Everyday choices can have a profound impact on our well-being. Most of us probably do not consider deodorants to have a significant impact on our health, but the products we use for hygiene can have an effect on the function of our body. Switching to a homemade deodorant may balance hormones and promote not just a healthier body, but a healthier planet too. (1)
Why Use Homemade Deodorant?
The chemicals in conventional store-bought deodorants and antiperspirants may have a negative effect on the body. Antiperspirants actually prevent the user from sweating, which sounds ideal, but can impact the skin and everything that lies under it. (2)
Natural deodorants differ from antiperspirants in that they donβt prevent the body from sweating. Conventional products have aluminum in them which block sweat from leaving the body. Instead, deodorants work to kill or repel the bacteria that actually causes body odor. Sweat itself does not smell, and is vital to hormonal health. Sweating releases chemicals and toxins from our body and helps maintain ideal body temperature by cooling the body down during physical exertion. (2)
Of course, purchasing natural deodorants that donβt use aluminum is one simple option. But making your own deodorant from non-toxic, natural ingredients is also remarkably easy. Homemade deodorant is cost-effective and is safe for your body. As an added bonus, a homemade deodorant also has a positive impact on the health of the planet. The ingredients to a do-it-yourself product cuts down on plastic waste and eliminates potentially harmful chemicals. (1)
Homemade Non-Toxic Deodorant
Deodorant made in your home can use as little as three ingredients- coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder. If you prefer your body odor protection to have a light scent, essential oils can be added. (3)
Mix ΒΌ cup baking soda and ΒΌ cup arrowroot powder in a bowl. Add β cup coconut oil, mashing and blending until a thick paste is formed. Add 6-8 drops of essential oil (tea tree oil works great as itβs often used as a natural antibacterial). Place deodorant paste in a glass mason jar. (3)
Use your homemade deodorant just like regular deodorant. Place a small amount on your fingertips and rub into your underarms. There are other bases you may wish to substitute instead of coconut oil. Try cocoa butter or shea butter to see if they work better for your needs. (3)
Help with the Non-Toxic Transition
Switching from conventional antiperspirant to a natural deodorant can be a bit of a shock to a personβs internal system. Many people experience rashes or excessive bad odor. The odor we smell is actually bacteria in the sweat, not the sweat itself. To help you transition to your homemade non-toxic deodorant, use this recipe to help eliminate smelly bacteria:
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- 1 tablespoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons of water
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply the mixture to your underarm. Leave the mixture on for just a few minutes and wash it off with warm water. Apply it every day, slowly increasing the time to no more than 20 minutes. This can be repeated until there is no more excessive odor. (4)
Healthy Hygiene
Our hygiene habits impact more than our appearance. Removing potentially harmful ingredients and unwanted elements from our self-care products is a huge step in taking better care of ourselves. Healthy hygiene, healthy body, and healthy lives.
- Jardin, N.Fix Your Period. Harper Wave Publishing, New York, 2020.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/deodorant-vs-antiperspirant
- https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-deodorants-work-smart-girls-guide
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319624
