Most of us face the problem of body odor. The reason can range from unhealthy eating habits, excessive sweat, and hormonal issues. The reason behind this problem is the germ causing bacteria. Bacteria break down sweat into acids. This breakdown causes the smell in your armpits. This is where deodorants come into play.
Synthetic deodorants
Synthetic deodorants have been recently found the cause of breast cancer since it contains a lot of harmful ingredients such as aluminum and parabens. Aluminum in antiperspirants is known to accumulate in breast tissue and may be linked to an increased cancer risk.
Antiperspirants and sweat!
Antiperspirants address this problem using antimicrobial agents to kill bacteria and ingredients like aluminum, not only accumulates in breast tissue but also blocks the sweat glands. However, researchers have revealed that antiperspirants affect the bacterial balance in the armpits leading to an even more foul smelling sweat problem.
A simple solution
Drinking a lot of water is the simplest one can do to get rid of odor as it flushes out toxins from the body. But for the people who love deodorants, here are some recipes which will not only provide you with the great smell but also make your armpits happy by not darkening them.
1. Basic baking soda deodorant
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 10 drops lavender or other essential oil
Recipe:
- Warm the coconut oil in a microwave or the double boiler.
- Add baking soda and cornstarch/arrowroot powder. Stir the mixture properly.
- Making sure the mixture is not too warm, add lavender or other essential oil.
- That’s it! Now pour the mixture into a recycled deodorant dispenser for easy application or into to apply by hand or cotton ball.
P.S: The addition of 1 tbsp of beeswax in this recipe will keep the deodorant from melting so you won’t need to keep it refrigerated.  Melt the beeswax with coconut oil until it becomes soft and then add other ingredients.
2. Simple tea tree solution
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) water
- 2 drops tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil
This is a favorite recipe as the recipe is really simple and quick to make. Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties which not only prevent smell but also lighten the underarms.
Recipe:
- Mix water and tea tree oil in the equal ratio and apply using the cotton ball or make a larger amount and store.
- Lime essential oil can also be used instead of tea tree essential oil.
This one sounds like a tropical paradise in a bottle.
3.Vinegar and essential oil
Vinegar
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops bergapten-free bergamot essential oil
Recipe:
- Mix the ingredients and apply to your underarm area with a cotton ball or apply using a small spray
4.Essential oil mixed with carrier oil
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp grapeseed or almond oil
- 1 drop of cypress essential oil
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of tea tree essential oil
Recipe:
- Mix the above ingredients and apply in the same way as above.
5.Rosewater and tea tree oil
This is the same as water and tea tree but who doesn’t loves rose water.
- You can replace normal water with rose water or with witch hazel.
- Just make sure to shake the bottle before spraying it to mix the oil and water.
Now, this can be used as a toner or a refreshing mist. It’s like summer in a bottle!
Go ahead and try making your own deodorant- you’ll be surprised by how easy it is. You can blend your own custom scents; you’ll save money and feel great about what you’re putting on the skin.