Today, let’s talk about something nobody really wants to discuss: body odor. I know many of us prefer natural deodorants, but finding one that actually works can be challenging! Most of us have dealt with body odor at some point, and it’s been a sensitive topic for me for quite some time. Sharing my experience might just help you too!
Eating healthy and staying hydrated can definitely help reduce underarm odor, but sometimes you need a little extra help. Conventional deodorants work well, but they come with ingredients like aluminum and parabens that some people would rather avoid. Aluminum, in particular, has been linked to concerns about breast cancer.
For those of us looking for natural alternatives, the selection can be slim, and often, natural deodorants don’t perform well. Trust me, I know this from experience, especially having gone through multiple pregnancies where I sweat more and stayed active.
So, do you just deal with the sweat or risk the additives? Thankfully, there’s another option! It might take more time than just buying deodorant from the store, but it’s worth it for a healthier choice. After trying out almost every natural option, I found a homemade deodorant recipe that actually works without causing rashes.
Along the way, I discovered that plain baking soda or coconut oil can be effective if you’re not up for making your own. Keep in mind that some people can get a rash from baking soda, so it’s wise to test it on a small patch of skin first. Recently, I’ve also used pre-made natural deodorants that smell great and work well, closely resembling DIY recipes!
I’ve got two recipes for you. The first one is softer, but if you’re short on shea butter, the second one is just as good and has fewer ingredients. Feel free to add essential oils for scent or skip them for a fragrance-free option, especially if you have sensitive skin.
If you prefer a stronger scent, check out my DIY Men’s Deodorant recipe. Certain essential oils help fight odor-causing bacteria, but be cautious as some can be harsh on the skin. Bergamot and sandalwood are popular choices, but they have some environmental concerns and sensitivities. For a safer alternative, consider Australian sandalwood or Amyris oil.
If you’ve ever checked drugstore deodorants, you’ll see they contain way more than three ingredients. While a longer list isn’t necessarily bad, simpler is often better. My coconut deodorant recipe uses just coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder, with an optional dash of essential oils.
For a ready-made option that’s aluminum-free and smells amazing, I recommend one from Wellnesse. After much trial and error, I developed a pre-made natural deodorant with long-lasting protection that’s free of harmful ingredients and cruelty-free.
Initially, I wanted to avoid the harsh additives in regular deodorants, but I’ve become a fan because natural options just work better! Surprisingly, since switching, I’ve noticed less sweating overall.
I encourage you to try making your own deodorant. Isn’t it reassuring to know you’re only putting ingredients on your skin that you trust? If you give it a go, do share your results!
For those who don’t have ingredients on hand or want a simpler option, there’s a quicker recipe available. After using this for years and receiving feedback from many readers, I’ve compiled some FAQs to help with common issues.
– Deodorant made without water lasts 6-12 months, though I always use mine up before then.
– Some people experience a rash from baking soda; if this happens, try reducing the baking soda amount or consider a clay-based detox to remove past chemicals.
– If you’re reacting to essential oils, consider eliminating or switching them.
– You can substitute coconut oil with half the amount of another liquid oil, like almond or jojoba.
– For a firmer deodorant bar, increase shea butter content and chill in the fridge before use.
– If staining occurs, apply only a tiny amount and allow it to absorb before dressing.
– Finally, be cautious using baking soda or magnesium immediately after shaving to avoid stinging.
Have you tried making your own deodorant? How did it go? Feel free to share your experience!
