+5 votes
in General Factchecking by Novice (880 points)

This article claims that baking soda ingredients in natural deodorants cause dark underarms. 

"We recommend switching to Kosas Chemistry ASAP because it’s made without baking soda (one of the most common culprits when it comes to skin irritation from natural deodorants) and its formula lightens darkened underarms."

by Apprentice (1.6k points)
This claim is false, because there is limited scientific evidence supporting the claim that baking soda in natural deodorants causes dark underarms from this article. While some individuals may experience irritation, it's not a universal issue. It is important to consider factors such as ingredients, the research is inconclusive. The recommendation to switch to Kosas Chemistry is subjective and lacks conclusive evidence. I consider that the source is advertising product which is important because that steers away from credibility as it lacks evidence and reveals personal incentive to convince the audience. Additionally, the assertion that its formula lightens darkened underarms is not substantiated by scientific data. It's important to note that individual reactions to deodorant ingredients can vary. Finally, there seems to be limited research about this topic and claim overall which limits the amount of sources available- which means misleading claims may be believed more easily.. Super problematic!

https://proverbskin.com/blogs/news/help-can-natural-deodorant-darken-underarms

16 Answers

+1 vote
by Novice (580 points)

This claim states that natural deodorant causes dark underarms. Immediately, I knew that this source could not state that it always causes dark underarms considering everybody can react differently to natural deodorant.

Kaia Naturals is a blog which helps with all things skin, body, and hair related issues. In an article wrote by Madame Sweat, they state that natural deodorant can cause dark underarms, but is more prevalent in those with darker skin tones. "Aside from certain medical conditions, hyperpigminatation in the underarm area is normally a result of post-inflammatory irritation. However, certain ingredients that are typically found in your deodorants or anti-perpreants can also act as irritants, and thus cause and aggravate dark patches".

https://www.kaianaturals.com/blog/can-natural-deodorant-cause-underarm-darkness/

Exaggerated/ Misleading
by Genius (41.7k points)
Don't forget to review your source and decide whether it's strong enough for a fact-check. Generally blogs aren't as reputable as medical, news, or research sources.
+1 vote
by Novice (950 points)
Dark underarms are caused by various things including hyperpigmentation and irritation. Some people have sensitive underarms and antiperspirants can cause darker underarms. Other factors that can cause dark underarms include parabens, alcohol, and fragrances. However, natural deodorants don't darken underarms because they aren't antiperspirants.

https://proverbskin.com/blogs/news/help-can-natural-deodorant-darken-underarms#:~:text=Natural%20deodorants%20cannot%20darken%20your,you%20to%20avoid%20irritation%20further.

https://puresense.co.in/blogs/tips-hacks/deodorant-causes-dark-underarms
Exaggerated/ Misleading
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.1k points)
This really depends on the ingredients in each individual deodorant. According to the website below, ingredients in natural deodorants that can cause hyper pigmentation are baking soda and fragrance

https://www.kaianaturals.com/blog/can-natural-deodorant-cause-underarm-darkness/
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
by Genius (41.7k points)
Don't forget to review your source and decide whether it's strong enough for a fact-check. Generally blogs aren't as reputable as medical, news, or research sources.
+1 vote
by Novice (720 points)

The claim that natural deodorant causes dark underarms is not universally supported by scientific evidence. Dark underarms, also known as hyperpigmentation, can be caused by various factors, and it is essential to understand the potential causes before making assumptions. Skin issues can also vary from person to person as many factors play a vital role, one product may work for one person, but cause irritation for another. Some possible reasons for dark underarms include shaving or waxing, friction, irritation from other products, and underlying medical conditions.

https://primallypure.com/blogs/blog/natural-deodorant-rash

by Genius (41.7k points)
Don't forget to review your source and decide whether it's strong enough for a fact-check. Generally blogs aren't as reputable as medical, news, or research sources.
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.0k points)

Generally, natural deodorants don't cause darkening of underarms. However, people with sensitive skin may find their underarms turning darker after using baking soda deodorants. This is because the body produces melanin to protect skin that has been damaged or is suffering from prolonged irritation.

Ingredients such as Aluminum, Alcohols, Fragrances, and Lemon--which can be found in some deodorants can irritate the skin. Other causes of underarm discoloration include:

  • Genetics
  • Hormonal changes
  • Side effects due to medication or health concerns  
Sources: 
0 votes
by Novice (570 points)

This article claims that having dark underarms is a normal result of post-inflammatory inflammation. Certain ingredients such as baking soda and fragrance can also act as irritants. 

"What most people don’t know is that it is not just baking soda, but it is also fragrance that most dermatologists list as the two most common causes of contact dermatitis."

Rather it being all-natural deodorants that cause dark underarms, it can be a result of skin tone or reactions based on ingredients used in all deodorants. 

https://www.kaianaturals.com/blog/the-most-common-causes-of-deodorant-sensitivity/

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