, cooking, and even treating certain skin conditions in a pinch—but it’s not designed for everyday use on sensitive skin, especially not in deodorants. At NAYA, we believe in formulas that work with your body, not against it.

So next time you reach for a “natural” deodorant, check if it includes baking soda and water. Your skin—and especially your armpits—deserve better.