Deodorant is a beauty product that eliminates unpleasant body odor. However, many people now use natural ingredients like baking soda to combat body odor. Is it more effective to use baking soda instead of deodorant? Check out the following review.
Benefits and risks of baking soda as a deodorant
Baking soda has long been used as a household cleaner. Baking soda is commonly used to clean kitchen utensils, pipes and drains, bathroom floors, clothing, and refrigerators.
Baking soda is known to have antimicrobial properties that can cause unpleasant odors. Because of this ability, baking soda is used not only to clean household appliances but also to replace popular deodorants on the market.
To use baking soda as a deodorant substitute, it is quite easy:
- Mix about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with a little warm water in a container to form a paste
- Apply the paste to the armpits, patting gently into the skin with fingertips
- Make sure the paste is completely dry before using clothes
Many people consider baking soda safer to use as a deodorant because the use of deodorant is thought to cause health risks such as:
- Aluminum content increases the risk of breast cancer and other cancers
- Deodorants contain parabens, which can cause cancer
- Triclosan in deodorants can cause hormone disruption
- Other additives could trigger irritation
However, experts believe that more research is needed to determine the risks of using deodorant for cancer. The same goes for the effectiveness of baking soda as a deodorant.
Although baking soda is thought to have benefits for removing body odor, it can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. According to Medical News Today, research indicates that using natural ingredients is not always preferable or safer.
A 2016 study examined the ingredient lists of 100 natural personal care products, including deodorants. The study found that natural products contained the same number of potentially irritating ingredients as conventional products.
Some of the risks that may arise are:
- Skin redness
- Rash Itching
- Skin cracks
Experts also warn that many natural ingredient-containing products do not disclose the risks associated with their use. As a result, consumers should exercise caution when purchasing personal care products claiming to contain natural or organic ingredients, such as deodorants.
How to get rid of body odor
Sweating is almost completely odorless. Body odor occurs when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin. Body odor can be sour, acrid, or oniony, depending on the bacteria in the body and how they interact with sweat.
The underlying cause of body odor determines the appropriate treatment. Some treatments for body odor could include:
- Maintain personal hygiene by showering or washing with antibacterial soap
- Wash clothes frequently and wear clean clothes
- Wear loose cotton clothing
- Reducing consumption of foods that cause odor
- Managing stress effectively
- Botox injections
- Prescription drugs may prevent sweating
Mild cases of body odor can be treated with home remedies. However, for severe cases of body odor, your doctor may prescribe antibacterials, antiperspirants, or other treatments to prevent excessive sweating and bacterial growth.
Baking soda has a variety of uses, including as an alternative to deodorant. However, its use may cause skin dryness. If you have problems with body odor or other beauty issues, you can consult a doctor.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and other home treatments? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Ferchak, D. (2023). Everything you need to know about armpit detox. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319624
Cherney, K. (2019). Baking Soda as a Deodorant: What Are the Benefits and Side Effects?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/baking-soda-deodorant
Robinson, M., and Hovay, K. (2023). Are Deodorants With Aluminum Bad for You, and Should You Switch to Natural?. Available from: https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/alternative-treatments/the-benefits-of-moving-to-aluminum-free-more-natural-deodorants-and-perspirants
Cleveland Clinic, Body Odor. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17865-body-odor