Cacao Mint Coconut Deodorant
Commercial deodorants can contain some nasty stuff like aluminum (linked to cancer and alzheimer's disease), parabens (hormone disrupters), artificial fragrances, propylene glycol (can cause damage to the nervous system in large quantities), phthalates (hormone disrupters), triclosan (considered carcinogenic). I mean yes, they make you not smell or sweat, but sweating is normal and healthy, your body uses it to rid itself of toxins as well as cool itself. And, there are natural ways to combat that funky smell. I used this commercial deodorant for the first 20 years of my life, but then learned what I was exposing myself to, so I decided to switch to natural brands. I have the mentality, if I wouldn't want to eat something I wouldn't want to put it on my skin, because that is pretty much what you are doing when you put things on your skin. Your skin is absorbing what you put on it and it is going into your cells and bloodstream. This is actually why I started making my own deodorant a few years back. It is kind of fun, and I can choose what flavors I like. I use essential oils to scent it.
I always use a coconut base, but I have been experimenting lately and decided to try adding a little cacao butter in with the coconut oil I always use since it works wonderful in body care products. It gave the deodorant a chocolate aroma. I decided to add mint to it, since it is refreshing and mint is a scent that I like during the warmer months. It is sort of cooling and energizing. So, perfect for a warm morning to apply before or after your workout, which is when I use it.
I bet you are asking, but does this deodorant work? Why yes it does! I sweat a lot. In the summer there is a puddle underneath me when I stop running while I do my stretching. So, I can definitely tell if it works. It keeps any bad smell coming from my arm pits from happening. Just sayin. Not only that, it smells good when I start to sweat because the essential oils are warmed up. So yes, it works very well. If you want to be kind to your body, try making some for yourself, it is really easy.
Cacao Mint Coconut Deodorant
3 Tbsp raw coconut oil, warmed to liquid
1 Tbsp cacao butter, warmed to liquid
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
5 peppermint essential oil
1 Tbsp baking soda*
In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together, then pour into an empty deodorant container, or what I do, since I don't have deodorant containers, pour it into a couple of silicone cupcake molds. Place in the refrigerator until it firms up, about an hour. I actually like to store mine in the refrigerator, it makes it really refreshing when you put it on in the morning. Note, it will be more solid if kept refrigerated.
*Note, some people are sensitive to baking soda on their skin, if this is you, leave it out.
