How to Avoid and Fix Natural Deodorant Rash

Anytime you introduce new products into your skincare or hygiene routine, there’s a chance your body may need time to adjust — especially when it comes to what you’re putting on your underarms. If you've been using mainstream deodorants for years, your skin has likely adapted to ingredients like aluminum, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. When you suddenly stop using them, it’s not uncommon to experience temporary irritation.

This phase is often referred to as an adjustment period or underarm detox, and it typically lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, your skin is recalibrating — and while some people breeze through it, others may notice sensitivity, odor changes, or even an armpit rash from deodorant.

The good news? You can usually minimize or completely avoid irritation with a few simple tweaks: try a gentler formula, rotate your scents, and give your skin the time it needs to recalibrate. Explore our collection of aluminum-free deodorants to find an option that aligns with your skin's needs.

If you're already dealing with a rash, or just want to avoid one altogether, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — what causes underarm irritation from deodorant, how to treat it, and how to prevent it in the future.

What’s Actually Happening When You Get a Deodorant Rash?

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 — 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: contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, phototoxic reaction, heat rash, or intertrigo — 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  

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 an Armpit Rash from Deodorant

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. Washing daily with a gentle, all-natural soap helps reduce the risk of irritation. Also, avoid wearing clothing that sheds lint or fibers, as these can get trapped and cause further discomfort.

“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.

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 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 and consider a soap made for sensitive 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 or Oatmeal & Honey are great for irritated skin and help support the 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

Wrapping Up

As you work toward a healthier lifestyle, removing harsh chemicals from your skincare routine is a step in the right direction. While it’s normal to encounter some short-term discomfort when making the switch, being prepared can make all the difference.

By understanding what causes armpit irritation and how to avoid it — whether it's shaving, ingredient sensitivity, or sweat gland detox — you can minimize problems and make a confident move toward better personal care.

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