DIY NATURAL DEODORANT
- Gavrilev
- May 22, 2017
- 3 min read
I think that commercial deodorant is one of the most dangerous silent killers we could encounter (and, unfortunately,it's more so for women than for men).Take a look at my brief article on commercial deodorant ingredients to at least get an idea about what lurks in this essential everyday use product.
Strangely enough, making/using natural deodorants is not even as hard as to justify the hefty prices we pay to load ourselves with synthetic toxins. Among several options lemon juice, baking soda, magnesium oil, alum are effective deodorants used on their own. When looking for more complex natural formulas there are 2 main types of deodorant recipes:one based on clays and their detoxifying and absorbing properties and another based on baking soda and its alkaline bacterial killing properties.
The second type is the one I make and use myself because I just feel it's more effective.But, although most people are generally satisfied with it, some (with a more sensitive skin) may feel that the soda is too harsh on their skin.For such individuals it is recommended that they start off with clay,starch or Magnesium based deodorisers but these have generally proven to be less effective(but effective nonetheless) in my experience. Wellnessmama, in one of her bonus e-books, suggests that armpit detoxing may help in the skin adjusting to the natural antibacterial properties of baking soda. This armpit detox would consist of regular application of a bentonite clay and cider vinegar paste to be left on your armpits for gradually increasing time periods starting with 5 min and up to 20 min. This would not only help in ridding one's self of the baking soda caused irritation but it would generally detoxify your sweat glands in the hopes of actually needing to use less deodorant.Give it a try and see how it goes.
I myself have also experienced initial irritation (redness, itching, dry, scaly skin) due to the sensitive nature of my skin but I just persisted in using my deodorant out of conviction that it was definitely better for me long term.What I did to counter the irritation was that I applied nourishing oils(mostly almond oil) to help heal my skin and my arm pits have gradually adjusted to the PH of this deodorant and are now only reaping its benefits.
It is also worth mentioning that I've also come across individuals who were having a reaction to one or more of the essential oils from the deodorant. It is very important to understand that essential oils are extremely potent chemicals and the fact that they are natural does not guarantee that you can't have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to them.
Besides it being a very effective deodoriser, this recipe is so simple, it’s literally done in minutes.
Ingredient list:
4 tbsp sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda)
4 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornflour/corn starch)
2-4 tbsp coconut oil to bind
3-5 drops tea tree oil
3-5 drops any additional essential oils(optional)
Instructions:
1.Measure the baking soda and the arrowroot powder in a bowl.Depending on your climate/season the coconut oil may be liquid or solidified.If solidified, melt it first.Initially add 2 tbsp of coconut oil and mix with a whisk or fork or even your hand. Initially the blend will have a crumb like consistency.
Depending on the kind of container you'll store your deodorant in gradually add more oil until you get the desired consistency.(see steps below)
REFILLING A STICK CONTAINER
A way to check its consistency is to squeeze some of the mixture in your fist and see if it holds together once you open your palm.If it doesn't hold together it needs more oil. Once you’ve reached the desired consistency add the essential oils and refill your container by rolling the platform down a bit and filling up the space with deodorant paste and then lowering the platform again and repeating until the whole container is refilled.
STORING DEODORANT IN A JAR
If you'll be storing your deodorant in a jar or jar type container you'll be applying it with your fingers and so you'll want to add slightly more coconut oil for a creamier consistency.
NOTE: If you live in a cold area you'll have to take into account the fact that your deodorant will slightly solidify once it sets, in which case you could use some a blend of coconut oil and another oil (olive, almond) which keeps its liquid form at lower temperatures as well.
And that's it! How simple is this?Do give it a try.
If you don't have the time or don't feel like making your deodorant, you can also purchase my Shea Butter enriched Natural Deodorant from my online shop.
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