Zinc-Based Deodorant Without Baking Soda

If you’ve ever reacted to baking soda deodorant… you’re not alone.

Redness. Itching. That mysterious underarm rebellion that makes you question every life choice.

Here’s the thing most brands won’t tell you:
You don’t need baking soda to control odor.

You need zinc from Bedrock.

Let’s talk about why.

Why Zinc-Based Deodorant Works (Even Without Baking Soda)

Zinc oxide doesn’t “mask” odor.

It sits on top of the skin and forms a protective barrier that:

• Helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria
• Supports irritated or reactive skin
• Calms redness that baking soda can trigger
• Creates a dry, calm surface without clogging pores

Freshstick uses 22% zinc oxide — a serious level. Not a sprinkle. Not a marketing dusting. A functional amount.

That’s why it works differently.

The Funny (and Very Real) Zinc Discovery Story

Here’s Sascha’s story — written to Rachel, our Bedrock founder:

"Well, I have a funny story for you since you are, after all, an evangelist of zinc deodorant.

In 2024, I went on a trip to Japan. In a heroic act of minimalist packing, I brought a tiny tube of CeraVe sunscreen and an identically sized tube of Lume deodorant (which I had never used before, but had heard excellent things about). About halfway through the trip, I had a strange realization: I’d been using the CeraVe as deodorant.

Weird… but also oddly effective?

Once I figured that out, I switched to the actual Lume. And in the heat and humidity of Japan including trains, walking, sweating, existing, I never once had an odor issue. I returned home feeling smug, fragrant, and victorious.

Then… disaster.

Back in normal, non-magical America, the Lume did not work AT ALL. Like, zero. I started questioning everything. Was it the water in Japan? The air? The spiritual cleanliness of the country? I often reflected fondly on how sweet-smelling I had been in Japan, like some kind of cherry-blossom-scented memory.

And then it hit me.

I had been using sunscreen as deodorant.

Which led to the obvious next question: could sunscreen… actually work as deodorant?

That revelation launched my deep dive into what ingredient was responsible. Could there be such a thing as zinc-based deodorants? After some digging, I found the product pictured below. It works great—but unfortunately also gave me dermatitis. Still, it worked so well that I could get away with using it weekly, which kept the skin rebellion mostly in check.

Meanwhile, my husband kept suggesting I just go back to using sunscreen as deodorant. This seemed unhinged and wrong on every level. So, naturally, I did more internet research.

That’s when I discovered Bedrock.

What a great product. So thank you for creating it. Truly amazing."

Why Baking Soda Deodorants Cause Irritation

Baking soda is alkaline.
Your underarm skin is naturally slightly acidic.

That mismatch can:

• Disrupt the skin barrier
• Trigger redness and itching
• Cause peeling or dermatitis
• Make odor worse long term

Zinc-based deodorant without baking soda works with your skin — not against it.

Why Bedrock's Freshstick Is Different

Freshstick isn’t just “zinc-based.”

It’s built around it.

22% Zinc Oxide

A high-performance level that helps create a protective layer to neutralize odor and calm reactive underarm skin.

Matcha Green Tea

Helps support antioxidant protection while keeping underarms feeling fresh.

Botanical Extract Complex

A blend of:

• Ivy Gourd Extract
• Tulsi Extract
• Basil Extract
• Eggplant Extract
• Turmeric Extract

These plant extracts help support calm skin and quickly soothe redness — especially if you’ve reacted to other natural deodorants.

Can Zinc Deodorant Replace Antiperspirant?

Freshstick does not block sweat like aluminum antiperspirants.

Instead, it helps manage odor at the source — bacteria — while allowing your body to function normally.

Many customers find they sweat the same… but smell dramatically less.

That’s the difference.

Who Should Use a Zinc-Based Deodorant Without Baking Soda?

People who react to baking soda

• Anyone with sensitive underarms
• People who’ve experienced deodorant dermatitis
• Those who tried “natural” deodorants and quit
• Anyone who has ever accidentally used sunscreen as deodorant and thought… “Wait.”

The Zinc Revelation

Sometimes the best discoveries are accidental.

Like using sunscreen as deodorant in Japan.

The truth is: zinc oxide works because it supports the skin barrier while neutralizing odor — not because it overwhelms your underarms with fragrance.

👉🏽 Shop Freshstick our zinc based deodorant here.