Hannah's Best Ever Deodorant
This is the recipe that inspired this blog. I have been making my own deodorant for years now, and my recipe has evolved over time as I fiddled and perfected it to where it is now. I am posting it today because it has been amazingly effective for me over the past month - for my summer job this year I am lucky enough to be living in a tent next to the ocean, but I have no shower or laundry facilities. Of course, I have been swimming in the ocean and various lakes to clean myself, but this deodorant has been an essential part of my survival here (and no one has told me I smell yet!).
Why do we need deodorant? We are smelly from our underarms not because we ourselves are inherently smelly, but as a result of the bacteria on our skin. I have noticed my underarm smell is much worse when I am living in the city than when I am living in a rural area, where I can get away with forgetting deodorant for a day. This deodorant combines various antimicrobials with substances that absorb moisture and emollients to soften and moisturize your skin. Coconut oil is moisturizing and contains Lauric acid which has mild antimicrobial properties. Baking soda helps absorb some of the sweat, and is a mild base that neutralizes some of the acidic odor-producing substances (think of how people put a box of baking soda in the refrigerator, for example). Arrowroot powder is a starch that also absorbs moisture, and has a smoother texture than baking soda. I chose kaolinite clay because it is the most delicate of the clays used in skin care products, and clays in general bind toxins, absorb moisture, and are broadly used as treatment for skin rashes, scratches, and itching, so I thought would add a soothing element. It is often the kind of clay used in face masks for people with sensitive skin. The vitamin E I added because it is an antioxidant and natural preservative which means it helps to increase the shelf life (I find coconut in particular goes rancid when out of the fridge for a long period of time - but if this happens you will notice an unpleasant change in smell).
So! Here it is:
Recipe:
2 parts coconut oil
1 part cacao butter
1 part arrowroot powder
3 parts baking soda
1 part kaolinite clay
a few drops of vitamin E oil, if you have it
Melt coconut oil and cacao butter until just liquid, but not boiling. This can be done in a double boiler if you like, or just in a pot on the stove over low heat. Remove from heat, add other ingredients and mix. Pour into a small mason jar or other receptacle with lid. Mix a few times over the next few hours to prevent settling as it cools.
Optional: add a few drops of essential oils, most of which have antimicrobial properties and will give added benefit. I prefer the scent of the coconut/cacao alone, it is like a delicious cookie, but you can add peppermint oil perhaps, lavender, tea tree, or I find vanilla extract is nice too.
Instructions for use: use the back of your fingernail or a small popsicle stick (or other implement) to scrape off a small pea size amount. Apply to underarm. It will start to melt and be easy to spread.
Some notes: because the base of this deodorant is an oil, be cautious with over-applying directly before putting on a silk shirt because you can stain the fabric. Only a small amount is necessary, and let it dry first! Also, in very very hot summer weather the coconut oil will turn to liquid and your deodorant will separate, so store it in a cool place or stir it up as it cools. If you discover it has already cooled in separated form, either use your popsicle stick to dig a little so you can get at both layers, or rewarm it to mix it again. If you are used to wearing antiperspirant, this deodorant will be a new experience for you - it prevents odor but does not stop you from sweating. This may take some getting used to, but it is healthy to sweat and give your body the opportunity to detoxify through the skin.
People's bodies are all very different, but with this recipe I have never had the issues people talk about with natural deodorants not lasting throughout the day. Let me know how it works for you!
Disclaimer: Information can be empowering, but we all have unique health profiles and needs. Health-related information contained in this post is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a Naturopathic or other doctor. The advice is intended to offer only a general basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider.