Can I just say that I'm happy to be blogging again? You know, in a way that feels more "blog-like." Happy days, for sure. It was actually during my talk with Erin (the one where I talked at length about how I don't write typical blogs anymore) that I realized how much I missed sitting down to hash out some thoughts, to share a project or idea, to write more at length than I had been. So here I am, writing a bit more substantially again. Isn't that how it goes? I am sure things will continue to evolve and change over the years to come, as they should, and as I hope they do. It really is a matter of reflecting where I'm at in life, on this journey, and staying honest with myself about what I can manage and where my inspiration lies.
So, homemade deodorant. Oh, I've tried many. Have you?
Over the years I've made a handful of different deodorant recipes, each with varying degrees of efficacy. None of them work as an antiperspirant, nor do I expect them to. We humans are designed to sweat, to purge toxins through the skin. Whether it is your brow or your armpits, the body does not discriminate and it will sweat as it needs to. Of course, underarm sweating can lead to underarm odor, and that is what we would sometimes like to avoid - at least in certain company.
I still (reluctantly) keep a commercial deodorant on hand for the two or three times a year where sweaty armpits are rather inconvenient (an August wedding for instance). But for at least 360 days of the year, I'd rather keep those ingredients far away from my body, especially breast tissue.
In the cooler months, there are many days I don't use any deodorant at all, I've found there isn't usually a need (everybody is different on this). I figure even with the lovely all natural kind, if there is no need, why bother applying it? It's still something 'extra' on my skin.
But for the days that deodorant is appreciated, I've tried various homemade concoctions and have narrowed it down to a favorite - which is a combination of a few different recipes.
This deodorant takes care of odor, not sweat.
We've been testing it for months now - through one heck of a hot summer, through grueling hikes, and through full days spent in the garden. Oh, there was a lot of sweat, but no odor! The absence of odor was so remarkable that Adam and I kept talking about it to one another (sexy, I know). "Can you believe we just climbed that mountain and we still don't stink!?"
I think it's the coconut oil (mostly).
Coconut oil is one of those magical gifts from nature. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antibacterial properties and help clean up odor causing bacteria when used in natural deodorant. The other ingredients in our recipe lend antibacterial benefits as well, but the inclusion of coconut oil seems to be the must have ingredient to be the incredibly effective deodorant that it is (for our bodies at least).
And it's super easy to make! It takes five minutes. Would you like to try some?
Coconut Oil Deodorant
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 3-4 drops patchouli essential oil
Directions:
- In a medium bowl sift arrowroot and baking soda. Add coconut oil and essential oils.
- Using a fork, combine well (as if you were cutting butter into flour).
- Next, using the back of a large serving spoon, press the mixture together to work it into a smooth paste.
- Pack mixture into a glass jar and it's ready to use. Store at room temperature as you would any deodorant.
To use:
Scoop a small amount onto your fingertip and apply to underarms. Your body heat will almost instantly melt it and you can easily rub it in.
Note: For people who like an "invisible" deodorant, this may not be the one. The baking soda and arrowroot may leave a bit of white under your arm, I don't find it to be much at all, or a big deal.
Printable Recipe - Coconut Oil Deodorant
Isn't that simple? It's worked so well for us, I hope you feel the same!
