Baking soda is more than just an ingredient in your grandma’s delicious baking – the antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic nature of this over-the-counter powder makes it an epic asset for your skin, too.

A big part of self-care issues like body odour and break-outs is an unbalanced skin pH. pH measures the acidity of the body, on a range from 1 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic). The ideal pH for human skin is around 7.45, so just slightly basic. Unfortunately, most of us are exposed to environmental toxins that cause our pH level to lower into the acidic range.

Sodium Bicarbonate is an alkaline substance, and when applied topically it both soothes the inflammation caused by low pH levels, and brings those levels back into balance. Plus, its anti-septic elements leave you smelling like a rose without any added perfumes or scents.

Like all things, though, baking soda should be used in moderation – because it’s alkaline, if you apply it to your skin in high quantities too often, it can cause dryness and irritation. (Daily applications in small doses is a-okay.)

Should you happen to find yourself having a reaction to baking soda, discontinue use for a few days and upon your return try applying a thinner layer, over-applying can lead to irritation. For sensitive skin, you can try a gentler solution: our Peppermint & Activated Charcoal Deodorant Detox is made baking-soda free using charcoal is the key component for absorption.

Find it in our:
Lemon Myrtle & Geranium Deodorant
Sandalwood & Bergamot Deodorant

Source:
McKay, Warren, Richard Morris, and Phillip Mushlin. “Sodium bicarbonate attenuates pain on skin infiltration with lidocaine, with or without epinephrine.” Anesthesia & Analgesia 66.6 (1987): 572-574.