5 Reasons why you shouldn't use Baking soda on your skin.

At Frank + Bare, our mission is to create natural deodorants that work with your skin, not against it. Many natural formulas rely on baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, which can feel harsh on delicate underarm skin. We took a different path, and here is why.

1. It is not recommended by healthcare professionals

Baking soda, also called bicarb soda or sodium bicarbonate, is a common cause of irritation in natural deodorants. It is abrasive and disruptive on the thin underarm area, and it is not dermatologist recommended for daily use.

2. It upsets the skin’s natural pH balance

Healthy skin maintains an acidic pH between 4.5 and 6.5. Baking soda is alkaline, usually pH 8 to 9. Applying an alkaline ingredient raises the pH, which can disturb enzymes, the barrier, and the bacterial flora that prefer an acidic environment, leading to redness and irritation.

3. It damages the protective oil barrier

Once skin pH rises above about 6.5, the acid mantle is disrupted, and the protective oil barrier weakens. Even a single application of baking soda can cause dryness and increased sensitivity. Barrier recovery can take more than two weeks, and repeated use can extend the damage.

4. It disrupts healthy bacteria

Good skin bacteria prefer acidity. Baking soda shifts the environment toward alkaline conditions, which makes it harder for helpful bacteria to thrive. This reduces natural defence against irritation, unwanted microbes, and breakouts.

5. It over exfoliates the skin

Baking soda is physically abrasive. Daily use can feel like fine sandpaper on your underarms, which may lead to discomfort, visible redness, dilated vessels, and underarm hyperpigmentation.

Why some deodorants use baking soda

Brands use baking soda to reduce odour because it can neutralise acids produced by bacteria. The trade off is that it alters the skin’s natural balance, which can create irritation for many people.

The Frank + Bare difference, AHA powered odour control

We formulated a deodorant that respects your skin. Instead of baking soda, we use Alpha Hydroxy Acids, AHAs, from orange, lemon, bilberry, sugar cane, and sugar maple. AHAs support a slightly acidic pH, which creates an environment where odour causing bacteria cannot survive or thrive.

• Targets bacteria at the source, so odour does not develop,
• Helps maintain the acid mantle and healthy microflora,
• Gently exfoliates to reduce ingrowns and support brighter looking underarms,
• Feels soft and luxurious, with a butter like glide that is comfortable for daily use.

Acknowledging skin differences

Every body is different, and some people tolerate baking soda. For many others it leads to irritation. Frank + Bare offers a gentler, modern approach, with aluminium free, baking soda free odour control that works with your skin.

Explore the Frank + Bare range, and experience baking soda free natural deodorant that keeps you confidently fresh.