Summer has come into its own. Along with the traditional joys - vacations, relaxing by the river, sea or ocean, light outfits and spectacular accessories - we also face a small but annoying problem - sweating. The process is natural, useful (removes toxins, toxins, normalizes body temperature), but is often associated with an unpleasant odor. What to do if there is no deodorant at hand? Or those that are available do not suit you with the level of quality and safety in caring for your own body? The solution is quite simple and proven by the history of mankind - a deodorant produced independently. Make it for the whole family at once, so you can try out several recipes at the same time, experiment with flavors and textures, and choose the best remedy that eliminates an unwanted problem. Do not confuse deodorants with antiperspirants. The former only remove the unpleasant odor.
Pros and cons of DIY deodorants
Homemade natural remedies have a range of benefits and only a few potential downsides. Consider each one separately.
Pros:
- Free from fragrances, aluminum, parabens and other chemicals whose properties and effects we don't even know about.
- A pleasant fragrance that you can choose yourself using various essential oils.
- No irritation due to the use of natural ingredients.
- Quick and comfortable preparation for the whole family at once.
Cons:
- Homemade deodorant should not contain products that you may have an allergic reaction to (this is easy to control).
- Special storage conditions required and cannot be taken on trips or travels.
- After application, wait up to ten minutes for the skin to absorb the deodorant. This will eliminate the risk of greasy stains on clothes.
- After preparation, you need to wait a couple of days (or even weeks in the case of herbal tinctures) for the product to finally "ripen".
How to make a deodorant with your own hands, everyone can figure it out. You just need to set a goal, familiarize yourself with the recipe, stock up on ingredients and devote a little time to it. In the summer, you can experiment with different compositions and flavors,selecting the most optimal.
DIY deodorant: recipes
Traditional ingredients in home deodorants are soda, oils, starch, clay, beeswax, vitamins in capsules (optional). Bulk components act as thickeners. The composition ends with essential oils, which can be selected depending on personal preferences. Fruity, herbal, woody and citrus scents in this homemade deodorant will allow you to experiment and try your hand at being a perfumer.
All ingredients are mixed in different sequences and proportions, obtaining compositions for a specific type and needs of the skin. There are classic and individual recipes that you can adapt to your taste. According to the consistency, solid, liquid and creamy homemade deodorants are distinguished. Consider several options with examples.
Probiotic Solid Deodorant Recipe
One serving will provide a family of three for 4 months. For cooking you will need:
- half a cup of cocoa butter;
- soda - 3 tbsp. l.;
- 3 tablespoons potato or cornstarch;
- 2 probiotic powder capsules;
- 5-10 drops of an essential oil or blend (such as lavender, orange, ylang-ylang, geranium, lime, or lemongrass).
In a small metal bowl, melt the cocoa butter over low heat. When the compositionbecomes homogeneous, set it aside and add soda and starch. Wait about ten minutes. Stir occasionally until thickened. At the end, add essential oil. Once the mixture has cooled completely, open the probiotic capsules and stir in the probiotic.
Do-it-yourself solid deodorant is quite easy to make. The resulting mass must be distributed in containers based on each family member and immediately after cooling, put in the refrigerator. The composition must cool quickly so that the ingredients do not begin to delaminate. After that, you can store the product at room temperature.
Recipe for classic softening deodorant
For cooking you will need:
- 3 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers;
- 5 tablespoons cocoa butter;
- 2 tablespoons dried marigold flowers;
- 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil (can be replaced with almond, apricot kernel or avocado oil);
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch;
- 2 tablespoons baking soda;
- essential oils to choose from (neutrals are lavender and tea tree).
In a small sterilized glass container, mix the flowers and oils. Shake well. Set aside in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, stirring occasionally.
After the specified time, drain the oil. You can slightly warm it in a water bath to better separate it from the flowers. In another sterilized glass container, combine oil with dry ingredients. Mix well. Add essential oils drop by drop. Apply the product in smallportions and distribute with your fingertips. Keep homemade deodorant in the bathroom. Shelf life - 3-4 months. Having prepared a liquid deodorant with your own hands, you will be sure of its quality and safety for the skin and body. Also, the product will provide mild and fairly effective care.
Homemade deodorant for sensitive skin
You will need the following items:
- half a cup of cocoa butter;
- 2 tbsp shea butter;
- 3 tablespoons of beeswax;
- 2 tablespoons corn or potato starch;
- 2 tablespoons baking soda (reduce to one if skin becomes irritated);
- up to 10 drops of essential oil or a mixture of several.
Melt cocoa butter with wax and shea butter in a small bowl over low heat. Stir constantly. When the mixture becomes homogeneous, add starch and soda. Then add essential oils. Stir constantly as the mixture thickens quickly. Deodorants (homemade) based on shea butter and beeswax for a softer and more soothing effect on the skin.
Homemade liquid roll-on deodorant
And there is nothing super complicated here. Stock up on the following set of products:
- ¼ cup magnesium hydroxide;
- 1/8 cup cornstarch or potato starch;
- ¼ cup soda;
- 1/8 cup aloe extractfaith;
- ¼ cup witch hazel (to reduce sweating);
- 1/8 cup filtered water (optional for a creamy texture);
- about 10 drops of essential oils;
- a pair of roll-on deodorant bottles.
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well until smooth. Pour the product into bottles. A natural handmade deodorant with a liquid texture that is easier to apply, while the aloe vera contained in the composition soothes and disinfects the skin.
Properties of ingredients in homemade deodorant formulations
1. Shea butter softens the skin thanks to the content of vitamin E. The component is quickly absorbed, so it is indispensable in cases where you need to dress quickly after applying deodorant.
2. Cocoa butter contains vitamin E and minerals such as manganese, calcium, iron and zinc. It provides a glide effect upon application and also nourishes the skin.
3. Kaolin clay as well as bentonite clay help neutralize odor. They are gentler than baking soda and are ideal for those who are irritated by the latter.
4. Beeswax provides barrier protection while allowing the skin to breathe. It is he who is the basis for giving the composition the desired shape.
5. Essential oils are not suitable for sensitive skin. As for everything else, they ideally soften, scent and disinfect the application area. Do-it-yourself deodorants can act as a pleasant souvenir for relatives and friends. The main thing is not to overdo it with oils: their content should not exceed 10-20 drops per 2 servings.
How to optimally switch to homemade deodorants
If you are using this tool for the first time, it may seem ineffective. However, systemic use or alternating a homemade recipe with a purchased formula will give the first results after a month of use. According to the reviews of those who practiced such a transition, after a couple of weeks the smell of sweat becomes not so saturated, and in general, the sweating process normalizes for the better. It is clear that you will not be able to refuse industrial antiperspirants when going to an official event, and in other extreme conditions they may be needed, however, as an option for every day in everyday life, hand-made deodorants will become invaluable helpers for you.
Reviews on home deodorants
As in any situation, the phrase: "How many people - so many opinions" hits the mark. You will only have to create your own. One thing is known for certain: it is not so difficult to make a deodorant with your own hands. Reviews about such a product were divided into positive, negative and neutral. Having studied them, we can conclude that home-made products have both pluses and minuses. To decide whether to use store-bought or do-it-yourselfmanufactured deodorants, it is necessary to compare the effect of both. Prepare the composition and test. Fans of natural homemade cosmetics will need a few recipes. Familiarize yourself with the effects of the components, adapt the composition for yourself.
Do-it-yourself deodorants have proven themselves for everyday use in non-extreme situations. The harmful effects on the body of the components of a purchased product make many people try safer personal care options. Prepare your first homemade deodorant to try, test it for a couple of weeks, and you can decide on further priorities.
