Have you purchased countless natural deodorants and found that they just don’t work? Or, have you found one you like, but hate the high price tag?
As many people know, regular commercial deodorants are filled with potentially cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting chemicals. They may also contain lead, and many have been linked to reproductive and endocrine-related issues. It’s a great choice to purchase natural deodorants if you haven’t already, but if you’re looking to avoid the high cost, you might want to consider a much cheaper, and more effective, option that you can make right at home.
When it comes to natural health and beauty in general, one of the best things to do is wipe the slate clean and go back to nature. If we take a look at the properties of a natural ingredient, we can come up with a host of great uses for it. For instance, apple cider vinegar is well known for its many uses. Because it kills bacteria, it can be used as a cleaning agent, for hygiene purposes, and as an excellent dietary aid. Similarly, whole natural ingredients can be used to make a deodorant.
What makes commercial deodorants so effective?
Most deodorants have a paste-like consistency. They usually include baking soda to fight odor and bacteria, aluminum to congeal the product, and some type of oil or gel to make them nice and creamy. The paste clogs your pores to block sweat from coming out, but it also allows the chemicals in the deodorant to seep back into your skin, which may lead to health problems.
So if we need to simply fight bacteria and odor, why not just use a product that does both of those things without all the added chemicals?
The single ingredient you can use for natural deodorant: baking soda
Simply using baking soda is one of the most effective — and cheapest — options out there. It works immediately and lasts all day long. It will leave a white powder behind, but if you rub it in thoroughly when applying, it will not spread or get your clothes greasy like commercial products. As long as your armpits are dry when you apply it, it won’t cake up like regular deodorants do.
How does it work?
Baking soda eliminates odors, kills bacteria, and prevents moisture. This is essentially what deodorants are made to do, making this the perfect natural option.
How to use it
To apply baking soda as a deodorant, all you have to do is rub it under your arms after showering and drying off. Using baking powder (which just has added cornstarch) is another great natural option that works almost identically.
Another option: two-ingredient deodorant
For those who want something similar to their regular deodorant, which is naturally slightly oily in texture, you can make your own using two ingredients: coconut oil and baking soda.
How does it work?
Coconut oil contains natural antifungal properties, so it’s a great option to use in place of the pore-clogging, potentially toxic oils or gels that manufacturers use. If you’d like a fresh scent, you could also add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil (mint, lemon, lavender, orange, etc.).
If you have a tendency to sweat a lot, you may want to use simple baking soda, and skip the coconut oil. However, if you don’t tend to sweat too often and just want a natural cream, feel free to make your own deodorant with coconut oil and baking soda combined.
How to make it
To make two-ingredient deodorant with coconut oil, simply mix half a cup of organic extra-virgin coconut oil with one eighth of a cup of baking soda (you can increase the amount if you want it thicker). Mix this in a bowl or in a food processor until completely combined. Warm the mixture to a spreadable consistency so it is not rock solid, but do not melt it. It should form a thick, smooth paste which you can store in a jar and keep in your bathroom.
Simply spread a little on when you’re ready to apply (about a quarter-size under each arm).
Other simple and effective beauty uses for these ingredients
You can use these same two ingredients as a toothpaste and as a natural anti-acne cream — both of which are highly effective, I might add!
Coconut oil also makes for a great shaving cream, is a great oil for oil pulling, and can also serve as a hair conditioner or hair mask, and a lotion. It has also traditionally been used as a vaginal yeast infection cream.
Baking soda can be used to scrub away dead skin, as a mouthwash when mixed with water and peppermint essential oil, or as a bathroom cleaning aid.
How much does it cost?
The best part about these homemade deodorants is that the cost is incredibly low when you consider how long the containers last (at least six months), and that they have so many uses. A container of aluminum-free baking soda or powder costs around 99 cents, and a jar of coconut oil costs between eight and 12 dollars.
This is all you’ll need for six months of multiple beauty uses. The cost breaks down to less than five cents per serving, which is a much more cost-effective way to take care of your hygiene for the long haul. If you just use the baking soda alone (my favorite), you’re looking at less than a penny per serving!
Have you ever used or made a natural deodorant? What ingredients did you find worked the best for you?
—The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/51-fantastic-uses-for-baking-soda.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/27/baking-soda-natural-remedy.aspx
