So, we’ve all heard of the war on aluminum in deodorants. It’s clear that natural deodorant is the way to go to keep from clogging those pores with unhealthy toxins. But people often ask us, “why is Kopari so passionate about their deodorants not containing baking soda either?” Well, put on your skincare science cap and let’s get into it.
Sure, baking soda is great for cleaning, deodorizing, and whitening teeth. But is it safe to use baking soda in your pits? It does have antibacterial properties that help fight the funky smell and absorb sweat, which is why it seems like a viable replacement for aluminum. However, baking soda is actually damaging to the skin. When applied, it completely throws off your body’s natural pH level.
The Science
The pH scale ranges from zero to fourteen, with seven being the neutral point (for example water). Anything below seven is an acid, while anything above is a base. Our skin usually falls between 4.5-6.5 on the scale- meaning more acidic. This is because the skin has a protective oily layer known as the acid mantle.
On the other hand, baking soda has a pH of around 9, making it extremely basic. To put it into perspective, the pH scale increasing by one point means that substance is ten times more alkaline than the point below it. This means that baking soda is 350 times more alkaline than the pH of average skin.
The Effects
So, what happens after applying deodorant containing baking soda on your pits? Well, putting something this alkaline on your skin will throw off your acid mantle and kill any good bacteria. This leaves skin prone to side effects such as breakouts, irritation, and even infections. Ouch.
In fact, it can also cause:
- Discoloration
- Skin aging
- Increased sensitivity
- Rashes
- Redness
- Dryness and cracking
Now imagine the long term effects of applying a deodorant with baking soda every. single. day. The more you use it, the longer effects will last and that pesky rash will feel like a lifetime plague. Need we say more?!
Baking soda also just really isn’t that effective in terms of long term odor control anyway. So why should we settle for something because it’s a “little less worse for you than aluminum”? We shouldn’t be putting up with our natural deodorant- we should be obsessed with it. And we’ll let you in on a not-so-secret that at Kopari, we’re coco-crazy for our Coconut Deodorant.
The Kopari Difference
Kopari believes your deodorant should be skincare for your pits. Our deodorant is completely natural and both aluminum and baking soda free. It's made with coconut oil, coconut water, and sage to be incredibly soothing and take your pits to paradise. Instead of baking soda to fight the funk, we use 100% plant-based active to break down bacteria and prevent odor. Not only will you feel good about what you’re putting in your body, but you’ll smell like one of our dreamy scents. With options including original coconut, gardenia, driftwood, beach, tropical, coastal, or even fragrance free, there’s a natural deodorant for everyone. Plus, it glides on clear and never stains the wardrobe you spent hours online shopping for.
When switching to natural deodorant, it’s completely normal to go through a detox period. Your body has to push out those toxins from those years of clogging up pores with antiperspirants. But just know there’s a difference between temporary detox irritation and a persistent rash from baking soda products. If you need help with the switch, check out our deo detox highlight on our social channels or read an article written by our in house esthetician!
Plus now is the perfect time to make the switch. With quarantine, social distancing, and long sleeves for winter, you won’t be out and about and self conscious about your B.O. Your detox period will come and go before anyone has to notice. And trust us- once you go coconuts, you’ll never go back.