Homemade deodorants

I follow Dr Mercola. He's a wise doctor with good advise most of the time, but he's barking up the wrong tree when he says that just keeping clean will make it so that a deodorant isn't needed. Soap and water seem to keep the rest of my body odor-free but when it comes to the armpits - forget it.

I started having this stinky problem around age 12, prior to hitting puberty. I didn't notice at first but my parents certainly did. That was when I started using deodorant. Well, actually, my parents insisted I use deodorant. Strenuously insisted. When that didn't take care of the problem I moved up to an antiperspirant and stayed there for decades until just recently.

I know that I'm not the only person with this problem. My older children take after their dad - they rarely ever smell bad. My youngest daughter, on the other hand, stinks like her mother. Some of us are just smellier than the rest of the world's population.

Now, in some parts of the world, body odor is considered a sexual attractor. Here in the good 'ole USA body odor is a definite turn-off akin to moral degradation - that's why there's such a huge market and selection for deodorants.

So let's see why our armpits stink and what happens when we use deodorants and antiperspirants.

Perspiration, or sweat, is your body's way of cooling itself, whether that extra heat comes from hardworking muscles or from overstimulated nerves. The average person has 2.6 million sweat glands in their skin. There are two types of sweat glands:

* Eccrine - the most numerous type that are found all over the body, particularly on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and forehead. They are smaller, active from birth, and produce a sweat that is free of proteins and fatty acids. These glands excrete only water and salt and have nothing to do with your troublesome body odor.

* Apocrine - mostly confined to the armpits and the anal-genital area. They typically end in hair follicles rather than pores. Sweat from apocrine glands contains proteins and fatty acids, which make it thicker and give it a milkier or yellowish color. This is why underarm stains in clothing appear yellowish. Sweat itself has no odor, but when bacteria on the skin and hair metabolize the proteins and fatty acids, they produce an unpleasant odor. This is why deodorants and antiperspirants are applied to the underarms instead of the whole body.

The basic difference between antiperspirants and deodorants is that the former keeps you from sweating while the latter cuts down on what makes you stink when you do sweat.

Ingredients like triclosan in deodorants make the skin in your underarm too salty or acidic to support the indigenous bacteria that are meant to thrive there. Without any bacteria to feast on the proteins and fats delivered through your sweat, no smell is produced.

Solid antiperspirants are made with several ingredients, including wax, a liquid emollient and an active-ingredient compound. It's the active ingredient that gives antiperspirants their sweat-blocking power. All antiperspirants have an aluminum-based compound as their main ingredient. If you look at the back of an antiperspirant container, the aluminum-based compound is always the first ingredient listed. Here are a few of the common active ingredients:

* Aluminum chloride
* Aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine
* Aluminum chlorohydrate
* Aluminum hydroxybromide

The aluminum ions are taken into the cells that line the eccrine-gland ducts at the opening of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. When the aluminum ions are drawn into the cells, water passes in with them. As more water flows in, the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts closed so that sweat can't get out. Eventually, the cells reach an equilibrium and water begins to flow out of the cells again and they shrink. That's why you have to reapply the antiperspirant.

Here's where the problems arise: Aluminum is a neurotoxin, and is found in most antiperspirants. It has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, respiratory illnesses, reduced renal function, and DNA damage. The parabens in many antiperspirants may be linked to breast cancer, and there are possible complications associated with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) in deodorants.

My gosh, I've been using this stuff for DECADES and locking in the aluminum and parabens with the sweat. This stuff is MADE to be absorbed by the body. Blech! So, several months ago I switched to a deodorant distributed by Neways (more about this terrific company in a future blog). It's been a marvelous, healthy product but over time I've developed a sensitivity (yucky, itchy rash) to the lime oil used as an ingredient. Now, in keeping with my "make it from scratch" mentality, I've decided to make my own deodorants.

The Internet is chock full of recipes for do-it-yourself deodorants. I've put the ones I found most interesting here in my blog. Most use essential oils as ingredients so I have to first find a local source before I can start making deodorants (I found one in Haleiwa), but I'll let you know the results as I make each recipe and try them out on my experimental lab rats: me, my family and any willing friends I can rope in.

The simplest recipe uses stuff I already have in my pantry so it's the one I'm trying first:

Homemade Deodorant
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrow root powder OR corn starch
~5 tablespoons coconut oil

1. Combine baking soda and arrow root powder in a bowl and mix with a fork.
2. Start with about 4 tablespoons/one-fourth cup of coconut oil and add the coconut oil to the baking soda mixture, working into a paste.
The deodorant will have somewhat of a play-dough consistency, and will be softer or harder depending on its temperature. You can put the deodorant into a small container with a lid, or into an empty stick deodorant dispenser if you have one. The deodorant hardens somewhat after it is put into a container.

Update:
This smells delicious! Butterfly thinks it smells so good that she has threatened to eat it. I told her she could lick it off her armpits.

The mixture was on the goopy side so I added another tablespoon each of cornstarch and baking soda. I think it's just too warm here in Hawaii to leave this stuff out in the open, so I'm storing it in the fridge. That should make it refreshing to use.
I'll put in another update on it's effectiveness after we've used it for several weeks.

Update II
It's been a month since we've been using this deodorant recipe -- it works GREAT! I've had no odor issues at all. Butterfly, who can definitely smell VERY bad, has had no issues either. The mix of cornstarch, baking soda and coconut oil is very soothing. After a few days the stuff had solidified enough that we could store it in the bathroom medicine cabinet without any problems. The mix is easy to make and very cheap. I LOVE this recipe!

Geranium and Cypress Deodorant
This is a classic combination of essential oils with deodorant properties. Geranium is used in skin-care products for its delightful, sweet floral perfume and its astringent and antiseptic properties. Cypress helps reduce excessive sweating, and its fine, woody smell enhances this deodorant. The classic fragrance is deeply refreshing with hints of floral, citrus, and wood, and is suitable for both women and men.

1 teaspoon high proof vodka
10 drops geranium
10 drops cypress
8 drops bergamot
5 drops neroli
4 drops lavender
3 drops black pepper
4 tablespoons (40 ml) witch hazel
2 tablespoons (25 ml) cornflower water
2 tablespoons (25 ml) orange flower water

1. Measure the vodka into a 4 oz (100 ml) glass bottle with a spray attachment. Carefully add the essential oils, one by one. Shake vigorously to dissolve the essential oils.
2. Pour the witch hazel into the bottle, using a funnel if necessary, followed by the two flower waters. Shake well.
3. Label the bottle and the deodorant is now ready to use .
4. Before you use the deodorant each time, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the essential oils are fully dispersed.

Note: Neroli essential oil is EXTREMELY expensive, so I'm going to try oil of orange flower instead. Neroli is made by steam distillation of bitter orange blossoms. It's so expensive because it requires a TON of the blossoms to create one quart of essential oil.

Citrus and Herbal Deodorant
This gentle, antibacterial deodorant uses some of the most effective deodorant essential oils, including bergamot, thyme, and clary sage. Blended with flower waters and witch hazel into a refreshing spray, this deodorant has a delicious, refreshing aroma that is suitable for both women and men.

1 teaspoon high proof vodka
10 drops bergamot
8 drops clary sage
7 drops thyme
5 drops rosewood
5 drops lemon
3 drops lavender
2 drops mandarin
4 tablespoons (40 ml) witch hazel
2 tablespoons (25 ml) linden flower water
2 tablespoons (25 ml) orange flower water

1. Measure the vodka into a 4 oz (l00 ml) glass bottle with a spray attachment. Carefully add the essential oils, one by one. Shake vigorously to dissolve the essential oils.
2. Pour the witch hazel into the bottle, using a funnel if necessary, followed by the two flower waters. Shake well .
3. Label the bottle and the deodorant is now ready to use.
4. before you use the deodorant each time, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the essential oils are fully dispersed.

Homemade Deodorants Recipe
1 1/2 tablespoon beeswax (yellow is best)
1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
15 drops white thyme essential oil
15 drops rosemary essential oil
25 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops castor oil

Melt beeswax in a glass jar standing in hot water, add the cocoa butter, and when it has melted, add the oils. Stir to mix thoroughly, then pour into a clean, discarded deodorant stick case and leave to cool and set.

Spray Deodorant Recipe
Basic Recipe
2 teaspoons zinc-oxide powder
2/3 cup witch-hazel extract
2 tablespoons aloe-vera juice
30-40 drops essential oil(s)

In a small bowl, stir the zinc-oxide powder into the witch-hazel extract, and add the aloe-vera juice and essential oil(s). Fill an 8-oz. dark-glass spray bottle with the fluid.

For Daily Use
Basic Recipe (above)
30 drops rose-geranium (Pelargonium asperum) essential oil
The rose geranium oil is high in terpene alcohol, which inhibits the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria.

For Sensitive Skin
Basic Recipe (above)
30 drops calendula (Calendula officinalis) extract (CO2)
10 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Calendula and lavender oils are mild yet potent fighters of bacteria and odor.

For Excessive Sweating
Basic Recipe (above)
30 drops sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil
Sage oil inhibits sweat-gland activity by as much as 50 percent. It also is antiseptic and astringent and gently constricts pore size.

Caution!
Sage oil should not be used if you are pregnant or have epilepsy. Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens) can safely be substituted. Also, it is very important to use only the specific essential oils given in the above recipes. Make sure to match up not just the English name but the Latin name as well. Other varieties of the same plants could prove irritating or require additional cautions.

Administration:
Wash your armpits thoroughly and dry them well. The components of your herbal deodorant have reliable and long-lasting effectiveness only when applied to clean skin. Then spray the deodorant across the skin several times to dampen it. Let it dry before getting dressed so it doesn't stain your clothes.

Ingredient Benefits:
Witch-hazel extract to inhibit sweating: Witch-hazel extract, readily available in drug and grocery stores, is derived from the plant's bark, twigs and leaves. It inhibits inflammation, absorbs oil and is mildly astringent. With regular use it constricts skin pores and thus reduces excessive sweat formation. If you shave your underarms, apply witch hazel water just after shaving; it eliminates small pimples and reddening.

Zinc-oxide powder to neutralize odor: Zinc-oxide powder is obtained from the mineral zincite. The powder has a slightly greasy consistency and will make your homemade deodorant appear milky. It has excellent properties for neutralizing body odor, will not irritate the skin and is slightly antiseptic and astringent. Since it is not completely water soluble, the powder tends to separate from liquids over time. Make sure to shake the deodorant before use.

Aloe-vera juice to cool and moisturize: Aloe-vera juice gives your homemade deodorant a mildly cooling effect, especially pleasant and refreshing at hot times of year. Including the juice in your deodorant means you also benefit from aloe-vera's remarkable healing and moisturizing properties. These ensure that the skin is adequately conditioned and that any type of irritation or itchy allergic reaction is quickly and easily alleviated.

Herbal Stick Deodorant Recipe
If you can tolerate essential oils, herbal deodorants are wonderfully effective since so many of them have strong anti-bacterial properties.

1 oz beeswax
1 oz cocoa butter
1 oz coconut oil (this is solid)
1 oz castor oil
1 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract
1 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
2 teaspoons lavender or valencia orange essential oil
1 teaspoon rosemary essential oil
8 drops myrrh essential oil (optional)

Melt the oils and the beeswax in double boiler pan on top of stove, or directly on stove top on very lowest heat setting. Remove from heat and add the essential oils and stir. Pour into a new or used deodorant container and allow to solidify.

Solid Deodorant Recipe
A natural deodorant stick with essential oils

2 oz white beeswax
1 oz meadowfoam seed oil
1 oz illipe butter
1/2 oz water
1/2 oz vodka
1 oz zinc oxide
1/4 oz arrowroot powder
1/4 oz baking soda
10 drops grapefruit seed extract
20 drops lavendar essential oil
10 drops geranium essential oil
7 drops tea tree oil
7 drops clary sage (do not use the clary sage if you are pregnant)

Melt the wax and butter in a double boiler. Add the oil. Mix the water, alcohol, zinc, arrowroot, baking soda, and GSE. Remove from heat. Drizzle the mixture to the oils while whisking on high speed. Once all is mixed well add the essential oils. Pour into your deodorant containers and allow to cool before capping them.

Herbal Deodorant Spray Recipe
A light, refreshing, yet very effective deodorant spray.

3 oz. witch hazel
1 oz. high proof vodka
1 teaspoon tea tree oil
1 teaspoon rosemary oil
1 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract
1 teaspoon lime oil

Mix all ingredients together and pour in a fine-mist spray bottle. For a stronger deodorant, substitute 1 oz. of the witch hazel with lime juice. [Note: perform a skin test if you have a sensitivity to citric acid.]

What's up with Clary Sage?
Clary sage is used to help induce labor, that's why you don't want to use it in your deodorant if you are pregnant. In high doses, the oil can over stimulate so should not be used by anyone with epilepsy.

I will eventually try all of these recipes except the last one since it contains lime oil, which is what got me here to begin with. I'll let you know what happens as we progress through each of the recipes.

I hope you'll try some of these recipes. If you do, PLEASE let me know your results!