I like to imagine it went something like this:
Five women were sitting around a table eating sprouted whole grain scones, talking about the latest in health scandals. Martha turned to Jody and with a sly smile whispered into Jody’s perfect curly-q ear, “Did you know baking powder has aluminum in it? I bet Janice used baking powder in her scones! We’re all going to get Alzheimer’s now. Thanks a lot, Janice.”
Jody squinted her eyes and gave it a bit of thought, and turned to the manicured Steffi and whispered, “Did you hear? Baking powder has aluminum in it!”
Steffi, not quite sure what to make of this information, leaned over and whispered to Maggie, “What’s the deal with baking soda containing aluminum? I thought that was BAD!” And Maggie, ever the first to know of shameful health trends, stands up, flips over the table and says, “YOUR BAKING SODA HAS ALUMINUM IN IT, JANICE! WE WILL NOT BE LUNCHING HERE TODAY.”
Then all the ladies, except for poor, confused Janice, march out the door and into their nearest Whole Foods to find aluminum-free baking soda.
And that, my friends, is how the myth about baking soda containing aluminum became a widely held misconception.
Baking Soda Does Not Contain Aluminum
Much like my time spent researching borax and olive oil, it really wasn’t all that easy to get to the bottom of this baking soda anti-hoax. Everywhere you turn, there are people proudly claiming they only buy Bob’s Red Mill Aluminum-Free Baking Soda, because, by gosh and all, if it doesn’t say aluminum-free, then it must contain aluminum.
FYI, I buy Bob’s Red Mill or Frontier baking soda, too, but for other reasons we’ll talk about in a minute.
First, let’s just get one thing straight, baking soda does not contain aluminum. Regardless of whether it says aluminum-free or not on the packaging. Even good old Arm & Hammer, with their otherwise questionable products, does not contain aluminum.
Bob’s Red Mill, for as much good as they’ve done, haven’t really done any of us a service by popping that aluminum-free label on their bicarbonate of soda. It’s only led to a whole lot of confusion. But it sure did make a genius marketing strategy, didn’t it?
Anyway, the confusion happened, it seems, because baking powder, which is produced in very different ways from baking soda (though it does contain some baking soda), often does contain aluminum. So if you’re going to look for the words aluminum-free, look for it on baking powder.
If the health benefits of using aluminum-free baking powder isn’t good enough for you, do it for the taste. Aluminum-free baking powder produces infinitely yummier treats.
But we’re not talking about baking powder. We’re talking soda here. S-O-D-A.
There IS a Difference, Though
So, now that we know there’s no aluminum in baking soda (but that there often is in baking powder), what’s the difference between, say, Bob’s Red Mill and Arm & Hammer baking soda?
Why on earth would you want to pay dollars more per pound for something like Bob’s Red Mill when you can get Arm & Hammer for a stick of gum?
It has to do with the way the two things are procured. A brand like Bob’s Red Mill (or Frontier or various other natural brands of baking soda) are mined directly from the ground in their natural sodium bicarbonate state (also known as nahcolite). In fact, Bob’s Red Mill is mined right here in Colorado, so for me it’s kind of like buying local. Which is nice.
There are no chemical reactions, nothing added or fiddled with. It’s just pure sodium bicarbonate, the way the earth made it.
On the other hand, Arm & Hammer baking soda uses a chemical reaction process through which trona ore is mined, then heated until it turns into soda ash. Then the soda ash is treated with carbon dioxide, and baking soda pours forth through the glorious brilliance of science.
It’s just a lot of effort to go through to procure something that’s abundantly available at this point.
However, I do not look down on the use of Arm & Hammer (or similar brands). In fact, it’s the only baking soda I use for cleaning. It’s okay enough, for me, to use on counter tops and bathtubs and more.
I choose, though, to only use naturally mined sodium bicarbonate (like Bob’s or Frontier) when I cook, make my own skincare items (like deodorant or exfoliant), or take it internally when I have the occasional heartburn.
This Clears Up the Confusion, Yes?
In a nutshell, if you just skimmed all my words and ended up here at the bottom hoping for a quick and easy wrap-up:
- Baking soda does not contain aluminum, regardless of whether or not the package says “aluminum-free.”
- Arm & Hammer (and other similar brands) use a chemical process that turns trona ore into soda ash and then reacts carbon dioxide with the soda ash to produce baking soda. This is not necessarily bad, per se, but it’s not the same as …
- Brands like Bob’s Red Mill and Frontier procure their sodium bicarbonate directly from the ground, in its natural state.
- I’m not going to judge you based on your baking soda buying choices, because I am not Maggie.
Lastly, let me just say this: If you were confused by the baking soda and aluminum situation, do not fret. It’s easy to get really confused in the game of whisper words, especially when it’s played on the internet.
But now you know, and now you have one less thing to worry about.
You’re welcome.
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Mahalo for this! You just saved me $$$ 🙂 My hubby has been drinking Arm & Hammer with Apple Cider Vinegar when I was going to go to Whole Paycheck & buy him some aluminum free baking soda. Thankfully I stumbled on your article. I appreciate the info!
I know I am going to get a lot of flack for this, but credible, real research debunked the aluminum/aluminium link to alzheimer’s long ago (and lets be honest, that is all that anyone is concerned about with regard to aluminum/aluminium).
Just to make it plain, the Alzheimers association put it into their ‘myths’ page on http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp
Myth 4: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.
I too am very pro-green but I will just add here, that we all look like nut-jobs when we continue to passionately believe stuff that has been debunked by credible science.
It is easy to believe that ‘the establishment’ is out to ‘get us’ and there is stuff ‘THEY just don’t want us to know’, but health care is a massive cost in the third world and diseases like Alzheimer’s a MASSIVE cost to health care. If the Government or World Health Organisation could wipe it out by removing aluminum/aluminium from food, they would, despite our own personal favourite health guru’s pontification on such matters.
And lets face it, if the aluminum/aluminium is parts per thousand or whatever and you put a whopping 1/2 teaspoon in baked goods and have one slice or one cookie per day etc. I think your brain is safe.
You are more likely to get hit by a bus or win the lottery, than die of Alzheimers from your baking soda or powder.
I too went to to buy the good stuff, finding Dakota at 8 bucks a lb. I was suprised, and saw Bobs much much cheaper. Didn’t see al free, so skipped it, now I know. But still wondering why Dakota so much, but you pay for some guy vacationing on his yacht, that’s why, lol!
What about this then?? It clearly states “21-26% sodium aluminum sulfate”, sounds like aluminium to me….
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baking_powder
Thanks for the valuable info.! I am often frustrated by how much misinformation is “shared” on the internet, especially social media. I am not perfect (and have once or twice shared without thinking to research), but try to at least put minimal effort into making sure things are true before I share. I appreciate your doing the work so that we may glean the helpful results.
Thank you Crunchy Betty for your time & effort on this baking soda hoax!
Dear Crunchy Betty,
You are very mistaken when you say that Baking Soda is not processed with aluminium, and that it is a great hoax. In the USA it is not processed with aluminium but in many countries it is still processed with aluminium.
In Australia, up until recently, Baking Soda was processed using aluminium. I rang the company and they told me their Australian supplier used aluminium and recently their supplier went out of business so they now source their Baking Soda from the USA.
According to Dr Hulda Clark, who has tested hundreds of products, she states that Baking Soda usually contains Benzene, except for a few she has tested that do not have Benzene. Benzene free Baking Soda is sold by:
1. Bob’s Red Mill
2. Karlin Foods Corp
3. Spectrum Chemical Co.
4. Self Health Resource Centre
These are all companies in the USA.
I emailed Bob’s Red Mill asking if their Baking Soda contains Benzene and they replied within the hour to say that there is no Benzene in their Baking Soda.
…Sofia
….. continuing on,
I would like to correct something. Even though the company rep told me they used to use aluminium in their Baking Soda, I think she may have meant Baking Powder. But my comments re Benzene in the Baking Soda still stands.
According to Dr Hulda Clark, who has tested Baking Powder, this does contain aluminium. If you want a Baking Powder reaction just add something acidic to the Baking Soda.
Wow, don’t listen to the naysayers. Anyone actually educated didn’t think it was too long, that you were rambling, et. Actually, I found this article delightful. Love your sarcastic bent, your cute story, and your explanation was solid. It’s your reading (and I use that term very loosely, indeed!) public that has issues. Keep on, Betty! ???
This article was too long and it repeated itself so often that I got bored. Thanks for the info, but it’s a long way with the writing skills.
… The best was the comments! Enjoyed some of the hillarious kind 🙂
Many thanks for your time spent researching this most useful information! I love your site…
Best ?
RE ;;;;;The Great Baking Soda Anti-Hoax, sounds like a Movie !
HI Crunchy Betty,
Thank you for a GREAT ARTICLE, I called Arm & Hammer and asked the Aluminum question, and they lady said ABSOLUTELY NOT, NO HEAVY METALS or Aluminum in Their Baking Soda. I as well as my Ancestors have used this product to clean, wash cloths, brush teeth, deodorant and for UP set stomach as well as the old man in Canada who mixes it with Maple Syrup and cured his Prostate Cancer. The Italian Doctor in Italy who discovered this cure did not specify any Brand,Just good old baking soda. So after all the B,S, is said and done, ITS ALL GOOD !
Regards
Rob~
This post is just wrong and it’s irresponsible to leave up. MOST double acting baking powder absolutely contains aluminum — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baking_powder#Single_vs_double_acting_baking_powders
In the beginning of the article you ask if baking powder has aluminum. Your argument that it doesn’t seems to be that baking SODA doesn’t have aluminum. The concept of double vs single acting baking powder isn’t even mentioned.
Nice blog, but this post is a butchery of the subject matter. The best thing would be to remove it, or at an update at the top, to explain errors made.
I am thankful for this blog post. You have brought up a HUGE point here. There is a lot of misinformation out on the internet. Because of my own research regarding this subject about baking soda and aluminum, I ran into this post. While it may not be THE BEST option, it is my only option as the stores where I live only carry this brand. I’d rather just use it than pay for shipping for something else.
Thank you again!
You are completely out of touch. The problem is with BAKING POWDER not baking SODA. You are completely confused and are misleading people. Baking powder needs to be aluminum free and aluminum is a serious metal toxin in the body. Those with an MTHFR1298 polymorphism in their genome have increased difficulty detoxing aluminum and that is a significant segment of the population. DO YOUR RESEARCH next time. You are welcome…
Exactly! Finally… someone who gets it!
But who are you responding to? The author or the sheeple? The author got it right. The SODA is simple Na+HCO3 and the POWDER has aluminum, as an acid, added to make baked goods rise.
Thank you!
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Baking soda does contain aluminum and bobs removed the label and will tell you theirs have it. They will also tell you ir cannot be removed.
Please state reffrences for your info and contacts/ links
From Bob’s Red Mill website Faqs section:
“Are your baking soda and baking powder aluminum free?
Bob’s Red Mill packages baking soda mined from the earth. Like most products that we sell, our baking soda is minimally processed and a product of nature with nothing added and nothing taken out. There may be naturally occurring traces of aluminum in our baking soda. While the amount of aluminum in our baking soda (if any), we feel omitting the term “aluminum free” from our packaging will avoid any confusion with our customers.”
http://www.bobsredmill.com/faq.html
Right? Actually, also show me the organic chemistry model for Na+HCO3 with aluminum in it.
Just wanted to say you rock! Thanks for the info you write easy reading informative material; keep up the good work.
With all due respect, If you believe an email from a large food company, you’re completely stupid.
Big companies lie all the time. I’ve contacted many of them and I know for a fact they’ve lied to me.
If you want to know for sure if baking soda, or any other product, contains aluminum, you have to test it yourself or find a lab you can trust.
Baking soda is a common household product that can be used as an effective cleaner. It can be used to clean hard to remove stains, clear drains, and it can act as a deodorizer to remove any foul odor.
Best Regards!
St Pancra’s Carpet Cleaners Ltd.
Thanks so much. Very informative article!!!
ofcourse here in the UK there is no confusion because baking soda is named bicarbonate of soda, and baking powder is baking powder, though the info is good because I did not know baking powder could have aluminium in it. thankyou for that
Beware… We do need to look at the ingredients to see of Aluminum is in the baking soda… I have purchased BS with Aluminum before I knew to read labels.
Really? Where exactly did you purchase this aluminum (self-rising) baking SODA? Again, for people who skim and don’t read, its the baking POWDER that has aluminum, not the soda. This is why baked goods either call for both (because soda doesn’t have it!) Or solely baking powder. SMH
Thanks for an extremely informative article.
You’ve used the terms “Baking Powder” and “Baking Soda” as if they are synonyms. However, they are not. Baking Soda is is the base sodium bicardonate. Baking Powder contains both an acid and a base. The base is typically Sodium Bicarbonate. The acid constituent sometimes contains aluminum.
Good point. The ingredients list for Bob’s brand of baking powder is: Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch and Monocalcium Phosphate. Isn’t it curious that the first item happens to be an acid? What is it, anyway?
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate is a common inorganic industrial chemical. It is often used as an emulsifier, thickening agent and for water treatment in your municipal water plants. Monocalcium Phosphate is produced by treating calcium hydroxide with phosphoric acid. It’s an inorganic chemical as well. It is used as a fertilizer and leavening agent.
Sorry, backwards, its the baking powder that contains the aluminum.
Its not the baking powder that contains aluminum, its the baking soda.
You can reference to the book “Healing with Wholefoods” from Paul Pitchford, page 112. “Aluminum is picked from aluminum cookware and from drinking water (aluminum sulfate is frecuently used to filter municipal water and often is not completely removed). Baking powder and antiacid tablets are two other common sources.”
You contradicted yourself. Your first statement (that its the soda) is erroneous. The second statement/quote (that its the powder) is correct.
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Shop Rite(USA) “Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix” barcode 0 4119001614 3 – Ingredients panel on back of box, lower left-hand corner:
“INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED BLEACHED FLOUR (BLEACHED FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SUGAR, LEAVENING (BAKING SODA, SODIUM ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE SHORTENING (CONTAINS SOYBEAN OIL), ” Etc…..
So precisely, based upon how it is worded, what does that “SODIUM ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE” refer to? Baking Powder?
Just want to make sure.
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate is a component of baking powder,as is baking soda. Baking powder has two main components, an acid and a base, The acid part can be one of several things, and sodium aluminum phosphate is one of them. Baking soda is the base part. These together cause a chemical reaction (carbon dioxide bubbling) when mixed with water. This release of gas helps to make light, fluffy pancakes. It works much like yeast does in bread dough, but is better suited for wet runny batters than yeast would be. Also, the acid used helps determine how long the chemical reaction lasts, how heat affects the bubbling, etc.
I’m not a chemist, but a Google search can provide all sorts of information!
http://homecooking.about.com/od/specificfood/a/bakingpowder.htm
Stay Crunchy!
Based on how this is worded, “sodium aluminum phosphate” is just an ingredient in “leavening.” When an ingredient list includes parentheses like that, it means there are ingredients within ingredients. So, for another example from above, the ingredient “enriched bleach flour” is made up of bleached flour, malted barley, and everything else in that set of parentheses. So in conclusion, sodium aluminum phosphate is neither baking soda nor baking powder, it is an added ingredient that happens to be used in the “leavening” of choice for shop rite.
Aluminum is added to SOME Baking POWDERs as an acidifying agent (others use Cream of Tartar) . The Acidifying agent (Aluminum in the above ingredients list) is to counter the alkaline taste that just Baking SODA will have.
Baking SODA is Ph = 8.1 hence the alkaline taste.
If you have ever tried to bake or make something and left out the Baking POWDER or the Cream of Tartar, you will soon see the difference in taste and texture.
BTW…awesome article Betty!
harder to eliminate in UK as we have self raising floor which has the baking powder added
Yes. You have to have an additional acid if you use baking soda alone, hence why baked goods either call for baking POWDER (which contains an acid, most likely aluminum) or a combo of both soda and powder. Baking Soda is aluminum free.
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I don’t know about the other brands, but Arm and Hammer tests on animals. I don’t know about you, but I won’t buy those products.
Thanks for this info, have bought A&H before and so glad I came across your comment, as I won’t be buying this again, due to being tested on animals!
Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Someone could have a bad experience and choose something like this to get people like you to stop buying the product. A&H does not test on animals. If you ever have questions why go to the internet and get answers from people that don’t know anything. Why don’t you just call the company directly?? UGH some people.
why do you just assume that they took this guys word for it and conducted no fact checking research on their own?
UGH some people.
… I keep picturing a bunch of lab mice at the base of an erupting baking soda volcano.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person’s webpage link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar in support of you.
Thanks in favor of sharing such a nice idea, article is fastidious, thats why i have read it completely
All baking soda’s are aluminum free, They are raw sodium bicarbonate,
it’s the baking POWDERS that can carry aluminum. They used to put aluminum in banking POWDERS to help in the rising process but most brands have eliminated the aluminum.
, buy the cheapest baking SODA (raw sodium bicarbonate) you can.!!
Sorry, but your article does not clear up the confusion at all. Your blanket statement that baking soda does not contain aluminium is not a proven fact; it is just your unsubstantiated opinion. Without having samples analysed by a certified trace elements laboratory, one cannot be certain that any particular batch of baking soda does or does not contain aluminium.
Well, Arm & Hammer has debunked that, and if you know chemistry at all or are familiar with the Solay process, it confirms that there is no aluminum.
No they haven’t debunked anything. They responded in their own defense. I can tell you first hand, having a mutation in both phases of Detoxification, that I get immediate ill side effects from arm and hammer baking soda that is the same as I react to aluminum exposure. Bob’s Red Mill is good.
Keep in mind that baking soda absorbs toxins and Arm and Hammer may be exposing their baking soda to their other products which contain LOADS of aluminum!!! It’s very dangerous for me. If I was stuck in a room with their carpet products for too long, I wouldn’t make it out. That same reaction I get from their baking soda.
So, yes, Sodium Bicarbonate does not contain aluminum “in its purest form”. However, contaminated Sodium Bicarbonate is contaminated.
Summary: Don’t touch Arm and Hammer. They’re full of it.
If baking soda doesn’t include aluminum, why companies that produce it admit there are traces of it in their products?
“We can confirm that Doves Farm Bicarbonate of Soda conforms to the relevant purity criteria relating to aluminium levels including Commission Regulation (EU) 231/2012 and amendments. Although there are no aluminium additives in the product,there are trace levels of aluminium present at < 0.5mg/kg. Doves Farm "
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Actually, there seems to be some confusion in this article. In the first paragraph, we are talking about baking *powder*, and the rest of the article talks about baking *soda* which are slightly different. baking *soda* is has no aluminum, and I has *never* seen a “aluminum free” lable on it. The only place I have ever seen an “aluminum free” lable is on baking *powder*, and that is because baking powders are available both with and without aluminium compounds. Even with Bob’s Red Mill, only the powder says aluminum free. Hope this was helpful
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baking_powder#Usage_of_aluminium_compounds
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Q-A/BakingPowder.htm
“There are no chemical reactions, nothing added or fiddled with. It’s just pure sodium bicarbonate, the way the earth made it.” If you and the guileless fools that swoon over your blog think that sodium bicarbonate mined from the earth wasn’t produced through chemical reactions, I have a bridge to sell you. Don’t worry, it’s crunchy.
Acutally, it is a naturally occuring mineral called Nahcolite, that can be found in Searles Lake, San Bernardino County, California; in the Green River Formation, Colorado and Utah. You really should do more research before calling other people fools… as for chemical reactions, I believe they talking about artifically induced ones in a lab somewhere, not natually occuring ones.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahcolite
You are lucky! at least you know which baking soda do you use? There are no labels for the baking soda in Serbia, unfortunately. They are all the same! No warnings in any way. Ha!
It’s remarkable designed for me to have a website, which is beneficial for my knowledge.
thanks admin
Unfortunately I dont believe what is said here. Theres aluminum in bicarbonate of soda. One of the biggest european producers Dr. Oetker admits their BoS got particles of aluminum. so… dont take it for granted.
I contacted bobs red mill and asked about the aluminum.. This is what I got as an answer today: Thank you for contacting Bob’s Red Mill!
Bob’s Red Mill packages only one type of baking soda, an all-natural baking soda that is mined from the earth. Like most of our other products, our baking soda is minimally processed—it is simply a product of nature; nothing is added, nothing is taken out.
About a year ago we took the statement “aluminum free” off the label because we became aware that there may be naturally-occurring traces of aluminum in our baking soda. While the amount of aluminum is miniscule to none, we feel omitting the term “aluminum free” will avoid any confusion or misleading claims with our customers. It is the same baking soda that it has always been.
Please feel free to contact me if you need help with anything else.
Have a great day!
So.. it contains traces of aluminum…. Sad story..
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I just bought Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda. It does not say aluminum free on the package. It does say aluminum free on their baking powder package.
Thank you
Bobs doesnt have aluminum free on their packaging for BS. Maybe they use to?
Aluminum is one of the most plentiful elements in the world. It is in trace amounts in almost everything including you! It is in the plants you eat and even in pastured, organic meat. Ordinary clays have large amounts of it but it is chemically tied up. So I personally wouldn’t worry about clay. So yes, it is in A&H baking soda in very small amounts and it is also in Bob’s Red Mills baking soda, in very small amounts. Almost anything mined has it. Almost anything running through any kind of equipment has it. It is darn near everywhere and in darn near everything.
But if you are trying to avoid consumption of significantly large amounts of aluminum, then buy baking POWDER that is not aluminum based. You would have to eat tons and tons of baking soda (either brand) to equal the aluminum in one teaspoon of aluminum based baking powder. Even then you can be assured that even non-aluminum baking powder contain tiny amounts of aluminum. Don’t spaz over it. Stress is bad for you. Smiling improves your health more than worrying about the trace amounts of aluminum.
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BOB’S RED MILL did not stop using “aluminum free” because it back-tracked not containing aluminum. It’s because it wasn’t necessary. And were there aluminum in natural traces, you can live with that. For example, apple seeds contain traces of arsenic such that if you swallow seeds you have NO CHANCE at all of dying. Naturally occurring traces are just that.
Regardless it is a good discussion thus, how much is in fact in a naturally-occurring “trace” of aluminum?
And yes you may wind up PAYING MORE for something that is not processed by a company that is as ubiquitous as Arm & Hammer. With most products you want as little refining as possible.
If you are making deodorant even with A & H baking soda you are still avoiding the aluminum that commercial deodorant companies ADD to the product. I’m not sure why people would argue on this board about that. You STILL are making a huge difference! If you can’t afford to buy for $3 what you can get for $.80 at a local store, it’s okay – you haven’t failed the universe!
Always be questioning and it will go in the right direction!!
– Mr. Awesome
Heheh
I know a lot about health, but didn’t know this. Just never thought to consider otherwise! (Not that I’m really so afraid of aluminum now, with all the great ways I know to single it out for elimination.) Thanks for your lesson. 🙂
I think baking soda back in the day had aluminium chloride or something in it. I’m actually looking for it (hence finding your post) to make super snappy gingernut biscuits. So Bob’s label at some time may have been purposeful.
Can’t seem to find it though!
Sodium aluminum sulphate is the one I had recently been advised to avoid. I even bought Rumford Baking Powder until I could research. After exhaustive search, the only link between health and harm associated with SAS was a link in some studies to Alzheimer’s. But nothing truly conclusive. I would like to thank you for this blog, it has really helped to solidify my own suspicions.
dear people, where can I buy bobs red mill or frontrier soda bicarbonate in the netherlands or closeby
thanks you in advance
I looked into Bob’s Red Mill and the ingredients list. It has cornstarch. GMO?? or non GMO???
This Non-GMO Shopping Guide will help you identify and avoid foods with GMOs. Look for products (including organic products) that feature the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal to be sure that at-risk ingredients have been tested for GMO content.
Please go to this URL to access the Non-GMO Shopping Guide PDF http://responsibletechnology.org/Shopping-Guide-Fall-2013.pdf
Please be sure to save this PDF to your computer.
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That was probably one of the best post ever!! Thank you for clarifying this! You are awesome 🙂
Thanks for this information. I actually just tried to call ArmandHammer but the office was closed. I know too, that depending on who answers the phone I could get a number of different answers! May I ask if you spoke with someone at the Co to see what their response is? I skimmed through the FAQ’s on the website, and did not see this concern addressed, although they seemed to speak a lot on Ph and Alkalinity/Acidity for their swimming pool products. Thanks again for your information and research.
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It is obvious that baking SODA does not contain aluminum, it is one simple ingredient period; sodium bicarbonate. However, many commercially-available baking POWDERS DO CONTAIN AlUMINUM and they should be avoided. Always look for aluminum-free baking POWDER. I agree that marketing baking SODA as aluminum-free is irrelevant. This article began with discussing baking powder but then transitioned to baking soda. Do not confuse the two, they are not one in the same.
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I noticed your column after searching for aluminum free baking powder online, I was not aware that baking soda could contain aluminum since it is sodium bicarbonate. I must confess that I thought you were talking about baking powder until I clicked on your article.
Hello!
Others have voiced my confusion above, but it’s pleasant sometimes to add into the melee. I have been signed up since the middle of January, but have three letters. They’re great letters! But similarly, I’d like to know if this is just the process in the dust settling or if this is to be expected?
Thanks!
Today I received a manufacturer’s email that contradicts your post on aluminium in bicarb of soda. It’s from “Dr Oetker” a multinational that makes bicarbonate of soda for the home baking market (sold under the brand superfood here in UK):
Hello,
Thank you for your enquiry.
There are between 5 & 50 parts per million of aluminium in our bicarbonate of soda, and this is due to cross contamination, not an added ingredient, and therefore can vary slightly from batch to batch.
I hope this is of assistance to you.
Kind Regards
Consumer Response Team
I’d emailed them myself to double check a post on yahoo discussion saying the same, as there is so much misinformation out there by people not checking facts properly. Crunchy Betty it would be very helpful if you update your post in light of such evidence as few will read all these replies and may still be ingesting aluminium unnecessarily due to being misinformed. Love your home made deodorant work though.
Had been wondering if my HS science was REALLY that rusty!!
Reminds me of packaging that says “Fat Free” on things like Twizzlers….
Thank you for this info. I’ve been trying to find aluminum free deodorants & recipes to make my own & got really confused when I saw the aluminum free claims on baking soda. I thought baking soda was just sodium bicarb….did NOT know about how A&H make theirs & did NOT know about the baking powder. Thanks again!!
Thanks so much for ending this confusion!
Here’s my take … Why does it cost so much more for something that doesn’t need any additions or mixing or heating etc. We have to pay extra for it to be simply mined. That makes absolutely no sense at all.
I don’t know exactly why they price their items the way they do, but I can give you my opinion based on my observations of other products with similar disparities. Often, if a product uses any non-American factories/mines/etc. to package their product, they are able to do it cheaper because of the wage disparity between American workers and, well… everyone else. Also, smaller businesses often have a higher end price due to the smaller size of their consumer group. In this case, A&H has their product EVERYWHERE and everyone recognizes them and all that. They can afford to procure ginormous amounts of baking soda because they will sell it. Bob’s is not everywhere and is not as easily recognizable, so their base is smaller and they have to buy smaller amounts and on and on. HTH
good to know, however, I ‘heard’ that Arm & Hammer DOES UTILIZE ANIMAL TESTING. So, that has made a BIG impact on my buying choices. Have to admit, I haven’t researched it past that… it’s on my list 😉
Thank you so much for this clarification. I started going like; but my homemade deodorant has just normal store bought baking soda 😉 just took a deep break after reading your nice piece.
Arm and hammer baking soda has been tested for aluminum and it is a scientific fact proven in the lab analysis that it does contain aluminum often depending upon where they get it from. Bob’s red mill is not processed in any industrial chemical plant as is most of arm and hammer’s. They gather it from nature’s sources without any processing and when tested it never shows aluminum. Now, if you really want to prove that your arm and hammer is clean, go test it and have it analyzed for aluminum and come up with the facts! That is the only way to PROVE any point, otherwise it is all opinion and unsubstantiated. By the way, aluminum has not been proven to cause Alzheimer’s, it is simply assumed that, because they find deposits of aluminum in the person’s brain, that perhaps it contributed to the disease. But now research shows that it is lack of various minerals that contributes to the disease and the result is mineral imbalance causing aluminum to deposit in the brain tissue. I say lets get some good documented facts not conjecture. Go research it for yourselves is probably the best advice in a situation like this. I have and it gave me the critical evidence i needed.
I notice the author of the article gives no proof of her research and doesn’t give any indication as to where you might find the information that led her to that conclusion. It’s a fairly persuasive article that requires you to take everything on faith. I’m not saying there is a harmful amount of aluminum in baking powder, but I do think this article is very much like the scone story used to illustrate the author’s point. It’s just hearsay. Where are the facts to back it up?
Actually Bob’s Red Mills has recently removed the “aluminum free” label from their baking soda and have given it the meaningless descriptor “all natural”. I was buying it because it said aluminum free (and the thought of Alzheimer’s scares me). I take a lot of it because I use it to neutralize the acidity in vitamin C powder that I mix into a glass of water(and it’s also supposed to potentiate the Vitamin C somehow). Anyway, because I was concerned about the change in labeling I called Bob’s Red Mills and asked about it. What I was told was that their baking soda contains naturally occurring trace elements of aluminum and that is why they changed their label. So it in fact does contain aluminum. My question is how much is too much. I’d like to keep doing what I’m doing because it is a cost efficient way to take mega doses of vitamin C. If anybody has any info on that it would be great to hear from you. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this. I noticed that the “aluminum free” label was nowhere to be found on a recent bag I purchased…and then began googling for answers. Heh heh. So now they are saying it contains naturally occurring trace amounts of aluminum, eh? Hmmmm…
Hello Ben, I also was mega-dosing on Vitamin C (being a loyal Linus Pauling fan), and getting the ‘C crystals’ which were more economical for the amount I wanted to take. THEN, I learned that Vitamin C is made from CORN – and nearly all corn in the US is GMO (90 to 95%), so I located a different online supplier that sells the powder and capsule form that’s made from dried berries (acerola, etc.). That’s SYNERGY out of Moab, Utah. There are now other brands, including Trusted Health Products which uses European corn as their source. Because I’ve read about GMOs (Seeds of Deception, etc.), I want to be as GMO free as possible, although I can no longer afford to ‘mega dose’ with C. 🙁 Also, THANKS for the correction re trace amounts of aluminum in baking soda.
with a direct intake of baking soda, be careful, a half a tea spoon is good, but not for long periods of time, but if you want vitamin C, forget supplements, majority of there are just Ascorbic acid, it’s like getting an egg shell with nothing inside, your best bet is to juice organs, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, oranges for the taste, lemons and limes for the high content of vitamin C, and the grape fruit juice helps the body absorb more of the vitamins, and remember that true vitamin C is water soluble, not this misguided synthetic stuff
Juice Organs?? Now that sounds yummy……hehehe 😉
I would say that naturally occurring trace aluminium (I’m not from the UK but I recently read that the official spelling has been changed to this, and I’m a freak when it comes to spelling 🙂 is ok, compared to what they add in deodorants, which is most likely some kind of processed aluminium coming from a huge block of it. I don’t know for sure, but I’d rather have naturally occurring aluminium if I had to have it in some form.
Bobs Red Mill is a great company, employee owned by the generous gift from Bob when he retired. Try their excellent flours. I use ww for everything. It is great fun to go to their country store in Milwaukie Oregon.
That was the most brilliance I have read on a blog ever! Thank you for the clarity 🙂
Thank you! I already knew about the Baking Powder Baking Soda non-aluminum issues for quite awhile. Today you taught me how Baking Soda is procured – I had no clue before this. Thank you!
Thank you, thank you! I was just starting to look for this exact answer as I was getting ready to make my first batch of homemade deodorant and wanted to make sure I wasn’t getting anything unwanted.
Thanks for the info!
I was searching for baking powder deodorant and come across this, I will try to find a non chemical one.. thou I am still confused about soda and powder..
I just switched from Clabber Girl (with aluminum) to Rumsford (w/out aluminum). Suddenly my biscuits are tart like sour dough. Not bad but…? You have not addressed the taste difference in your blog Crunchy Betty. Can anyone of you explain this?
Thank you for such a great post! I heard about the aluminum thing just recently and was curious. Your blog post helped alot!
Thank you for such a great post! I heard about the aluminum thing just recently and was curious. Your blog post helped alot!
Crunchy Betty, you are my heroine!
Thank you for clearing things up, great article, I’m going to check out your beauty recipes now!
If it doesn’t say “Aluminum Free” on the package it is NOT aluminum free. Your article is an irresponsible piece of literature in regards to the health of all who read it. BEWARE, anyone who consumes a product that does not SPECIFICALLY state it is aluminum free is placing their own health and the health of their family at risk. KEN
Does that mean that if it doesn’t say “Infant Free”, we may POSSIBLY BE CONSUMING BABIES?!
Really useful article as I live in the UK and was often puzzled at use of terms as we say baking ‘powder’ and bicarbonate of ‘soda’ separately. Thank you.
I was sceptical of your article at first,,, but as I read more, I realized it was well researched and well written. Thank you for clearing up this matter!
I was looking for a deodorant that was all natural and not too expensive. I am right now about to try the coconut oil, baking soda et al type, but just found another type that is ALL baking soda, tea tree oil and lavender or cedar oil scented. Thanks for this post, I think my pits, AND my chocolate chip cookies thank you.
does this mean that using arm and hammer baking soda on your hair isn’t all that great for it, and might harm it?
I was alittle concerned when Bobs baking soda label recently went from “aluminumfree” to “all natural”. I decided to call Bobs for an explanation…seems they changed the info on their package because they tested their own product and found aluminum! this is straight from the horses mouth!
I just called them and they told me the same thing…There are naturally occurring trace amounts of aluminum that have recently been found while mining. Supposedly this did not exist in the past…but has recently changed…thus the package labeling change.
if this is true, then even buying a box labeled aluminum free, was not truly aluminum free. so, in essence, people thought they were getting aluminum free, when they were not. they sold boxes that claimed to be aluminum free, until they realized natural trace amounts showing up in their “all natural” process..lol.. wow.. so ..they obviously COULD NOT GET RID OF THE ALUMINUM, Hence, the name change, to all natural, MEANING, that this article is UNTRUE and COULD POSSIBLY cause a health hazard if someone follows this articles information. Thank YOU, for calling them and finding the truth. so, as of now, i will ASSUME, there are trace amounts of aluminum in ALL baking soda , and even more so in baking powder, if there was a way of getting rid of the aluminum, IM sure they would have gotten rid of it, and kept the aluminum free label, looks like they could not get rid of it, so they decided to do the next best thing and just call it all natural. NOW, we need to find out what happens to the aluminum when its put through the alternative process that arm and hammer uses to chemically produce their baking soda…might end up being less aluminum in the chemically made product because of the process…stranger things have happened 🙂
just found this…..
From: Elizabeth O
Date: Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 7:13 PM
Subject: Bob’s Red Mill: Product Information
To: erased…..
Hello Mary Lou,
Thank you for your inquiry. Our Baking Soda is mined out of the earth in Western Colorado using a simple water filtration process. Most baking soda on the market today does not contain aluminum; it was typically added as an anti-caking agent back in the day. We originally labeled our Baking Soda as aluminum free because we received a very high volume of calls and letters regarding the issue when the safety of ingesting aluminum was making headlines. In the last few years, we’ve considered taking this information off of the label because it’s essentially irrelevant, however, I’m sure you can imagine the confusion that would generate.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Have a great weekend!
Elizabeth
Customer Service
Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc.
http://www.bobsredmill.com
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!!!! I never type in all caps! lol.. I’ve been confused about this for some time. I really appreciate the info! Great post.
I only buy Bobs Red Mill baking soda because they are cruelty free and its not chemically processed with machines.
Arm & Hammer tests its products on animals – a practice known as vivisection in which living animals.
Church & Dwight Inc., owners of the Arm & Hammer label, are not cruelty free. If you care about animals, please boycott Arm and Hammer!
It’s also the reason I switched.
How often do you have to test a product as old as baking soda? Probably never
since the first time it proved harmless.
Testing baking soda on animals…cruel? Perhaps 50 years ago, but by now the process is so practiced, I imagine it’s just a fail safe like a cup-bearer for the president…yes, someone, a person, tests the food for the president. lol I call that cruel. I’d use animals instead. I don’t think their babies would miss them as much when they got the call.
[I know this is a really old post, but I came across this site with high hopes.]
Anytime they introduce a new product with baking soda in it (toothpastes, detergents, deodorants, etc.) to the market, and even though most adults with any sense know not to put these items in their eyes or other orifice, they do animal testing.
It really is cruel, particularly one form called draize testing. They test on all kinds of animals including rabbits, dogs, and cats for all sorts of unnecessary reasons.
I think we all know by now that shampoo hurts our eyes, disinfecting wipes would probably cause blindness, and you shouldn’t eat your cosmetics for an afternoon snack. Please become better informed.
It is baking powder, not baking soda, that contains aluminum.
Did you know if you become a part or start your own Frontier Co-op, you can buy 1 lb. of Frontier bulk baking soda (from mined sources) for only $2.05! I don’t know yet where it’s mined from, but sounds good to me!! That is cheaper than Arm & Hammer or cheap store brands. If it wasn’t for you, I never would have known that Arm & Hammer was chemically made. Nothing on the box gives that way! I knew of course that it didn’t contain Aluminum, that is some baking powders. I always thought that was odd of Bob’s Red Mill to put that on their label. I never bought that product from them. Mainly their gluten-free flours and xanthan gum to act in place of gluten.
I laughed so hard when read this because literally I thought to myself. “Well I better just go with Bob’s because at least I know it does not contain aluminum”. I was already pretty sure that Baking Soda did not contain Aluminum, but then when Bob’s says it doesn’t…..I thought maybe I was wrong to think that. Thanks!!
I love baking soda at the moment, and this link gives 75 reasons why!! So great! (And so is your blog by the way, I love it!!) http://lifehackery.com/2008/07/22/home-4/
Thanks so much for clearing this up, as several people had asked me about this lately and I was quite bewildered as to how it could have aluminium in it! I make my own baking powder with 7 spoonfuls of cream of tartar and 3 spoonfuls of bicarb soda, which is then used in a ratio of one heaped teaspoon per cup of flour. It works a treat… and no horrible metallic flavour in my baking!
According to the people at Arm and Hammer they did indeed at one time use aluminum in their baking soda, however they quit that practice years ago.
I had no idea this was even a “thing”, but now I’ll never have cause to question. *^.^*
Thanks for the research on this subject, as I have wondered this myself (I thought it was strange BRM would label as such, since I was under the impression baking soda was naturally aluminum free). Strangely enough I do the exact thing you do…BRM for food and beauty and A&H for cleaning and laundering. Thanks again for bringing a thorough understanding to this subject. 🙂
Now that was informative! Thank you so much for bringing light to that. Now I need to go shopping for new baking powder, and probably track down some Bob’s Red Mill baking soda. Hope you are enjoying another wonderful wintery day in Colorado!
I just wrote a recipe on my blog for homemade baking powder. Much cheaper than buying the aluminum free baking powder from the store. Hope this helps!
http://arealfoodlover.com
Thank you for that! Reading this made me think of another question that I had for you.. I have no clue why but, I went with it. I emailed you and then I got this weird thing back and replied to it and blah, blah so anyway I thought that I would post it here. Without further ado:
Dear Betty,
I wanted to make it “witty-er” but, it is what it is… I do have a question for your cruncncyness… how do you make a natural bug, ok SPIDER *ewwww* repellant?
With gratitude and reverance,
Teri 🙂
LOL!!!! Great anecdote! I was like AnnaM I had Never even heard that BSsoda had aluminum.
I had wondered about that, too! Thanks for clearing it up 🙂
I’m so glad to have found you Crunchy Betty! My friend told me about your edible make-up and as a crunchy mama myself, I can’t wait to scour your website for more crunchyness!
It’s funny, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Baking Soda having aluminum in it. I mean, it’s Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), there’s just no aluminum in it.
Anyways, I have a laundry related question for you Betty (and anyone else who may know). I use skincare oils for moisturizing on a daily basis, and I’m afraid they’re building up in my clothing. What’s the best way to tackle this problem without resorting to really harsh detergent and without wearing out my clothes? Can you use baking soda in laundry?
Baking soda is fine in laundry, if you want a deep grease-cutting action (cotton only, not on wool or silk) try with a tablespoon of washing soda (sodium carbonate) mixed with your regular detergent
Are jeans okay to be washed with baking soda too? Or are you recommending washing soda?
I use baking soda, borax, vinegar, and castille soap as my detergent. It is amazing. sometimes I don’t even use the castille soap. If you are set on washing soda, you can make it at home.
Thank you for clarifying 🙂 And I read your post from top to bottom Just to get the whole picture as I use soda a lot, not so much for baking, but for cleaning my teeth 🙂 I will go and check what does my packaging says and will look for some nicer brands soda to use in my cooking 😀 Your story was sooo funny 😀
This is one of the many reasons that I love your blog. A great explanation, with your wonderful sense of humor. A huge thank you! x
thanks for clearing that up! I had heard rumors and wasn’t sure what to think! 🙂 You rock!!! 🙂
http://munchtalk.blogspot.com/
I heart you.
Thanks for all your very informative articles! Now, I’m also still wondering about the aluminum in bentonite clay? I’ve been reading your deodorant recipes and various others, and I really like the sound of your not-a-secret one, because the other DIY one I’ve tried (about 1/4 c CO, 1 tsp BS, and 1 or 1 1/2 tbsp arrowroot) made me itch and burn like crazy even with that small amount of BS. I saw where you’d commented that you were still researching the aluminum in bentonite, and was wondering if you’d reached any conclusions.
Wow! Thank you so much! I hadn’t heard about the baking soda either…only the powder, so this was informative on so many levels. But most importantly, thank you for enlightening and convincing me that I really do need to get on the natural baking soda tip. I never understood the point until now and honestly, you’ve kinda grossed me out.. But in a good way. You’ve grossed me out by the procurement process of baking soda, so much that I’ll never use Arm n Hammer in my baking or personal care products again! But of course, still for cleaning around the house, as you’ve mentioned 🙂 thanks again!
I already knew the information presented, but I just ADORE your writing style and curiosity, etc. Thank you for researching and sharing and looking out for the crunchy world, Sweet Lady!!!!
Love your writing style! So many natural or green blogs I subscribe to are…… so……. dry……… and dull to read. I will definitely be back!
Thanks for clearing THAT up! It did make me a little cautious about my homemade deodorant when I heard that baking soda might have aluminum in it- good to hear that’s false, even if it is just plain old arm n’ hammer that I use.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! This nonsense has been driving me nuts for awhile now! I wondered how the whole thing started. : ) I’m now pondering the possibilities of creating my own brand of bottled water and putting “fat free” on the label to boost sales…
Thank you for this post! I’ve been wondering about my box of Arm and Hammer baking soda and hadn’t found the time to research it.
Oh, my word…that was HILARIOUS! When “Maggie” flipped over the table, I lost it at the computer. I, for one, had never come across the aluminum in baking SODA before, only in baking powder. Thank you for your research and attention to the issue. You are the Snopes of the crunchy world. Not only is your blog trustworthy and informative, but your writing style is highly ENTERTAINING. Love it!
I was just the other day wondering to myself about baking soda and why the heck it’s so fabulous and if it is truly natural, and look what you did. Thank you.
Great post! Thanks for the information. Love your sense of humor. 🙂
I had heard this about baking soda (that it’s all actually aluminum free, but be ware baking powder). I also heard that the brands that make the overly-processed baking soda (instead of just pulling it out of the ground) often use aluminum machines. Because of the chemical make-up of baking soda it easily absorbs aluminum so there are probably trace amounts. No proof, but I still wonder. I would guess it matters if you’re very sensitive, but not in non-sensitive situations.
But now I want to know all about baking powder! (Thank you for clearing up the soda scandal 🙂 )
I don’t know. All I know is I am HIGHLY allergic to metals (aluminum being one of those metals) and I get a rash every time I use baking soda topically that looks just like the rash that I get when I come in contact with other aluminum products. The Bob’s Red Mill doesn’t do that, but at the super high price, I can’t justify the expense, so I have removed all baking soda from my healthcare uses. I still use it sparingly in my baked goods, but can’t use it topically.
The way I understood it, (much like table salt) aluminum is added as an anti-caking agent to baking SODA and powder. I’m not sure if this is true or not, but if it is, it could explain your rash. They may not have to list it as an ingredient (also like table salt). One can make baking powder by mixing baking soda and cream of tartar (tartaric acid from winemaking). So, it is easy to have aluminum-free baking powder if the bicarb that you are using is also free. Here is a link with a letter from Bob’s stating why they were labeling “no aluminum” http://godfire.net/Health_Corner/baking_sodas_are_all_the_same.htm
Coyotevick; that you experience a rash every time you use most commercial “baking soda” is because it does contain aluminum and is a byproduct of aluminum processing. Bob’s Red Mill doesn’t cause that reaction because it IS aluminum free and states this fact upon their label. If a company’s sodium bicarbonate product doesn’t say “Aluminum Free” then IT ISN’T. By LAW, they cannot say it is or risk mass lawsuits.
You folks need to use your own heads and not accept someone else’s word for gospel and think for yourselves.
Thank you, thank you, thank you O Mighty Crunchy One!!! I HAVE been fretting… but I shall fret NO MORE!!!
Thank you! This has been driving me crazy!
lady Betty, we are so lucky here to have your sharp eyes, your boundless curiosity and your never-ending wit – thanks heaps for the clarification! =)
Interesting timing! I am beginning to look at the chemical content of baking soda baking powder to try and discover why people that use baking soda deodorant get such horrid rashes and reactions to it. I’d be interested in your thoughts on that – also in hearing from anyone who has made and used a baking soda based deodorant and DIDN’T get a rash or reaction to it 🙂
Actually, I’ve been using straight baking soda for the past three months and no worries – so far anyway! I’d also be interested to know why that is! Hmm..
Oh la la! It seems that the brand I use – Australia’s most popular, Mckenzies DOES in fact contain small traces of naturally occurring aluminium – 0.2mg per kg, which works out to 0.000001g or 1 microgram per teaspoon. I imagine there could be aluminum present where the bicarb is sourced? That does seem like a very very small amount though, but what do you think?
Wow, I am learning more every day… are there a lot of commercial brands that use baking soda? (can you tell it’s forever ago that I have used a commercial deodorant?). The aluminum amount you mention is really tiny… without having researched the allowed amounts, I’m guessing you’re ok. I think a lot of the commercial brands have really started tightening up their production because of the growing trend towards more ‘green’ products. Thanks for your feedback Brianna (and what a lovely name you have).
Brianna is referring to McKenzies the bicarb soda brand here in Australia. I haven’t heard of many …or any… commercial deodorants using bicarb soda either. I love skipping that aisle in the supermarket! 🙂
Haha, yes, I mean literally two fingers in my little jar of BS and apply! It’s been a long longgg time since I too have used a commercial deodorant!
Me too Kylie! I love this freedom from all the “pink-washing” not just those icky ingredients ! =)
The Mckenzie website says it is naturally occurring – I think I’ll use up what I have then look around.
Love and light ladies! 😉
Mc kenzies say they are allllllu free Aussies… can you buy it bulk?
How about that, Brianna, I had no idea either. I’ve never even read the back of the box because the front says sodium bicarbonate….I assumed that was all there was to it. Might have to start looking for another brand. Mind you, in amounts that small, it’s hard to say that you don’t get just as much on you by holding something made of aluminium in your hand each day. And if amounts of aluminium that small occur naturally in the bicarb deposits that are mined, is it better to just accept them, or run the natural mineral through some sort of heavy processing to remove it? Gahhh!! It’s all so difficult!!
But we love it 🙂
i just read the box and they say no aluminium! okie doke? pheeeew
I use a baking soda based deodorant and have never gotten a rash from it. I have a LOT of allergies: food, environmental, and topical. The recipe I use for deodorant is 1 part baking soda, 2 parts corn starch, and 3 parts coconut oil + essential oils. I was amazed when I didn’t get a rash or break out or stink. I tried coconut oil on my face as a moisturizer and it made my skin break out, then peel off, and left me with brown (I’m extremely pale) leathery skin for a few months. I also can’t use baking soda to wash my face but I do wash my hair and the rest of my body with it (no ‘poo method with a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 cup water) without any problems.
Thanks so much Rachel. Great input, and thanks for giving me the recipe you are using! I’m curious about which essential oils you are adding? Some are naturally deodorizing (as well as having a fabulous scent).
Oh, it drives me NUTS because the deodorant I made with baking soda works so well, but if I use it more than about once a week, I get itchy red underarms! I’ve used Bob’s Red Mill and A&H (I use the cheap stuff for cleaning, like the stove, so I usually have it around) and it doesn’t make any difference. I normally use the recipe with clay, and I use arrowroot powder because cornstarch also seems to irritate my skin, but the BS-free recipe only works so-so 🙁
Ooh this is great input Aimee! I have heard about arrowroot vs cornstarch fomr others as well… more and more for me to check out., Thanks much!
Try decreasing the amount of baking soda you are using.
I have had the same experience as far as making deodorant with and without baking soda. It’s a total let down. I will continue to attempt new recipes, in order to create one that actually works without giving me a rash. Thanks for saying that you both A&H and other more natural brands worth the same result, it helps to know that!
Yes, I get a rash when using it as a deodorent.