as my hair grew out, i rarely used shampoo, and even less rarely, conditioner. Found the skinny on using and making it here: http://www.diynatural.com/natural-homemade-deodorant/. I have seen a lot of these recipes on line. "Is Deodorant Harmful for Your Health?" Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with Last time that happened, I made a ball of coconut oil by softening it, then making a ball maybe 1.5-2x the size of a golf ball (huge hush puppy! I dig smart people who are uber-researchers like myself.) (Maybe it was a chemical reaction between my body and the deodorant. It may stain light colored clothes because of the oil (I didn't run into this, but others have). I'm looking forward to seeing a review of how this works. Aluminum is the only known ingredient known to block sweat ducts. And being the DIY troubleshooter that I am, I thought to myself: What do I have around the house that I can use to help me solve this problem. We found out the fun way with the fenugreek sprouts, but Ive also found the not so pleasant option when Ive eaten something I probably should have not. Apple cider vinegar is a multitasking ingredient commonly used in natural skincare. You may also find the following posts useful: It makes a HUGE difference when you share our articles. Therefore, my theory was correct, and eight years later, lemon juice is still the only deodorant I use. About 10 years ago, I met a woman in her 40s with long gray hair, about way down her back. Ultimately, a bacterial or fungal infection came to mind. I mean I guess it made sense that, if bacteria help produce underarm odor and lemons have antibacterial properties that are used in cleaning products to kill germs and fight odors, they must help fight underarm odor as well. "The Effect of Moisture on the Flowability of Pharmaceutical Excipients." My hair was always clean! Underarm odor occurs when apocrine sweat glands release high-protein substances (sweat) via the hair follicles in your armpits. Kristan M. suggests, It's as simple as all get out (and I sweat like a butcher)- 1/3 c. organic corn starch. What do you mean when you say 'crystal deodorants'? Also, I dont have a lot of free time, so other than Herbalix, any other deodorants that I can buy that are safer. I think taking coconut oil internally can help with body odor too. It also has strong moisture-absorbing properties and is thought to be gentler on skin than baking soda. (This ticked me off when I read it, truly.) Making your own deodorant means you can use only natural ingredients and cater the fragrance profile to your personal liking. (They even sent mini samples for the boys to try. Alternatively, you can simply slice a lemon in half, squeeze about 4 to 5 drops of juice in your hand and rub it into your armpits. Just enough to create a very thin layer in the palm of your hand so you can spread it under your arms. Add in your essential oils before it's set, then transfer to an airtight container and wait an hour before using. The only downside is that lemons are highly acidic (that's what kills the bacteria, after all), so if you're prone to irritation, especially after shaving, be careful. I decided to repeat this step three times per day and monitor the results. Allow drying (about a minute) before putting clothes on. Other citrus sources contain higher levels of sugar and can therefore be sticky; and mangos and limes are known to be photoallergic triggers, according to Marmur. It will have a strong vinegar smell at first, but it's virtually odorless once it's dry. Also, when I began to rave about my new-found deodorant, a friend of mine decided to try it as well. Another way to replicate the creaminess of conventional deodorants is with shea and cocoa butter. About the only time Ill use soap or shampoo on my hair now is when Ive been exposed to something toxiclike insulation, asbestos, chemical fumes (not sure that water wouldnt be as effective)or when Ive been exposed to poison ivy. Journal of Medicinal Food. In the summer of 2012, I noticed that a dark (almost black) circular patch suddenly appeared on the left side of my abdomen. Its antibacterial properties are especially helpful in staving off body odor. How? An ancient home remedy, it's most commonly used today as a face mask. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. No itching or irritation to speak of, and once it cleared, it cleared. What works now? "Lemon juice has mild astringent effects that mimic the pore-closing effect of antiperspirant actives," says Hammer. around that time, i shaved my head. Pour the mixture into a container and place in the fridge to set. Also, diet in general will strongly influence body odor. I just spread a thin layer of coconut oil under my pits, then using a powder puff, pat on the mixture of 1/2 baking soda and 1/2 cornstarch. Ive been working to increase my magnesium intake, too, which also affects body odor. ), which I then stored in the frig. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are okay with it. Put it in one of those funny looking flat 1-cup Mason jars, and shake it! This is at no additional cost to you. back in the 90s, a friend first turned me onto the idea that humans, and all animals are predominately self-cleaning with a little water and scrubbing (which for some animals is lickingothers, a washclothor just hands). They smoothen skin with high concentrations of vitamins and fatty acids, especially when mixed with the powerhouse nutrient vitamin E. The addition of baking soda and cornstarch will help keep you dry. You could use this mixture as is and apply with your fingertips, but its pretty messy. "Omg, finally," were the exact words said when Amazon notified me this hair stick was back in stock. I made another batch using only half the amount of baking soda and started using again. A spritz of rubbing alcohol, with or without a drop or two of essential oil and/or witch hazel added (again, not a good one to used on freshly shaved armpits). Moral of the story: If you're in a pinch, like heading to a big meeting when you realize you forgot to put deodorant on, you can neutralize the odor and sweat with lemon juice. Coconut oil is antibacterial which kills the critters that smell up our pits in ways that some find offensive (I used to be offended to, but now I tend to love the natural healthy smells of people). For those who don't like the slimy feeling of a cream deodorant, candelilla wax is the solution. That sweat then gets broken down by bacteria on the skin. Therefore, lemon juice neutralizes the odor-causing bacteria on the skin when applied as a deodorant. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. 1/3 c. baking soda. Lavender and eucalyptus are common deodorant fragrances. What do you think of this? World Health Organization. (I keep my deodorant in the fridge as I live in a warmer climate and sometimes room temp. You can read more about my hyperpigmentation story here. I actually dont normally wear deodorant. Ive mostly not worn deodorant for 10 or more years. From feeling good to feeling like shit to feeling okish again and then back to shitty land to what ever today is . Most deodorants contain antiperspirant, which is an aluminum-based chemical agent that reduces the amount of sweat the body releases. At this point, I had undeniable proof that lemon juice contained antibacterial properties and could also help even my skin tone. My grandmother battled breast cancer, and I lost my older sister to internal cancer, so I've been working to detox our home, diet and our personal care products. Everyone I've had smell the deodorant (all the scents) finds them pleasant. Three different DIY deodorant methods you can try lemon juice, coconut oil, or both. Therefore, please see a doctor if you feel like your sweating is out of control. I find it takes 4-6 Tablespoons. I raided the pantry for some dehydrated summer squash, Read More Broccoli Cheese Soup with a Surprise Ingredient (Gluten Free)Continue, Hearty soups are a cold weather favorite, and this chicken wild rice soup is no exception. Now I have something new to try. Deitra you will receive all new posts by email, but each day I try to share one or more older posts on Facebook for those who are new to the site. 5 Recipes for Homemade Deodorant That Really Works, 10 Planet-Friendly Homemade Makeup Recipes, 5 Ways to Use Seaweed for Hair: Masks, Conditioners, and More, Switching to Natural Deodorant: The Ultimate Guide, 8 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Your Skin, 5 Recipes for DIY Concealer Using Natural Ingredients, Homemade Natural Hair Detangler: 10 Recipes and Step-by-Step Instructions, 8 Simple Ways to Use Palo Santo Oil in Your Beauty Routine, 12 DIY Moisturizing Face Mask Recipes for Your Best Skin Yet, 4 Environmentally Friendly Shampoo Bar Recipes for Every Hair Type, 8 Recipes for Homemade Natural Moisturizers for Face and Body, 11 Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Clean and Naturally Beautiful Hair, 8 Easy Recipes for DIY Leave-in Conditioner, How to Make Blush: 5 Recipes for an All-Natural Glow. You can also subscribe without commenting. (Read The Magnesium Miracle for more detailed information, or take a look at this post on Cheeseslave for a brief overview.) The coconut oil was a little soft because of the heat and it only took me three tablespoons. Crouter, Allison, and Lauren Briens. Conventional deodorants are packed with chemicals, including parabens, formaldehyde, triclosan, and the ubiquitous antiperspirant aluminum. Because thats one of the ways the body regulates its temperature and filters toxins through the skin. I had seen a post over at Kitchen Stewardship a while back where she discussed how to make natural deodorant, and I decided to give it a go. I melted those three ingredients and mixed a few drops of grapefruit essential oil in and poured it in a old deoderant container. Hi, just wondering if the above recipe goes on feeling sticky? But it only stings for like, 1 minute, then goes away. Feel free to test them out to see which one works best for you. Yaaaay . I had made the cornstarch/soda/coconut oil mixture, but her suggestion for the baking soda intrigued me. 6 Ways to Get the Musty Smell Out of Clothes and Towels, Never Buy Bread Again The Bread Book for Beginning Bakers, Homemade Probiotic Deodorant by Frugally Sustainable. Read my review of the Herbalix deodorant here. Hey! The Maternal Sidekick is proud to serve families regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, or faith. Therefore, I sliced a lemon, squeezed a few drops of the juice in my hand, dipped my finger in, and smeared it all over the dark circle on my abdomen. Cher thanks for chiming in. Lemons are possibly the most versatile fruit on the planet! Whichever you decide, I hope you find as much success with them as I have! Best option: use an old deodorant container. Use both for double the absorption power by mixing one part baking soda with six parts cornstarchno waterand dusting a little on your underarms. I did this in the morning and proceeded with my daily activities, which included a sweat-drenching workout. 2016. Using a double boiler, heat the candelilla wax, stirring in the coconut oil when it's almost melted. I have tried more natural deodorants (Toms of Maine in particular) and it feels sticky. "Evaluation model for cocoa butter equivalents based on fatty acid compositions and triacylglycerol patterns." Fresh or bottled, just rub it in until dry. I'll be waiting to hear how it goes. Leave a comment below to share your tips or leave a link to your own personal cosmetic recipes. Its consistency is similar to beeswax, which helps to hold all the active ingredients together. "Modification of the swelling characteristics and phosphorus retention of bentonite clay using alum." This recipe yields a 1/4 pint. As I always like to say: Life is simple. If I find myself getting too sweaty I just splash a bit of rubbing alcohol on a piece of cotton and wipe the areas that the smelly bacterial like to hide in. PS. The problem with these ingredients is that they're terrible for the planet, from the mining of aluminum to the discharge of parabens into streams and rivers. Trust me, it was pretty icky. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a91a9b544e623c2fd75a263174ecbd96" );document.getElementById("b4f367d558").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Gradually add in the clay and arrowroot powder mixture, constantly stirring to get rid of clumps, and continue to stir while removing from heat and allowing to cool. Im a nurse and am constantly moving, and I have not had a problem with sweating or smelly armpits. It turns out that experts are catching on to the healing combination of plants and dirt, and its not only me that experienced the, Read More Dirt Therapy 8 Reasons You Need to Have a GardenContinue, Back in 2004, my sister, my mom and I had Easter brunch recipes published in Taste of Home magazine for their Getting in the Theme of Things feature. And in my experience, it even works after the fact when an odor has already occurred. But i just add water and a few drops of lavender oil, and store it in a closed jar. Just my two cents Just found your blog and quite enjoy reading it! Havent used anything except water and a washcloth now for nearly 10 years any change in diet/health can affect the smell of sweat so monitor your body that way too many of my friends suffered cancers that could be linked to blockages from deodorant chemicals. I know that soap helps break down those oils when water wont. DIY Health Essentials Does Not Provide Medical Advice, Treatment, Or Diagnosis. Growing up in warm southern California, we didnt have to put up with nasty weather very often. The 10 or more years before that I bought the natural stuff. However, you can also use coconut oil as a deodorant all by itself. In those commercials, lemon juice seemed to be one of the disinfecting agents. Candelilla wax also helps dilute some of the stronger ingredients so as not to overwhelm your skin. Dirt Therapy 8 Reasons You Need to Have a Garden, Easter Brunch Recipes A Beautiful Make Ahead Meal, Chocolate Raspberry Granola Cookies Honey Sweetened, GF Option. In other words, neutralized bacteria equals odor prevention. MyMinnesota-native, Read More Spiced Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe Secret Spices Make the Mix!Continue, I love my garden, and I almost always feel better after spending time in it, but I never really thought about *why* I felt better after a round of dirt therapy. (No, thanks.). Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Mine has a few drops of tea tree oil and some lavender oil added. I used arrowroot powder because I had some on hand that had been in the cupboard a while, and 5 tablespoons of refined coconut oil. (or shall I say smelled). Rubbing alcohol is another inexpensive and easy deodorant that kills the bacteria causing unfavorable fragrance. However, *WARNING IF YOURE GOING TO TRY THIS (which you absolutely should)* it can sting sharply if you have a cut from shaving, so be careful! The common kitchen ingredient also helps absorb moisture, but too much of it can irritate skin. Lemons are phototoxic, making skin more susceptible to burning when exposed to UV light. To stop the armpits of your shirts from getting wet if you start to sweat (heythat rhymed), you can either use, Anti-inflammatory helps to calm irritated skin (especially after shaving). Please see our Terms & Conditions for more detail. As Liz and I discussed their product and the health concerns I wanted to address, she sent me a TON of information from independent studies showing just how detrimental standard cosmetics are, and how Herbalix is different. First, melt all the ingredients except the vitamin E oil and stir. when my hair was only a 1/4 inch, all i did was rub my hands across it in the shower. WORKS GREAT!! From disinfecting your kitchen countertop to whipping up a fresh batch of lemonade, theyre an all-purpose champ in the world of produce. All you need is two household ingredients!!!!! You just might be tempted to have these for breakfast instead of dessert, especially if youre a granola lover. An herbalist friend says she uses baking soda only. Diet has a HUGE influence on body odor. A convenient (and less messy) way to do this would be to use a. I have tried the cheap and the expensive stuff to no avail! magnesium supplementation over industrial duty deodorant. Seems anybody can wash their hair with water! Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a proven antibacterial agent. Using baking soda as a deodorant is a simple and chemical-free way to combat body odor. Mike from Herbalix suspected that I might have some lymph blockages in my legs causing toxins to back up and reroute around my knees, causing visible inflammation, so he suggested I put the detox deodorant on my feet at night as well as my armpits. My teenage son was very impressed with this effect. LEMON JUICE!! Im hoping that by some miracle, after a full round of the large (go big or go home) night detox deodorant and day application, the amount and frequency of my perspiration will decrease. Some swear by swiping a plain old sliced lemon under their arms every morning. This works amazingly, my sweat has literally no smell (and I checked with family members who can attest to the fact that my body odor doesnt smell at all!). The study said "Crystal Natural Deodorant", so I'm assuming it is this product or a similar one: http://www.thecrystal.com/. Perhaps my body has been over compensating all these years due to toxins overload? Id probably try a different option. The boys were so tickled to try their own very special deodorant. What I notice is that eating clean reduces my armpit smell a high percentage. You can use cornstarch or arrowroot or both whatever works for you and adjust the ratios a bit if any of it irritates your skin. And guess what happened? Simply soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and swipe it on your armpits for a natural deodorant. . It worked! Peter Gillhams Natural Vitality Natural Calm, Raspberry Lemon Flavor 16 oz. *Update: I'm still using the Herbalix products, but if you're looking for some other homemade/less toxic deodorant options, you may want to consider: Excessive underarm odor can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Heard Lavilin is the best one! Now more than ever, people care about the ingredients in the products they use on their skinand armpits are no exception. It rarely rained, and we celebrated Christmas by visiting parks or riding bikes outside. Everyone's been asking how well it works, and from what I've tried so far, pretty well overall, at least as good or better than most deodorants I've tried, natural or otherwise. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Never Buy Bread Again has over twenty bread recipes for all occasions, plus troubleshooting for common baking problems and tips on how to store your bread. I have been odor free for months now. "Antiperspirants are over-the-counter pharmaceutical products containing an active ingredient, like aluminum chlorohydrate, and are used to stop the wetness, as well." Combine 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch in a bowl and mix with a fork. Bentonite clay is rich in detoxifying iron, calcium, copper, and zinc. Just a small amount per day will make your armpits smell like maple syrup. But drum roll pleasethe two ingredients that have worked for me.Baking soda and lemon juice! As always, feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils if you so desire. Her shampoo recipe? Once melted, add in the oil and essential oils of your choice to improve the smell. Just bought Lavilin for the first time. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Laura Moss is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience writing about science, nature, culture, and the environment. I personally felt that I wanted to try a detox type product, since my mom had to have inflamed/clogged lymph nodes removed from under her arm when she wasn't all that much older than I am now, and I had a weird rash pop up on my knees recently. I used corn starch, baking soda and coconut oil. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our It was pretty funny you'd think when that box was opened and they saw the deodorant that it was some sort of much coveted video game.) Do be careful with lime juice if you will be exposing your armpits to the sun, as it can cause phytophotodermatitis. af94 is filled with cosmic eye shadows, lipsticks, and face decals that won't break the bank. And you dont need much. Clment, Yu Bi Yao, Bouatene Djakalia , Akmel Djdjro Clment , and Tano Kablan. I had no idea what caused it; all I knew was that it itched. Click here for more detail. Excited to experiment with it. The older these turkeys get the harder it is to get photos where we have smiles and eye contact. "Deodorants are cosmetic products that only deal with eliminating or masking odor," explains cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer. Yes, I add essential oils to it. For an extra treat, pair the soup up with these homemade bread bowls. I just placed my order! I regularly whip together some version of homemade cream of vegetable soup, but when I put together this creamy broccoli cheese soup with a hint of bacon, my husband and the boys said it was one of the best Ive ever made. My DH has to have his dress shirts not starched for this very reason. "Improving the optimized shea butter quality: a great potential of utilization for common consumers and industrials." Cornstarch is another natural sweat-absorbing ingredient. Canadian Medical Association Journal. I signed up to receive your posts by email as I am trying to cut down my facetime on Facebook. Now I shave at night, then apply the baking soda in the morning, patting in on but not rubbing it at all. I saw this article posted on Facebook, but I havent received it in the email? And this can affect the entire body. Baking soda neutralizes smells / odour absorbing ph level of 9 alkaline -drying affect, Lemon Juice citric acid kills bacteria odour / ph level between 2-3 / reduces your skins ph level /. Two caveats, though: Do not apply lemon juice to just-shaven skin or before exposing underarms to sun. How? My youngest has taken to using this now. Most of the big brands you see in drugstores are antiperspirants, but an impressive number of natural options have been popping up in those same aisles, and many of them are deodorants. All I do is squeeze the juice out of a lemon, strain it, and put it in a spray bottle. The solution: Mix it with cornstarch and baking soda. detox our home, diet and our personal care products. Food Science and Biotechnology. I found it to be less irritating than many commercial deodorants I had tried in the past (it really didn't bother me at all, rubbing it on was a tiny bit scratchy). Thanks for stopping in for a visit, and please share the post if you feel so inclined. The trickiest part of the whole process was loading it in the tube. It's anti-inflammatory, rich in exfoliating acids, pH-restoring, antibacterial, and antifungal. Without dissolving the baking soda in the water, rub the mixture onto your armpits. By the end of the day, there was no underarm odor to be found! Sweat by itself doesnt usually smell but when this protein-rich liquid mixes with bacteria from your skin..hello smelly pits. Your email address will not be published. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. No problems with razor burn, although I do usually shave my pits before sleeping, to give the skin time to rest before coating it with anything. No staining on my clothes and I use my coconut oil after if sits in the sun for about 5 mins to soften. But some of you werent aware that lemon juice is also one of the best natural deodorants around. Foods such as spicy foods or veggies like asparagus and brussell sprouts, hormones, hygiene and stress can also influence your smell. Finally she gets to the pits. REMEMBER: This is what works for me talk with a health care providerif your body odour is a concern. However, blocking the bodys natural cleansing and cooling process is going against what nature intended. Ive tried this exact recipe before and i started getting little bumps and rash in my armpits during use. I've also dropped a couple more pounds, which could just be a happy coincidence, but I'm pleased with it anyway. That was another mindblower because Id thought that I could only get away with water shampoo because my hair was short. Suddenly, I remembered those lemon-scented cleaning product commercials. The fact of the matter is, what we put on our skin may be, The skin is the bodys largest organ and is, The ingredients used in cosmetic products . Again, the bumps came and they are itchy. Theyre sweetened with honey and loaded with oatmeal, chocolate chips, fruit, nuts and other hearty ingredients. . And since I had nothing to lose, I decided to see if it could disinfect skin infections as well. (Look for GMO free cornstarch.). We had a sweet salad and dessert decorated to look like bonnets. So what's under your arms? I'll do my official review in a couple of weeks (see the review here), but I just thought I'd let you all know what was going on. However, everyone is different, so what has been working for me for the past eight years may not work for you. However, everyone is different, so what has been working for me for the past eight years may not work for you. 40+ Healthy Fall Recipes That Everyone Will Love! Read on to learn how to make your own deodorant. After all, every ingredient is food grade, right? Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal. Pediatric Dermatology. Technically, I have no idea why that thought came to mind, but Im glad it did. Pour in the jojoba oil, arrowroot powder, and baking soda mixture. I use a soft toothbrush, to apply, or you could try a tiny makeup brush. Be aware that the Herbalix Detox deodorant may make a person smell worse before they smell better. It is important, however, to manage your expectations when transitioning from traditional deodorants. Baking soda or cornstarch alone applied with a powder puff under the arm. I'm sincerely passionate about beauty (particularly mascara, moisturizers, and blonde hair), but other interests include: pop culture, fashion, and oversharing on social media. Store the mixture in an airtight container or put it into an empty deodorant dispenser. Ive been a little leery to try it since I often shave before applying deodorant. Two lemons gives you enough for 1-2 months of deodorant (although it does start to smell funky after a couple works, the scent doesnt linger and it works perfectly in preventing stink). may cause skin irritation and hyperpigmentation. "Phytophotodermatitis from making sangria: a phototoxic reaction to lime and lemon juice." By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. When youre ready to use it, spray 3 to 4 squirts in each armpit. And in her case, it did more than just serve as an effective deodorant. But what if there was a way you could sweat without the underarm area of your shirt getting all wet and soggy. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Lemon juice makes your skin photosensitive. 2015. A big gnarley cheese burger and good deoderant. Principle #9 How To Naturally Create Boundaries By Unapologetically Being Yourself, Principle #8 How To Create Harmony And Communicate Your Vision With Others, Principle #7 How To Create A Life Around What You Want, Principle #6 How To Ask For What You Want, Principle #5 How To Pinpoint What You Want, Required too much of me that I found myself just saying Who has time for this?. Im long overdue for this detox. . I have used the above recipie for several years and LOVE IT!! They all use corn startch or arrow root as a thickener. I also dont like the idea of my body soaking up all those different powders and things (although they are much less harmful than what you would buy at the pharmacy). The fact of the matter is, what we put on our skin may be absorbed through our bloodstream. Thank you so much! Any other suggestions for thickening? So we asked some experts to weigh in. For example, some people have a condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which may be caused by an underlying health issue. Even more soothing. Yes, I have been stinky at times, but a quick scrub under the armpits with a wet washcloth in lieu of a shower does the trick (if I don't have time to shower in the morning). Thank you for sharing so much detail with us!