Q. Why do I keep my deodorant in the fridge?
A. Because it keeps it nice and hard.
Q. Why do make your own deodorant?
A. Have you read the label on yours lately?
Most of my make-it-from-scratch escapades start with reading a label. The idea of all the harsh and harmful chemicals in store bought deodorants have always bothered me, and the natural ones have never worked for me. I have been looking for a natural solution for years. This post contains the answers to all the questions I’ve had on the subject.
Now, let me ask you a question…
Do you know what’s in the deodorant you use every day?
“…nearly all commercial deodorants contain aluminum salts, usually aluminum chlorohydrate. Manufacturers like aluminum because it effectively suppresses perspiration but the metal has a dark side once it makes its way into our body. Aluminum toxicity It has been linked to cancer, Alzheimerβs Disease, and other health issues. It is especially important for women to take thought to the harmful aluminum materials in deodorant as it has been linked to breast cancer, being that the breast tissue extends up into the armpits.”
Passionate Homemaking, Homemade Deodorant
Frankly, it bothers me to be slathering something on my skin that contains the warnings –
Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease.
Do not use on broken skin.
For external use only.
Stop use if rash or irritation occurs.
(all directly quoted from a name brand deodorant bottle)
It scared me, but I still used it, ’cause I didn’t have any other options. I tried to use it lest frequently…with awkward results.
Actual conversation between Jesse and his mommy:
J: Mom – me smell somethin’
M: I know
J: Mom – you needa take a shower
M: I know
True confessions, people.
But all that is behind me now.
I watched the video Lindsey made of her mixing up a batch of homemade deodorant and realized this was so simple it was worth a try. And, wonder of wonders, it called for 3 simple ingredients that I use in my kitchen every day. Talk about natural! You could eat it, if you wanted, and wouldn’t have to call Poison Control! π
It only took minutes – I mixed together, in the proportions Lindsey gives, Baking Soda, Arrowroot Powder (you can also use cornstarch), and Coconut Oil. Jesse very willingly helped measure ingredients. I got a used, half empty deodorant container, scooped the contents into the trash, and ran it under hot water till all the chemicals had melted out. Then I dried it out and spooned and squished my new natural deodorant into the container.
Now, The coconut oil is soft at room temperature. Lindsey puts hers in a little jar in the bathroom and smears it on with her fingertips. I wanted the convenience of the turn-dial deodorant stick. I put my concoction into the fridge to harden. After it hardened, I tried keeping it in the bathroom, but as that is the warmest room of the house, the deodorant got too soft (like butter) and was a bit messy. π So, I keep it in the fridge. Not a huge inconvenience – and I’m used to toiletries being half-frozen from my days on the homestead. π
The best part about it, is that it works. (I tried it for two weeks before blogging about it.) I get 24 hour protection. It looks and acts and preforms just like the old stuff, and smells mildly of coconut, instead of chemicals and scents that burned my olfactory nerves (and who-knows what else in my skin and lymph nodes). I’m so excited, I’m telling everyone. I know, I’m weird, but this is too good not to share.
In fact, I’m so excited about this, I want to help you experience this! If you want to try homemade deodorant, here’s a couple things you can do…
1. find the ingredients yourself at the local health food store
2. come on over to my house and buy some coconut oil off me (I’m buying it in bulk now to save on shipping – I’m expecting my order from Mountain Rose Herbs any day!)
3. Save your deodorant bottles and I’ll refill them for you with natural deodorant for just $4 – that’s half the price you’d pay for the cheapest natural deodorants on the market. I’ve already done this for one friend and she’s trying it out this week.
My next goal is to convince my husband to try the stick I made for him. He, he. π
What do you think? Wanna be weird with me?
I know, I know all that bad stuff that is in there, I learned that years ago and yet I am still using the stuff. And that sort of shames me esp. since I hold a NC certificate. =( But I am now determined to at least give it a go once my old one runs out(soon!). And it can't be that difficult. Thanks for the encouragement.
Btw, I make our own laundry detergent and it works well.
I added a couple of drops of rose otto essential oil to mine, smells great. If I can get hubby on board, his will have cedarwood in it, unless I buy something more manly before then.
and….coconut oil is so expensive in bulk! I just bought my 2nd 5 gallon bucket from MRH, and ouch! I'm really hoping our local co-op will find a cheaper source at some point, but I doubt it. Do you already have an affiliate you click through to buy your MRH stuff? (I am one, if not…link at the bottom of my blog)
Wow, April – sounds interesting – would you mind sharing your recipe?
Do I know what's in my deodorant? Yes, because I have been making my own for almost two years. π For specific health reasons, I wanted to get off traditional antiperspirants/deodorants. I used the store-bought natural ones for a few months, but they never worked for me, either.
The recipe I came up with has a few different ingredients (all ones I already had on hand, though!), and it is firm at room temperature so I can keep it in my room.
never mind!! i jut found the recipe on lindseys blog:-)
you never cease to amaze me!!! I love your ideas,your enthusiasm, and your willingness to share your life with us!
and yes. i wanna be weird too (most people who know me would say thats already accomplished!lol) i don't live close enough to buy deodorant off you so i shall to make my own….
can you share the amounts of everything i need to use?
Wow…sounds like we frequent a lot of the same blogs π
I watched Lindsey's video several weeks ago and was planning to make some of this myself..um…someday. π
You've got me re-inspired, I might just do it this week.