Your underarms should be treated with the same care as the rest of your skin. Put some respect on it, not chemicals.
The moment you step out of the bathroom, you wish you could remain fresh the entire day, but Lagos heat will humble you. You doubt that deodorant will help keep your confidence intact throughout the day.
At some point, we’ve all tried deodorant brands that promised natural ingredients only. Some have nice fragrances but have no business in the sweaty business. Imagine buying into a 24-hour freshness promise, but your armpits are irritated by noon. We buy into the idea of nature, but do homemade deodorants actually work?
Credit: Cathy Griggy, Pinterest
You might wonder why the need to switch from store-bought deodorants, which, by the way, contain aluminum and synthetic materials, to natural alternatives. Before you dismiss this as another DIY you have no patience for, let’s run through why you should switch to natural deodorants that are great on the skin, smell divine, and actually work.
Why go natural in the first place?
Your underarms should be treated with the same care as the rest of your skin. Put some respect on it, not chemicals. Come to think of it, that skin area is sensitive, often shaved, and right next to the lymph nodes that help our body detox. This tells us that we should be careful with the products we use on that area. Deodorants with chemicals keep the sweat trapped instead of releasing it. It’s like using super glue to stick a sieve to a bowl and still expecting it to drain liquid.
This is where natural deodorants come in:
- They are gentle on the skin.
- You don’t have to worry about your underarms getting dark or irritations after shaving.
- Natural deodorants let your skin breathe. They don’t clog your pores, which means you can prevent body odor.
- With ingredients gotten from your kitchen, you can make deodorants that last months.
- Less plastic means less waste. With natural deodorants, you are doing the ecosystem some good.
Understanding the Science of Odor
Fun fact: sweat does smell. The culprit is bacteria living on the skin, which break down sweat and produce the odor.
So, the goal isn’t to stop sweating; it’s to neutralize the bacteria and absorb the moisture naturally. That’s where natural powder and oils shine.
Key ingredients for natural deodorants are:
- Baking soda to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
- Cornstarch absorbs sweat.
- Coconut oil is a soothing ingredient.
- Shea butter hydrates and prevents irritation.
- Essential oils like lavender and lemongrass are used for fragrances.
credit: Maxon Made, Pinterest
DIY Recipe
This natural deodorant recipe is simple, affordable, and can be made to your preference.
You’ll need:
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, lemongrass, vanilla extract)
Preparation:
- Melt the base oils: Add coconut oil and shea butter in a heat-proof bowl and place it in boiling water. Once melted, stir it to combine.
- Mix the powder: Remove the bowl with the melted base oils and mix the baking soda, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder until smooth and creamy. For sensitive skin, replace the baking soda with kaolin clay.
- Add the desired drops of essential oils and mix thoroughly.
- Pour into a clean jar or deodorant stick. Let it cool and solidify. You can also refrigerate it for about 10 minutes.
credit: Our Oily House, Pinterest
That’s it! You’ve made a natural deodorant that will nourish your skin every time you use it. If your home tends to be hot during the day, store it in the fridge to prevent it from melting regularly.
Using a natural deodorant is different from using the commercial ones. So, be careful with the application.
- Apply a small amount with your fingers if it’s in a jar, or use the stick version.
- Allow it to absorb for about 3 minutes before putting on your clothes to prevent oil stains.
- Layer it well if you are doing heavy duty or spending long hours outdoors.
If you have been using antiperspirants for years, your body will go through a transition phase of detoxification when you switch to natural deodorants. During this period, you might sweat or smell a bit more than usual. Don’t panic!
- Drink more water to stay hydrated while your body detoxifies.
- Exfoliate your underarms gently once or twice a week.
- Stay consistent. After 2 weeks, your body balances out and you will smell better.
So, do natural deodorants really work? Yes! If made right and used consistently. Natural deodorants have worked for women who think these ingredients can’t survive in African heat.
It’s time to replace those store-bought bottles with a jar that contains wholesome ingredients that care for your skin.
Have you ever tried making your own deodorant before? Share your recipe or your “DIY gone wrong” stories in the comments. And if you try this one, tag us @ElowellMax with your creation using #ElowellDIYBeauty
