Around the 1950s, we suddenly became afraid of smelling bad, and the deodorant was born.
Deodorant removes odor while antiperspirant prevents sweat from leaving the body. It also blocks our 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 on its own. It's when it mixes with bacteria and begins to break down certain substances that the odor develops.
Why not make your own deodorant? Here are three recipes for simple yet effective deodorants you can easily make yourself.
If DIY isn't your thing, you might be interested in my review of 4 natural deodorants on my blog Morotsliv.
Creamy Shea Butter Deodorant
This is a recipe for a creamy deodorant with shea butter and jojoba oil. This 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 water bath 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 it cool. It will settle a bit.
Then fill up 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 cornstarch absorbs moisture.
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 approximately a teaspoon into each armpit, so you don't get oily stains on your clothes. Preferably use a spatula instead of putting your fingers in the jar. This recipe makes about 60 milliliters and keeps for at least six months.
Witch Hazel Spray Deodorant
Witch hazel has calming, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Witch hazel is also mildly astringent, making this ideal for those who sweat easily and profusely.
0.7 dl witch hazel hydrolat / hamamelis water
20 drops essential oil of sage
5 drops essential oil of tea tree or another scent
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 switch to ones that are also antibacterial, such as peppermint, oregano, and bergamot.
Fill the rest of the bottle 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 pinch baking soda
Optionally 10 drops essential oil
Mix everything together in a 100 ml spray bottle.
Shake before use. This one is incredibly simple 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 feel. All are mild and suitable for most people, so choose the one that appeals to you most. Good luck!
