Who doesn’t want a deodorant that actually works, yet deodorant pH is important too. In this post, learn why deodorant pH matters to keep skin healthy AND odor free.
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Why pH Matters to Your Skin
You’ve probably heard of pH before, but why is it significant when it comes to your skin? To get a bit sciency, pH stands for ‘potential to free hydrogen ions’ and measures how acidic or alkaline a solution is. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 considered neutral. High pH (above 7) is alkaline and low pH (below 7) is acidic. You can read more about skin and pH in a previous post here.
pH is relevant to skin because the skin’s surface is covered by a thin, protective layer called the acid mantle. The acid mantle is made up of fatty acids combined with lactic acid and amino acids and sits at a pH around 4.5 – 5.5. A healthy acid mantle helps to keep potentially dangerous irritants out (like bacteria) and moisture in. It also activates certain enzymes that are necessary for skin health. A damaged acid mantle leaves the skin susceptible to injury.
This is the Ideal Deodorant pH
Highly alkaline (high pH) ingredients disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, strip away its natural oils and kill bacteria that help keep our skin healthy. This includes cleansers with stripping agents (like sodium lauryl sulfate) and deodorants that contain ingredients like baking soda or magnesium hydroxide. With a pH around 8-10, these products can lead to skin dryness and irritation over time. They may also contribute to conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. At Apothekari, your wellness matters. We formulate products that are both safe and effective so you won’t find baking soda, magnesium hydroxide or harsh cleaning agents in any of our formulations.
A deodorant pH of around 4 – 6 makes most sense when it comes to your skin’s health. Formulated with odor neutralizing enzymes and lactic acid, Apothekari’s natural deodorants are in that pH range. They are formulated without baking soda, aluminum and parabens and your skin’ pH will not be disrupted. Get ready to smell fresh and feel clean all day, with the healthiest natural deodorant!
What to Do When Your Deodorant Irritates Your Armpits
If you’re using a natural deodorant and you develop skin irritation including redness, dryness, irritation or a rash, the formulation may be to blame. Some individuals react immediately, while others are fine until a few months down the road. One of many ingredients may be the cause, with baking soda or magnesium hydroxide right at the top of the list. Both are highly alkaline and can alter skin’s pH taking it out of its comfort zone. Baking soda rashes are VERY common (do a search on the internet). Other ingredients that may be problematic include coconut oil (blocks pores) along with essential oils.
If you end up with irritated armpits after trying a natural deodorant, no need to panic. Reactions usually go away on their own after a few days once you stop using the product. You can try applying cool compresses as well. Depending on how bad your reaction is, consider seeing a doctor. This may sound like overkill, but if the reaction sticks around for more than a few days, you may require medical attention.
Tell us – have you experienced a reaction to a natural deodorant?
