Guide
Underarm rash from deodorant
A rash after deodorant is usually your skin reacting to an ingredient, most often baking soda, perfume or alcohol. Stop using the product, keep the area clean and let it calm down. Once it’s healed, look for a deodorant without those ingredients. If it isn’t getting better after a few days, see a doctor.
First, the basics
Irritated, or allergic?
Most deodorant rashes are irritation. An ingredient is simply too harsh for the thin skin in your armpits.
A real allergy is less common. Either way, what you do first is the same: stop using the product and let your skin settle.
The usual causes
What’s behind it
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Baking soda
Lots of natural deodorants use it. It’s much harsher than skin likes, and armpit skin is thin.
How to tellIt started after you switched to a natural deodorant, and it stings.
What to doLook for a deodorant without baking soda.
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Perfume and essential oils
Scent is one of the most common reasons skin reacts, and “natural” oils count too.
How to tellIt’s worse with scented products.
What to doChoose one with no perfume and no essential oils.
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Alcohol
Alcohol dries the skin out, and dry skin gets irritated faster.
How to tellIt stings right after you put it on.
What to doPick an alcohol-free formula.
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Freshly shaved skin
Shaving leaves tiny nicks. Anything you put on right after can sting.
How to tellIt’s worse on the days you shave.
What to doShave in the evening and apply in the morning.
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Too much, or rubbing
A thick layer, plus tight clothes rubbing on it all day, can wear the skin down.
How to tellIt’s worst where your clothes rub.
What to doUse less, and wear looser tops while it heals.
What to do now
Let your skin calm down
1. Stop using the deodorant you think caused it.
2. Wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. Pat dry, don’t rub.
3. Don’t shave there until it’s calm again.
4. Don’t put any deodorant on broken or raw skin. That includes ours.
This is general skin care advice, based on the American Academy of Dermatology’s basics. It’s not a diagnosis.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the rash spreads, hurts, blisters, or isn’t better within a few days. If your face or throat swells or you have trouble breathing, get emergency help right away.
Next time
What to look for in your next deodorant
No baking soda, no perfume, no alcohol. Try it on the inside of your arm for two days before you use it under your arms. Put it on dry skin, not right after shaving.
How nuud works
Made for sensitive skin
nuud has none of the usual culprits: no baking soda, no perfume, no alcohol and no aluminum. It was tested by Derma Consult, an independent German institute, on fifty people with sensitive skin. None of them had a reaction.
It stops the bacteria that make sweat smell, with tiny bits of silver. One pea-size dab per armpit is enough, for up to three days. Wait until your skin has fully healed before you try it.
Start clean and dry
Apply after a shower, on dry skin.
Take a pea-size dab
That’s enough for one armpit. More doesn’t work better.
Rub it in
Rub it in until you can’t see it.
Questions
Deodorant rash questions
Why does natural deodorant give me a rash?
Usually it’s the baking soda. Many natural deodorants use it, and it’s harsh on armpit skin. Perfume and essential oils are the next most common cause.
How long does a deodorant rash last?
Once you stop using the product, mild irritation usually calms down within a few days. If it doesn’t, or it gets worse, see a doctor.
Can I keep using deodorant with a rash?
Not on broken or raw skin, ours included. Give your skin a break until it has healed.
Is it the baking soda?
Often, yes, especially if it started after switching to a natural deodorant. Perfume and alcohol are the other usual suspects.
What deodorant is best for sensitive skin?
Look for one without baking soda, perfume or alcohol, and try it on your inner arm first. nuud has none of those and was tested on fifty people with sensitive skin, with no reactions.
Should I patch test a new deodorant?
Yes. Put a little on the inside of your arm for two days. If nothing happens, try it under your arms.