Most conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are full of synthetic chemicals that quickly penetrate the skin causing skin irritation and have the potential to disrupt hormonal balance, in particular, if they contain parabens.
Aluminum is used in antiperspirants to “dry out sweat by injecting aluminum ions in the cells that line the sweat ducts. When the aluminum ions are drawn into the cells, water flows in; the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts closed so sweat cannot get out,” according to the Julie Gabriel, The Green Beauty Guide. Did you know that the FDA requires that all antiperspirants decrease the average person’s sweat by 20 percent? (1) A better approach is to wear a natural deodorant that allows sweat and toxins to be released, instead of trapping them inside.
As for myself, I’ve tried many brands of all natural store-bought deodorants. Unfortunately, none of them did a great job protecting me from the odor caused by apocrine sweat combined with the bacteria. I have found that homemade deodorants do a great job at preventing odor.
How to make your own natural deodorant that works
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 5-6 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 10 drop of any essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine baking soda, coconut oil, and arrowroot powder and using the spoon, work the mixture until it gets a firm texture.
- Mix in essential oils. Transfer to a container (with lid) and store in the fridge.
- The texture of it should be about the same as store-bought. This recipe portion should last you for a couple of months.
