Make your own natural deodorant: 3 little remedies

As the warm weather continues, our summer survival tips continue too. This week we’re tackling a potentially tricky subject- deodorant. We all need it now and then, to keep us smelling fresh and stop people running away when we get warm and sweaty…! But we don’t want to be using products laden with chemicals do we? No! So, here are 3 little remedies to help: make your own natural deodorant.

Coconut

Yes, we love coconut! Such a versatile super food, we cannot get enough of it! You can eat it, drink it, slather it on your face, body and hair.. and now you can use it to make an all natural deodorant too. Here’s what you need:

• 55 g coconut oil, melted
• 
30 g cornflour
• 30 g arrowroot powder

To make your deodorant, mix the coconut oil with the cornflour and arrowroot and add a few drops of essential oil. When all ingredients are well combined, pour into a small mason jar and allow to cool. When using, chip small pieces with a spoon and rub onto your underarm as needed. The deodorant doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge so is fine in the bathroom or bedroom upstairs.

Lemon

Lemons are fresh and their scent is clean and crisp. SO what better ingredient to use in your natural deodorant? It really is the lemon that makes this one so great. To make it, you need:

• 4 Tbs. extra virgin coconut oil, softened
• 2 Tbs. bicarbonate of soda
• 2 Tbs. arrowroot
• 5-10 drops of lemon essential oil

So this one is very similar to the first one, but the bicarbonate of soda means that it will help to absorb odours and control fungus growth. So pretty handy to have in your deodorant. All you need to do to make it is mix together the bicarb and arrowroot. Then add the coconut oil and lemon oil and mix well. Store in a small mason jar and use as and when needed.

Lavender

Since some people cannot tolerate bicarbonate of soda on their skin, this recipe might be the one for you. Lavender has natural anti bacterial and anti fungal properties, so it’s a good replacement that also smells divine. To make it, you need:

• 115 g cornflour
• 115 g coconut oil
• 40 drops lavender essential oil
• 20 drops lemon essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and store in a small mason jar. This one is lovely for lazy summer days!

Why make your own deodorant?

Aside from all the chemicals you really don’t want on your skin, natural deodorants are ridiculously easy to make and work out a lot cheaper too, since they last for so long. And when you use coconut oil, you are giving your skin a wonderfully moisturising boost too. If you do decide to go for it, these points are worth keeping in mind…

• The body needs to sweat. And sweating is ok. It’s healthy! It does NOT cause body odour. That occurs when bacteria builds up in the armpit, and that is what your deodorant needs to combat. Natural deodorants aren’t going to stop you sweating, but they will prevent you from smelling.
• When you switch to natural deodorants, it’s going to feel strange. Stick with it. Your body will take some getting used to being free from chemicals, and your natural reaction is going to be washing more often. That’s fine! Trust that your deodorant is going to keep you smelling as fresh as a daisy!