I just finished making my very first batch of homemade deodorant and I'm so excited about it!You may be wondering why on earth someone would go through the trouble making their deodorant when its readily available at most any kind of store in a variety of brands, scents and targets a number of specific issues such as odor, perspiration, etc. The scary truth is most commercial antiperspirants*** contain a very dangerous ingredient: Aluminum.
Aluminum competes with Calcium for absorption and it can result in reduced skeletal mineralization. It also interferes with phosphorous, zinc and selenium absorption. Once ingested, Aluminum accumulates in various tissues in the body, including kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and thyroid. In fact, many antiperspirants have a warning on the label reading, "Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease," (aluminum absorption is very dangerous for people with kidney disease) and "Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact Poison Control right away." Though still controversial, its has been suggested that Aluminum absorption through the skin when using an antiperspirant may be related to breast cancer (its awfully close to the area, the lymph nodes, often affected by breast cancer) and Alzheimer's Disease. Aluminum can also cause a number of other problems when put into our bodies, including:
- Malfunction of the Blood-Brain Barrier
- Stomach & Intestinal Ulcers
- Gastrointestinal Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
- Skin Problems
- Hyperactivity
- Mental Retardation in Infants
- Learning Disorders in Children
- Liver Disease
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Colicky Pain
- Lack of Energy
- Flatulence
The "hippy" (as my husband would call me) in me is running for the hills at this point and has ditched commercial antiperspirants and deodorants. In an effort to keep my family and friends from running away from my August-heat stink, I found a homemade deodorant recipe online, purchased the necessary ingredients and decided to give it a whirl.
What you'll need:
What you'll need:
- 1/3 cup cold pressed coconut oil (solid state)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (aluminum-free)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- essential oils (optional)
What to do:
- Mix the baking soda and arrowroot powder in a glass bowl.
- Add the coconut oil (do not warm or melt it).
- Use a fork or pastry blender to thoroughly blend it into the dry ingredients.
- Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils and blend completely. (this step is optional, but lovely. I used Peppermint Oil which has a natural cooling-effect, great for the warm underarm area, plus it smells great.)
- Add more coconut oil or arrowroot powder/baking soda if needed until the texture is about the same consistency as commercial deodorant. It sticks together but is somewhat chunky and crumbly, but still mouldable.
- Scoop the mixture into a small jar or container and store at room temperature. (Refrigeration may be required during summer months and warmer weather because the coconut oil will melt at 76 degrees. If it does happen to melt just put it in the fridge and it will go back to being solid.)
- To apply, use your fingers to scoop out a pea-size amount of the deodorant and massage it into your armpits daily or as needed. Allow a minute or two for the deodorant to set before getting dressed.
When applied to the skin it begins to melt/liquefy because the body is heating up the coconut oil, which turns it from a solid to a liquid, you can see it beginning to run.
It easily spreads around and quickly absorbs into the skin, completely disappearing, leaving little-to-no residue...
Even on a black tee! No smudges! :)
You can find the recipe I used here: > http://www.squidoo.com/homemade-deodorant-recipes <
