Sodium Bicarbonate: 4 Reasons Why we don't use it
SODIUM BICARBONATE: WHY WE DON'T USE IT
Sodium bicarbonate or also known as baking soda is a naturally occurring substance. And used as a powerful odor neutraliser in dedorants in the natural skincare industry. It also makes cakes rise, soothes indigestion, removes stains, cleans pipes, pots and pans. And many other things. In a nutshell, it is an invention that is indispensable from our household. But should we use it in our bathroom?
When you look at the INCI list today of many natural deodorant brands, they are using sodium bicarbonate as their active ingredient to neutralise odor. And for good reason: it really does work. Sodium Bicarbonate has a pH level of around 9.5. Thus it is an alkaline substance that can create an alkaline environment under your armpits which inhibits the odour of bacteria. But is it all that glamorous?
Should you use sodium bicarbonate in your deodorant?
Sodium bicarbonate can be harsh on the skin. The skin's natural pH level under your armpit is between 5.5-6. It is fairly common to develop a rash when using deodorants that rely on sodium bicarbonate. To the point that it becomes a burning sensation and your armpits feel sore. The reason being for it is that you can combine an alkaline substance and apply it to an acidic environment which ultimately irritates your sensitive skin, especially when you have recently shared your armpits. Sodium bicarbonate is also highly abrasive. What might work wonders for your pipes, and pots - might not be the best for your skin.
There are many reasons why sodium bicarbonate should stay in the kitchen cabinet and not move to your bathroom cabinet and stay away from your armpits.
SODIUM BICARBONATE CAN DISRUPT THE SKIN'S NATURAL BARRIER AND PH LEVELS
It has the potential to damage the skin's natural barrier and pH balances. The skin's barrier is what protects it from infection and breakouts, so removing it using a treatment that removes natural bacteria and changes the pH levels in skin depletes the skin's natural moisture and potentially exposes it to diseases.
IT IS AN IRRITANT
Sodium Bicarbonate, when mixed with water (or vinegar in rare situations), can be quite irritating to the skin. Furthermore, many people are unaware that they are allergic to baking soda until after it has been applied to their skin! When using a traditional or natural deodorant with baking soda as an ingredient, this raises the risk of rashes, burning, and redness in the underarm area.
IT OVER-EXFOLIATES
THERE IS NO VALUE ADD FOR THE SKIN
IN SUMMARY
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