Do We Really Need Deodorant? The Pit of Truth Plus DIY Recipes

From the moment we start simplifying, we realize how light our lives feel once we get rid of the unnecessary: clothes, books, junk and more junk that does nothing but hinder us.

Then we arrive at the bathroom. Here too, we can get rid of many cans, bottles and jars. Some of them have even expired. And then we come to that one product that accompanies us during most of our daily routine, deodorant. Which points to the question: can we function without it?

Without toxic deodorants, we definitely can. Using no deodorant at all depends on each person’s tolerance for body odor. So, today I bring you some solutions and alternatives, but first, let’s start from the beginning.

 

Where does the dreaded smell come from?

Talking about deodorant inevitably involves talking about perspiration. But as much as we’d love to avoid it, sweat has a very important role in the functioning of our body.

The human body secretes for a good reason, and, very often, I cannot help but marvel at its perfect operation. 

The issue may give us some disgust, but it’s better to analyze it, understand it, and address it in the most effective ways possible.  

 

Why Do We Perspire? 

Sweat has three functions: 

1. To regulate body temperature
2. To remove waste
3. Certain body odors are connected to human sexual attraction. In primitive cultures, this smell had a social function which is rejected in our present culture. The smell transmitted signals of danger and responded to the stimulus of stress.  

Sweat is composed of 99% water, and doesn’t smell. It is produced by the apocrine sweat glands located primarily in the armpits and around the genitals.  But where does the unpleasant smell come from that we want to fight at all costs? From bacteria, which feed from the rich remaining 1 % (comprised of chlorine, sodium, potassium, lactic acid and ammonia, among others). After the feast, the compounds produced cause the dreaded bad odor.  

 

The best strategy 

The strategy most current deodorants use is to block the sweat glands with aluminum salts. By the way, the famous Alum or alunite composed of potassium salt, also contains aluminum. According to its manufacturers, the large size of their molecules prevent its penetration into the body, but there is no study to prove that. With or without aluminum, this is not the best option for a deodorant. If we prevent the body from eliminating toxins, they accumulate, and even if the smell can disappear in appearance, the accumulation of toxins is harmful.

Can you imagine having a house full of trash bags? Well, it’s the same! 

The first strategy is hygiene. The fewer bacteria that accumulate, the less unpleasant odors we will produce.  

The second is to use a natural deodorant that, as such, must meet the following requirements:

          1. Reduce or mask the odor

          2. Control the proliferation of bacteria with natural antibacterial substances

          3. Contains all of those properties without inhibiting perspiration

Let me share with you some DIY (Do It Yourself) recipes that meet the above mentioned requirements.

 

LIQUID DEODORANT 

Ingredients

• 100ml of a hydrosol. Choose among:                

Lavender and rose for sensitive skin – Mint (refreshing) – Witch hazel and neroli (astringents)  

OR

• 100ml infusion of one or more of the following plants: Sage, lavender, thyme, rosemary, or mint combined with:

• 1 tablespoon of vodka to dissolve essential oils (or 1 tablespoon of vinegar if you do not tolerate alcohol)

• Antibacterial essential oils, you can choose one of the combinations you like best:

                20 drops of tea tree / 20 drops of lemon

                20 drops of lemon / orange 20 drops     

                20 drops of lavender / 20 drops orange 

Directions

1. Fill the container with the hydrosol or the infusion.

2. Add the pre-diluted essential oils to the vodka (or vinegar).

3. Shake the mix, and your deodorant is ready to use!   

 

ROLL ON 

Thicken the above mixture with xanthan gum powder, and pour it into a “roll-on” type container.  

 

SOLID DEODORANT 

Ingredients

• 30g of coconut oil• 20g of shea butter• 10 grams of sweet almond oil• 10g of beeswax• 20g of arrowroot or cornstarch (corn flour type) that will be used as a thickener and emulsifier• 5 drops of tea tree essential oil • 5 drops of peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)• 10 drops of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)    

Directions 

1. Melt au bain-marie in a glass container, with coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in the almond oil.

2. Once everything is melted add the arrowroot or corn starch.

3. Mix until you get a smooth cream.

4. Pour cream into a glass container, preferably opaque.

5. When it starts to solidify on the container walls, add essential oils and remix well again.

(Recipe inspired by French herbalist Christophe Bernard)  

 

EXPRESS DEOD 

– Kiki, Sorry but I have no desire or time for all that just to create a deodorant!

– No problem, check this out: 

1. Mix in a little container a teaspoon of vegetable glycerine and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel.

2. Apply a little of this mixture in each armpit with a pinch of bicarbonate.

3. It might irritate the skin at the beginning, so test your tolerance to bicarbonate first to find the perfect amount. 

 

Now it’s your turn to put these recipes into practice or/and share your secret weapons with us.

What deodorant do you use?

Do you think you can live without it?

Any fool-proof deodorant recipes to share? 

 

A hug!