A very effective non-toxic and non-sting deodorant that takes care of your skin with all-natural ingredients. I used to make a version with baking soda as that's what most natural deodorant recipes recommend using, but I found that it stings quite a lot, even hours after applying it, and can also get pretty powdery when you sweat. Not so pleasant! So now I make this with non-GM arrowroot powder and Diatomaceous Earth instead, and this seems ideal as it doesn't sting at all and doesn't get powdery. (I happened to have some DE as my husband uses it both for gardening, and also dissolved in water as a detox drink).

Commercial deodorants and antiperspirants usually contain a concoction of harmful carcinogenic ingredients, including aluminiun, parabens, triclosan, talc, propylene glycol, steareth-n and many others. These toxins are particularly harmful to women who shave their armpits, as skin is damaged and so procures a higher exposure. Also, as with any chemicals applied topically, they are absorbed into our bloodstreams and can cause any number of mild to very serious diseases. Pretty crazy to put ourselves at such risk, especially when there are non-toxic alternatives.

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Some natural deodorants, as you may already know, aren't very effective despite costing much more than commercial deodorants, and you can end up feeling quite cheated. The most effective one I ever bought was Jason Tea Tree Natural Deodorant, but now I have a homemade recipe that I find is just as effective, I won't be spending 7 or 8 euros on buying that anymore.

We seem to have this idea that sweating is bad, and that an effective deodorant is one that keeps you dry all day long. WRONG! Sweating is good, as it's our body's natural way of eliminating toxins, so we really don't want to prevent the body being able to do what it needs to do to keep us in good health. What we do want is not to smell sweaty - agreed. But the good news is it's completely possible to control odour without interfering with our body's natural processes. Great!

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One important thing we all need to be aware of when it comes to body odour - what we eat has a massive impact on how we smell. If our diets are rich in processed, refined and junk foods, or drink a lot of alcohol, we will be a lot more smelly than if we eat natural, unrefined and unprocessed foods. It does make sense doesn't it? The more toxins we put into our bodies, the more toxins our bodies have to eliminate. Personally after a few months of quitting processed food and switching to organic, natural, whole foods, I found I didn't sweat or smell half as much as before. We also need to drink plenty of water to keep our body and skin hydrated, and for our sweat to smell less pungent.

Another final thing to know before going through the recipe - when we initially make the switch from commercial to natural deodorant, our armpits will have a few days of cleansing themselves, so you might feel more sweaty or smellier than usual, especially if you're used to being completely dry & sweat-free. Don't be so quick to give up on natural deodorants though... your body will balance itself and adapt to the new armpit care you're giving it!

What you will need:

2 tblsp shea butter

1 tsp coconut oil

5 drops vitamin E oil

30 drops tea tree essential oil

1 tsp aloe vera

3 tblsp arrowroot powder

3 tblsp Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)

Method:

Measure out the shea butter and coconut oil, and put them together in a small glass bowl

Using a bain marie or double boiling method (pour boiling water into a pan, then sit the glass bowl inside the pan), melt the butter and oil on low heat until they are combined

Stir in the vitamin E oil, tea tree oil and aloe vera

Add the arrowroot powder and Diatomaceous Earth, and blend thoroughly with a spoon until all the powder is mixed in

It should look like this (reminds me of brandy butter), still very soft but it will harden up

You can put it in a small jar and apply it with your fingers, but I recommend buying a cheap stick deodorant, then throw out the toxic deodorant inside it and clean the plastic container thoroughly, so that you can fill it with your homemade non-toxic version.

Using your finger, scoop the mixture up and press into the empty deodorant container. Smooth off the top and pop into the fridge for 30 mins or so until solid

You don't have to store it in the fridge, but I suggest you store it somewhere cool. Apply as you would any other deodorant, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with yet another non-toxic personal care product!

If you enjoyed this post please follow me for more tips on making natural beauty products, as well as healthy recipes for homemade snacks and meals.

Many thanks.

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All photos in this post are my own original, with the exception of the two images I have cited