How to make homemade deodorant
Knowing how to make a homemade deodorant is a natural and economical way to avoid harmful substances
Unsplash image of Megumi Nachev
Learning how to make homemade, natural deodorant is an excellent choice for reducing exposure to harmful chemicals such as triclosan. Understand and check out a simple and accessible recipe:
- Triclosan: undesirable omnipresence
- Substances to avoid in cosmetics and cleaning products
Why make homemade deodorant
Deodorant is a cosmetic product made to cut the bad odor in the armpits, unlike antiperspirants, which have the function of decreasing the production of sweat. Learn more about this topic in the article: "Are deodorant and antiperspirant the same thing?".
Most industrialized cosmetics have ingredients that are harmful to health and the environment, and deodorant is not left out of this group. Even with regulations, the continued use of conventional deodorants (those sold in markets, perfumeries and pharmacies) can cause problems. This type of item is usually composed of substances such as triclosan, propylene glycol, parabens, fragrances, aluminum and alcohol - each one has a specific function, but all have different negative impacts. Learn more about this topic in the article: "Deodorant: what it is and what are its components".
As an alternative to conscious consumption and even to reduce costs, have you thought about making your own homemade deodorant?
A homemade deodorant can have the same efficiency as industrialized ones if the components have the same odor inhibiting properties. Among the various characteristics of essential oils is their bactericidal action, which reduces the harmful effects of bacteria and fungi (along with sweat, they produce bad odors). The oils of cloves, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus, among others, are highly recommended for use in home deodorants. The basic recipe has as main items: vegetable butter - prefer 100% natural and that were extracted by a cold pressing process, which is a method with less environmental impact; baking soda, which is a great cleaning agent; and the essential oil, which provides the aroma.
How to make homemade deodorant
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of shea butter;
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda;
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch;
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter;
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil (tea tree);
- 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil (lemongrass).
Method of preparation
Melt the shea butter and cocoa butter, together with the baking soda and starch, using the bain-marie technique or the microwave oven; then mix the ingredients well. Then add the oils of your choice and mix. Put the mixture in a sterilized jar and refrigerate for five minutes to get consistency. Finally, store in an airy place out of the sun.
Ready! It's easy and simple, isn't it? Now you have your chemical-free deodorant! But you must be aware that homemade deodorant has a shorter shelf life, as they do not have added chemical preservatives. Generally, the expiry date does not exceed six months. Also stay tuned for symptoms of allergy to any of the ingredients - it is best to test before starting to use it.
If you're not a big fan of "do it yourself" or you're short of time, visit the eCycle Portal webshop to discover deodorants made with ingredients that don't harm your body.
