It’s hot out, you should be sweating.
Your body sweats for a reason— lymph nodes in your armpits rid your body of toxins via sweating, but anti-perspirants inhibit this natural function by filling your pores with aluminum and other toxic chemicals. Since breast tissue is connected to your lymph nodes, it’s no wonder many people are starting to examine the link between anti-perspirant and breast cancer.
That doesn’t mean you have to stink.
Adapted from this Passionate Homemaking blog, here’s all you need to make your own cheap, non-toxic, cruelty-free deodorant:
- 5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- essential oil(s) [optional]
Combine equal portions of baking soda & cornstarch. Slowly add the coconut oil and work it in with a spoon until it gets to the consistency you desire. It should be about the same texture as the store-bought kind, solid but able to be applied easily. If it’s not getting thick enough, it may be too warm, try sticking it in the fridge for a half hour.
Optional: add a few drops of essential oil if you’d like it to be scented. In true hippie style, I prefer patchouli and lavender, but of course you can add whatever you like.
Store it in a small container with a lid (I use an old pesto jar) and apply it with your fingers (after applying it, you can rub the remains into your hands as a lotion.)
Keep in mind on really hot days it may separate a bit, but you can stir it up again and put it in the fridge for a few minutes and it’ll be good as new.
The coconut oil is the most expensive part (about $7), but you don’t use the entire container and it lasts long enough to still be a bargain compared to commercial products. The first jar I made lasted 7 months and cost less than $10.
That’s it!
