There are several reasons why you might want to make your own deodorant. Perhaps you try and avoid chemicals that might harm your health. Perhaps commercially available deodorants are too harsh for your tender skin. Or maybe you are fiscally conservative and want to save a few dollars by making your own. Whatever your reasons, this recipe is a snap to make, is very low cost, and helps you decrease your exposure to questionable chemicals, such as aluminum, which is the active ingredient in antiperspirants.
Is Aluminum Harmful to Our Health?
According to WebMD, there is no definitive answer to this question. Some researchers have found aluminum in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, while other studies have not demonstrated a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's. Perhaps it is too soon to tell, but adhering to the precautionary principle may be the safest choice.
Does Aluminum Cause Breast Cancer?
The National Cancer Institute points out that studies investigating the relationship between antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer have yielded conflicting results. At least one study, from 2003, found that the age of breast cancer diagnosis was significantly earlier in women who used antiperspirants/deodorants and who shaved their underarms more often.
Research suggests that aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like effects. Since estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells, it is plausible, according to some scientists, that aluminum in antiperspirants contributes to breast cancer development.
How Is an Antiperspirant Different from a Deodorant?
Antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat ducts so that perspiration cannot move to the skin's surface. Deodorants, by contrast, do not interfere with the sweating process, but rather serve to neutralize the smell of sweat and bacteria.
Natural Deodorant Recipe
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Measure all three ingredients into a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the coconut oil melts and the ingredients are combined. Pour the liquid into the container of your choice. An old, empty stick deodorant container works well. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Apply to underarms daily. During warm weather, keep your deodorant in the refrigerator or it may melt.
Deodorant Scented with Essential Oils
The deodorant will be virtually unscented, with a slight coconut scent. To add a pleasant natural fragrance, use essential oils. Experiment to find a signature scent that suits you. Some oils to try include rose, lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot, and jasmine.
Dana Petersen Murphy - My interests have always been quite varied. In my college days I was known to take courses in subjects ranging from Israeli Fiction to Art ...
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