I have issues with my armpits.Specifically, I'm talking about how smelly they are (or aren't). I seem to be an especially prolific sweater, which in turn can cause me to become an especially prolific smeller. I have tried all sorts of commercial deodorants over the years, and had achieved some sort of happy medium with (the not so secret brand) Secret.
As I started ambling down the crunchy path, I kept reading about how nasty most commercial antiperspirants were. (Just do a quick online search if you'd like to know specifics on the dangers of aluminum in antiperspirants; they were enough to scare me into searching for an alum-free alternative!)
There are a lot of good options for you in the natural deodorant realm if you want to go that route, and I've tried many of them. Some worked well, some cost a small fortune and others left my poor pits blistered. Most all of them were pricey, especially when compared to the mass-produced commercial products. I wanted a better alternative that would leave me sweet-smelling and not financially destitute...
Ladies (and gentlemen, if there are any men out there reading this armpit saga), may I please present the most incredible, the most frugal and the most impressive recipe for homemade deodorant? I promise - pinky swear and all - this stuff will blow your socks off. You could even eat it if you really wanted to!
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of aluminum free baking soda
- 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder
That's it. Three ingredients. Even a complete doofus in the kitchen like me can whip up a batch of miraculous deodorant in less than five minutes, so I have full faith in YOU!
Directions:
- Combine the baking soda and arrowroot powder into a small mixing bowl.
- Add in the coconut oil, and keep blending, blending, blending.
- Transfer the finished product into pretty containers (I split mine into two bowls) with wide lids.
That's it. Three steps.
This does not require refrigeration, or any special care. I shower, I shave, I apply, I don't stink. Coconut oil is an amazingly creamy moisturizer with anti-bacterial qualities; I don't think my pits have ever been happier or better moisturized.
Please note:
- This is not an antiperspirant. You will sweat. Sweating is an important bodily process that allows the body to shed toxins, so please let yourself sweat.
- You can add in essential oils if you'd like more of a scent.
- If you get itchy pits (some people have issues with baking soda), try replacing some of the baking soda with a little more arrowroot powder. If you'd like a creamier product, throw in a little extra coconut oil. You're the boss!
- Coconut oil liquefies above 76 degrees. If you're in a HOT climate, you can throw your deodorant in the fridge to keep it in a solid state.
Enjoy! Please let me know how this works for you if you try it...
