Sensitive Skin Ingredients Guide: What to Avoid in Deodorant

Why Armpits Are So Sensitive

Before diving into ingredients, let’s understand why underarm skin reacts so easily:

1. Thin skin: Armpit skin is thinner than other areas, allowing ingredients to penetrate more easily
2. Occlusion: Your arm against your body creates a warm, moist environment that enhances absorption
3. Shaving trauma: Regular shaving creates micro-cuts and removes protective barriers
4. Constant friction: Arm movement means constant rubbing and irritation potential

This combination makes your underarms particularly vulnerable to ingredient reactions.

The Big Three: Most Common Irritants

1. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

What it does: Baking soda is highly effective at neutralizing odour by creating an alkaline environment where odour-causing bacteria can’t thrive.

Why it irritates: Your skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic (around 5.5). Baking soda is alkaline (pH 8-9), which can disrupt your skin’s acid mantle, leading to:

• Redness and inflammation
• Burning sensation
• Rash or hives
• Darkening of skin over time

Sensitivity rate: Estimated 10-15% of people react to baking soda in deodorants.

Alternatives that work:

• Magnesium hydroxide (milder alkaline effect)
• Zinc compounds (antibacterial without pH disruption)
• Probiotic formulas (balance bacteria differently)
• Arrowroot/tapioca starch (absorption only)

Our sensitive-skin picks:

• Native Sensitive (uses magnesium hydroxide)
• Fussy Unscented (probiotic formula)

2. Essential Oils and Fragrances

What they do: Provide scent and, in some cases, antibacterial properties.

Why they irritate: Essential oils are concentrated plant compounds that can:

• Cause allergic contact dermatitis
• Trigger photosensitivity (especially citrus oils)
• Irritate even non-allergic skin when concentrated

Common culprits:

• Tea tree oil
• Lavender oil (despite its “calming” reputation)
• Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot)
• Peppermint/mint oils
• Cinnamon and clove oils

Sensitivity rate: Varies widely by oil, but 1-3% of the population has fragrance allergies.

Alternatives:

• Fragrance-free formulas
• Products using lower concentrations of oils
• Single-note natural scents (some people tolerate one oil but not others)

Our unscented picks:

• Fussy Unscented
• Native Sensitive Unscented
• Wild Sensitive (lower fragrance)

3. Propylene Glycol

What it does: Helps products glide on smoothly and enhances ingredient absorption.

Why it irritates: While considered safe by regulatory bodies, propylene glycol can:

• Cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
• Increase penetration of other potential irritants
• Trigger reactions in those with pre-existing eczema

Sensitivity rate: Approximately 2-5% of eczema patients react to propylene glycol.

Alternatives:

• Plant-based glycerin
• Coconut oil-based formulas
• Butters (shea, cocoa) for glide

Secondary Irritants to Watch

Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol/Ethanol)

The problem: Dries skin, disrupts barrier function, can sting on micro-cuts.

Look out for: “Alcohol denat,” “SD alcohol,” “ethanol” high on ingredient lists.

Note: Fatty alcohols (cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol) are different and generally well-tolerated.

Aluminum Compounds

The problem: While safe for most, aluminum can cause:

• Contact dermatitis
• Granulomas (small lumps under skin)
• Irritation on sensitive or broken skin

If you react: Switch to aluminum-free natural deodorants.

Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, etc.)

The problem: Preservatives that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

The good news: Most natural deodorants are paraben-free by default.

How to Identify Your Personal Triggers

The Elimination Method

1. Start completely clean: Use no deodorant for 2-3 days (weekends work well)
2. Introduce one product: Use a fragrance-free, baking soda-free option
3. Wait and observe: Use for 2 weeks, noting any reactions
4. Add variables slowly: If tolerated, try a scented version or different formula
5. Document everything: Keep notes on what you use and how your skin responds

Patch Testing

For any new product:

1. Apply a small amount to inner arm (not armpit)
2. Cover with bandage
3. Leave for 24-48 hours
4. Check for redness, itching, or bumps
5. If clear, try on armpit

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a professional if you experience:

• Severe or persistent rash
• Spreading redness
• Blistering
• Swelling
• Reactions that don’t improve with product removal

Building Your Sensitive Skin Routine

The Ideal Routine

Morning:

1. Cleanse armpits with gentle, fragrance-free soap
2. Pat completely dry (moisture increases irritation risk)
3. Wait 5-10 minutes after shaving before applying anything
4. Apply thin layer of sensitive-formula deodorant
5. Let dry before dressing

Evening:

1. Cleanse to remove product buildup
2. Apply soothing product if irritated (aloe vera, gentle moisturizer)
3. Consider overnight recovery with no product

Products That Help Irritated Skin

If you’re currently dealing with a reaction:

• Pure aloe vera gel
• Colloidal oatmeal products
• Zinc oxide cream
• Coconut oil (patch test first)

Avoid: Any deodorant until skin fully heals.

Our Top Picks for Sensitive Skin

Best Overall: Native Sensitive Unscented

• Baking soda-free
• Fragrance-free
• Affordable
• Widely available

Best Performance: Fussy Unscented

• Probiotic formula
• No common irritants
• Premium feel
• Higher price point

Best Transition Product: Wild Sensitive

• Gentler formula
• Light natural scent option available
• Refillable system

Final Advice

Sensitive skin and natural deodorant can work together - you just need to be more selective and patient. The key principles:

1. Fewer ingredients is often better
2. Baking soda-free is your safest bet
3. Fragrance-free eliminates a major variable
4. Give your skin time to adapt
5. Don’t give up after one bad experience

Your perfect product exists - it just might take some searching to find it.