I have heard for years how bad antiperspirant -
esp the aluminum it contains - is for your health
& body. Even plain 'ol deodorants (no antiperspirant - just a
stink stick) are filled with parabens, SLS's. fragrances, and other
nasty toxins.... which not only aid in those beautiful yellow armpit stains on your clothes... but have also been linked to breast
cancer, & hormonal issues - among other things...
The problem is.... I never seemed to have much success with any of the "natural” deodorants I tried. Sweat factor aside... they just didn't deodorize my underarms (eww- how very unladylike!). That is until my sister (yup there she is again) introduced me to this amazing blog, and more specifically, this awesome post!! It was there I discovered that by using coconut oil, as a natural moisturizer, and anti-bacterial (not to mention the amazing immune boosting qualities it contains).... cornstarch as a moisture-absorber.... and arrowroot or baking soda, as a natural deodorizer... you can make your very own, healthy, fairly inexpensive (one batch lasts me *forever*!!), easy, and effective deodorant!
The problem is.... I never seemed to have much success with any of the "natural” deodorants I tried. Sweat factor aside... they just didn't deodorize my underarms (eww- how very unladylike!). That is until my sister (yup there she is again) introduced me to this amazing blog, and more specifically, this awesome post!! It was there I discovered that by using coconut oil, as a natural moisturizer, and anti-bacterial (not to mention the amazing immune boosting qualities it contains).... cornstarch as a moisture-absorber.... and arrowroot or baking soda, as a natural deodorizer... you can make your very own, healthy, fairly inexpensive (one batch lasts me *forever*!!), easy, and effective deodorant!
But once you get past the normal self-consciousness stage of "it's natural - do I smell?", this recipe is amazing!!
How to make your own All-Natural Deodorant...
Ingredients:
Directions:
- 6-8 Tbsp Coconut oil (solid state - under 76 degrees)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder.
- Slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon or hand blender until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should be about the same texture as commercial deodorant, solid but able to be applied easily. If it is too wet, add further arrowroot powder/cornstarch to thicken.
- You can either scoop this recipe into your old deodorant dispensers** or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use! It's very easy to apply! - Even when cold, just touch your skin for a second and it already starts to soften!
Recipe yields about 1 cup.... which lasts about 3 months for two people using it on a regular daily basis
More helpful hints...
- ** remember, coconut oil has a melting point of 76° - so if you live in a warmer climate (like me)... you may want to consider storing it in the refrigerator. - esp if you plan on using it in a dispenser
- If you wish, you can add a few drops of some essential oils, for an additional scent. Tea tree and/or lavender oils, would both work well, as they not only smell delightful... but both contain awesome natural anti-bacteria/fungal properties! (just beware, that oils can sometimes cause irritations, so you might want to start by making a small batch, to make sure you do not react).
- If you have especially sensitive skin, you may want to consider decreasing the baking soda and replace it with more cornstarch/arrowroot powder.
- Also. keep mind that this is
not an
antiperspirant, and therefore you will still sweat when using it.... but since (IMO) sweat isn't the culprit - smell is**... this recipe work greats! I have even noticed the amount I sweat has taped off a bit since I began using it! Love it! :)
**Sweat itself isn't really the source of underarm odor... underarm/body odor is the result of bacteria that live in the sweat glands - caused by the toxins we are exposed to in our homes, personal products, food, and air. Therefore, sweating actually is a good thing... as it's how your body detox, when the organs of elimination cannot dispose of them. So chances are, if you are sweating a lot it is probably because your body needs to get rid of nasties that are working their way through your body. - More FAQ’s, and a video tutorial can be found, by visiting Passionate Homemaking!
Resources & information:
- Kitchen Stewardship - Effective Homemade Deodorant
- One Green Generation (this one is different, as it doesn't use the coconut oil - but still has great info)
- Angry Chicken - homemade-deodorant
- Health911 - body-odor
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