DIY Natural Deodorant

But I still was surprised at what is actually in there when I had a look on the ingredients list. The combination of Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Dimethyl Silylate and Gelatin Crosspolymer did not really sound like something I wanted to put on my body every day.

I started thinking that there must be an alternative to this conventional and potentially unhealthy deodorant that I have been using all my life. So I did some research to find out more about self-made deodorant and its advantages. There was one recipe that everyone seems to be using when it comes to homemade deodorant, so I was curious to try it out.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons baking soda

2 tablespoons arrowroot flour (or powder)

3 tablespoons coconut oil

a couple of drops of essential oil (I used orange and lavender oil)

A container for the deodorant (glass)

Directions:

1. Mix the baking soda with the arrowroot powder.
2. Add the coconut oil and give it a good stir.
3. Then add a couple of drops of essential oil. I chose orange and lavender, which goes well with the coconut smell.
4. Pour into a container like a glass jar with a lid.

It's a good idea to let it stand for a while to thicken up, because the coconut oil might be pretty melted. To apply it, simply dip your fingers into the jar and apply.

The banking soda neutralizes smells and the arrowroot powder works as a thickener. The Arrowroot powder will determine how creamy you want your deodorant to be, so add slowly. The coconut oil provides a good smell and makes your armpits soft.

After I mixed my deodorant, I was curious: Can natural ingredients really keep you fresh throughout a stressful day at work?

I tested it for a week and the answer is: Yes, it can.

At first, I was very skeptical about this homemade deodorant. I know that sweating and a certain body odour are natural and also inevitable things our bodies do – however, I don't want to smell! So when I went to work the first day, using the DIY deodorant. I took a conventional deodorant with me, just in case. At the beginning of the day, I noticed some kind of burning on my skin, but that disappeared after two days. I think that my armpits had to get used to the new mixture, maybe to the baking soda. Now after testing the homemade deodorant for a week, I have to say that I am converted.

I am positively surprised and convinced and I will keep using it. I did not notice any kind of inconvenient smell; actually, I was surprised about the consistent fresh smell. There was also no increase in sweating and if anything, I was sweating less.

I love my homemade deodorant and I will keep using it. It also makes you feel better because you know that you're not using unhealthy ingredients such as aluminium, synthetic fragrances or parabens on your body anymore. I encourage you to try it yourself, play around with different essential oils and treat your body to something good. Happy sweating!

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