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Homemade, Aluminum-Free Antiperspirant Deodorant
Making your own deodorant is not really difficult or time-consuming and, if you’re like me, you’re concerned about what you put on your skin because you’d like to avoid unnecessary contaminants.
I want to share with you my story. Although I have never been tested for it, I swear I am allergic to my own sweat. If I go a single day without antiperspirant then my armpits get sore and irritated. And as I get older, over the last decade of my life or so, if I try to use ANY type of store-bought deodorant (as opposed to antiperspirant) I break out in this horribly uncomfortable rash that is both itchy and quite painful.
Antiperspirant Active Ingredient is Aluminum
Now, my concern with buying most store-bought antiperspirants is that their main active ingredient is made up of aluminum compounds, such as aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, which are used to block sweat glands and reduce perspiration. My concern with that, however, is the possible link between these aluminum compounds and health problems such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and even some neurological disorders.
Now, I know the evidence is not conclusive, but the mere fact that this is being researched and that there is a correlation is enough to tell me I don’t want to be putting any store-bought products containing aluminum on my armpits. For me especially, when a big part of homesteading for us is not only about being able to do things for yourself but its also largely about being healthy!
To Make vs To Buy Deodorant
Now, I could buy an aluminum-free antiperspirant that would probably work just fine, but have you looked at the cost of those products? I cannot justify spending between $20 to $30 on a single stick (or small jar) of antiperspirant.
So I opted to begin making my own. Initially I already had all the ingredients I needed at home so it cost me nothing to make my first batch. However, I knew I’d eventually run out and I’d have to buy more supplies to make more antiperspirant. So, I needed to know: 1) Will it work well enough, prevent rashes, prevent stink, and work like I need it to? and 2) Will it save me money to make my own?
I ran the numbers and much to my surprise, it absolutely did make sense. The ingredients are cheap enough to purchase and it would cost me about $6 per jar to make versus $20 per stick to buy. It lasts just as long as a stick of deodorant, and there are no chemical additives and no guessing if it’s safe.
But Does It Work?
At first, I was worried it wouldn’t work as well as the store-bought stuff. I mean, let’s be honest, store-bought is strictly designed to work, that is why it is chocked full of chemicals and additives you can’t pronounce. It needed to work to be marketable. But what about a homemade deodorant, could that stand up to the tests of a homesteader who works damn hard and sweats a lot? You bet your booty it did! What’s great is that this doesn’t prevent me from sweating but I don’t rash up either and better yet, I still don’t stink after a long day of doing physical work that makes me sweat (and otherwise quite stinky too).
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a healthier and more cost-effective alternative to armpit care, check out the recipe below. All the items needed (if you don’t already have them) can be purchased at Amazon and Walmart. Give it a shot, and tell me what you think!
Homemade Antiperspirant Deodorant
Materials
- 2 Tbsp Baking Soda
- 2 Tbsp Corn Starch
- 2 Tbsp Jojoba Oil
- 1 Tbsp Grated Beeswax
- 20 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 20 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
- In a double boiler, melt the grated beeswax then add the jojoba oil and essential oils, and stir well until fully combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in the corn starch and baking soda until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a clean, empty deodorant container or a small jar.
- Allow it to cool and solidify before use
Notes
- You can replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder if you want.
- Choose your own fragrance combinations to make a deodorant you love.
- If you use a fragrance oil, ensure it is skin-safe before using.
- This recipe makes the equivalent of 1 stick of deodorant.
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