The next time you pick up a deodorant from the store shelf, have a quick look at the list of ingredients at the back. Chances are you’ll be reading through a long list of chemicals and petroleum-based products. Ask yourself if you would eat foods that had these chemicals in them. Because a lot of these chemicals are absorbed by your skin and end up entering your bloodstream.
Studies are finding links between the use of deodorants and diseases like Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.1 2 Even if more research is needed to confirm these links, it’s a no-brainer that when it comes to your skin, just like the food you eat, natural is the way to go.
Luckily, you don’t have to be at the mercy of the cosmetic industry to go natural. Making natural deodorants at home is both easy and fun. Here are a few recipes you can use to make natural deodorants in your kitchen.
1. Natural Water-Based Deodorant Spray
This deodorant recipe is simple and hassle-free, with no heating or melting involved. Unlike other recipes, this deodorant can be used like a refreshing spray. And since you don’t have to worry about it melting in the heat, you can even carry it with you. If your skin is oily, this is the best deodorant for you.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup distilled water
- 2 drops tea tree, lavender, or rosemary oil
- Spray bottle container
Instructions
- Fill your empty spray bottle with the ¼ cup of water.
- Then add the baking soda to your water and cover the bottle.
- Shake it well until it is evenly mixed. The liquid will appear to be slightly chalky.
- Now add your preferred essential oil to the mix and cover and shake well, again.
- The oils mix with the base to give a natural deodorant spray.
2. Natural Deodorant With Beeswax (No Baking Soda)
If your skin is very sensitive, baking soda could cause a mild burning sensation or even a rash. In such a case, you can use this recipe to make a skin-friendly natural deodorant with absolutely zero baking soda.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp shea butter
- 1 1/2 tbsps beeswax
- 5 drops vitamin E oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops sage essential oil
Instructions
- Use a double boiler to melt beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil.
- Once all three ingredients are completely melted, remove them from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Add vitamin E oil and essential oils to the mix.
- Stir well and pour the liquid into a deodorant container.
- Feel free to use essential oil combinations of your choice.
3. Coconut Oil-Based Natural Deodorant
Coconut oil is a favorite among the natural DIY cosmetics users. It’s the perfect base for natural deodorants because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal. It also moisturizes and penetrates your skin more easily than other oils. Put this in roll-on tube and you are good to go.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsps coconut oil
- 3 tbsps baking soda
- 2 tbsps shea butter
- 2 tbsps arrowroot (antiperspirant) or cornstarch
- Essential oils (bergamot oil)
Instructions
- Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler over medium heat until almost melted.
- Remove from heat and add baking soda and arrowroot or cornstarch.
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Add essential oils and pour into a glass container for storage.
- You could also put it in the fridge so that it sets faster.
4. Natural Deodorant With Vitamin E (No Coconut Oil)
While coconut oil is a great base, there are many who may not like the way it smells. If you’re one of them, this alternative recipe should give you no reasons to complain. It’s rich with moisturizing ingredients and needs not a drop of coconut oil. Put this in a roll-on tube.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsps shea butter
- 3 tbsps baking soda
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 2 tbsps cocoa butter
- 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
- Essential oil (ylang yang and orange)
Instructions
- Melt together shea butter and cocoa butter in a double boiler.
- Once the two kinds of butter have melted, remove from the heat and add vitamin E oil along with essential oils of your choice.
- Then stir in the baking soda and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a jar and let it set for a few hours.
Once you realize how much harm commercial deodorants do to your skin and body, it’s easy to switch over from chemical deodorants to natural, easy-to-prepare deodorants. You could start with the recipes mentioned here but don’t stop yourself from experimenting with the ingredients and trying out different combinations of essential oils.
References
