How to Avoid and Fix Natural Deodorant Rash

We’re big fans of switching to natural deodorant, but we aren’t crazy about the transition period that can come with it. Red, itchy underarms? No, thank you! When you stop using conventional deodorants that contain aluminum, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives, your skin often needs time to adjust.

During that transition, supporting your underarms with gentle care (like using soap for sensitive skin) can help reduce irritation for a smoother transition. This adjustment period (sometimes called an underarm detox) usually lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Some people barely notice it, while others experience sensitivity, odor changes, or even a painful armpit rash.

Don’t worry: irritation isn’t inevitable, and in most cases, it’s completely manageable.

If you’re already dealing with an underarm rash or want to avoid one altogether, we’ll walk you through what causes that irritation, how to calm your skin, and what you can do to prevent it. Still figuring out what works best for your skin? A gentler aluminum-free deodorant is the perfect place to start—explore our full collection when you're ready.

What’s Actually Happening When You Get a Deodorant Rash (& Why Skincare Matters)

Understanding what’s going on under your skin is key to solving the problem. For some, switching away from chemical-based antiperspirants or deodorants can trigger a short-lived reaction. This might look like:

• Redness
• Bumps or tenderness
• Itching or burning
• Flaking or peeling

These symptoms are often the result of your body finally releasing toxins and bacteria that were previously trapped beneath the surface. It's a natural (though inconvenient) side effect of unclogging pores and restoring normal sweat function.

Sometimes, it’s not just detox... It could be that you're allergic to deodorant or reacting to specific ingredients. This is especially common with high-pH substances like baking soda or artificial fragrances found in conventional brands.

Antiperspirants take things a step further by blocking your sweat glands with aluminum salts. So when you stop using them, your sweat glands essentially "wake up" again — which may lead to increased sweating and sensitivity during the transition.

Over time, your skin will adjust. But in the short term, these changes can result in what feels like a sudden rash from deodorant, even if you’ve never had issues before. Based on our experience and customer feedback, most armpit rashes fall into one of five categories, and we’ll walk through how to deal with each one next.

"Best deodorant I've ever used! It doesn't irritate my skin at all and lasts all day." - View original testimonial  

5 Common Causes of Armpit Rash from Deodorant

Understanding what’s behind underarm irritation can help you choose the right solution and avoid recurring issues. Here are the five most common causes of deodorant-related rashes:

1. Contact Dermatitis

This type of rash happens when your skin reacts to an ingredient in your deodorant. It could be a synthetic fragrance, a preservative, or even a natural compound like essential oils. For some people, even a slightly higher concentration of baking soda can trigger redness, itching, or discomfort. If that sounds familiar, it may be time to switch to a simpler formula that skips common irritants.

2. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Unlike an allergic reaction, this form of dermatitis develops when something in the product disrupts the skin’s natural barrier or pH balance. That’s especially common when adjusting to a new deodorant. Your underarms are sensitive, and if the formula is too alkaline, it can cause inflammation, peeling, or a rash.

If your skin tends to be reactive, consider trying a milder formula. Some people alternate between baking soda-based options and gentler alternatives to help their skin stay balanced. You can explore baking soda free options here if you suspect that might be the issue.

3. Phototoxic Reaction

Some deodorant ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you apply your product and then spend time outdoors with your arms exposed, you might develop redness or irritation similar to a sunburn. This is especially common for those with fair or sensitive skin.

4. Heat Rash

When sweat glands get blocked — especially in hot, humid conditions — you may notice tiny bumps, a prickly sensation, or a burning feeling. This type of rash is often triggered by overheating, friction, or product buildup. If you’ve recently stopped using an antiperspirant, your body is sweating more than usual, which can lead to clogged pores in the underarm area.

5. Intertrigo

Intertrigo happens when moisture, friction, and heat build up in skin folds, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or yeast. It can show up as redness, soreness, or even a musty odor. People who are physically active or wear tight clothing are more prone to it, especially if they don’t thoroughly cleanse their underarms after sweating.

How to Avoid a Deodorant Rash and Support Sensitive Skin

If you're making the switch to a natural deodorant or dealing with irritation under your arms, there are practical ways to minimize discomfort and prevent a rash from developing.

Ease Up on Shaving

Shaving can worsen armpit irritation, especially if your skin is already inflamed. Try shaving less frequently while your skin is healing. When you do shave, do it at night using a clean, sharp razor. This gives your pores time to close before applying any deodorant the next day.

Stay Consistent with Hygiene

A buildup of bacteria under the arms is a common culprit for underarm rashes. Consider switching to natural fabrics or avoiding clothing that sheds lint or fibers, as these can get trapped and cause further discomfort.

Washing daily with a gentle soap for sensitive skin helps reduce the risk of irritation while keeping bacteria buildup under control. For many people, choosing a soap without fragrance is especially helpful, since added scents can further irritate already sensitive underarm skin.

“My husband absolutely loves the deodorant! He developed a painful rash at first, and we followed the company's advice. Eventually, we figured out that baking soda was the issue. They sent him a baking soda free deodorant and problem solved. Now he only needs two swipes and it lasts all day.” — Verified customer

Choose the Right Natural Deodorant

Traditional antiperspirants often contain aluminum and other chemicals that block sweat. Once you stop using them, your body starts to release years of trapped bacteria and toxins. Natural deodorants support this detox process — but it can lead to temporary irritation as your body adjusts.

If you're prone to underarm sensitivity, start with a gentler formula. Some people prefer easing in with a low-irritation option before using a full-strength natural deodorant. Others find success by rotating between different types or scents.

Try Baking Soda Free Options

Baking soda is a popular ingredient in many natural deodorants for its odor-fighting properties. However, its high pH can cause irritation for people with sensitive skin.

If you notice itching or redness, you might be reacting to the alkaline nature of baking soda. Switching to a baking soda free deodorant and applying it more frequently can help maintain freshness without the irritation.

Cleanse Gently with Soap for Sensitive Skin

When your underarms are already irritated, even small things can make a difference...and cleansing is one of them. Washing daily with a soap for sensitive skin can help gently remove sweat and bacteria without making irritation worse.

During this phase, many people (us included) find that switching to a soap without fragrance is especially helpful, since added scents can be surprisingly irritating when skin is inflamed. 

How to Get Rid of an Underarm Rash

Already experiencing irritation? First, identify the cause. It could be your deodorant ingredients, your environment, or even the way you’re applying the product. 

Here’s how to address the different types of underarm rash:

• Contact dermatitis – Switch to a different scent or formula that avoids common irritants. Simplify your ingredients and patch test before full application.
• Irritant contact dermatitis – If baking soda is the trigger, move to a baking soda free deodorant. This adjustment alone can resolve the rash for many users.
• Phototoxic reaction – Avoid direct sun exposure under the arms. Treat the rash like a mild sunburn and allow skin to recover before reapplying any product.
• Heat rash – Avoid excessive heat and humidity. Once your skin adjusts to a natural deodorant and sweating becomes regulated, the rash often resolves.
• Intertrigo – Keep the area clean and dry. Wash more frequently using a soap for sensitive skin, ideally one that's fragrance free and meant to support healing skin. In severe cases, consult a healthcare professional for antibacterial or antifungal creams.

If you're looking for gentle cleansing options, our Unscented Goat Milk Soap is a great fragrance-free soap for sensitive skin, while our Oatmeal & Honey features a natural scent from nutrient-rich ingredients that support the skin's healing process.

Try an Armpit Detox to Ease the Transition

If you want to shorten the adjustment period that sometimes comes with switching from chemical deodorants to more natural options, an armpit detox may help. This simple practice draws out built-up toxins and bacteria from your underarms — making it easier for your body to transition without irritation.

Many people find that doing an underarm detox before switching reduces odor, shortens the detox timeline, and even helps prevent rash or armpit irritation entirely.

“So grateful to have found a product that actually works! The lavender deodorant resolved my odor issues, and I was even more surprised that the darkness and buildup in my pores completely cleared up.” — Verified customer

Support Your Sensitive Underarm Skin with Gentle Care

As you work toward a healthier personal care routine, removing harsh chemicals from your deodorant and skincare is a huge step in the right direction. While some short-term discomfort can happen during the transition, understanding what your skin needs (and supporting it with gentle care) can make the process way easier.

By learning what causes armpit irritation and how to avoid it, you can protect your skin with simple changes like cleansing regularly with a soap for sensitive skin and choosing a gentler, aluminum-free deodorant.

If your underarms are feeling irritated or reactive, we’ve found that switching to our goat milk soaps helps keep our skin calm and comfortable while it heals.

More Helpful Reads:

• The Beauty Trend That’s Here to Stay: Natural Deodorant
• The Dangers of Aluminum in Your Deodorant
• What You Need to Know About Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
• How to Detox Your Armpits and Prepare for Natural Deodorant
• Natural Deodorant That Really Works