“The worst thing on the market”: a dermatologist warns about that natural cosmetic product you use every morning

In May 2026, a cosmetic product is in the news for all the wrong reasons: natural deodorant. Buoyed by the “clean” trend, this skincare product has seduced millions of people. Yet dermatologists are sounding the alarm about the skin reactions it provokes.

This natural cosmetic product worries specialists

Every morning, the same automatic gesture is repeated in our bathrooms. A product applied under the arms to limit odors seems harmless. However, many people have swapped classic sprays for formulas touted as more natural and safer.

Dermatologists are now seeing an influx of consultations for redness, itching and burning under the arms. These reactions occur after using these supposedly gentle products. Dermatologist Divya Shokeen tells Yahoo Health that these cosmetics are, in her opinion, “the worst thing on the market”.

“These cosmetics are the worst thing on the market.

Why the “natural” label can be misleading

The word “natural” is no regulatory guarantee in cosmetics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains that it has not legally defined the term for beauty products. This gives brands a great deal of marketing leeway.

Two natural deodorants can therefore be composed of very different ingredients. Yet they both display the same reassuring promise on the bottle. This vagueness allows skin-aggressive formulas to slip through, especially on a fragile area like the armpits.

Problem ingredients in this cosmetic product

Baking soda, widely used to absorb moisture, has an alkaline pH. This imbalance can weaken the skin barrier, causing itching or red patches. Sensitive skin often reacts badly to this active ingredient.

Essential oils added for fragrance are among the most frequent causes of skin reactions. They give a cosmetic product a “greener” image, but their irritant potential remains high. A poorly formulated natural deodorant can be more irritating than a conventional product.

• Baking soda unbalances skin pH
• Essential oils often cause allergies
• The underarm area remains fragile because it is often shaved.
• The term “natural” is not defined by law
• Sensitive skin is most at risk

Deodorant or antiperspirant: a key difference

A deodorant doesn’t do the same job as an antiperspirant. As Cedars-Sinai Hospital reminds us, deodorant acts primarily on odours. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, reduce the amount of sweat produced.

In both cases, natural or not, irritation can occur. A formula that’s too fragrant, too concentrated in active ingredients or ill-suited to your skin type can cause problems. That’s why it’s important not to rely solely on the word “natural”, but to look at what’s in the tube.

How to choose the right cosmetics for your armpits

To pamper your armpits while keeping your deodorant natural, a few simple reflexes help limit unpleasant surprises. First, avoid baking soda and essential oils if your skin reacts easily. This is especially true after shaving.

Favoring short, lightly scented formulas remains a good strategy. First, test the cosmetic product on a small area for a few days to check tolerance. This simple step avoids many inconveniences.

In the event of redness, burning or unusual odors, consult a dermatologist. This specialist will be able to identify the cause of the irritation and suggest a suitable alternative. Your skin deserves this attention, even for something as simple as applying deodorant.

The promise of a “clean” cosmetic product is not enough to guarantee its gentleness. Reading the list of ingredients remains the best reflex before any purchase. Your skin will thank you for your vigilance.