Body odor is a common problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While sweat is a natural bodily function that helps regulate our body temperature, it can also create an unpleasant odor when it mixes with bacteria on the skin. To combat body odor, many people turn to deodorants and antiperspirants. However, not all deodorants are created equal.
Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin and cause other health problems. This has led to a growing demand for natural deodorants that use safer, more sustainable ingredients. Two of the most popular natural deodorant ingredients are baking soda and magnesium hydroxide.
Baking soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has been a go-to ingredient in natural deodorants for many years. It works by neutralizing odors and absorbing moisture, which helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. However, baking soda has some downsides.
Firstly, a higher alkaline pH of around 8.5 can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance, causing skin irritation and rashes, especially for people with sensitive skin. The higher the amount of baking soda in a product, the greater the likelihood of experiencing a rash or irritation.
Additionally, a person's acid mantle pH level may be influenced by various factors such as age, gender, race, medication, diet, and even menstrual cycle, making it incompatible with baking soda's alkaline pH.
Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide, on the other hand, is a gentler and more efficient ingredient for natural deodorants, which has proven to be more effective than baking soda. Although it is also alkaline, like baking soda, its pH level of about 8 is closer to the skin's natural pH level. Therefore, magnesium hydroxide is considered a milder and gentler ingredient that does not have the same potential for causing skin irritation.
Also, unlike baking soda, magnesium hydroxide does not dissolve in water, which makes it a great moisture absorbent that can help keep the underarm area dry and comfortable.
Overall, magnesium hydroxide is gentle on the skin, making it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin who can't use deodorants containing baking soda.
How does magnesium hydroxide work?
Like baking soda, magnesium hydroxide helps control odor by absorbing moisture and neutralizing odor-causing bacteria. However, it is more effective than baking soda because it has a larger molecular structure, which refers to the arrangement and bonding of atoms within a molecule. This allows it to absorb more moisture and neutralize more bacteria, resulting in better odor control.
In contrast, magnesium hydroxide has a smaller particle size, referring to the individual particles that make up this ingredient, compared to baking soda, which makes it less abrasive on the skin. Baking soda, on the other hand, has larger particles that can cause friction and irritation.
Another benefit of magnesium hydroxide is that it does not contain aluminum, a controversial ingredient in many conventional antiperspirants. Aluminum has been linked to various health problems, unlike magnesium hydroxide which offers a safer and more sustainable alternative that is just as effective at controlling odor.
When choosing a natural deodorant, it's essential to read the labels carefully and understand what ingredients are used. If you're looking for a gentler and more effective alternative to baking soda, magnesium hydroxide is an excellent option to consider. Not only its pH is closer to skin's pH, but it is also effective at controlling odor and doesn't contain potentially harmful chemicals. So, make the switch to magnesium hydroxide and enjoy a safer, more sustainable, and fresher smelling you!
Natural deodorants without baking soda
These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For any medical concern, you should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Full Medical Disclaimer.
