If you’re looking to deodorize without the negative health effects of parabens, aluminum, and various toxins, you might consider a homemade natural deodorant. While there are a number of fragrant ingredients that go into creating your own DIY deodorizer, essential oils are arguably the most desirable ingredient.
Deodorants work by generating an acidic, inhospitable environment to odor-creating bacteria. The goal of antiperspirants in many deodorants is to clog the pores, which reduces perspiration. This decreases what the bacteria is able to feed on. But is using traditional antiperspirant deodorants the best route to go?
Most likely, there’s a specific reason you’re looking to make your own natural deodorant recipes. Boredom probably isn’t the reason. At least, not the only reason. There are potential links between the chemicals used in traditional deodorants and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. Smearing chemicals under your pits every single morning is not only scary, it’s unnecessary.
Making your own homemade natural deodorant with essential oils is safe, fun, and economical. It’s great for warding off that undesirable underarm odor, while protecting you from the harmful chemicals in conventional deodorants.
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Which essential oils have antibacterial properties?
Essential oils have long been known for their healing properties. While they can certainly work as a pleasing fragrance, most oils offer profound therapeutic benefits. Many contain properties that can kill off fungi, viruses, and, yes, the bacteria that causes body odor. This means that they can prevent infection in the body, treat skin conditions, and disinfect various surfaces throughout your home.
First, you need to know which antibacterial oils to use in your recipe. Then, you’ll need to figure out which oils to use to provide the scent of your deodorant. Here are some great antibacterial oils to consider:
- Lemon: Sweet, citrusy, disinfectant
- Frankincense: Woody, fruity, anti-inflammatory
- Peppermint: Fresh, minty, astringent
- Orange: Citrusy, antiseptic, energy
- Eucalyptus: Refreshing, antiseptic, respiratory health
In addition to using these oils for their antibacterial properties, we recommend including one (or two) of the following three oils in your natural deodorant recipe:
- Lavender: Fresh, floral, calming
- Ylang ylang: Sweet, balsamic, mood-enhancing
- Patchouli: Earthy, musky, toxin-reducer
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Crafting your DIY natural deodorant recipes
There aren’t a whole lot of limitations when it comes to creating a homemade organic deodorant. You simply need to figure out your scent preferences and preferred application. Here are a few recipes to try out:
1. Calming spray deodorant
- ¼ cup of distilled water
- ¼ cup of witch hazel
- ¼ cup of aloe vera gel
- 10 drops of frankincense oil
- 10 drops of lavender oil
Simply mix the blend in a spray bottle and shake the solution before applying.
2. Fruity powder deodorant
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- ¼ cup of baking soda
- 10 drops of lemon
- 10 drops of orange
Mix together and fluff under your arms with a kabuki brush or pat the recipe on using a damp washcloth.
3. Earthy baking soda deodorant
- ¼ cup of baking soda
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- 10 drops of frankincense
- 10 drops of patchouli
This one takes a little more time, so here are some instructions on how to craft it:
- Heat up the coconut oil in the microwave in 10-second intervals until it begins to melt.
- Mix the baking soda and cornstarch into a measuring cup.
- Make sure the concoction isn’t too hot and then add the frankincense and patchouli.
- Pour the mixture into a lidded jar or into an old deodorant dispenser.
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Give these recipes a try. You might be surprised about just how easy they are. Not only can you blend your own custom fragrances, you’ll save some cash and feel better about what you are applying to your skin!