Deodorant. Some “naturalists” believe it isn’t a necessity. For me, it is….I just can’t bring myself to live with the funk that comes with going au naturale.
But I also can’t bring myself to use the toxic commercial products that line the shelves of the personal care section in many stores.
Here’s why:
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Anything you put on it is absorbed into your bloodstream. The skin under your arms is very easy to penetrate, which means anything you put on that area will quickly make its way inside your body.
So when you use commercial deodorants that are loaded with toxic chemicals and preservatives, the toxicity quickly makes its way inside your body. Yikes!
Here are the most common toxic ingredients found in commercial deodorants and the health issues they are linked to:
- Aluminum is a metal element that’s used in commercial deodorants to block pores and prevent sweat from coming out of them. Research has linked aluminum to abnormal cell function and changes in gene expression, leading to illnesses like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Parabens are a group of synthetic preservatives. They mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt hormone balance leading to issues like cancer, early puberty in children and reproductive problems. Parabens have also been linked to birth defects and organ toxicity.
- Propylene glycol is a petroleum-based substance that’s used to soften cosmetic products and make them easier to apply to the skin due to its slick consistency. Studies have shown it can cause damage to the heart, liver and central nervous system,
- Phthalates are a group of chemicals most commonly used in plastics to increase their flexibility, durability and longevity. They are linked to health issues like cancer, reproductive difficulties and behavioral problems.
- Talc is closely related to asbestos and is used in commercial deodorants to block pores and prevent sweat from coming out of them. Like asbestos, talc particles have been shown to cause cancerous tumors.
REASONS WHY YOU MAY WANT TO DIY
When it comes to deodorant, I prefer the DIY option of making my own with natural ingredients. Not only does this allow me to know exactly what’s in it, but it saves me a ton of money in the long run! You might be thinking, “Does it work, though?”
YES! It works just as good as any commercial deodorant I’ve ever tried, even the “clinical strength” varieties.
Better yet, natural DIY formulas don’t leave nasty pit stains on your clothes like commercial deodorants. Why? You need to to sweat!
Sweating is your body’s natural way of detoxing. Commercial deodorants block pores to keep the sweat from coming out. But that doesn’t stop your body from trying to detox, which results in the “puking out” of all the chemical ingredients from the commercial deodorant onto your clothes.
The toxin-free DIY formula below allows your body to work naturally and focuses on neutralizing the moisture and odor in harmony with the natural detox process.
In case you aren’t sold yet, let me tell you about another bonus of using natural DIY deodorant…
After you’ve been using it a while, you will notice you sweat and stink less than you did when using the toxic commercial products. SCORE!
NEVER FEAR, MY EASY AND EFFECTIVE DIY RECIPE IS HERE!
My favorite DIY deodorant recipe is super simple, all-natural and easy to make. It only has 3 required ingredients, with the option of adding essential oils for scent.
DIY DEODORANT
Ingredients:
- 6 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil, Melted (kills bacteria and conditions the skin)
- 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda (combats odor and wetness)
- 1/4 Cup of Arrowroot Powder (combats wetness)
- Optional: 20 Drops of Essential Oil – choose Lavender, Clary Sage, Sandalwood or Tea Tree (these oils kill bacteria, add a nice scent and won’t irritate sensitive skin)
NOTE: Some people’s underarm skin is very sensitive to baking soda. If you’re part of that group, simply omit the baking soda from the formula above and replace it with more arrowroot powder.
Ninja Preparation:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a glass 16-ounce jar. You can then use the same jar to easily store the deodorant as well with a tight lid on top.
- When it’s time to apply the deodorant, just dip a couple fingers into the jar, grab a generous glob of the mixture and rub it all around your underarm area. Apply it at the start of your day and at the end of your day before going to bed, and any desired time in between. If you want to take some with you to the gym, office or on the road, just scoop a couple tablespoons into a small jar and throw it into your bag.
A NOTE ABOUT WORKING WITH COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil stays in a soft solid state at temperatures of 75 degrees and lower. It liquifies at temperatures of 76 degrees and higher. It is just as effective in either state. The only difference is that it’s easier to mix and apply when it’s liquified.
To melt it, put the coconut oil in the mason jar first, screw the lid on tight, fill your bathroom sink with hot water and sit the jar in the hot water until the oil melts and then add the other ingredients. If your deodorant ends up “melty” because the temp in your home is 76 degrees or higher and you don’t like applying it that way, just put the jar in the fridge and the mixture will firm up.
DEODORANT ISN’T JUST FOR YOUR UNDERARMS
In addition to the area under your arms, you can apply this DIY deodorant to other areas of your body that get warm, moist and a little stanky. (My apologies to those of you who cringe at the word “moist” – it makes me shiver a bit, too.)
Your feet and the area between your thighs are examples of highly sweat-prone areas that may benefit from a smear of this all-natural deodorant.
Ladies, if you tend to get a little sweaty and fragrant in your bra area, feel free to apply it there too!
OTHER NATURAL BODY DEODORIZERS
In addition to the DIY recipe above, there are other natural solutions for helping you smell fresh. Try applying these to your stank zones to naturally keep odor away:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Organic, Raw & “With the Mother” (the vinegar smell goes away surprisingly fast)
- Lemon or Lime Slices
- Mint Leaves
PREFER TO BUY OVER DIY?
If spending time in the bathroom on DIY recipes for personal care items just isn’t your thing, that’s okay! There are several all-natural brands on the market to choose from. Two great options are:
Cheers to smelling fresh without compromising your health!
With love and gratitude,
Kandi
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