Creating a natural deodorant at home allows you to customise the ingredients to suit your preferences. Here's a simple recipe using coconut oil, arrowroot powder, diatomaceous earth, shea butter, essential oils, and magnesium hydroxide.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon diatomaceous earth
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 tablespoon magnesium hydroxide
- 10-15 drops of your preferred essential oils (such as lavender, tea tree, or lemon for fragrance and antibacterial properties)
Instructions:
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Melt the Solid Ingredients: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the coconut oil and shea butter together. Stir occasionally until completely melted.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the arrowroot powder, diatomaceous earth, and magnesium hydroxide. Ensure they are well mixed.
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Combine the Mixtures: Once the coconut oil and shea butter have melted, remove them from the heat. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the melted mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency.
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Add Essential Oils: Add your preferred essential oils to the mixture and stir well. Essential oils not only provide a pleasant scent but also offer additional antimicrobial properties.
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Transfer to a Container: Pour the mixture into a clean and dry container with a lid, such as a glass jar or an empty deodorant stick container. Allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature.
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Application: To use, take a small amount of the natural deodorant with your fingers and apply it to clean and dry underarms. Allow it to absorb into the skin before dressing.
Notes:
- The coconut oil provides a moisturising base while also possessing antibacterial properties.
- Arrowroot powder and magnesium hydroxide can help absorb moisture and neutralizing odour.
- Diatomaceous earth aids in absorbing excess moisture and contributes to the deodorant's texture.
- Shea butter offers additional nourishment to the skin.
- Essential oils not only add fragrance but also provide extra antibacterial benefits.
Remember, homemade natural deodorants may have varying results for different individuals. It might take some time for your body to adjust to natural alternatives if you've been using commercial deodorants. Also, consider doing a patch test before using the deodorant regularly to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions to the ingredients.