The hardest part of my zero waste journey has been trying to find alternative personal care products. It takes a lot of trial and error, and patience. I have become accustomed to commercially produced, preservative-filled products, and it is really difficult to break free. We have the scents and consistencies we like, our go-to brands. Not to mention the ease of just running to any store, or ordering online, and getting the product just as you would expect it. It's like going into a McDonald's and finding the exact same tasting burger no matter where you are in the world: comforting, yes, but a little scary too.
So here we are at deodorants. A product you want to do its job and do it well! Most of us have heard that aluminum in antiperspirants aren't good for your health, but there all kinds of other fillers in deoderants that probably aren't great for you either. I am by no means a chemist and my focus is on switching to more natural, and easy to make, package-free products. But to learn more, Good Guide and EWG are resources that rate product ingredients with apps that you can use to look-up products or even scan them in stores. So let's get started! Oh and when you do decide to make the switch to a more natural deoderant, it's best to go cold turkey and give your armpit pores a month or two to clear. During this time you may stink a bit and think your new natural deodorant isn't working, but stick it out. After trying multiple homemade deodorant recipes, as well as a few natural store-bought ones, I landed on this one, my all-time favorite! I have been using it for almost 2 years now, through pregnancy and nursing a new baby too. It has not disappointed!
Ingredients
You can buy these in your own containers from your local bulk shop. If you don't have a bulk shop option, you can find coconut oil in a glass jar, and cornstarch and baking soda in a cardboard boxes.
1 T Coconut oil
1 T Corn starch 1 T Baking Soda
Instructions
If you live in a cool climate (below 76F/24C) you will need to scoop out the coconut oil and microwave it for a few seconds. I usually do 5-10 sec. increments until it is melted. Then you just measure and add the cornstarch and baking soda and stir until completely blended. Before it hardens, pour it into a little glass jar (I have saved a few from other products) and let it set. In hot climates it will stay liquid, but it works just as well. If you travel with it make sure you have a good leak-proof container and double bag it if not.
How to Use
I find it easiest to just use my finger and dig a little out of the jar and rub it directly onto my armpits. It will melt when it contacts your warm skin. I apply it once a day, every morning after I shower and it lasts me all day. In hot climates, when it is liquid apply sparingly. I find that in the liquid form you accidentally apply too much. In hot climates you will also want to stir it occasionally as it can separate a bit. You will either notice that the baking soda has gone to the bottom (I didn't catch it at first) or the deodorant doesn't seem to be working and then you know it's time to stir.
Final notes: I have played with the proportions a bit, but in the end I've found equal parts gives the best results. I was also initially hesitant to try this deodorant because I thought it might cause oil stains on my clothes, but it absorbs so quickly, like a lotion, that I have never had a problem with it.
*If you are sensitive to baking soda, or develop a sensitivity to it, don't use this deodorant! There are many commercially available natural deodorants you can try or check out some recipes online. I tried a couple of bloggers recipes, one with salt and water that burned my armpits, was messy and difficult to apply, clogged my sprayer, and most importantly did not keep me stink-free. I also tried a shea butter recipe, but it didn't roll on well, got crumbly and I didn't like the scent, or find it effective.
I love this homemade deodorant recipe because it's effective and so easy to make with items you likely already have in your kitchen. It also has a nice mild scent, and it's so safe you could eat it. I hope you find this helpful and give it a shot.
Comments