One of the most common solutions is to look for baking soda-free deodorants, which we’ve gathered here. Your skin typically hovers around a pH of 5, and when you introduce topicals that sway that too much in either direction, your barrier will be compromised as a result. The most obvious sign of a disrupted barrier? Irritation. But that’s not the only thing that’s potentially irritating. Some people are sensitive to fragrance (natural or otherwise) and essential oils. Also: You can have sensitivities to any number of ingredients—aloe, clay, coconut oil—even if they’re not common concerns for most. So ultimately, it might take some guess-and-test to find one that’s right for you. (And as always, spot-test first. It’s a good rule of thumb for anyone but vital for those with sensitive skin.) Not only that but it may also take time. Switching to natural deodorant takes an adjustment period about two weeks to two months, in which your body is getting used to perspiration again. Allow your product the time to adequately test its performance before giving up. RELATED: How Many Times Can You Reapply Deodorant?
Our high standards also come from testing products—many, many products. Our editors and writers rigorously test and research the products featured in our roundups to offer you the best, most informed recommendations. When we write reviews, you can trust we spend quality time with the formulas: We don’t simply rave about products we’ve slathered on the back of our hand. We endorse products we’ve tried and loved. Learn more about our testing process and clean beauty standards here. RELATED: The Best Essential Oils For Deodorant + An All-Natural Recipe Don’t worry, there are many baking-soda free sticks to pick from. Want more information on switching to naturals? Read about armpit masks, and if you should really be using one. RELATED: Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant: Benefits, Risks & How To Choose