Store-bought deodorants often contain synthetic chemicals with potential adverse effects over time. Ingredients like aluminum, commonly found in antiperspirants, block sweat glands to prevent perspiration, potentially disrupting your body's natural detoxification process. Additionally, parabens and phthalates - used as preservatives and fragrance enhancers - are known to interfere with hormone function and can harm the skin's microbiome.
In contrast, natural deodorants use safe, skin-friendly ingredients like coconut oil, magnesium hydroxide, and essential oils to neutralize odor without blocking sweat. Natural deodorants can support both skin health and the microbiome by allowing your body to sweat naturally and avoiding potential adverse effects of synthetic chemicals.
DIY Natural Deodorant
Here's a simple and effective DIY natural deodorant recipe that uses only a few basic ingredients. It’s gentle on the skin and can help control odor.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp Coconut Oil
1 tbsp Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate/natron)*
1 tbsp Arrowroot Powder
5 drops Essential Oil of your choice (optional)
*Sensitive skin? Make the DIY deodorant formula for sensitive skin by avoiding the essential oils. For sensitive skin, magnesium hydroxide powder might be a better option than baking soda as it is less abrasive and less likely to irritate the skin.
Instructions:
Melt the coconut oil (if needed)
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add the melted oil and mix until smooth.
Add essential oils for fragrance.
Store in a container or old deodorant stick, and let it solidify.
How to use:
Wash your armpits before applying.
Take the product on your fingertip (usually, a small amount is sufficient, but adjust the amount according to your sweat/odor level).
Spread it over the entire armpit.
Pat with tissue to remove any excess product.
Tips:
Apply a patch test on your inner wrist to make sure you don't experience irritability or allergies before applying to sensitive areas.
If the deodorant becomes too solid in colder months, warm it slightly between your fingers before applying.
Durability should last 2-4 months.
Why Natural oil as a base for deodorant?
Natural oils such as coconut or hemp are an ideal base for natural deodorants due to their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which help fight odor causing bacteria. It also has great capabilities in moisturizing and soothing skin. While its natural, non-toxic composition makes it safe for daily use without exposing the skin to harmful chemicals. Additionally, their texture enhances the overall feel of the deodorant and improves the absorption of other active ingredients, making it both effective and gentle.
Baking Soda vs Magnesium Hydroxide
Baking soda is a common household ingredient, thus very cheap and easy to access. It is effective in neutralizing acid in sweat to minimise odor . However for those who have sensitive skin, baking soda may cause irritation or rashes. As a great alternative, magnesium hydroxide is a milder ingredient for the skin, that helps neutralize odor without altering the skin’s pH as much. It has the same effective also antibacterial properties. Magnesium Hydroxide is not as well known as baking soda, however, it's also natural ingredient, and Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide in, diluted, liquid form) is used as a laxative.
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot is a very gentle, plant-based powder used to absorb moisture and provide a soothing effect on the skin. It is especially good for sensitive skin and helps balance the formula. It has moisture-absorbing abilities. Alternatively, you can use corn starch. You can buy it in most health shops!
Try our Hemp Deodorants
Don't feel like making your own but still want an alternative to synthetic deodorants?
Our deodorant cream with cold-pressed Himalayan hemp oil provides 24-hour natural protection without using aluminium, alcohol, sodium, parabens, sulphates, or other synthetic chemicals or animal ingredients.
We use raw hemp oil from the Himalayan mountains. It is packed with natural antibacterial agents, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. We also use, magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, mango butter, and arrowroot powder providing good protection against odor-causing bacteria while being gentle on the skin. Under the production, we focus on making sure the ingredients are blended together using as low a temperature as possible. This way we keep the natural benefits of the ingredients intact. Our deodorants are currently only available in a limited test batch.
Choose from 5 different scents: Himalaya Fresh, Flower Power, Wild Spice, Lavender Days, Raw Hemp.
Have questions? Reach us on Instagram @Indo_naturals
