Natural Deodorant: Homemade or Buy?

Check out some recipes on how to make your homemade natural deodorant. And, for those who don't have time, how to buy natural or vegan deodorant

natural deodorant

Photosforyou image by Pixabay

Making your own natural deodorant is an excellent alternative for sustainable consumption. In addition to being much cheaper, you'll still be avoiding the chemicals found in most industrialized deodorants. A natural deodorant can have the same efficiency as industrialized ones if its components have the same odor inhibiting and bacteria-fighting properties.

An alternative for those who do not have time to make their own deodorant is to buy a natural or vegan deodorant. These versions do not use toxic substances in their formulations and also avoid bad smells - note that deodorant and antiperspirant are different products, although there are models that combine the two products into one. Understand the difference: "Are deodorants and antiperspirants the same thing?"

The big problem with common deodorants found in markets and pharmacies is that they contain items such as triclosan, propylene glycol, parabens, fragrances, aluminum and alcohol which, although regulated by Anvisa, have several negative impacts. Each of these compounds has a specific function and also its contraindications. Learn more in the article: "Know the deodorant components and their effects".

  • Deodorant: which type is best for female or male use?
  • Antiperspirant clogs glands, but relationship of use with disease is not conclusive

How to make natural deodorant?

Making your own natural deodorant is not difficult. There are several recipes, from those made with common everyday ingredients, such as baking soda and coconut oil, to more sophisticated ones with shea butter and vitamin E. We have selected some of these techniques to help you.

In all recipes it is possible to add essential oils. In addition to the smell, essential oils confer bactericidal action to your natural deodorant, as they concentrate the properties of the plants from which they were extracted. Cinnamon, tea tree, clove, rosemary and eucalyptus oils are some examples highly recommended for use in natural homemade deodorants, as these plants are highly bactericidal.

Between preparing a recipe and another for your natural deodorant, try to change the type of antibacterial essential oil, to prevent sweat bacteria from building resistance if you always use the same type of essential oil.

  • What are essential oils?
  • Discover How to Use Essential Oils
  • Essential Oils: A Complete Guide
  • Discover nine essential oils and their benefits

When choosing which essential oil to put in your natural deodorant, be careful with photosensitizing essential oils, such as bergamot, orange, lemon and tangerine, as they can cause stains or irritation if the skin is exposed to the sun. In the case of deodorant, which is a product mostly used during the day, it is best to avoid.

Natural deodorant with milk of magnesia

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of milk of magnesia tea;
  • 1/4 cup of water;
  • 1 teaspoon of the essential oil of your choice (some popular combinations are lavender, rosemary, roses and sandalwood).

Method of preparation

In a small bowl with a spray bottle, mix all the ingredients and you're done! The mixture is more liquid than most traditional deodorants, but dries quickly.

It is also possible to use pure milk of magnesia as a natural deodorant, applying some of the product directly under the armpits. But this option can leave white spots or remnants of dust in the armpit after drying.

Natural deodorant with coconut oil and sodium bicarbonate

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons of coconut oil;
  • 3 tablespoons of starch (or cornstarch);
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda;
  • A few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Method of preparation

Mix all the ingredients together until you get a thick, homogeneous paste. Store in a glass jar.

Natural deodorant with shea butter

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons of shea butter (buy here);
  • 3 tablespoons of baking soda;
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch;
  • 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter (buy here);
  • 2 vitamin E capsules;
  • Essential oil of your choice.

This is a more elaborate recipe, whose complete step-by-step we teach here at eCycle portal . Learn how to prepare this natural deodorant in the article: “Learn how to make homemade deodorant”.

Buy natural deodorant

If you're on the run, or as an option to take in your purse or gym bag, you can buy natural deodorants, which are those free of toxic substances and that follow the sustainable line. It is possible to buy natural deodorant and also the vegan version. These are products that do not contain aluminum salts and minimize the use of synthetic products.

Industrialized natural deodorant usually carries on its label the information that it does not contain chemicals such as triclosan and parabens. Some brands use certified natural ingredients, others indicate that the product has not been tested on animals (the vegan deodorant option) and there are even natural deodorants that use only organic products. Discover some deodorant options that will take care of your health and beauty at the store. eCycle portal !



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