Deodorant Alternatives and Natural Odor-Eliminating Ideas

Go Green in 2014: Week 29

 
It's not easy to give up deodorant. You probably count on that trusty ol' stick of deo to get you through the day without stinking. However, deodorant contains ingredients that can cause reactions in some people. My husband, Dan, is sensitive to the aluminum that is in most deodorant sticks, and it's not easy to find aluminum-free deodorant. I've never had a problem with it, but about a year ago, I decided that I wanted to stop using store-bought deodorant. So I decided to start making my own (recipe below).

It worked really well. Unfortunately, it turned out that I was sensitive to the baking soda in the homemade deodorant. The longer I used it, the more rashy my armpits became. I started using plain coconut oil instead, and it seemed to work - until a particularly sweaty day. So I gave that up and started using Dan's Arm & Hammer Essentials (affiliate link) deodorant stick, which actually contains baking soda, but in a smaller ratio, so it doesn't seem to bother me.

Once I get around to buying some arrowroot powder, I want to start making my own deodorant again. This time, I'll replace part of the baking soda with arrowroot powder, which is not nearly as harsh. I'll share both recipes so you can decide which you want to try.

Homemade deodorant with baking soda

Ingredients:

• 1 part coconut oil
• 1 part baking soda

Directions: 

1. Measure one part baking soda into a container of your choice.
2. Add one part liquid coconut oil (heat the jar in warm water if the oil is solid). 
3. Stir and allow the deodorant to cool. It may be either firm or soft, depending on the temperature of the room.
4. Use clean fingers to scoop a small amount of homemade deodorant and apply to the armpit area. It will soften and become spreadable with the warmth of your skin. 
5. Allow it to dry for a moment to avoid staining your clothes.

Homemade deodorant with arrowroot powder

Ingredients:

• 1 part baking soda
• 1 part arrowroot powder
• 2 parts coconut oil

Directions:

1. Measure one part baking soda and one part arrowroot powder into a container of your choice.
2. Add two parts liquid coconut oil (heat the jar in warm water if the oil is solid). 
3. Stir and allow the deodorant to cool. It may be either firm or soft, depending on the temperature of the room.
4. Use clean fingers to scoop a small amount of homemade deodorant and apply to the armpit area. It will soften and become spreadable with the warmth of your skin. 
5. Allow it to dry for a moment to avoid staining your clothes.

Note: Optionally, you can add essential oils of your choice to the deodorant. Simply add a few drops at a time to the mixture before stirring, adding more until you have reached the desired fragrance.

Odor-eliminating ideas to stay fresh naturally

• Eat as clean as possible. A clean diet can help your body product less odor naturally.
• Shave armpits frequently. By removing hair (and loose skin cells) in this area, your body will be better able to cool off without emitting a foul smell.
• Supplement with magnesium. Supplementing with magnesium has been said to help fight body odor. The best way to do so is with magnesium oil, which is applied topically and absorbed through the skin. I like to apply a small amount directly on my armpits (although not immediately after shaving - ouch!). Here's the brand I use (affiliate link).
• I think it goes without saying, but of course, showering or bathing regularly helps to eliminate bodily odors....

What natural methods have you found to help eliminate body odors and feel fresh? If you try either of the recipes above, I would be interested in hearing how they worked for you.

Remember: You may go through an adjustment period after dropping the commercial deodorant sticks and picking up a more natural alternative. Give it a couple weeks, and keep as fresh as possible by following the above tips for eliminating odor.

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, consider making the switch to a safer method of eliminating body odor. 

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**