Body Odor

The one thing that everybody experiences and no one likes to discuss. 

So, let’s talk about it… 

The body naturally cools itself off and eliminates toxins through our sweat glands. During this process, we experience odor due to the build of bacteria. Whether it’s your armpits or your feet, sweat and odor affect every human body. 

Deodorant: The solution to our sweating problems 

You slather on store-bought deodorant, and you smell nice for a time. The problem, however, store-bought deodorant sticks never last for as long as we need them to. Especially when the stress of everyday life increases our sweat response. Commercial deodorants can also block sweat glands leading to clogged and infected pores in our already sensitive armpits.  

Store-Bought Deodorant Contains Aluminum 

Most store-bought deodorants contain aluminum which works as an antiperspirant. Aluminum, a heavy metal, is toxic to humans. When you use store-bought deodorants, you are rubbing toxic aluminum all over your skin.

 Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in our bodies? Our skin is filled with millions of small pores that allow toxins into and out of the body. Rubbing aluminum-containing deodorant onto our skin, causes our bodies to absorb aluminum.  

The problem with Aluminum 

Aluminum is toxic to the human body at even low concentrations. This study on the effect of aluminum on industrial metal workers found aluminum present in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Given the toxicity of aluminum, the study calls for further research into the link between aluminum and both Alzheimer’s and breast cancer through the use of commercial aluminum-containing deodorants.

 So, while the research is still inconclusive regarding the toxicity of aluminum-containing deodorants, why take the risk? 

Our Bodies are Supposed to Sweat!

So how do we safely prevent odor without the potentially harmful pore-blocking effects of aluminum-containing deodorants? 

Make Homemade Deodorant! 

What if you could prevent unpleasant armpit odor and give yourself the personal satisfaction of making a homemade body product from scratch? 

You can make homemade deodorant with only a few readily available ingredients. 

Handmade toiletries are personally satisfying and can save you money by making your products at home.

Homemade Deodorant Basics: 

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Deodorant :

  • 30 grams of Coconut Oil (unrefined cold-pressed preferably)

Coconut oil with its antibacterial properties makes the perfect base for homemade deodorant. Remember that body odor comes from a build-up of bacteria. Coconut oil helps to prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria.

Shea Butter soothes the skin and provides essential Vitamins A and E. Shea Butter is great for your skin and also solidifies better than pure coconut oil making sure your homemade deodorant doesn’t melt and become difficult to apply in the warmer weather.

Arrowroot powder helps to thicken your deodorant while also absorbing the moisture from sweating. Remember, sweating is good for our bodies. Odor problems occur when that sweat moisture leads to bacteria build-up. Arrowroot is also a healthier alternative to talcum powder and cornstarch as thickening agents.

Both of these are excellent for absorbing moisture and drawing out toxins. Activated Charcoal absorbs odors so well that it is commonly used in air filters.

Use almond oil as a carrier oil if you decide to add essential oils to your deodorant for scent.

Essential oils provide fragrance and aromatherapy benefits to your homemade deodorant

A Note on Using Baking Soda

Many homemade deodorant recipes call for baking soda. Baking soda is an irritant, and many people experience rashes when using a homemade deodorant made with baking soda. Dematiaceous earth or activated charcoal are excellent alternatives to baking soda in homemade deodorant recipes.  

How to Make Homemade Deodorant

  • Step 1: Using your kitchen scale, accurately measure out the coconut oil and shea butter into your glass bowl. 
  • Step 2: Melt these together over low heat on a double boiler, stir continuously to help everything melt together. While its best to do this on the stove, in a pinch, you can put the bowl and your oils into the microwave for 30-second bursts. Be sure to stir in between every 30 seconds burst in the microwave. 
  • Step 3: Once melted, turn off the heat and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes. 
  • Step 4: Add your arrowroot powder and your activated charcoal (Or Diatomaceous Earth). Wisk everything together to combine thoroughly. 
  • Step 5: Add in your essential oils (if using) and whisk to combine. *The sweet almond oil is a carrier for your essential oils. Mix your sweet almond oil with your 25-30 drops of essential oils in a small dish before adding into your deodorant mixture. 
  • Step 6: Carefully pour the mixture into your deodorant containers and allow them to cool and harden completely before use. 

Storing Homemade Deodorant

Once cooled, your deodorant will keep at room temperature in your container of choice.

The shea butter will allow this deodorant to harden into a firm but spreadable consistency very similar to store-bought deodorants. If you choose to eliminate the shea butter and use only coconut oil, you will need to opt for small glass jars. Coconut oil alone won’t solidify enough for use in deodorant tubes, especially in hotter weather. 

Essential Oils

Depending on your taste, essential oils can add a pleasant but not overpowering aroma to your homemade deodorant. Many people are used to the fragrance of store-bought deodorants. Using essential oils in your recipe can add fragrance to your homemade deodorant with the added aromatherapy benefits of essential oils. 

Suggested Essential Oils

  • Sandalwood: This essential oil alone offers a rich, woody fragrance. Sandalwood is a popular choice for both men and women. 
  • Peppermint and Sweet Orange: Sweet Orange is a refreshing and uplifting aroma that can help to jump-start your day. Together with Peppermint, this combination can help to energize you for the day. 
  • Lavender: A popular aroma for its relaxing and calming properties. Lavender is a versatile oil that can be blended into many different combinations depending on your aromatherapy goals. 

If you’re not ready to blend essential oils on your own, you can find some amazing essential oil blends already prepared to go right into your homemade deodorant recipe. 

Switching to Homemade Deodorant

As with any switch to new body products, you may find that you need to give yourself a few days while your body adjusts to your new homemade deodorant. You may experience the symptoms of your body detoxifying as the pores in your armpits decongest. If you experience sweating as your body adjusts, this is temporary. 

Why Make Homemade Deodorant?

Not only is deodorant easy to make, but homemade deodorant can protect your body from the potentially harmful effects of commercial aluminum-containing products.  

This deodorant recipe will allow your body to sweat naturally while absorbing that excess moisture and preventing the build-up of odor-causing bacteria. 

Give this homemade deodorant formula a try and let us know what you think!

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