What Is Bicarb-Free Deodorant? A Guide to Natural Deodorant Without Baking Soda
If you've been looking for a natural deodorant and have come across terms such as bicarb-free, baking soda-free or sodium bicarbonate-free deodorant, you may be wondering what they mean — and whether a bicarb-free deodorant might be right for you.
Bicarbonate of soda is a popular and effective ingredient in many natural deodorants, including our Original Earth Conscious formula. But some people prefer to use a deodorant without it.
That's why we've developed our Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick — offering effective everyday odour protection without bicarbonate of soda, while staying true to everything you'd expect from Earth Conscious: natural ingredients, plastic-free packaging and UK manufacture.
Let's look at what bicarb-free deodorant actually is, why you might choose one and how it differs from our Original Natural Deodorant.
What is bicarb-free deodorant?
A bicarb-free deodorant is simply a deodorant formulated without bicarbonate of soda.
Bicarbonate of soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, so you'll often see the terms bicarb-free, sodium bicarbonate-free and baking soda-free used to describe the same type of deodorant.
Bicarbonate of soda is commonly used in natural deodorants because it can be very effective at helping to tackle the bacteria associated with body odour.
However, it isn't the only way to formulate an effective natural deodorant.
Why do natural deodorants contain bicarbonate of soda?
We've used bicarbonate of soda in our Original Earth Conscious Natural Deodorant formula since 2014.
And there's a good reason for that: it works.
Unlike an antiperspirant, a natural deodorant isn't designed to stop your body from sweating. Sweating is a normal bodily function.
Instead, deodorant is designed to help control the odour associated with perspiration.
Bicarbonate of soda is one of the ingredients that can help achieve this, which is why it continues to be an important part of our Original Natural Deodorant formula.
Why choose a natural deodorant without bicarbonate of soda?
While many people use deodorants containing bicarbonate of soda without any problem, everyone's skin is different.
Some people find they simply prefer a formula without it, particularly if their underarms are prone to sensitivity.
That doesn't mean bicarbonate of soda is a "bad" ingredient or something everyone needs to avoid.
Our approach has always been about choice.
If our Original Natural Deodorant works well for you, there's no reason to change it. But if you'd prefer a deodorant without sodium bicarbonate, our Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick gives you another option.
Is bicarb-free deodorant better for sensitive skin?
This isn't quite as straightforward as saying bicarbonate-free deodorant is automatically better for sensitive skin.
Skin sensitivity varies enormously from person to person, and there can be many potential triggers.
For example, essential oils naturally contain fragrance allergens, so someone with particularly sensitive underarms may find an unscented deodorant preferable regardless of whether the formula contains bicarbonate of soda.
If you've previously found natural deodorants containing bicarbonate unsuitable, however, trying a bicarb-free formula may be worth considering.
As with any new skincare or personal care product, we recommend patch testing first and discontinuing use if irritation occurs.
Does natural deodorant work without bicarbonate of soda?
Yes. Bicarbonate of soda isn't the only ingredient that can be used when formulating natural deodorant.
A well-formulated bicarb-free deodorant can use a combination of other carefully selected ingredients to help provide effective everyday odour protection.
Our new Earth Conscious Bicarb-Free formula has been developed specifically for people who want the benefits of natural deodorant but would prefer to avoid sodium bicarbonate.
Original or Bicarb-Free: Which Natural Deodorant Should I Choose?
Choose our Original Natural Deodorant if:
You already use bicarbonate-based deodorant without problems
You want our tried-and-tested Original Earth Conscious formula
You want effective everyday natural odour protection
You're happy using a deodorant containing bicarbonate of soda
Choose our Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick if:
You prefer to avoid bicarbonate of soda
You've previously found bicarbonate-based natural deodorants unsuitable
You're looking for an alternative formula
You prefer the convenience of a cardboard stick
Both options share the same Earth Conscious principles: natural ingredients, effective everyday odour protection, plastic-free packaging and products made here in the UK.
Introducing Our New Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick
Our Bicarb-Free deodorant has been completely reimagined.
We've moved away from our previous Delicate deodorant balms in tins and developed a brand-new bicarb-free formula in an easy-to-use cardboard stick.
Our Indian Bay Leaf & Orange Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick combines warm, woody Indian Bay Leaf with fresh, uplifting Orange for a distinctive natural fragrance.
Made without bicarbonate of soda and packaged in a plastic-free cardboard stick, it's our new option for anyone looking for a natural deodorant without baking soda.
Shop Indian Bay Leaf & Orange Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick
What should you look for in a bicarb-free natural deodorant?
If you're comparing different products, don't focus solely on whether they contain bicarbonate of soda.
Think about the whole product.
Consider:
Does it provide effective odour protection?
What ingredients are used?
Does it contain synthetic fragrance?
Is it aluminium-free?
How is it packaged?
Is the packaging plastic-free?
Is it vegan and cruelty-free?
Where is it made?
Does the company clearly explain what's in the product?
For us, creating a bicarb-free deodorant wasn't about following a trend. It was about giving our customers another option while maintaining the principles Earth Conscious has followed since we started making natural deodorant in 2014.
Bicarb-Free, Plastic-Free and Made in the UK
Choosing a bicarb-free deodorant doesn't mean you need to compromise on the other things that matter to you.
Our Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick is:
Made without bicarbonate of soda
Made with natural ingredients
Aluminium-free
Vegan and cruelty-free
Packaged in a plastic-free cardboard stick
Handmade on the Isle of Wight
And because we've moved from the old tin format to a cardboard stick, application is now even simpler — just push up and apply directly to clean, dry underarms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bicarb the same as baking soda?
Yes. Bicarbonate of soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. If a deodorant is described as baking soda-free or sodium bicarbonate-free, it means it doesn't contain bicarbonate of soda.
Is bicarbonate of soda bad in deodorant?
No. Bicarbonate of soda is an effective deodorising ingredient and is used successfully by many people. It remains an important ingredient in our Original Natural Deodorant formula. Some people simply prefer to use a formula without it.
Can bicarb-free deodorant still control odour?
Yes. Natural deodorant can be formulated using other ingredients to provide effective everyday odour protection without bicarbonate of soda.
Is bicarb-free deodorant an antiperspirant?
No. Our natural deodorants are deodorants rather than antiperspirants. They're designed to help manage body odour rather than prevent the natural process of sweating.
Which Earth Conscious deodorant should I choose?
If you're happy using bicarbonate of soda, explore our Original Natural Deodorants.
If you prefer a formula without bicarbonate of soda, try our Indian Bay Leaf & Orange Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick.
Shop our Bicarb-Free Natural Deodorant Stick