Natural DeodorantUpdated 4 months ago
What is a Deodorant?
A pretty simple question with a simple answer, correct? Not necessarily! A deodorant is a cosmetic substance applied to the body to prevent or mask body odor due to bacterial breakdown of perspiration, more commonly known as sweat. It usually comes in a solid stick or bar form (but can be in spray form as well) that is applied to areas where sweat forms to prevent odor. Its more commonly confused with
its subcategory antiperspirant, which is classified as an over-the-counter-drug substance that stops sweating, usually by blocking sweat glands (this is done most often using the ingredient aluminum). Most modern 'deodorants' are actually a combination of deodorant and antiperspirant. For the purposes of this article, we're going to focus on what makes a natural deodorant.
What goes in a Deodorant?
Surprisingly, most natural deodorants have the same common ingredients. Its the combination, lack or use of these ingredients that makes each formulation unique.
Butters - provides moisturizing benefits as well as skin conditioning properties. Helps to solidify formulation.
Clays - highly absorbent minerals that can absorb moisture (which helps prevent the bacteria that causes body odor) as well as absorb the odor itself.
Waxes - Provides hardness in the formulation
Oils - provides skin conditioning benefits and moisturizing properties.
Baking Soda - a naturally alkaline ingredient which adjusts the pH of the area, making it less hospitable for the odor causing bacteria to thrive and grow.
Note: Baking Soda can sometimes be harsh when used in sensitive areas, such as your armpits. Test the ingredient to ensure you don't have a reaction to it.
Zinc Ricinoleate - a natural ingredient derived from ricinoleic acid, which is a major fatty acid found in castor seed oil. It is known as a natural odor absorber and works by trapping and then absorbing the odor molecules that occur from the bacterial decomposition of sweat.
Powders/Starches - a more skin-sensitive, safe way to absorb moisture which helps to prevent or reduce the environment in which the bacteria that causes odor to thrive.
Fragrance - a fragrance oil or essential oil that helps mask body odor.
If making a Deodorant Spray-Ingredients
Witch Hazel -natural antiseptic, helps to cleanse and soothe skin.
Distilled Water-Acts as a carrier for other ingredients.
Fragrance-Helps to mask body odor.
Hydrosols- Use in place of water in your favorite recipes to add a slight scent.
Preservative- protection from mold and bacterial growth in water based recipes.
All of these ingredients can be found on our various sister sites: Wholesale Supplies Plus, Elements Bath and Body, MakeYourOwn.Buzz, Rustic Escentuals, and Just Scent
Tip: when switching to a pure deodorant from either an antiperspirant or an combo antiperspirant/deodorant (or vice versa), its a good thing to keep in mind that it will take your body some time to adjust to the formulation you're applying. Each person's body will react differently, so there's not a set time limit on when/how your body will adjust.
How to use
Stick - Apply deodorant in an even coat to the underarm region. Start at the center of your armpit and work your way outward in all directions in a forward and back motion until your underarm is completely covered. Reapply as needed.
Spray - Spray 2–3 spritzes to the underarm region and let them air dry. Reapply as needed.
Other Deodorant recipes to try:
Baking Soda-Free Deodorant Recipe
Rose & Black Pepper Natural Deodorant
Asian Mandarin & Olive Leaf Natural Deodorant
Odor Neutralizing Deodorant Recipe
DIY Natural Deodorant Spray Recipe from Hello Glow
As always, test any new formulation or ingredient before use to ensure it works as intended and make sure you are in compliance with all FDA regulations.