Baking Soda
| 5 star (32) | 70% | |
| 4 star (1) | 2% | |
| 3 star (2) | 4% | |
| 1 star (1) | 2% | |
 (10) |
22% |
(Usa)
05/19/2018
Hi Brian,
You are not alone with this. When I didn't know any better I would stop using deodorant when a lump occurred even with the soreness. I would use a powder instead and go on with my life. A day or two later lump soreness and all would be gone.
Now that I do know better, when this happens I give myself a break from deodorants and I use corn starch. It seems the problem is the solid deodorants may block the sweat glands. I am not sure about the why, but I do know that a break from solid deodorant as soon as I get lump and the lump disappears.
HisJewel
(Texas)
09/12/2022
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Make sure that you:
- buy Baking Soda and not Baking Powder (two different things)
- buy Baking Soda that was grinded very finely - the more grainy it is the more possible irritation
- don't apply Baking Soda on freshly shaved/depilated areas (leave the areas rest at least overnight)
My protocol of applying BS:
(I depilate my armpits.)
1. I apply BS in the morning.
2. I take about half of a teaspoon of BS and put it to my palm.
3. I wet the BS with enough water drops to make thick paste.
4. From that palm I take half of the paste amount on fingers of my other hand and I spread it under one armpit.
5. Then I spread the other half of the paste amount under the other armpit, just using the 'original' palm of the hand on which I did the paste. (so I end up with both palms with BS leftovers)
6. I allow the BS to dry out completely before I put on any clothes.
7. I use a towel or cloth to buff away excess BS from my armpits. But I make sure I don't rub. I just pat one or two times under each armpit. I like to do this over a carpeted room, as 1.) BS gets odours from carpets and helps to keep them clean. and 2.) it cracks unpleasantly when walked over on bathroom tiles...
8. Only afterwards I put on clothes.
When following this protocol, I have never experienced any issues with BS and I use it daily for already more than two years.
Also in southern EU countries, which get very hot during summer.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Baking Soda
★★★★★
After my evening shower, I dampen my left palm and sprinkle a little baking soda on it and rub my two palms together and rub the wet baking soda under each arm.
I noticed that it lasts over 24 hours as a deodorant.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
(Campbellsville, Ky)
11/05/2012
Try this: I buy a real lemon, cut off one end, rub that under my arms once a day. After a day or two, no more oder at all. Makes me feel lemony fresh too : ) Keep it in my frig, when the end gets funky, just take a knife and cut off a slice and start over. Works much better and lots cheeper than storebought.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Right when I was at my wits end, I decided to try a natural approach and thank G)D I DID! First I reluctantly tried distilled vinegar, ACV, Coconut oil, cornstarch and milk of Magnesium under my arms which all helped slightly but it was definitely not a cure for me. Next I decided to try BAKING SODA and much to my surprise it completely eliminated my BO on contact. I couldn't believe it! All these years of being plague with underarm stench came to a screeching halt all at once. I was so in shock that I didn't wash under my arms for two whole days and I still didn't have odor; HOWEVER I began to receive a severe rash under my arms that caused painful skin irritation. I was a bit saddened at first but then I realized that there must be something I could do to prevent the BS from irritating my skin.
I recalled reading a post on Earth Clinic about using diaper rash cream for underarm odor so I decided to try it. I placed the 40% zinc ointment (Maximum Strength from Wal-Mart in the Baby Care section) under my arms (at that time I used it as a barrier for the BS), placed the BS on a sheet of tissue and then gently dabbed it on top of the zinc ointment. IT WORKED LIKE A CHARM!!! The rash began to disappear and the odor became non existent. I would also like to share that there have been times when I only put on a thin layer of zinc ointment without any problems as well. I now only add the BS if I feel I need extra protection. If I feel I need triple protection, I use a scented stick of deodorant, apply the zinc and then dab the BS on top of it. I'm telling you... this WORKS!!!!!!!!!! I've been using this regimen for almost a year now and it still works like a charm.
**Oh here's another tidbit: When you are washing under your arms in the shower, DO NOT SCRUB UNDER YOUR ARMS when Baking Soda is present. What I do is raise my arm up under the water, let the water run under my arm and then I cup my hand under my arm to catch the water. When the water fills up my cupped hand, I gently splash the water under my arms until the Baking Soda has been completely rinsed away. Then I proceed to washing under my arms as usual. This should prevent skin irritation from the the BS.
I give All thanks to God for leading me to such a wonderful site. I really hope my testimony help others. God bless everyone. I know how debilitating this ailment can be and I wish you all the best. :)
(New Haven, Ct, United States)
09/02/2012
Lynnieme, I had a similar experience with that irritating rash. Several months ago, I decided to replace products in my home with homemade natural ones. I've switched laundry detergent to deodorant and everything else in between over the past few months.
I found many recipes online for natural deodorants. Most had varying amounts of coconut oil, cornstarch and baking soda. I'd read that cornstarch could cause a yeast problem for some sensitive women and that arrowroot powder was an excellent substitution. I decided to use arrowroot, as I didn't know if I would have any problems with the cornstarch and wanted to be safe.
I mixed up a batch and began using it. Like you, I reacted to the baking soda with a red, burning irritation. I went back online to search for a solution to the rash issue. I found a site that recommended I rub the coconut oil alone onto my underarms.
Then it suggested lightly dusting the area with a 50:50 mix of arrowroot & baking soda on top of the coconut oil. I applied mine with an unused round makeup brush that was about 2 1/2" or 3" in diameter.
To help heal the rash that was already there, I began taking 1 tsp turmeric with a dash of pepper in my usual morning & evening protein shakes. I reasoned if turmeric was good for major skin issues (as mentioned on this site), it would surely work for the baking soda armpit irritation I had. Within 4 or 5 days of using turmeric, the rash began to heal and never came back!
The homemade deodorant works wonderfully. Please note it did take a full two weeks for it to work totally. Decades of deodorant and antiperspirant use clogs the pores. Heaven only knows what was trapped in there that worked it's way out over those two weeks! LOL
After this initial armpit "detox" period there was no smell whatsoever. I got through that period by applying my homemade product twice a day, washing and drying the armpit area thoroughly each time. Now, just once in the morning after my shower and I'm good all day!
(Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead)
09/03/2012
There's a blog out there called crunchybetty that has a few posts on her experiments in perfecting homemade deodorant. I'd seriously recommend people checking it out.
Also, have you considered using soap nuts for your laundry? I converted to them about 6 months ago and I swear by them! They are amazing!
(New Haven, Ct, United States)
09/05/2012
Thank you for the site. I'm going to look at it tonight.
As for the laundry, I am currently using 2 cups Borax, 2 cups Super washing soda and 2 bars grated Fels Naptha. I store in in a large container with a tight fiting lid to keep out the humidity and use just 2 teaspoons per load. It seems to be working fine so far but I will be on the lookout for soap nuts.
What sort of stores would carry them?
(Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead)
10/05/2012
(Smyrna, Ga)
10/15/2012
911 HELP!!!! I have been trying to find a REALLY good natural deodorant... I used a common BS recipe that MANY people/blogs/sites SWEAR by.... And made it for my son and friends and initially it was AWESOME!!
Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Other Fragrance/ES... Changed up the Coconut Oil for Shea Butter and once again with Coco Butter.. to no avail.
THE GOOD: Well, we didn't stink at all... Lol it does perform well in that aspect... Lol Even after extreme cardio/Run outside!
THE BAD: No matter which variation I used all of us (5) had irritation under both underarms. FAR WORSE on the left side though.
1. itching and burning after half of the day (ESPECIALLY AFTER A WORKOUT)
2. We are African American so our armpits turned the LITERAL CRAYON BLACK... And then began to shed skin... (GROSS) with burning and extreme sensitivity... (WHYYYY SWEET BABY JESUS! ?) lol
******CAN ANYONE HELP! ?******
1. Help us get our armpits NORMAL AGAIN?
2. And figure out what went wrong! ?
3. A really good alternative/natural rememdy that REALLY works?
*** The pain ONLY left when we went back to store brand traditional deodorants... :(
I even tried ACV w/lemon juice in distilled water!! HELP PLEASE!
(Pacific Nw, Usa)
10/15/2012
(Ny)
10/15/2012
MAGNESIA MILK works better than anything. Comercial deodorants only works for 10 or 15 minutes on my skin, so I start using lemon juice, ammonia, coffe, peroxide, alcohol, borax, baking soda and cant remember how many things I tried. Nothing works for my stinking armprit and having clear, dry and clean smell in my underarm.
(Los Angeles, Ca)
09/05/2013
(Wb, Nj)
09/05/2013
Hi Trish, not sure if you're looking for help with the baking soda rash or the underarm odor. I learned about using zinc oxide ointment here at EC for underarm odor. Most deodorants give me a rash. Then I'd have to use nothing until the rash cleared up enough that I could use a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch. I use zinc oxide ointment now instead of commercial deodorant and I swear by it. Very gentle and effective.
(Long Beach, Ca)
09/06/2013
Baking Soda
Hey everyone. So I've been going the holistic route in healing and I decided to try going without chemical deodorants. I've been without conventional deodorant for about 5 to 6 months now. However, I haven't been able to find any natural remedy that works. The baking powder one eliminates the odor, but causes me to have painful armpits. I also tried the acv remedy and it hasn't worked either. My BO is terrible and I would love some advice on what to do. I was thinking of maybe trying the baking soda with cornstarch to see if that helps any. Thank you for taking the time to help me.
(Surrey, Bc)
05/30/2010
I've just started to try coconut oil and it seems to be working. When I get up in the morning I put coconut oil under the arm, then I go for a brisk 1 1/2 hour walk. I used to smell terrible when I got home, now I don't. After I have my morning bath I use the coconut oil again. I don't know if it would last all day for everyone but I don't seem to have to reapply.I also ingest about 3 tablespoons per day, this could also be helping. The coconut oil is antibacterial, therefore killing the bacteria that causes the smell. Hope this helps.
(Campinas, Brazil)
05/30/2010
(Houston, Tex)
05/31/2010
(New York, Ny)
06/01/2010
Hi Doctorwho732,
Consider going (if you're not already) with a mostly veggie and whole grain diet. For example, red meat - especially pork - changes the way your body smells, as does sugar. Sugar feeds a bacteria called candida - yes, same as what causes yeast infections in women - and it's present in all of us, all the time, but eating an unbalanced diet can make it thrive in your body and cause a host of crappy symptoms, among them bad body odor.
Also, stress body odor smells very different from sweat body odor - one's hard work sweat, the other smells bitter and stinky. If you're really tense, cut down on caffeine and get more exercise (a good idea in general). Try to figure out what's making you so anxious.
Look up 'candida diet' online, or go to a library / bookstore / health food store to learn more. Also research fungal infections (ie. athlete's foot, jock itch, warts) - fungus may also be contributing to bad body smell.... I suspect that improving what you eat and helping your immune system fight infections will help you a great deal. We are what we eat.
Good luck and happy healing :)
(Taipei, Noidea, Taiwan)
06/01/2010
★★★★★
I have being using sodium bicarbonate, as deodorant, under my arms for almost 2 years now and never a problem. Do you shave it? because maybe that's why you feel pain. It really keep me without any bad smell all day.
(Ab Canada)
06/21/2010
Delightful Home Made Baking Soda Deodorant...
Thoroughly Mix 2 tablespoons of Baking soda in water (About a cup of water but this really depends on the size of the spray bottle).
Once the baking soda has dissolved, pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle.
This method is easy, clean & works awesome!
* Special Note: Add your favourite essential oils to give it a pleasant scent : )
(Manila, Philippines)
07/28/2012
Every human being have different types of body odor. If you are acidic by nature, try iliminate those acidic foods, i.e. Spicy foods, spices, caffeine, alcohol, cigarette, that causes body odor. Take a bath twice a day, morning and evening. Put baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on the water that you use for bathing and add essential oils e. G. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, if you like. Detoxify your body using sea salt (not iodize) with warm water in a bath tub or a large pail and soak your body 30-45 minutes twice a week. Drink plenty of water, and eat as much green leafy vegetables to cleanse your system. Do not take apple cider vinegar if you are acidic or you have an ulcer. Drink virgin coconut oil or take activated charcoal powder or capsules. (Please google search activated charcoal for more info). You can also make your own deodorant - a mixture of antibacterial toothpaste and baking soda, then rub it on your under arm to keep you going the whole day. Always bring antibacterial wet tissue to wipe your underarm whenever it gets wet. Most of all, always think positive because God is good all the time. :)
(Florida)
11/21/2015
I had been using clinical Dove and it stopped working. I switched to regular Dove. Most deodorants irritate my skin. I really wanted to stop using all the crap and read about the baking soda.
I would sweat even after applying the Dove but found that if I took some baking soda on my hand and rub it under my arms, it worked like a charm.
Until, I got this rash after a few days of using. It didn't really hurt or burn, just really dark. So, I stopped using it.
Maybe I should have mixed it- or maybe I just can't use it. I would love to because it really worked.
I have a question about the coconut oil. Does it stain your clothing?
(Tennessee)
11/21/2015
Dear Sarah,
Using Baking Soda for deodorant gave my son the same rash. If yours hasn't cleared up yet, a calendula salve is what cleared up his rash, which was itchy and miserable.
I think using coconut oil straight for a deodorant would have a tendency to stain clothes. I have seen recipes for home made deodorant creams or bars that have coconut oil in them, along with things like arrowroot powder, baking soda, essential oils, and beeswax. It might be something to look into, I think mixed with other ingredients, coconut oil wouldn't be so likely to stain.
The following are some other things you could use as a deodorant. Magnesium Oil, Witch Hazel, Rubbing alcohol. (Either on a cotton ball or in a spray bottle.)
~Mama to Many~
Baking Soda
★★★★★
(Bridgetown, Barbados)
10/05/2009
Baking Soda
EC: More baking soda feedback here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/baking_soda.html
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Baking Soda
★★★☆☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
(Springfield, Missouri, USA)
04/20/2009
Hello, Gina from Rizal.
When I saw your post I immediately responded with information about 20% zinc oxide ointment. Instead of my information being associated with your inquiry, it was placed at the very end of this section under Zinc Oxide Ointment. Hopefully, on my second try this message will appear under your inquiry so you can easily see it.
This almost certainly is the the answer to your problem. It is far more effective than any deodorant, and has never failed to work for my wife or me, even when we lived in a subtropical part of the world. It is inexpensive and only needs to be used every other day or so depending on your local climate. After your shower and you dry off, just smear around a small quantity (about the size of two green peas) under each armpit. Go read what others and I commented under "zinc oxide ointment" now on page 4 of this discussion about Body Odor.
Also, you mention that you have residual smell in your clothing even after washing. This, I suspect is from bacteria that is not killed in your current washing method. Maybe something like a cap full of lysol added to your laundry tub, or even more simply placing your clothes in scalding water before washing would do the trick to kill the bacteria. Also, I think natural fibers like cotton are less likely to retain odor than synthetic fibers, but that should be a thing of the past once you begin using the zinc oxide ointment.
Let us all know how this works out for you.
Sid Davis
(Chula, GA)
04/20/2009
This post is for Gina from Rizal, Philippines. Your complaint is body odor but you mention having botox done as a solution (this is for sweat glands). Does your odor come from sweating? If it does please look at my post under excessive sweating. Taking Magnesium fixed my embarrassing problem and I am so happy I want to tell the world. Maybe they should link the body odor ailment section with the excessive sweating. If your problem is not sweating, then try Chlorophyll. It is supposed to be good for getting rid of odors.
EC: Here's the page/post: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/sweat.html#MAGNESIUM
(Bellflower, CA, USA)
05/23/2009
★★★★★
Gina from Rizal. I have the same problem as yours but I started to have body odor when I was in 4th Grade. It was a rainy day and I grab someone's jacket to go outside. And after that I suffered with body odor. It is humiliating. People cover their nose when I am close to them or when they come close to me. I tried many kinds of deodorant and nothing works. I am socially isolated. I wish I can just go hide in the farm or something but I can't because of my family. I had surgery to decrease the swelling on my hands and armpits but I still stink! A month ago, I had botox done to my armpits, but I still stink!
I was frustrated. I pray to God everyday to help me. My prayer was answered when I searched the web and found this website(Thank you for having this website to people like us). I read this website two nights ago and I went to the store at 1230 am to buy the stuff I need. I was desperate, I used it the following day. IT WORKS! After having my busiest day ever at work, I did not stink. I thank God for showing me this website. My co-worker made a comment that I smell good! It's been 2 days now that I used it and I am elated for being bo free.
(Alexandria, Va, Usa)
07/12/2011
Hi I have the same body odor problem. I have hyperhidrosis so I sweat a lot. I cant step outside without sweating and as soon as I start sweating I start to smell. This started back in the 6th grade and has been controllable until last year my senior year. I smelled so terrible I that I started to stink up the whole class. It became so bad that I started to skip school to avoid ridicule. My doctor prescribed hypercare but all it did was burn and itch my armpit. I missed 70 days of school and my gpa dropped from a 3. 4 to a 2. 6. I wasn't able to get accepted to any of the colleges I applied for. I cant even take a step outside without smelling so terrible. I tried baking soda but my armpit get rashes and I've been drinking ACV with the mother and showering with it also. How long until it takes effect. I'm desperate here...... SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!!!
(Springfield, Arkansas)
07/12/2011
(Sa, Tx)
06/06/2012
(Brea, California)
06/20/2012
Baking Soda
★★★★★
I read somewhere online that Bicarbonate of Soda absorbs odours and I always put a bowl of it in the fridge to keep it fresh, so I thought I would give it a go as a deodorant. I was amazed to find that it really works. I just ran some tap water over my fingers, dipped them into the Bicarb and patted it under my arms after a shower. I couldn't believe that there was no odour all day, at all, and even the next morning before my shower. It stung a tiny bit because I had just shaved my armpits so the next day I tried the Bicarb again but this time I put a couple of drops of Grapeseed oil in the palm of my hand, added a couple of pinches of the Bicarb and made a small amount of paste which I then rubbed under my arms. It worked even better as the oil was soothing. You do have to use a really tiny amount. You could always dust more on later dry if you thought you needed it but I didn't need to. You could also add one drop of your favourite essential oil if you wanted to smell of something. I will be using Bicarb as deodorant from now on as it is so cheap and natural.
(Pittsburg, Ca)
04/02/2009
Just wanted to comment on the baking soda as a deodorant. I discovered this trick about a month ago trying to think of something i could use after waxing because it's advised not to use deodorants due to open pores. I usually use a drop of lavender oil and the baking soda in the palm of my hand after showering. Works great!
(Salosan, Pi)
11/06/2012
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
11/06/2012
Hi Jaya, Sounds like you have a lot of internal cleansing to do. I would check out the many detox remedies here on EC- and there are many!
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/detoxification.html
You may also be dealing with systemic candida which could easily have occurred with all your medication.
http://bodyecology.com/candida-quiz/
Also, work on cleaning up your diet.
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/diets.html
And look into the Body Ecology Diet which you can google and learn an incredible amount on their site including recipes.
I just helped a friend over the course of 9 months radically change her lifestyle. She was plagued with migraines and had been on migraine meds for over 3 years. She would often hear me speaking on various issues and remedies and diet but wouldn't say too much. Then one day she asked me if I could help her revamp everything and she was ready to finally take that step. She went to my acupuncturist who she then began working with twice a week. The migraines began to abate but she continued on her meds. I encouraged her to wean herself off and she did. Next step was changing her diet and cooking her own meals 3x a week for her family. The family loved it and it encouraged her. Three weeks ago she began to explore superfoods and has fallen in love with them. Everyday, she comes into her ballet class enthusiastic and full of life now! She tells me everyday how different she feels.
So, I encourage you to take the first step to change your lifestyle and restore your health. It can be done with commitment and encouragement. Wishing you the best of health, Lisa
