There are harmful toxins in most of our everyday products such as skin care, hair care and laundry. Our deodourant is no different. Most commonly used deodourants contain toxic chemicals such as carcinogens, heavy metals or endocrine disruptors. This is why I choose to make my own DIY all natural deodourant. You can make your own deodourant at home with all natural ingredients. First, let’s go over some common toxins found in deodourants.
Parabens
To extend the shelf life of beauty products, companies add parabens. They are a preservative that helps bacteria from growing in body wash. Parabens are known to mimic the functions of estrogen. Which can increase fat deposits, decrease muscle mass and contribute to reproductive issues in both men and women. It can increase the risks of breast cancer as well.
Phthalates
To increase the spreadability of a product and to retain the scent more, companies add in phthalates. They are endocrine disruptors and are harmful to the environment as well. They can cause early puberty in girls and low sperm count in men.
Triclosan
Triclosan is used as an anti-bacterial agent in various products. Overuse of triclosan in our society has contributed to bacteria that is resistant to antibacterial cleaners. It is a known hormone disruptor and can cause reproductive issues.
Aluminum
Aluminum exposure has been linked to Alzheimers disease and breast cancer. The aluminum compounds in deodourant aim to clog your pores to prevent sweating from occurring. But, in doing so, it’s preventing important processes like riding the body of toxins and regulating temperature. These cannot happen when the aluminum in our antiperspirants are clogging our armpit pores. The aluminum in deodourant is also the culprit for those unsightly yellow armpit stains. The usually colourless sweat now mixes with the aluminum creating the yellow colour as a reaction to the metal.
Fragrance
Most (if not all) fragrances in deodourants are synthetic and made from chemicals. Phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors, may also be added to enhance the scent as well. Synthetic fragrances can cause asthma attacks, cancer and reproductive issues.
Why Make DIY All Natural Deodourant?
Making your own DIY all natural deodourant is very easy and it only takes a handful of ingredients. It should be mentioned that this does NOT prevent you from sweating. You will sweat, but it won’t smell bad. It is a deodourant not an antiperspirant. Some people (like myself) may have issues with the baking soda in the recipe. In this case, you can swap out baking soda for bentonite clay. It helps by absorbing the odour causing bacteria and toxins from your sweat.
DIY All Natural Deodourant Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 2 Empty Deodourant Containers (I buy mine here.)
- 4 Tbsps Coconut Oil
- 3 Tbsps Shea Butter
- 2 Tbsps of Baking Soda (or Bentonite Clay)
- 3 Tbsps Arrowroot Powder
- 3 Tbsps Beeswax Pellets
- 20-40 Essential Oils of Your Choice (Optional)
- Double Boiler Pot or Pot & Large Mason Jar
How to Make the Deodourant
- Turn on the stove top burner to medium high heat and place double boiler pot on burner with water in the bottom section or a pot with a mason jar and water in it
- Melt the beeswax and shea butter in the top of the double boiler or in a mason jar in a pot of boiling water
- Then, add the coconut oil
- Once everything is completely melted, turn off the stove
- Add on the arrowroot powder and baking soda (or bentonite clay)
- Stir gently until the powder is dissolved into the liquids
- Add in essential oils if you’re using them and then pour into containers
- Let them cool down for a few hours or put them on the refrigerator for about 30 minutes
- Once it has hardened up, you can use it like you would any other deodourant
