beeswax) sodium bicarbonate
Description
Alkaline salt that elevates skin surface pH to approximately 8, inhibiting growth of odor-causing microorganisms including Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp. responsible for foot malodor. Also used in foot soaks for deodorising and softening effects.
Function
Properties
Regulatory Status
Natural deodorant active and absorbent powder with dual benefit of moisture absorption and antimicrobial activity via pH elevation (~8.3) that inhibits odor-causing bacteria; however, this pH elevation disrupts the skin acid mantle (normal axillary skin pH ~5.5), and multiple contact dermatitis cases have been documented in individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, leading to replacement by magnesium hydroxide or zinc ricinoleate in modern formulations.
Generally safe for many cosmetic applications but explicitly contraindicated for intimate area deodorizing due to pH ~8.3 — disrupts the acid mantle and promotes pathogen overgrowth.
Ratings
Identifiers
No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.