Deodorant is a must for personal hygiene. It keeps you smelling fresh, while the antiperspirants stop sweating. But once you learn how they work, you’ll want to use homemade coconut oil deodorant instead.
Naturally, the body sweats as a way to cool down. When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, it creates a smelly body odor. We sweat the most under the arms.1
That’s why antiperspirant deodorant is an essential. No one wants to be that person with sweaty, stinky armpits! However, as consumers learn more about commercial toiletries, going natural seems more appealing. Here’s why.
Chemicals Found In Commercial Deodorants
Commercial deodorants contain chemicals that may harm the skin. Some of these chemicals include aluminum and parabens.
1. Aluminum
Have you ever wondered what makes deodorant an antiperspirant? It’s because of compounds called aluminum salts, which temporarily “plug” sweat ducts. When used frequently, the skin can absorb these compounds.
In the body, aluminum salts act like estrogen.2 This hormone has a well-established link to breast cancer. On its own, aluminum is also capable of altering DNA.3
2. Parabens
Parabens are another chemical in question. They’re used as preservatives in over 22,000 commercial products – including deodorants.4 5 And while they’ve been found in human breast tumors, the association with cancer development is unclear.6
More research is needed, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Completely avoid parabens by making your own deodorant.
Reasons Why You Should Use This DIY Coconut Deodorant
Here are four reasons why you should switch from using commercial deodorants to this easy DIY coconut deodorant.
1. It Contains Zero Chemicals
An advantage of the coconut deodorant is its lack of chemicals. A homemade coconut deodorant calls for simple, natural ingredients from your pantry. There are no mysteries.
Think of it this way. If you wouldn’t eat an ingredient, why put it on your body?
2. It Reduces Body Odor
You don’t need chemicals to fight smelly armpits. A 2014 study in the Natural Medical Journal found that lauric acid, a fatty acid in coconut oil, is an antibacterial.
This means it kills bacteria on the skin – including the ones that cause odor.7
3. It Absorbs Sweat
Coconut oil might be an oil, but that doesn’t mean you’ll sweat buckets. Adding dry powders, like baking soda and cornstarch, will absorb moisture. If you sweat a lot, increase the ratio.
At the same time, coconut oil hydrates the skin. Who can complain about silky soft armpits?
4. It Is Easy To Customize
The best thing about DIY toiletries is that you meet your needs. Commercial deodorants only use one recipe, but that doesn’t mean it works for everyone.
Add essential oils for custom scents. You can create something new each time! If you want more drying action, add charcoal powder.
How To Make Coconut Deodorant
You can prepare the chemical-free coconut deodorant using the items available in your kitchen. Here’s how.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Optional Ingredients:
- Essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or tea tree
- 1 tablespoon charcoal powder
Directions:
- Put the coconut oil in a heat-proof container.
- Microwave for 10 to 20 seconds until soft.
- Add the arrowroot powder and baking soda to the oil and mix well.
- If you’d like, add the extra ingredients.
- Store in a jar and leave it to cool.
If you don’t have a microwave, fill a quarter of a small pot with water. Place the container in the pot, and soften over low heat. With a wooden popsicle stick or small spoon, scoop out a tiny amount. A little goes a long way. Place it on clean fingers and apply to your armpits.
This is a basic guide for making coconut deodorant. Again, don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works for you. It’s fun, cheap, and safe for the body.
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