Whether you’re a woman or a man, deodorant is something that we all use. Did you know that there are harmful chemicals in regular deodorant that you may not be aware of? One of the ingredients in just about any store bought, non-organic deodorant is aluminum. Although the myth of aluminum being associated with certain brain disorders and breast cancer has been proven false, how safe is it really to be putting aluminum on your skin daily? One container of deodorant does not contain enough aluminum to cause these issues, but when you think about it, how many containers of deodorant do you use in a lifetime? The amount adds up certainly, and it could merit some concern. If you’re not a believer of the myth, but you still want an organic option, there are some recipes that you can use to make your own deodorant.
Organic Deodorant Recipe Using Lavender And Calendula
For this recipe, you’ll need 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 30 drops of calendula extract, and an empty perfume or cologne bottle. Mix these ingredients thoroughly together in a large bowl, and use a funnel to pour the solution into your empty bottle. Leave the mixture in the bottle for a few days before you use it. When the solution has sat for several days and you’re ready to use it, make sure you’ve washed your arm pits completely. After you’re dry, apply the mixture to your under arms with a cotton ball. Let the deodorant dry before you put clothes on, or you could end up with stains.
Deodorant Using Baking Soda, Arrowroot Powder, And Essential Oils
Another homemade deodorant can be made by using baking powder, essential oils of your choice, and arrowroot powder. In this instance, let’s use coconut oil and grapefruit essential oil. Again, you can use whatever oils you’d like. What you’ll need exactly includes the following.
- ¼ cup baking powder
- ¼ cup arrowroot powder
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
- Jar or other container with a lid
First, in a bowl, mix the baking powder and the arrowroot powder together. Next, add in the oils, and mix them in slowly using a fork until you get a firm texture. If the texture doesn’t firm up like it should, put the mixture in the refrigerator for a little while. Store the mixture in a closed container at room temperature. This recipe should last for about four or five months. To apply this deodorant, scoop some out of the container using your finger, and rub it into the skin of you underarm. Your body heat will cause the deodorant to soften a little, which makes it easier to rub into the skin.
Make A Spray Deodorant
Not all deodorants have to be rubbed into the skin. Deodorants can be sprayed on as well. A good recipe for a spray on deodorant includes water, baking soda, four or five drops of the essential oil of your choice, and a spray bottle. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly, and place the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle before every use, and just spray it on your underarms. Let the solution dry completely before you put clothes on, or you may end up with stained clothes.
Use Essential Oils That Are Antibacterial
Sweat is odorless by itself. It only smells because of the bacteria that gather in the sweaty areas on our bodies. The arm pits are a great spot for bacteria to gather and cause us to smell. When you make your own deodorant, be sure to use essential oils that contain anti-bacterial properties. Such essential oils include the following.
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Rosemary
- Melaleuca
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Tea tree oil
- Oregano
- Geranium
If you’re looking at a more organic type of deodorant, try an organic deodorant recipe and see if one works well for you. They’re not only safer to use, but they’ll save you money in the long run.
Photo by cafemama
