Baking soda, despite its popularity in many natural deodorants, can wreak havoc on sensitive skin due to its high pH level. If you’ve ever experienced an uncomfortable rash after using a natural deodorant, chances are the baking soda is to blame. At Honestly pHresh, we believe in formulating products that are both effective and gentle, ensuring 24-hour odor protection without harsh ingredients. Our all-natural deodorants are thoughtfully crafted with prebiotics and probiotics, keeping your skin happy and irritation-free. Ready to ditch the baking soda and keep your pits pHresh? Sign up for our newsletter and get 20% off your first order! http://www.honestlyphresh.com

The pH Problem with Baking Soda

Skin's Natural pH Balance

Our skin has a natural pH level that typically falls around 4.5 to 5.5, making it slightly acidic. This acidity helps maintain the skin barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out. Baking soda, on the other hand, has a high pH level of around 9, which is highly alkaline. When applied to the skin, this drastic pH shift can disrupt the skin's natural balance, leading to irritation, dryness, and even rashes. For those with sensitive skin, this imbalance can be even more pronounced, causing significant discomfort. Using a deodorant that respects your skin's natural pH is crucial for maintaining healthy, happy underarms. This is why Honestly pHresh opts for ingredients that support your skin's natural acidity, ensuring you stay fresh without compromising your skin's health.

How Baking Soda Disrupts pH

Baking soda disrupts the skin’s pH by making it more alkaline. This shift can damage the protective acid mantle, a thin film on the surface of your skin that acts as a barrier against bacteria, pollutants, and moisture loss. When this barrier is compromised, the skin becomes more susceptible to irritants and infections. Sensitive skin, in particular, can react strongly to such disturbances, leading to redness, itching, and painful rashes. Moreover, an alkaline environment can exacerbate dryness, further irritating delicate skin. The disruption caused by baking soda is why many people experience adverse reactions when using deodorants containing this ingredient. Opting for formulas that maintain the skin's natural pH, like those from Honestly pHresh, can help avoid these unpleasant side effects. By choosing products that support rather than disrupt, you can keep your skin balanced and healthy.

Real User Experiences

Many users have shared their struggles with baking soda-based deodorants. For instance, Sarah, a mother of two, noted, "I wanted to switch to natural deodorants, but every time I used one with baking soda, my underarms would become red and itchy." Similarly, Jane, a fitness enthusiast, mentioned, "The rashes were unbearable, especially after a workout. I didn't know what was causing it until I realized it was the baking soda." These real-life experiences highlight the common issue of irritation and discomfort caused by baking soda in deodorants. Users who switched to Honestly pHresh have noticed significant improvements. Anna shared, "Since I started using Honestly pHresh, my skin feels so much better. No more rashes, just all-day freshness." These testimonials underscore the importance of choosing deodorants that are gentle on the skin and maintain its natural pH balance.

Why Honestly pHresh is Different

Thoughtfully Formulated Ingredients

At Honestly pHresh, we carefully select ingredients that are gentle yet effective. Our deodorants are packed with natural prebiotics and probiotics, which help maintain a healthy microbiome on your skin. These beneficial bacteria support your skin's natural defenses, keeping odor-causing bacteria in check without disrupting the pH balance. Unlike baking soda, these ingredients work harmoniously with your body’s natural chemistry, providing all-day odor protection without irritation. We believe that what you put on your skin should be as pure and gentle as what you put inside your body. This commitment to thoughtful formulation ensures that our products are safe for even the most sensitive skin, allowing you to stay fresh and confident throughout the day.

Effective and Safe for Sensitive Skin

Honestly pHresh deodorants are designed with sensitive skin in mind. We understand that those with delicate skin need products that provide protection without causing irritation. Our formulas are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and, of course, baking soda. Instead, we use natural ingredients that are both effective and gentle. Ingredients like magnesium and arrowroot powder work together to absorb moisture and neutralize odor without disrupting your skin’s natural pH. This means you get the 24-hour protection you need without the risk of rashes or irritation. Many of our users with sensitive skin report that Honestly pHresh has been a game-changer for them, providing a dependable solution that keeps them feeling fresh and comfortable all day long. With Honestly pHresh, you can confidently embrace a deodorant that’s as kind to your skin as it is effective.

24-Hour Odor Protection

One of the standout features of Honestly pHresh deodorants is their ability to provide 24-hour odor protection. Unlike some natural deodorants that fade by midday, our formula ensures you stay fresh from morning until night. We achieve this through a unique blend of natural ingredients that target odor at its source. Prebiotics and probiotics work together to balance the bacteria on your skin, reducing the growth of odor-causing microbes. Ingredients like arrowroot powder and magnesium absorb moisture, keeping you dry without clogging pores. This combination not only neutralizes odor but also promotes a healthy skin environment. Users have praised our deodorants for their long-lasting effectiveness, even during intense workouts or busy days. With Honestly pHresh, you can trust that you’ll remain confidently fresh and odor-free, no matter what your day has in store.

 

About 91% of men in the United States use deodorant daily, making it the top personal hygiene product used by men nationwide.

Our natural “Fresh Hands” Sanitizer Spray kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria with simple plant-derived ingredients. We start with PURE 190% Organic Cane Ethanol and essential oils such as Lavender and Geranium for a calming and uplifting effect. Our quick-drying formula is also safe for children.

The feminine hygiene aisle can be overwhelming! With a variety of brands and wide range or personal care products, how do you know what is best for you and your intimate areas?

Before we begin, let’s get a better understanding of the meaning behind “pH balance”. Remember in science class as a teenager testing the pH balance of different liquids such as water or vinegar with a pH strip to see the different levels of acidity? (If you don’t remember, not to worry!) Basically, pH balance refers to the level of acids and bases present. Now, let’s get personal! When your vagina’s pH is in balance your body can fight off bacterial and infections, however, when it is not then bad bacteria can build up and cause odor, irritation, and potentially infections.

When pH is measured it has a scale from 0 to 14. Anything less than 7 is considered acidic, while anything indicating higher then 7 is considered alkaline. Vaginal pH levels typically range between 3.5 and 4.5. You want to avoid high vaginal pH levels that can create the perfect environment for unhealthy bacteria to form. This can lead to odor, painful sex, discomfort or infections. Not to mention higher risks for STIs, infertility, pre-term births, pelvic inflammatory disease and post-hysterectomy infection- no thanks!

So why is this important? Vaginal care can easily go unnoticed, but it is important to clean and use safe pH balancing products to ensure your vaginal health is in check! You may experience symptoms such as burning, itching, redness or various forms of irritation “down under”, this is a sign that your body is letting you know your pH may be off-balance.

Don’t vagina’s clean themselves? Yes, as magical as it sounds, your vagina is self-cleaning and can usually maintain its pH balance without additional help. However, circumstances can change and disrupt that perfect pH balance level.

Most common disruptors include:

Menstruation- Menstrual blood holds a pH of about 7.4 and can easily fluctuate when using products such as tampons and pads, increasing the risk for bacterial growth.

Medications- Unnatural substances such as prescription medications and antibiotics can upset the balance of good bacteria in your body.

Hormones- Anything that contributes to the fluctuation of hormones, such as oral or internal contraceptives, hormonal replacement therapy, and pregnancy can often cause a high pH that potentially leads to vaginal infections.

Wet or Damp Clothing- Bacteria and yeast flourish in warm and wet environments such as sweaty workout clothes and wet swimsuits.

Now that we know more about pH and its disruptors, let’s review the many ways you can help maintain that pH balance!

Before we get started, if you are experiencing any irritation, discomfort, or infections do consult your physician.

Healthy Diet- You are what you eat, right? Try avoiding processed foods, refined sugars and simple carbs. It is best to consume whole, fresh foods and natural antifungal foods such as yogurt and garlic (they help fight off bad bacteria).

Practice Safe Sex- Semen has a pH of about 7.1 to 8, it is best to use barrier protection such as condoms during sex to reduce risks.

Safe Feminine Care Products- We know it’s important to keep your vagina and its surroundings clean, however, it can be sensitive! Regular body washes or soaps can disrupt the pH balance or even cause dryness or irritation. We recommend using safe feminine care products that are made without harsh chemicals, such as our Pre + Probiotic Feminine Wash. Our gentle Foaming Feminine Wash is packed with pre + probiotics as well as lactic acid to maintain the perfect pH level of your delicate area and to combat odor before it starts.

The 411 on Prebiotics & why you NEED it in your deodorant! 

Before you ask yourself, “Why would I need prebiotics in my deodorant?” let us explain! Prebiotics are nutrients that promote growth of good bacteria you house in your body. These nutrients “feed” the good bacteria in order to fight off the bad bacteria, which causes body odor. When there aren’t enough good bacteria in the body the bad bacteria can increase and take over.

What’s the difference between Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Both prebiotics and probiotics work to promote a healthier microbiome for areas such as the gut, mouth and skin. Prebiotics are nutrients that promote the growth of the good bacteria you already have in your body while Probiotics are bacteria that benefits the body to maintain a healthy balance.

Switching to a deodorant that has prebiotics can help with bacteria, odor and infections. It is important to use deodorants that are natural and clean, which means free of toxins and harmful chemicals. Think of prebiotics as a natural way to reduce odor, compared to leading brands with synthetics and “bad for you” ingredients.

Honestly pHresh’s magnesium enriched, prebiotic formula not only offers odor protection, but provides essential minerals and confidence!

 

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, give our Pre + Probiotic Deodorants a try! Our pre + probiotic formula works in harmony with your natural flora to keep the pH levels of your skin balanced and in check.

Just like our entire natural deodorant collection, these all-natural deodorant sprays are vegan, baking soda free, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and proudly made in the USA.

But first, what are probiotics? Probiotics are live microorganisms that are considered good,
healthy bacteria. Often talked about in a nutritional setting, probiotics promote a healthy
digestive tract and immune system (great for gut health!).
The claim to fame is how probiotics balance the body’s microscopic helpers, reduce body odor,
encourage cell renewal and improves your immune system.
What are the benefits of probiotic deodorant?
Think of probiotic deodorant as Kombucha for your underarms. As we know, sweat is naturally
odorless, it’s the bacteria living on your skin that contributes to stinky pits. By introducing good
bacteria (hello probiotics!) your skins microbiome strengthens and the good bacteria takes over,
eliminating odor.
For every “good” and healthy deodorant there are several “bad” ones on the market to stay away
from. Thankfully, we are seeing a trend in cleaner and safer products but harmful deodorants are
still easily accessible and are in every major retail store.
Watch out for these ingredients when purchasing deodorant-
Aluminum, used in deodorants to keep your pores from releasing perspiration. Without releasing
perspiration, it will begin to accumulate overtime and may lead to Alzheimer’s disease and
breast cancer.
Baking Soda, used in deodorants to absorb sweat and reduce odor can ultimately cause a rash.
This is due to the alkaline pH level reacting to the acid (sweat and sebum production) from your
underarms.
Fragrance (also listed as Parfum), the ingredient listing with dirty secrets! This means, any
chemical that contributes to the products smell doesn’t have to actually be listed on the
label since it’s under the “fragrance” or “parfum” umbrella. Stay away from fragranced
products, as consumers we don’t actually know what’s in these formulas.
Propylene Glycol, which was actually first developed as an anti-freeze, now used in deodorants
to increase absorption. Studies have shown skin irritations and allergic reactions. This chemical
can be harmful at as small a percentage as 2%, yet deodorants and antiperspirants generally have
doses of propylene glycol as high as 50%.
Parabens, used as a preservative in a large variety of beauty and food products. Parabens disrupt
hormone function by mimicking estrogen and when the body produces too much estrogen it can
trigger an increase in breast cell division and growth of tumors (potentially causing breast cancer
and reproductive issues).

Triclosan, is a chemical commonly found in soaps, hand sanitizers and deodorant. This
antifungal and antibacterial chemical effects thyroid hormone function and can increase allergy
development.
Overwhelmed? Don’t be!
Our pre/probiotic formula works in harmony with your natural flora to keep the pH levels of your
skin balanced and in check. Derived from the yakon root, our probiotic spray deodorant
encourages the growth of healthy bacteria while eliminating the unwanted odor-causing bacteria.
Our smart deodorant sprays on clear and can be used on any exterior part of the body to offer
full, all-natural deodorant coverage.
Quick Tip- We’ve got a multitasker on our hands! These sprays are also great for yoga mats,
shoes, and more! So, stop the stink before it gets to you!
Just like our entire natural deodorant collection, these all-natural deodorant sprays are vegan,
baking soda free, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and proudly
made in the USA. We promise that each deodorant spray is free of harsh chemicals, artificial
colors, and synthetic fragrances. So, go ahead and sweat in confidence! Healthy looks good on you:)

Let’s get to the point, baking soda has earned its bad reputation because irritation or rashes can form when applied to the underarms. Basically, the alkaline pH level in the baking soda reacts to the acid (sweat and sebum production) from your underarms causing that rash.

There are many myths surrounding armpit detoxing and transitioning to natural deodorant, we are here to set things straight! First things first, a rash should never be acceptable! It is important to note that switching from your current deodorant to a natural formula is NOT a complicated task. Simply make the switch, no detox or transitioning process required! Other articles claim that you must detox your pits before making the switch or it may result in a rash, FALSE! Rashes most commonly occur when you use products containing harsh ingredients such as aluminum and baking soda.

4 areas of your body that are negatively affected by aluminum-based deodorants

Nature can be cruel, but your deodorant doesn’t have to be.

The problem is that most deodorants for men contain a variety of chemical ingredients that can seriously harm your body.