Around the 1950s, we suddenly became afraid of smelling bad and deodorant emerged.
Deodorant removes odor and antiperspirant prevents sweat from coming out of the body. It also blocks our own natural body scent – the one we unconsciously follow when choosing a partner.
We sweat at least 0.5 liters every day, but sweat doesn't smell bad by itself. It's when it mixes with bacteria and begins to break down certain compounds that the odor arises.
Why not make your own deodorant? Here are three recipes for simple but effective deodorants you can easily make yourself.
And if DIY isn't for you, don't miss my review of 4 natural deodorants on my blog Morotsliv.
Creamy Shea Deodorant
This is a recipe for a creamy deodorant with shea butter and jojoba oil. This one is excellent for sensitive skin!
Ingredients
0.75 dl cold-pressed organic coconut oil
15 g beeswax
15 g shea butter
15 ml jojoba oil
0.5 dl arrowroot powder
1 tbsp baking soda
10 – 15 drops essential oil
Instructions
Melt the fats in a double boiler and add the powders.
When the mixture reaches about 50 degrees, you can add the essential oils.
Pour half into a jar, tube or container and let cool. It will set a little.
Then fill with the rest.
Let it solidify completely before you start using it.
Shea butter and jojoba oil are moisturizing for the skin, baking soda is mildly antibacterial and removes bad odor while the arrowroot powder is moisture-absorbing.
For sensitive skin, you can reduce or remove the baking soda. Leave out the essential oils if you have extra sensitive skin and reduce the baking soda.
Massage in about a pinch into each armpit, so you don't get greasy stains on your clothes. Preferably use a spatula instead of taking it with your fingers from the jar.
This recipe makes about 60 milliliters and lasts at least six months.
Witch Hazel Spray Deodorant
Witch hazel has soothing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Witch hazel is also mildly astringent so this one suits those who sweat easily and heavily.
0.7 dl witch hazel hydrolat / witch hazel water
20 drops sage
5 drops tea tree oil or other fragrance oil
A pinch of salt
0.3 dl distilled water or alcohol
Fill a 100 ml spray bottle with the witch hazel water, essential oils and salt.
You can also choose other scents but then switch to others that are also antibacterial, such as peppermint, oregano and bergamot.
Fill the rest with water, or alcohol for an even more effective deodorant.
Keep in mind that alcohol can be drying. For sensitive skin, it's therefore better to use water instead.
Rose Deodorant with Aloe Vera
This is probably my personal favorite. Lovely scent of rose and nourishing aloe vera.
70 ml rose water
30 ml aloe vera juice or spray
1 tsp baking soda
Optionally 10 drops essential oil
Mix everything together in a 100 ml bottle.
Shake before use.
This one is incredibly easy to mix together. It's also quick to make.
Of these three recipes, I would recommend the cream deodorant for those with dry and sensitive skin, the witch hazel deodorant for those who sweat a lot, and the rose deodorant for those who want a luxurious feeling.
All are mild and suit most people, so choose the one that appeals to you most. Good luck!
