essentialoils

How do I make my own deodorant?

Why would I want to make my own? 

Mainstream deodorant has been linked to causing many problems, including breast cancer in women. The harmful ingredients from deodorant are absorbed by the underarms and since most deodorants prevent you from sweating, the toxins stay in the underarms. The toxins get absorbed by the lymph nodes and since they cannot process the toxins the cells become mutated. Mutated cells are in other words cancer. When those toxins spread the first thing it encounters is the woman's breast where the cancer begins to further develop. The reason why men don't tend to have this problem as common as women do is because they do not shave their underarm hair as nearly as much as their counterpart. The hair is used as a barrier and can be used to block absorption via the skin. Without the hair as a barrier, the toxins are easily absorbed into the pores of the skin.

I encourage you to read the label of your deodorant and see if you find the following ingredients.

  • Parabens (methyl, ethyl, butyl, benzyl, and propyl): Disturbs the bodies hormones and mimics estrogen which is link to breast cancer. 
  • Propylene Glycol: A neurotoxin which is linked to kidney and liver damage. 
  • Talc: A carcinogen 
  • Triclosan: Is used as a pesticide and kills the good bacteria on your skin.
  • Silica: Skin irritant and carcinogen 
  • Aluminum: Stops the flow of sweat and mimics estrogen 
  • Fragrance: Skin irritant

Brands to Avoid 

  • Dove
  • Secret 
  • Tom's 
  • Old Spice 
  • Clinique 
  • Suave 
  • Mitchum

Okay so most mainstreams brands are bad, how do I make my own? 

I've been making my own deodorant for a little over a year now and have not gone back to buying name brand deodorants. Now to be honest it can be a little tedious but that with anything when it comes to self care and making things on your own. But it's really easy and affordable. 

Ingredients you'll need 

  • Baking soda equal parts (I use arm & hammer) 
  • Cornstarch equal parts
  • Shea butter equal parts (I use Alaffia Fair Trade) 
  • Essential oil of choice (I like tea tree oil) 

Know that when you make this deodorant that you will still sweat! You are supposed to sweat as this is one of the main functions your body does to relieve itself of the toxins you build daily. The baking soda is used to neutralize the smell. I add more or less depending on if I notice the smell of my underarms. So add a little more if you typically have a strong odor. The cornstarch provides as thickener. Depending on what type of shea you use, you may not need the cornstarch. The essential oil also neutralizes the smell. I really like tea tree oil because it has  anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties also because I like the smell. However, lavender, lemon, grapefruit, or whatever is your favorite will work as well. Use as much essential oil depending on how strong you want it to be and how much your skin can handle the oil. Don't go too heavy just use enough for it to do its job, I typically use 15 drops. 

Mixing:

To make my job easier I take the shea butter and melt it before I stir in the baking soda and cornstarch. Once I have a good amount of shea melted in my container of choice I stir in the rest, adding in the oil last. Mix it well, you don't want the baking soda to be stuck at the bottom. It will solidify and be stuck at the bottom and your deodorant won't work as well. Next I place it in the refrigerator so it can solidify for a couple hours then pull it out overnight before I have to use it the next day. 

Things to keep in mind:

Know that the results you get are based off of your body and how you eat. Certain foods like eggs, dairy, and meat will make your odor stronger and you may have poorer results with your deodorant. Stick to plant based whole foods to assist with the smell. 

If your skin is sensitive I advise you to not be as generous with the baking soda or essential oils as it can cause your skin to become irritated. Ultimately play around with your needs until you come up with a good balance for your homemade deodorant. 

Also to put it on you'll have to apply by hand and the baking soda does leave residue. I have gotten used to this and just wash my hands or dust them off after I apply. 

Thanks for reading, please comment below your experiences with making your own and any questions you have!