My main reason I switched was because of my sensitivities to chemical fragrances in deodorants/antiperspirants. I can even smell the “unscented” kind. Plus, I liked the idea of not putting chemicals, especially aluminum-based compounds, on that part of my body where so many lymph nodes are located.
There has been quite a bit of research done in this area. Does antiperspirants and deodorants increase the risk of breast cancer? Right now, many researchers say it’s inconclusive yet they have found correlation. The same is said with women who take oral contraceptives for prolonged periods of time. An increased level of estrogen can cause breast cancer, so if you are at a higher risk of breast cancer (family genetics), then physicians usually discourage extended use of oral contraceptives.
And even IF there was not a correlation found, I have three good reasons I feel I should keep making it.
- My homemade deodorant is a LOT cheaper.
- My homemade deodorant is keeping me from the migraines that chemical fragrances cause.
- My homemade deodorant is keeping me from using synthetic chemicals on my body at all as I strive to switch toward natural cleaners and health/beauty products for myself and my family.
Kristy shared a super simple deodorant recipe last year and went into more detail about a few of the harmful COMMON ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants if you want to read more in that area.
Deodorant Recipe #1
Coconut Oil Deodorant
adapted from this recipe
1/3 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil (Where to buy
)1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder (Where to buy
)4 tablespoons cornstarch (this will add an antiperspirant effect to the deodorant.)
10-20 drops essential oils (Email me if you want to know what company I recommend!)
Slowly microwave coconut oil just until melted. Mix baking soda, cornstarch, and arrowroot powder slowly in with the melted coconut oil. Add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil. Add more coconut oil or arrowroot powder to achieve your desired consistency. (Substitute arrowroot powder for baking soda if desired.)
Store this in an airtight container and use about a pea-size amount on each underarm. I have also made this recipe adding 2 tablespoons of melted beeswax and poured the ingredients in a deodorant tube.
Deodorant Recipe #2
Bentonite Sensitive Skin Deodorant
adapted from this recipe
6 tablespoons arrowroot powder (Where to buy
)3 tablespoons shea butter (Where to buy
)2 tablespoons organic extra virgin coconut oil (Where to buy
)1 tablespoon baking soda (or arrowroot powder)
2 tablespoons bentonite clay (Where to buy
)10 drops essential oil(s) (Email me if you want to know what company I recommend!)
Add the shea butter and coconut oil in a glass bowl and slowly heat in microwave until just melted. Pour in the essential oil.
Meanwhile, in a separate small glass bowl, mix together your dry ingredients with a wooden or plastic spoon. The bentonite clay and anything it’s mixed with cannot touch metal. If you want you can substitute arrowroot powder for the baking soda if your skin is extra sensitive.
Add 1/3 of your dry ingredients to the melted shea butter and coconut oil. Mix until incorporated. Then add another third of your dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Then add the last of your dry ingredients. You should now have a wet paste in the bowl. Scoop the mixture out and press into an airtight glass jar and store away from direct sunlight. Mixture will become more dough like as it cools down.
Apply a tiny pea-sized amount to both underarms for all day protection.
Some of my favorite 100% therapeutic essential oils to add to my deodorant recipes include melaleuca, lavender, frankincense, protection blend, and orange.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF BOTH RECIPES
These deodorant recipes are not original to me, but I have altered them a bit to make them easier to make and easier on my body. This recipe has worked for MANY of my friends but for a select few, it did not work or they had an allergy to an ingredient. Kristy had what she thought was an allergic reaction but I have since replaced the original recipe that included baking soda and arrowroot powder for all arrowroot powder. I purchase my arrowroot powder at a local Mennonite bulk food store but you can buy it online at the link I provided.
You can make it smell however you want by adding your favorite smelling essential oils. A blend I love is frankincense with lavender. I get all the healing, germ-fighting, immune boosting benefits of the frankincense and lavender when I use my deodorant! See my website for ordering or email with questions.
The first question I ALWAYS get when I tell people I make my own deodorant is: does it work? Do I sweat in other words? I do not sweat easy so I rarely have any issue with this. That is not to say I occasionally sweat but I DO NOT stink when I sweat thanks to the antimicrobial essential oils I add to my deodorant. I have shared MANY samples of my deodorant recipes with friends and they have soon asked for the recipe because it worked for them too.
Before trying to make my own, I had tried a popular brand of natural deodorant that did NOT work and left me smelling....well, of B.O. (Yuck!) So give this a try!
Would you like to have the chance to try a sample first? Enter to win a sample of both deodorants by leaving a comment below. Make sure you use a valid email address to sign in! The winner will be chosen Sunday by a random number generator!
Do you already use a natural deodorant? Are there other natural products you have switched to as you learn about the dangers of synthetic and even some natural chemicals? Tell me about them!
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Oh this is is something I have wondered about using...Would LOVE a sample before I try to make my own. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to try a natural deodorant. Nothing store bought seems to work as of yet :/
ReplyDeleteI have been using Tom's. It is supposed to be natural but is also expensive. I would love to have a cheaper natural alternative especially one with essential oils.
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