It’s been at least 7 years since I’ve been using natural deodorant. I DIDN’T NEED MUCH CONVINCING TO MAKE THE SWITCH! My diet was already clean, so it made sense that I should continue to reduce the chemical load on my body through my skin care products. I first experimented with a few of the “natural brands” of deodorants. Whilst they are ok, when I tried this DIY version and have never turned back!

There is so much uncertainty when it comes to the safety of the ingredients we swipe under our arms each day. All of this in an effort to smell socially acceptable. One thing many people are not aware of is how important our skin is. The glands found in the skin of the armpit, funny enough, secrete an odorless oily fluid that only gains its characteristically smelly odor on breakdown by bacteria.

The ingredients in this deodorant will deter the growth of the odor causing bacteria without a harsh antibacterial chemicals. YOU WILL NOT STOP SWEATING! Many of the harmful chemicals found in deodorants actually pass through the skin and chemically block the sweat glands from doing their job. Just like a highway our excretory systems will have issues if we stop the flow. Sweating is a natural process for elimination of toxins that we should accept.

These simple ingredients all have a purpose:

• Coconut Oil: Nourishes the skin and deters the growth of odor causing bacteria.
• Arrowroot Powder: Acts to absorb excess moisture.
• Baking Soda: Also aids to absorb moisture and creates an environment to deter growth of odor causing bacteria.
• Essential Oils: Lavender, Tea Tree and Geranium all nourish the skin, deter odor causing bacteria and provide a beautiful clean scent, naturally!

Check out our You Tube video “Keeping it Natural” to see just how quick and easy it is to mix up your homemade deodorant!

Here is the Coconut Oil Deodorant Recipe we use which was modified slightly from Wellness Mama:

Ingredients:

• 6 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 Tbsp baking soda
• 6 Tbsp arrowroot powder
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a medium sized bowl.
• Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed.
• Add oils if desired.
• Store in small glass jar or old deodorant container for easy use.

Notes:

For very simple storage I pour ours into lined cupcake tins and pop into the fridge to set.

There are only a few months out of the year here in Bermuda that you can leave it out and it won’t melt. I don’t think it’s a big deal heading to the fridge to use my deodorant. If you don’t like the idea of fetching it out of the fridge everyday, try a recipe that includes a little beeswax.

If this is your first time using natural deodorant I recommend doing the clay based Armpit Detox . When my daughter made the switch it was an essential part of the process.

I know some of you want to know what brand you can purchase that is clean and reliable. There is a local company Ponda Pits that has this done for you and does not require refrigeration. Our friendly Lindo’s Market sells the brand Schmidts. I have purchased this for travel and it’s ingredient list is very similar to our homemade version.

ENJOY!

~Dr. Sabrina Famous