I made the switch to a natural aluminium-free deodorant many years ago when I realised I had chemical sensitivities. For me, this included avoiding even some natural chemicals compounds such as strong essential oils, for products with very simple ingredients and low fragrance.
First I tried crystal deodorants; these seemed to work ok but I did not like the level of waste they caused so I moved onto a plastic-free oil-based option No Pong, packaged in a tin. This brand worked ok too and I liked the concept but I found it gritty, too strongly fragranced, hard to open, and a little too expensive so I committed to making my own deodorant as soon as it ran out
A couple months later and I have still been going deodorant free just because I couldn't be bothered making my own. This hasn't been so bad as I am not particularly sweaty person and my pits detoxed from conventional deodorants years ago, but, on days when I am sweating out junk food toxins or working out, I started really missing deodorant.
So today was the day I finally got my ass into gear and made myself a natural deodorant. I could not believe how quick and easy the process was! It only took less than 10 minutes, didn't make a lot of mess and utilised inexpensive common household ingredients (bar the Shea butter but you can omit that if need be). So if you are putting off making your own deodorant because you fear it will be a lot of bother, I am here to tell you it is actually really easy, just do it!
I just love how this recipe turned out. It is luxurious and creamy, smells great, is anti-bacterial (bacteria causes body odour) and is quick and easy to apply. Really I cannot pick one thing wrong with this recipe. I really wish I had started making my own deodorant years ago.
Here is how I did it:
YOU WILL NEED:
A small clean jar - I used a 200 ml quilted mason jar
A medium saucepan
A glass or metal bowl that fits on the saucepan rim.
2 tbs of raw organic coconut oil
2 tbs of cubed raw Shea butter (or just double the coconut oil if you can't source it)
1 heaped tsp of bi-carb soda
1 flat tsp of cornflour or arrowroot flour
1-2 drops of tea tree oil
6 drops of lavender essential oil or your preferred scent
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Using a similar technique to melting chocolate, pop a glass bowl in a medium sized saucepan half full with water. The water level can be around half way up your bowl but not so high that it will bubble over when you put it on the heat.
2. Heat the coconut oil and Shea butter over a low - medium heat, stirring slowly until melted.
3. Gently whisk in the bicarb soda and cornflour until thoroughly mixed.
4. Turn off the heat and drop in the essential oils and stir gently.
5. Tip the mixture into a clean jar and leave it to cool and firm up. Placing it in the fridge will speed up this process.
HOW TO APPLY
Use your fingers, a tiny bamboo spoon or a paddle pop to scrape out a small amount (about half the size of a 5 cent coin) and use your fingers to apply to your arm pits. The mixture will melt on contact with your skin.
It is a good idea to put on your face moisturiser before applying your deodorant, that way you don't end up with it on your face. The excess is fine rubbed into your hands but tea tree oil might be a bit strong for your face and plus you don't want to transfer any bacteria from under your arms onto your face!
A NOTE ABOUT DETOXIFICATION
There may be a 2- 4 week detoxification period when you switch from a regular deodorant to a natural one while you pits excrete the chemical and metal laden sprays that plugged your armpit pores so give it a few weeks to settle down before you make your final decision on natural deodorant - trust me you won't go back!
Just as a funny side note, I had a bit of a FAIL moment before getting this recipe right which means I had to start again from scratch! The Shea butter I used in my recipe was given to me by my beautiful niece, Ellie who runs a Artisan beauty business called Nudie Beauty that makes beautiful natural skincare and bath products. When gathering my ingredients, instead of grabbing the Shea butter, I accidentally grabbed one of her soap offcuts that was a similar size to the Shea butter.
Pearl my four year old daughter asked me why I was melting soap and I explained it was Shea butter only to soon realise it actually was soap when it just wouldn't melt. Handplant to face! Never underestimate your children, their fresh young brains are far more on the ball than us oldies it appears!
So a lesson in DIY, much can go wrong but don't let that stop you! I would love to hear how you go with the recipe, so please let me know in the comments below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Can't wait to hear from you!
Much love,
Mary xx
