This post contains affiliate links from my favorite brand Mountain Rose Herbs. I love their high quality organic/fair trade products, and am blown away by their commitment to zero waste. 

Body odor definitely isn't chic, yet using antiperspirants to inhibit underarm sweating isn't healthy.  The aluminum in these antiperspirants that block sweat is toxic to the body and causes problems with the lymphatic system.  There is also concern with aluminum ingredients being linked to breast cancer.

"Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer."  ~National Cancer Institute

There are much better options and healthier alternatives to synthetic deodorants.  A very common DIY recipe can be used to make a simple yet truly affective deodorant.  The four ingredients that are used to create this deodorant are baking soda, cornstarch, coconut oil, and essential oils.  Most recipes circulating online include equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch and enough coconut oil to create a thick paste.  Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, or sandalwood are used for extra antibacterial properties.  This simple recipe works!  I've used this easy to make DIY deodorant daily and for my workouts and dance classes.

I did have one issue though with this recipe.  The baking soda was too strong and irritated my sensitive skin.  So with a little thought I tweaked the recipe to suit my needs.  Here is my simple deodorant recipe that still works really well for me.   This recipe also includes four ingredients.

What you will need…

• 1/4 cup of lavender flower powder

• 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder

• 4 tbsp of coconut oil

• 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix lavender flower powder with arrowroot powder.  Now add coconut oil and lavender essential oil.  Lavender powder, coconut oil, and lavender essential oils all have antibacterial qualities that make this deodorant effective.  The arrowroot powder absorbs moisture as well as helps to combine the ingredients.

I use arrowroot powder for this recipe instead of cornstarch because I have plenty of it.  If you have cornstarch use that instead.  They both work well.

If you don’t have sensitive skin, here is another variation of this recipe using baking soda.  Mix 1/8 cup of lavender flower powder, 1/8 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder with 4 tablespoons of coconut oils adding 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil.  I prefer the gentleness of lavender flower powder to baking soda, yet both are extremely good at odor prevention.  A combination of the two is even more powerful.

Once your deodorant is mixed well, place in a clean jar for use.  I simply apply by scooping out enough to rub under my arms and I'm good to go.  You can find lavender flower powder as well as the other ingredients for this recipe here.

Have you tried making your own deodorant?

Image by Dawn Michelle