| Creating a Natural Homemade Deodorant | Making a homemade deodorant using natural ingredients is easy and beneficial for both health and the environment. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started: |
| Ingredients | - 1/2 cup infused herbal oil (see below for how to make it) - 2 ounces beeswax - 1 ounce shea butter - 20-30 drops essential oil (e.g., lavender, sage, and sweet orange) - 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder - 2 teaspoons baking soda (optional or substitute with more arrowroot powder) |
| How to Make Infused Herbal Oil | 1. Choose Herbs: Select dried herbs like lavender and sage, which have natural antiperspirant and antimicrobial properties. 2. Prepare the Jar: Place the dried herbs in a pint mason jar. 3. Melt Coconut Oil: Melt coconut oil over low heat. 4. Combine: Pour the melted coconut oil over the herbs and fill the jar with sweet almond oil. 5. Infuse: Cover the jar and let it infuse in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks. 6. Strain: Strain the spent herbs out using a fine mesh sieve. |
| Making the Deodorant | 1. Combine Ingredients: Mix the infused herbal oil, beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl. 2. Melt: Melt the mixture over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each heating. 3. Add Powders: Stir in the arrowroot powder and baking soda (if using). 4. Pour: Pour the mixture into a deodorant container or a mold. 5. Cool: Let it cool and harden. |
| Using Your Homemade Deodorant | 1. Apply: Use your homemade deodorant just like any other deodorant. 2. Note: If you’re new to natural deodorants, you might notice increased sweating initially, but this typically balances out over time. |
| Benefits of Natural Ingredients | - Beeswax: Naturally antiseptic, antibacterial, and hydrating. - Shea Butter: Moisturizing; helps achieve deodorant stick consistency. - Arrowroot Powder: Absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor. - Baking Soda: Absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor; can be omitted for sensitive skin. - Essential Oils: Provide antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, along with a pleasant scent. |
| Tips | - Substitutions: You can use carnauba wax instead of beeswax but use it sparingly as it is harder. - Storage: Store your homemade deodorant in a cool, dry place to prevent melting. |
| Conclusion | By following this simple recipe, you can create a natural, effective, and healthy homemade deodorant that benefits both you and the environment. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using natural ingredients and say goodbye to chemical-filled store-bought deodorants. |