Make deodorant yourself
Making your own deodorant is really not witchcraft. With very few ingredients, you can make nourishing, fragrant and effective deodorants yourself.
Sweating is a normal body process. Through sweat, we automatically regulate our body temperature, which is especially important in hot weather. Unfortunately, however, sweating also has an undesirable side effect: sweat smells unpleasant because of the bacteria that quickly develop in it. That’s why we reach for a deodorant every day after our morning shower – the most effective known weapon against sweat odor.
However, commercially available deodorants contain many substances such as parabens, mineral oils, alcohols and silicones, which have recently been the subject of increasing reports of health hazards. So-called antiperspirants in particular have recently been the subject of controversy due to their aluminum content. After all, the organism absorbs such ingredients through the skin – and who knows what the consequences of decades of use are?
Many people have therefore discovered homemade deodorants and deodorant creams as a harmless alternative to conventional deodorants and antiperspirants. Their big plus point: if you make your own deodorant, you can determine the ingredients and fragrances yourself. And when it comes to effectiveness, these self-made deodorants are usually in no way inferior to store-bought deodorants.
Why make your own deodorant?
We have already mentioned it: If you make your own deodorant, you know exactly what is in it. You simply do without the already mentioned substances as well as preservatives, which can be found in most ready-made deodorants, and soon realize: They are not necessary at all to make an effective deodorant. Especially people with sensitive skin or allergies benefit from homemade deodorants, because they often react with skin irritation to certain chemicals contained in deodorants.
In addition, you save money, avoid plastic, waste and greenhouse gases and do not participate in animal testing, which unfortunately is always criticized in connection with the development of conventional cosmetic products.
How do I make my own deodorant?
It’s hard to believe: you can make your own deodorant with just three basic ingredients. These are baking soda, coconut oil and potato, corn or arrowroot starch. Baking soda is responsible for neutralizing unpleasant underarm perspiration odor. Its slightly alkaline effect makes it particularly difficult for bacteria. Coconut oil (for deodorant creams) or water (for liquid deodorant) serve as a carrier material; coconut oil also has a caring effect and also inhibits bacteria. Finally, starch has a binding effect and keeps the armpits dry – you need it especially if you don’t want liquid deodorant but want to make a deodorant cream.
Optionally, you can also add a few drops of essential oil – sage, lemon or any other oil to taste. Shea butter, jojoba oil or nourishing aloe vera gel are also popular to add to homemade deodorant creams, as they not only nourish, but also bind the mixture. Tea tree oil, in turn, has an anti-inflammatory and slightly preservative effect.
Homemade deodorant and deodorant cream
Anyone who has ever used a homemade deodorant will be pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. It performs excellent services and reliably protects against the smell of sweat. However, since there are no preservatives in it, it has a limited shelf life. Homemade deodorant usually lasts four to eight weeks. By adding a little vitamin E, the shelf life can be extended a little. This effect can also be achieved by adding essential oil. Speaking of essential oils, make sure that they are of high organic quality.
Recipe to try
If you’ve never made your own deodorant before, try this recipe. It is a deodorant cream, which also has the advantage that it can be well applied to the skin with your fingers. The skin is maintained and kept supple at the same time.
Beat sage leaves with rolling pin.
Melt coconut oil together with sage leaves.
Chill the oil and let it set.
Remove sage and add remaining ingredients.
For a homogeneous mass, stir again and again.
Homemade sage deodorant cream
These are the ingredients:
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tbsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. starch, e.g. corn starch
1 tsp. beeswax
1 tsp. shea butter
a few fresh sage leaves
Preparation:
Step 1:
Tap or crush sage leaves with a rolling pin until they release a delicate sage scent. This will release the essential oils and aromas.
Step 2:
Place sage in a small saucepan along with the coconut oil and melt in it over a gentle flame. The coconut oil should get very hot, but not boil. Set the coconut oil aside with the sage and let it sit for about an hour. The coconut oil will solidify again in the process.
Step 3:
Heat the coconut oil again and remove the sage leaves. Add the beeswax and shea butter and melt. The mixture should combine nicely. In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with the starch and add, stirring constantly.
Step 4:
Now allow the deodorant cream to cool. Keep stirring so that the baking soda and starch do not separate. To speed up the process, you can always put the deodorant in the refrigerator. Don’t forget to stir often.
Once the deodorant has a nice consistency, pour it into a jar and seal it tightly. After about four hours, the homemade deodorant cream is completely hardened and can be used.
