Natural Deodorant

[Nastasska]

I need reccomendations for a natural deodorant that ahem "won't let me down":gurn:

I've tried a few but I am a wretchedly sweaty person:pissed:

[hairfitness101]

Have you tried Avalon Organics yet? I bought the lavendar one and like it a lot. I do find that it needs reapplied late in the day if its really hot out or I've been working outside. But so far its the best all-natural deoderant I've tried. I've tried Aubrey's and J/A/S/O/N's. Hated Aubrey's deoderant and the other one just was a dissapointment when I really needed it to work. HTH some.

[curls2grow]

I was using Oyin Funk Butter (unscented). I was concerned that the scented ones might not agree with me. I loved this product! No odor and no perspiration! I've settled back to using J/A/S/O/N Naturally Fresh deodorant stick. It keeps me odor-free, but when I take most shirts off at the end of the day, the pits stink (so very little double-wear between washes).

I think I must have done something to compromise the FB when I returned from vacation (and put the separate bit of unused FB back into the original container). From that point on, I was getting itching and a bad rash. I switched back to the J/A/S/O/N and the rash has gone away. I might try the FB (new tin) again in a few weeks. I will be really bummed to give up the FB altogether, if it comes to that.

[wonderlywroughte]

I've had a lot of success using baking soda mixed with a blob of aloe gel. :whoohoo:

[LittleFlower]

Another vote for the baking soda + aloe gel. I'd tried nearly every product on the market and this was the only thing that really worked. Plus it's insanely affordable! Just a pinch of baking soda the size of my pinky nail and a similarly sized squirt of aloe gel.

[hairfitness101]

Wow, I'm gonna have to try that. I like the Avalon but its close to $5 a bottle! Thanks for the tip.

[TwirlyTresses]

I haven't found any kind that keeps me from sweating, but I'll sweat through even the aluminum-laden ones.

The Crystal Rock kind works really well at preventing smell, though, and is my favorite natural kind. I also tried baking soda and cornstarch in a shea butter base (Wonderly's recipe) and it worked great but gave me the "fire pits."

[Airmide]

I've been trying out different "recipes" lately. The regular alluminum deodorants are the only ones which I've felt kept me from reeking lol. I've tried Tom' of Main and the crystal and I thought they were pretty useless. But my left armpit had a weird rash which was always there but would act up a lot sometimes so I decided to experiment.

The first try was baking soda and lotion or hydrocortisone cream. It worked fantastically for odor, but after a few days my pits turned red and got sore.

Now I'm trying a crazy concoction of hydrocortisone cream, 20% zinc oxide ointment and Crystal Clean deodorant which is not an antipersperant. So far my clothes don't stink but after not too long my pits do stink.

The rash is very quickly healing. I'm not sure which of my experiments should take credit for that though. And I'm noticing some pimples (or clogged pores?) so maybe while one thing is healing another is getting worse? Argh! I'll be interested to see other ideas too!

-Airmide (cool siggy coming soon! :ginger:)

[baiken]

Hi you guys!:whoohoo:

Well, I don't quite agree with hairfitness101, because I love J/A/S/O/N's Aloe Vera deoderant roll-on! It works great on me, and I have som eh, let's just say 'sweaty-issues'.. :calm:
I've tried LUSH's deo 'Fuwari', and THAT may I tell you was a major dissapointment! :boggle:

[Calista]

I third the baking soda and aloe suggestion. It works really well for me - though I did notice a slight rash in my left armpit and subsequently quit using deodorant altogether. And I don´t smell at all! I think the nasty smell is caused because conventional deodorants destroy the good bacteria along with the bad ones.

[curls2grow]

I've had a lot of success using baking soda mixed with a blob of aloe gel. :whoohoo: Do you have to make this on a daily basis, or can you make a bigger batch to get through, say, a month at a time? If you do make more at one time, what type of container do you store it in, to keep bacteria out?

[Calista]

Do you have to make this on a daily basis, or can you make a bigger batch to get through, say, a month at a time?
Well, *I* just take a blob of AVG, add a pich of BS, smooth my palms together and apply. It is much less hassle than keeping a big batch.

[baiken]

wonderlywroughte, Calista & LittleFlower:

This Aloe Vera + baking soda-method sounds so interesting! I've never heard about this method before, but I am definitely going to give this a try! :happy:
Thanks for sharing this, I never would have thought about this otherwise heheh! So here's to you :flower:

[hairfitness101]

Hi you guys!:whoohoo:

Well, I don't quite agree with hairfitness101, because I love J/A/S/O/N's Aloe Vera deoderant roll-on! It works great on me, and I have som eh, let's just say 'sweaty-issues'.. :calm:
I've tried LUSH's deo 'Fuwari', and THAT may I tell you was a major dissapointment! :boggle:

Maybe the roll-on works better than the stick, which is what I tried. I'm glad it worked for you.

[baiken]

hairfitness101 (http://chatter.thebeautybottle.com/member.php?u=348):
Yeah, you're probably right. :) I've actually never really had good experience with any solids/deo-sticks (incl. commercial brands..). What do you use now, Avalon?

[Hedera]

I really really really like Lush's Aromacream - which is mostly baking soda. ;)
But it's got some kind of butter as well, to make it into a nice cream, and something with some scent too - nice and light, nothing too overwhelming.
It costs me about 5/6 euros for a batch that lasts nearly a whole year (I use about half a pea-size bit or less for each armpit), I don't worry about it going off because it's mainly baking soda and that is an excellent preservative.

It did make my armpits a bit red in the beginning; baking soda on tender skin tends to do that. So what I do now is wash it off before I go to bed and dab on some vinegar, which is good against bacteria in itself and sort of restores the balance.

With those two things, my previously smelly pits are just great now, no matter how warm it is or what kind of exercise I do!
It's such a relief, because usually (even with strong anti-perspirants) I could feel that stale-sweat smell creep up on me halfway through the day.

Oh, and to make it go on a bit smoother, I usually put some of the cream I use on my chest and face (any kind of moisturizer, often mixed with aloe vera gel in summer) on my armpits before I use the cream - makes it just a bit softer.

And finally, because it's such a firm kind of cream (paste is a better word, probably), it's really easy to put a small amount in something, I have a really cute little breathmint-tin, and to put in your purse or toilettries bag for travel.

[baiken]

I really really really like Lush's Aromacream - which is mostly baking soda. ;)
But it's got some kind of butter as well, to make it into a nice cream, and something with some scent too - nice and light, nothing too overwhelming.
It costs me about 5/6 euros for a batch that lasts nearly a whole year (I use about half a pea-size bit or less for each armpit), I don't worry about it going off because it's mainly baking soda and that is an excellent preservative.

It did make my armpits a bit red in the beginning; baking soda on tender skin tends to do that. So what I do now is wash it off every evening and dab on some vinegar, which is good against bacteria in itself and sort of restores the balance.

With those two things, my previously smelly pits are just great now, no matter how warm it is or what kind of exercise I do!
It's such a relief, because usually (even with strong anti-perspirants) I could feel that stale-sweat smell creep up on me halfway through the day.

Oh, and to make it go on a bit smoother, I usually put some of the cream I use on my chest and face (any kind of moisturizer, often mixed with aloe vera gel in summer) on my armpits before I use the cream - makes it just a bit softer.

And finally, because it's such a firm kind of cream (paste is a better word, probably), it's really easy to put a small amount in something, I have a really cute little breathmint-tin, and to put in your purse or toilettries bag for travel.

Wow, is Aromacream one of their deo solids?
I find the solids so hard to use, I had my 'Fuwari' crused to powder in order to be able to apply it to my armpits!:boggle:

Anyway, great tips so thanks for sharing - I'm going to try ACV under my armpits when I shower tonight! :flower:

[LittleFlower]

Well, *I* just take a blob of AVG, add a pich of BS, smooth my palms together and apply. It is much less hassle than keeping a big batch.
Exactly what I do except I add the AVG to the BS and yes, it's no hassle at all. I find making a large batch really not necessary as application takes only a minute or less.

[Carolyn]

By "deodorant" do you mean something that keeps just the odor away? or do you mean something that keeps down the wetness? (antiperspirant) I'm looking for something that will keep me dry and but the cabosh on the stinky pits. The crystal didn't work for me. I'm very perspirey and very stinky. I have been since I was about 10 yrs old. Any recs? All the health food store type products seem to be for odor and not wetness. And dress shields are not an option. I've tried them and they just make me hotter. And I wear some many sleeveless things they can't be worn on. I may be destined to changing tops at least twice a day and using the regular old antiperspirants.

[LisaJaney]

Carolyn, for years I used Dove antiperspirant/deodorant and it was a good one. (up until I got a lump in my armpit and had to quit using anti-p's) Now i use the crystal stone deodorant (not anti-p, just anti-stink) I love it.

I also have some Tom's of Maine, Lavender, that smells HEAVENLY and I thought didn't work. Turns out that if I put it on right-after-a-shower, then it works. But if I shower at night, go right to bed, then wake up and put it on, it craps out. Has to be immediately after a shower.

I also have some Avalon Organics Tea Tree Oil and Blue Sage? anyhow, it is nice, too. The thing I don't like aobut those two sticks is that they feel sticky in my pits. ANd it's not just for the first halfhour until it "dries"; my pits feel kinda sticky all freakin' day long. I canNOT (willnot) wear them on workout days -- it'd drive me nuts to have sticky pits and be doing step aerobics. I go crystal all the way on workout days.

Here's a link to a site where some folks compared several sticks. It was a good, amusing read:
http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2005-08-18/goods_ecoholic.php

[hairfitness101]

hairfitness101 (http://chatter.thebeautybottle.com/member.php?u=348):
Yeah, you're probably right. :) I've actually never really had good experience with any solids/deo-sticks (incl. commercial brands..). What do you use now, Avalon?

Yes, I currently use Avalon. And its actually the roll-on type. I don't know if they even make a stick, I was just thinking I'd try it because I hate the white stuff you get from solids. Just a side note, I tried the baking soda and aloe this morning and it seems to be really working! One thing though, I applied it after shaving this morning and the aloe stung a little bit. So it might be a good idea to wait a few after shaving. It is cool out today so I am anxious to see if this works on really hot days or after working out.

[truepeacenik]

great link, Lisa J
I am a die-hard fan of crystals. The trick is to have a small piece with you (look for the chunks that are supposed to go in shoes, much cheaper and same stuff). rub ON THE SWEATY pit yep, on the sweat, it will neutralize or you can do a wet paper towel wipe and swipe the crystal over the damp pit.
add a drop of sage or cedar oil and wow. clean for the day.
and this is with a fully grown pit hamster. (I don't shave)

[LisaJaney]

I've not heard of the chunks that are to go in shoes. Will that be with the other deodorant things in the natural section, or do I look with the footbed Scholl liners and Goldbond footpowder section? That sounds wonderful!

Pit hamster! :spitting: That's hilarious!

[Calista]

I once used a deodorant crystal on a sweaty pit and the thing stank like sweaty pit forever after! I had to throw it away. :evileye:

[Carolyn]

Carolyn, for years I used Dove antiperspirant/deodorant and it was a good one. (up until I got a lump in my armpit and had to quit using anti-p's) Now i use the crystal stone deodorant (not anti-p, just anti-stink) I love it.

I also have some Tom's of Maine, Lavender, that smells HEAVENLY and I thought didn't work. Turns out that if I put it on right-after-a-shower, then it works. But if I shower at night, go right to bed, then wake up and put it on, it craps out. Has to be immediately after a shower.

I also have some Avalon Organics Tea Tree Oil and Blue Sage? anyhow, it is nice, too. The thing I don't like aobut those two sticks is that they feel sticky in my pits. ANd it's not just for the first halfhour until it "dries"; my pits feel kinda sticky all freakin' day long. I canNOT (willnot) wear them on workout days -- it'd drive me nuts to have sticky pits and be doing step aerobics. I go crystal all the way on workout days.

Here's a link to a site where some folks compared several sticks. It was a good, amusing read:
http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2005-08-18/goods_ecoholic.php I'm using Dove right now along with Certain Dri. I like the scent of the Dove. And the Certain Dri really keeps me dry. I loved the Tom's of Maine antiperspirant but it's been discontinued. It really worked. Maybe I tried the wrong crystal. I don't recall what brand it was and I'm sure I've tossed it. I hate the sticky pit thing too. And the white residue since I wear so much black. I wish sweat wasn't stinky and wet :purplex:

[SpiralingWaves]

Right now I am using a baking soda cornstarch mixture, sometimes I spread a little virgin coconut oil first then dust with the mixture. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties so it helps with the *stinkies*.

Question for you all who use the aloe & baking soda; Do you find that you sweat less when using this? ~I have read that using an astringent on the pits reduces pores size so you perspire less, and aloe is a bit astringent.

[Hedera]

Wow, is Aromacream one of their deo solids?
I find the solids so hard to use, I had my 'Fuwari' crused to powder in order to be able to apply it to my armpits!:boggle:



LOL, that sounds like far too much work!
No, the aroma cream is a cream - or rather, a paste (it's quite firm). It's the only one of their deodorants that isn't a solid.
I've never tried any of the solid ones, I like this one far too much.

It's just anti-smell though, not anti-wetness.
But anything that stops your skin from sweating has to be a major chemical and I don't really like the idea of that anyway.

[Hedera]

Right now I am using a baking soda cornstarch mixture, sometimes I spread a little virgin coconut oil first then dust with the mixture. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties so it helps with the *stinkies*.



Oh, SpiralingWaves, that is a great idea!
I use coconut oil on my face in the evenings anyway, so I have it handy in the bathroom; I'll give it a try instead of moisturizer before I put the Aromacream on.

Thanks for the tip! :kiss:

[SpiralingWaves]

Oh, SpiralingWaves, that is a great idea!
I use coconut oil on my face in the evenings anyway, so I have it handy in the bathroom; I'll give it a try instead of moisturizer before I put the Aromacream on.

Thanks for the tip! :kiss:

Great! I hope this works for you.:whoohoo:

[wonderlywroughte]

I cannot take the credit for the baking soda and aloe gel, it was posted up originally by Lissomllama on LHC. I actually apply the aloe gel first to my armpits and then pat on a little bit of baking soda. I don't know if mixing up a large batch would work, I haven't tried it.

[kimberlily]

I started using this recipe recently:

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
15 drops palma rosa eo
1 tsp corn starch
2 tsp baking soda

Melt the coconut oil & shea butter, and mix the other ingredients in. Palma Rosa eo is antibacterial and antimicrobal, and it smells nice (better than tea tree any day!). The corn starch helps absorb moisture. It doesn't keep me completely dry, but I find it works better than commercial products (and it is dirt cheap).

This recipe lasts me about a month or more. I use about 1/4 tsp per pit.

[SunCat]

Right now I am using half Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and half filtered water with several drops of lavender essential oil, tea tree oil and rosemary essential oil. I think I put about 20 drops of lavender, 10 of tea tree and 10 of rosemary into a 4 oz bottle. I will keep better track of the amount of EO's I add when I make my next batch. I kept adding essential oils so I wouldn't smell like vinegar. The acidic property of the vinegar kills the bacteria so there is no smell. Lavender, rosemary and tea tree are antibacterial and antifungal.

I tried using different formulas with the baking soda and cornstarch but my underarms are sensative to baking soda. I smelled with baking soda probably because it is alkaline and the bacteria can grow.

[teela1978]

Thought I'd throw in my two cents :)

I do the baking soda/aloe mix, but I also add in some cornstarch to the mix. I think the cornstarch helps a bit with the "firepits" as someone described (especially after a shave!). I also mix it up in batches. I vary how I make it but it usually seems to work and last for a bit no matter what particular recipie I throw together.

Currently:
Equal parts (maybe a tablespoon) of Shea butter, Coconut Oil (I never thought of the anti-bacterial coconut oil properties, but now I have a reason for it to be in there :)), Baking Soda, and Corn Starch. A big squirt of aloe to help thicken it up a bit (getting warm in CO right now), and some lavender EO so my pits smell pretty.

I was hoping this would make my pits all pretty and moisturized, but I still get some bumps from shaving. Anyway, I've just patted on straight baking soda/corn starch mixes, I've mixed it in with old lotions I wasn't using anymore, I've made up batches, I've mixed it up daily, and it all seems to work for odor. I'm kinda thinking the batches is easiest though :) I keep mine in a little squeeze bottle from walmart that I got for 50 cents.

[Nastasska]

Those are all fantastic suggestions:happy: I'll give the Baking Soda and Aloe Gel a go first mainly because I already have those two things on hand:lafhard:

[wtchmel]

Well, I have tried and spent tons of money on natural deos. My pits are totally rank, and with some natural deos, they're even ranker!! The only thing that completely works aside from the crystal(which I don't use because of the alum content, which is really aluminum) is....... Aubreys Calendula spray deo. It really works well for the stank. The only drawback is it's really expensive. It's about 8-10 dollars for a tiny little spray bottle. I pay it and buy it, since it's the only one I've found that works.
I tried the baking soda thing,and it really burns the pits.

[LisaJaney]

I haven't tried the aloe and bakingsoda because I just HAVE to know:

Does it feel like you have sand in your pits? (abrasive) I fear I'm going to be out-n-about and think that I have a beltsander in my pits and just be HATING LIFE or something.

That's my one qualm about it. It must not be abrasive, because so many here use it, but I wonder about the firepits and would *I* be a firepits gal...

[wonderlywroughte]

LJ, I tried the aloe and baking because I get firepits. When you mix the aloe with the baking soda, it sorta melts in. Really! The baking soda pretty much disappears, so then its just like runnier aloe gel. Unless you add too much, then you might still be able to feel the grit.

[hairfitness101]

LJ, I am new to the whole aloe/soda thing too. I tried it yesterday with the baking soda and it definitely works. It doesn't really feel like sand paper but it does burn my skin. So today I tried applying aloe gel, and then dusting with cornstarch only.

I keep it in an old neutrogena loose powder container. It has the puff and shaker in it.

It worked just as good as the soda but much silkier. I just went for a walk with the kids-about 45 minutes or so and did sweat. No odor and still dry. You could try that, and then if it doesn't work as well, add some soda to it.

The other recipes sound great. When I get some shea, I definitely plan on doing some experimenting. I still have some coconut but not enough to "waste" if doesn't work out for me.

[Elyce]

I have the best success (so far) with Tom's Honeysuckle Rose (stick). I use it in a "sandwich" of talc (talc then deodorant then more talc). I use the Lady's Talc from Heavenly Harvest Inc. (I had the rash/redness you describe, Calista, the talc cured that.)

I have tried baking soda alone and not had good results, but you've got me thinking about baking soda + AVG. Do you just mix in your hand and apply with fingers? Sounds messy, but I'm willing to try if it works!

I still use a conventional deodorant (Sure) when I think I will definitely need extra protection, like at the gym. (I've been working with a trainer or I wouldn't care.) I just put it on right before workout and shower immediately after, so the exposure to aluminum is minimal, I hope.

[hairfitness101]

Do you just mix in your hand and apply with fingers? Sounds messy, but I'm willing to try if it works!
.

I just sqeeze it out of the bottle and rub it into my palms, then onto arm-pits like I would moisturizer. Then I dust the cornstarch on with the puff. It was much messier when I tried pouring powder into hands and doing it.

[Elyce]

Thanks, HF, I'm going to try it. I already use aloe vera gel on my hair, as a face wash, and as a leg shave gel, and after a sunburn, so I guess it's already pretty much my miracle product. Using it for one more purpose will cut down the number of products I have to keep around here, definitely a good thing!

Thank you to all who are sharing, this is a very useful thread.

[Elyce]

I also have some Tom's of Maine, Lavender, that smells HEAVENLY and I thought didn't work. Turns out that if I put it on right-after-a-shower, then it works. But if I shower at night, go right to bed, then wake up and put it on, it craps out. Has to be immediately after a shower.

(snip)

The thing I don't like aobut those two sticks is that they feel sticky in my pits. ANd it's not just for the first halfhour until it "dries"; my pits feel kinda sticky all freakin' day long.
LJ, I have had similar experiences, for the shower-at-night issue, I just use a wash cloth or baby-wipe in the morning to get that just-showered freshness before applying Tom's (I've been using Honeysuckle Rose). The stickiness issue was solved when I used talc before and after the stick. Probably would work also work with cornstarch or babypowder instead of talc.

[truepeacenik]

I've not heard of the chunks that are to go in shoes. Will that be with the other deodorant things in the natural section, or do I look with the footbed Scholl liners and Goldbond footpowder section? That sounds wonderful!

Pit hamster! :spitting: That's hilarious!

glad I made ya laugh!:nosey:
as for location, I shop Whole Paycheck for this and it's by the natural make up. I'd THINK that stores would keep 'em close. Ask. THat's what those sullen people in vests are getting paid for (or for LOTS of fun, call....:evileye: )
The foot ones sometimes come in a drawstring bag (costs more, natch)

[Elyce]

I started using this recipe recently:

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
15 drops palma rosa eo
1 tsp corn starch
2 tsp baking soda

Melt the coconut oil & shea butter, and mix the other ingredients in. Palma Rosa eo is antibacterial and antimicrobal, and it smells nice (better than tea tree any day!). The corn starch helps absorb moisture. It doesn't keep me completely dry, but I find it works better than commercial products (and it is dirt cheap).

This recipe lasts me about a month or more. I use about 1/4 tsp per pit.

kimberlily, I happened to have all these ingredients on hand and you got me thinking . . . so although I was pretty happy with the Tom's I've been using, I was curious and made up a batch. (I used lemon EO instead of palma rosa, and for some reason I just used equal amounts of the other 4 ingredients. Also, I added a few squirts of aloe vera gel.) I had a shea butter tin I had just emptied, so voila, a great way to store the brew.

Well, yesterday wasn't too hot, but I did have a few tense moments, I'm happy to say your recipe really came through for me. I have tried bs and cornstarch, but I never would have thought of using coconut oil or shea butter! Thanks for posting.

[LisaJaney]

I'm going to try that recipe, too (and will try the AVG/bs recipe as well) but I don't have the Palma Rosa, so will make the attempt with Lavender EO and see how that goes. I don't have a large variety of EOs: just rosemary, lavender, tea tree and oregano. I think those are the only ones. Of them, I'd prefer my pits to smell like lavender. ;)

[kimberlily]

Elyce, I'm glad it worked for you! I showed my best friend the jar I have and told her what it is, and that I hadn't showered today (I'm home alone with a sick kid and a teething baby) and you'd never know it! I'm going to make her some, since she's very crunchy granola, and it lasts a long time, too.

Plus, it is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying deodorant!

LisaJaney, Lavendar will work just fine. It has antibacterial properties as well, so you should be good there.

Palma Rosa isn't the easiest EO to find, unless you have either an apothecary near you or you order it online. I also like the smell of PR better than most oils that have antibacterial properties.

[LisaJaney]

OK, so my next question is this:
Can that stuff (the recipe) go into a deodorant-type applicator tube, or must it be applied by-hand? I'm thinking it'd be SO handy to have it in a tube of some sort, to MIMIC the store-bought stuff...only better!

[kimberlily]

I don't think so. It is pretty soft. The only way to make it hard enough to use as a stick would be to keep it in the fridge.

[hairfitness101]

I just wanted to add my :eureka: two little cents in. I got a sample from Dove. Its supposed to be totally clear (that dumb commercial of everyone taking their shirts off and showing that their shirts don't have white stuff?) While it smells nice, it can't hold a candle to the AVG+cornstarch. I used the Dove and still got some white stuff on my shirt :pissed: , and by the late afternoon, stinky pits! :eww:

I don't get that at all with the AVG+cornstarch and thats with working out, going to and from work, in hot weather, gardening, and not even reapplying it. Thank you for posting this idea. Its a true winner, and I can't wait to try adding some EO's. What another great idea.

[kimberlily]

I tried that Dove stuff and had the same experience, which is why I decided to try making my own. It probably costs about $0.25 a batch, if that, and the batch lasts me more than a month :) And it works better without getting on my clothes.

[hairfitness101]

See, if I'd only asked you and consulted here, I'd know that!:lol: I'm just glad I didn't pay for the stuff. Its nice to spend so much less and really get what you are expecting from a product. You know the old saying, "If you want something done right, do it yourself," certainly applies here. Thanks again for the great tips everybody. Really liking it here. I miss LHC but I'll be back here often.

[SpiralingWaves]

Inspired by this thread, I made up a lotion type deodorant a couple of days ago. Yesterday was hot and humid. I was sweating even though I wasn't moving. Yuck. I used a pea size amount for each arm pit. By late afternoon I was still feeling fresh. I didn't get *fire pits* and I liked the cooling sensation I got from the tea tree oil. I also like that it didn't leave any type of residue, which will be great for wearing tank tops this summer (very happy about this!). I didn't shower last night, but planned to this morning. When I woke up, I did a sniff whiff test. Nothing. Nada. I have to say I am amazed. Now I just need to put it to the 'work-out' test, though I am not too worried at this point. :happy:

Here's the recipe:

Deodorant Lotion

2 1/2 T Aloe Vera Gel
2 T Virgin Coconut Oil
2 T Baking Soda
2 T Arrowroot Pdr or Cornstarch

10 drops tea tree eo
10 drops lemon eo

I mixed all ingredients together. I didn't even need to heat it up, the coconut oil was already melted. This made a runny-ish creamy consistancy, so I put it in a small squeeze type bottle. Used pea-sized amount per pit. Makes approximately 2 oz.

Thanks guys for the inspiration! :flower:

[LisaJaney]

OK, Ladies, I compiled all the recipes so far, and here's a printable version of them:

Spiraling Waves’ Deodorant Lotion
2 1/2 T Aloe Vera Gel
2 T Virgin Coconut Oil
2 T Baking Soda
2 T Arrowroot Pdr (cornstarch would probably work well here)
10 drops tea tree eo
10 drops lemon eo
I mixed all ingredients together. I didn't even need to heat it up, the coconut oil was already melted. This made a runny-ish creamy consistancy, so I put it in a small squeeze type bottle. Used pea-sized amount per pit. Makes approximately 2 oz.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kimberlily’s Recipe for Cream Deodorant
1 T coconut oil
1 T shea butter
15 drops Palma Rosa EO (or Lavender or TTO)
1 t cornstarch
2 t baking soda
Melt-n-mix, put in a pot and apply with fingertips. (I would like to try adding some beeswax to firm it up and make it a stick-application deodorant)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lissom Llama’s AVG and Baking Soda Deodorant
A pinch of soda (size of my pinky nail) and a similarly-sized glob of Aloe Vera Gel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suncat’s Deodorant Spray
20 drops of Lavender EO
10 drops of TeaTree EO
10 drops of Rosemary EO
Fill the rest of a 4-oz bottle with a 50:50 mix of Bragg ACV and filtered water.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suncat's Deodorant Cream
1 T Cocoabutter flakes
1 t Coconut oil / Sheabutter mixture (this is a 75:25 mix she had on hand)
1 t AVG
2 t Cornstarch
1/4 t Baking Soda (I like the sounds of this less-soda recipe!)
5 drops Lavender EO
2 drops Tea Tree EO
Mix the coco butter flakes with the coconut oil and shea butter then add the aloe vera gel and stir until well blended. Add the cornstarch and baking soda and mix well. After everything is mixed add the essential oils. I just used a kitchen spoon and mixed everything in a small ramekin then transferred it to a 1/2 ounce cosmetic jar.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Teela’s Deodorant
1 T Shea butter
1 T Coconut Oil
1 T Baking Soda
1 T Corn Starch.
A big squirt of aloe to help thicken it up a bit
Lavender EO for fragrance.
Keep in a squirt-bottle and apply in the mornings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hairfitness101’s recipe
Apply AVG, then dust with cornstarch. (could we mix the two? I’d like to try that)


As we get more, I'll add them to my Word-Document and edit this post or something. Maybe I ought to send it to Steph (I'll report this post) for an article. I don't want ANY credit for any of it, as none of the recipes are mine, but it's nice to have them all in one place! I'll keep an eye on this thread and add to the pit-recipe-book as we come up with "other stuff that works, too!"

[SpiralingWaves]

Thanks LisaJaney for putting this together! I will definitely refer to this list in the future.:whoohoo:

Btw, I wanted to mention that I used arrowroot pdr because I didn't have any cornstarch around. I'm sure cornstartch would work very well in the recipe.

Also, I just came back from a killer workout (so proud of myself!), which I'm sure I'll be paying for tomorrow, lol. Anyway, not a foul smell to be sniffed. I just dabbed a bit of the deodorant lotion on each pit this morning, no shower, then headed out for my morning workout. Gee I smell so fresh!:geek: :gurn: :grinhappy:

[hairfitness101]

Hairfitness101’s recipe
Apply AVG, then dust with cornstarch. (could we mix the two? I’d like to try that)




I say, go for it! If it works like this, then you could add some skin friendly EO's or maybe jojoba/coconut as a carrier+ EO's. I like spicy scents, thinking ginger/cinnamon/orange? Hmmmm. If it doesn't mix well, I suppose the AVG can be mixed with those things and then just dust with CS as usual.

[Elyce]

hairfitness, I like citrus-y and spicy scents as well, but I used lemon eo and I'm not really happy with the result. A strong lemon scent is just a bit too close to pit-scent, so it's not a great association. I think I used too much lemon (used 30 drops, I think, in a mixture that yielded about 4 oz of cream-style deodorant, loosely following kimberlily's recipe). I wish I had something I could mix with my batch to tone down the lemon a bit, ginger and/or cinnamon sound great but I don't have either. Oh well, live and learn, but don't make my mistake :)

Thanks for the recipe-book LisaJaney!!!! Hopefully it can become an article or a sticky, I have a feeling many of us will want to refer back. Oh, and I hope others post comments if they try these, it's all very helpful.

[Wind Dragon]

I have one pit that's sensitive to baking soda. Weird. I made up a batch of stuff based on Wonderly's recipe a long time ago, fell in love with the stuff and then after a month or so thought I had a fungus or something. Quit shaving and deodorant and everything for a bit, and then when I went back to my mix it happened again. Figured it out that time, but not whatever the other variables were because it comes on so slowly. Went back to commercial aluminum compound stuff for the rest of last year's heat wave.

Diluted my original mix with a bunch more cornstarch and a little more jojoba oil and tried it again, took longer but finally ended up with an itchy-painful pit again.

I haven't done anything else to my mix yet this time. The amatuer scientist in me won out over common sense, and made me try a few other things first. So while I am going to further dilute it quite soon with AVG (not currently in there at all) and some more cornstarch and see what effect that has, here are a couple of things that might help if you think you might be sensitive to your current baking soda concoction but aren't quite ready to give up on it:

Mix it thin enough or creamy enough that you can apply it gently.
Smooth on only in the direction of hair growth, even if there's no hair there.
After showering, make sure pits are completely dry and cool before applying.
Do not apply immediately after shaving - wait as long as possible.
Wash off old stuff and rinse away completely before lathering up or whatever for shaving.That last one I finally got after my last experience, but here's the good news. Mind you, I didn't wait until I looked like I had some kind of flesh-eating virus under there this time, but got the hint as soon as I got itchy (and it was in both pits this time.) Washed thoroughly as soon as I was able to that evening, then applied aloe vera gel. Nice and soothing. Washed that off in the morning and didn't use anything at all that day. The next day, I was able to go back to using the stuff again. No problems yet, although I've only been shaving once a week and try to stay pretty much au natural for that one day.

[kimberlily]

Great idea, LJ! Your note about the beeswax is intriguing... If only I had some beeswax.................

[katkero]

For those of you who use backingsoda and aloe vera gel: I use for the moment pure aloe vera gel because I have a rash and it works as good as the mixture. I put a drop of gel on in the morning and I don't sweat and stink.

[hairfitness101]

Elyce, Ooo boy, I guess that might not work. I could see how the lemon might come up smelling too much like pledge or something. I'd still like to try cinnamon though. When I do, I'll post my results, and if anyone else does, please post it.

[Hedera]

Ack, cinnamon oil on skin doesn't work for me at all: it gives me horrible, swollen, red and painful skin for hours, even if it's heavily diluted. Ymmv of course, but a lot of people tend to be rather sensitive to it.
It's a pity, because I love the scent (and taste) of cinnamon a lot.

Wind Dragon, I had some of the same reactions (although far less dramatic) when I started using the Lush stuff. Putting some vinegar on it at night made it go away completely, and now I can wear the aromacream without problems, as long as I wash my armpits and put the vinegar on every -well, most nights.

[hairfitness101]

I'm thinking that might be one of those that you can only use the scented oils rather than the EO's. "From Nature With Love" is a good source for both EO's and scented oils and for the info about each one of them.

[Elyce]

Yup, cinnamon oil is the ingredient they put in some of those lip plumpers, they do make your skin red and puffy. I meant just the scent of cinnamon, but I didn't say that very well, did I! Glad you mentioned it, what if someone had actually tried cinnamon oil under their arms, ouch!!!!

[LisaJaney]

I'm going to add the link to the "recipe-post" to my siggy-line, small, so that it'll be there handy for us. If you forget just which page it's on, just find a post by me (likely to be easy to find; I'm quite chatty) and you can click to it.

Kimberlily, I forgot that I had put my personal notes in there about the beeswax. I got two little containers tonight for storing the deodorants, and I plan to mix some up later (unless I fall asleep. I've done NOTHING, I swear, this summer, but am just tired tired tired!)

Tomorrow I get to go to Jackson Hole and shop with my hubby! He took the day off work JUST to spend the day with me, and wants to take me to Jackson because he knows I LOVE it there. *sigh* What a guy! I oughtta try some new deodorant for the occasion!

[Wind Dragon]

Wind Dragon, I had some of the same reactions (although far less dramatic) when I started using the Lush stuff. Putting some vinegar on it at night made it go away completely, and now I can wear the aromacream without problems, as long as I wash my armpits and put the vinegar on every -well, most nights.
:lafhard: Thanks Hedera, I did see that, and will probably try it if my current efforts fall short at some point. Not sure I could get away with making a habit of it, though, as vinegar isn't DH's favorite smell. The stuff I put on my head gets rinsed right off again. :whyme:

[LisaJaney]

Have to add here: I did up some of Kimberlily's Natural Pit recipe (using beeswax) and it worked GREAT! I put 1T beeswax in it; I think more beeswax would be even better. I'm thinking of re-melting mine and adding more wax to it.

It's a bit oily, so I like to have more time between application and dressing. I worried about the oils on my clothes, so I dabbed my armpits with some Kleenex to absorb a bit of the oil, and then took my crystal with me in case the reduced-amount of pit yielded failure. I needn't have worried: that stuff ROCKED, and it kept me TOTALLY odor-free (and seemed like I sweated less) through TWO aerobic workouts that day!

I had lots extra, so I gave a tablespoon of it to my friends, Tina and Berna. Tina has tried it and says it works GREAT, and Berna has yet to try it. I'll try to report back when she finally gets around to trying it out!

[LisaJaney]

EDIT, important!

Suncat's recipe isn't straight ACV; it's half-n-half with filtered water. In case you've printed out my recipe-sheet, please make a note of that change, and I'm going to go now and edit it to read the proper ingredients...

SO sorry for any confusion!

[SunCat]

Here is my new version natural deodorant cream that I made last year. I mixed this up yesterday and tried it out it was hot here and I was sweating and no smell at all, wonderful!!

I did not melt anything. For the coco butter I took a kitchen teaspoon and scrapped flakes of coco butter then just used the spoon to make smaller flakes of it.

I already had a mixture of 75% coconut oil and 25% shea butter so that is what I used. I use raw unrefined shea butter so it is soft along with virgin coconut oil.

This formula totally disappears into your skin and isn't oily and so far I am not having a reaction to the baking soda. You can add more baking soda I didn't use much as I am sensitive to baking soda.

The mixture is a little lumpy due to the coco butter but it totally melts into your skin so that isn't a problem.


SUNCAT'S DEODORANT CREAM

1 Tablespoon Coco butter Flakes
1 Teaspoon Coconut oil/Shea butter mixture. I had this already mixed up it is 75% virgin coconut oil and 25% unrefined shea butter. For the recipe you could use 3/4 teaspoon virgin coconut oil and 1/4 teaspoon shea butter or whatever ratio you like
1 Teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel (I used the food grade aloe)
2 Teaspoons Corn Starch
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
5 Drops Lavender EO
2 Drops Tea Tree EOMix the coco butter flakes with the coconut oil and shea butter then add the aloe vera gel and stir until well blended. Add the cornstarch and baking soda and mix well. After everything is mixed add the essential oils. I just used a kitchen spoon and mixed everything in a small ramekin then transferred it to a 1/2 ounce cosmetic jar.

[LisaJaney]

I added that recipe to the recipe-sheet, Suncat -- thanks! I like how it has less baking soda. In the recipe I made, I can still feel the baking soda in there, kinda sandpapery. Not irritating to my SKIN, but I can "feel" it and it's kinda odd...

[meliora]

I am going to bump this thread up, because I have a question.

I would love to try some of the recipes, but being a student who lives in a dorm, it is hard to prepare different concoctions in the dorm conditions, although I enjoy mixing and trying my own new "products" whenever I am home.

I am also looking for a more natural deodorant, since I decided to quit using chemical ones. My skin keeps getting irritated and itchy, so I think that's a clue for a change. I am also looking for something affordable.

I found a deodorant called Herbal Clear, and it seems pretty good ingredients-wise, no aluminum, alcohol, or parabens. Has anyone tried it? What are your opinions? I think I will just pick it up, since it's only $1.99.

[curls2grow]

meliora, did you find Herbal Clear at a local store or did you buy it online? I've never heard of it. Is it a roll-on, solid, or spray?

I use Weleda Citrus deodorant and I really like it.

[jessie58]

I'm curious as to how long these concoctions last. The ones in a 1/2 ounce jar for instance. How long before they go off?

[meliora]

Curls2grow, I saw it at Target (I live in the U.S.), so it must be mass marketed. It was next to Tom's of Maine on the bottom shelf. I looked at the ingredients and they seemed pretty good, but I was going to check here first, just in case.

Here is the website I found: http://www.21stcenturyvitamins.com/deodorant/home.asp

The website doesn't list ingredients though, at least not that I saw. They also advertise different scents and recipes with different oils, but Target only had Aloe.

ETA: it's a solid. And the scent is pretty nice and light.

[curls2grow]

Thanks for posting the link! I am going to check this brand out -- could be great for travel (I don't take the Weleda when traveling -- with my luck, it's a mess waiting to happen).

[happylynngilmer]

Herbal Clear looks good! I may try it too. I checked out makeupalley (like I do every time I'm introduced to something new LOL) but came up reviewless.

I have heard awesome things about Oyin's Funk Butter, but I've been waiting until I order my conditioner again to buy some. check it out here: http://oyinhandmade.com/oyin/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=7&zenid=c3c7398061a54d7bd06e2eda09fc028b

and reviews on MUA here: http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=73784/Oyin_Funk_Butter_Unscented/Unlisted_Brand/Skincare_-_Body

[terriej]

I have a stick of Herbal Clear. It works well for smell, but I still sweat.

It doesn't contain parabens, alcohol, or aluminum. But it does contain fragrance and tetrasodium edta.

Here's a list of the ingredients:

Propylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Stearate, Steareth-100, Triethanolamine, Oleth-2, Alpha Bisabolol, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Extract, Iris Florentina (Orris) Root Extract, Ethylhexlglycerin, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA.

ETA: I looked up Triethanolamine on http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/ (http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/)

It could be harmful.

I just wanted to point it out because "natural" products aren't always better than the unatural ones.

[meliora]

Terriej, thank you for your concern!

Yes, "natural" doesn't always equal safe. Personally, I want to avoid aluminum and parabens. Fragrance doesn't bother me much, I am not sensitive to it.

The Cosmetic Database website struck me as a bit odd, because it listed triethanolamine as harmful (and I am not denying that it might be potentially harmful), but then I looked up the safest deodorants and it listed Sure Invisible Solid Antipersprirant and Deodorant as "0 hazard", but it contains ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLY (ANHYDROUS) 19% (copied and pasted from the list of ingredients). When you actually search for the description of this ingredient:
http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=700331&refurl=%2Fproduct.php%3Fprod_id%3D23258%26
it gives you information that it has been found to be unsafe in cosmetics and restricted.

So this made me a little confused.

Either way, I appreciate the concern, warning, and for posting a list of ingredients :flower:

I picked up Herbal Clear today and am going to see how it works.

Curls2grow, you're welcome! A stick deodorant is more convenient, I agree :happy:

[meliora]

happylynngilmer, Oyin's Funk Butter seems interesting! I am curious about it and I am going to look into it more. Thanks!

[Arctic]

I have succesfully used sage infusion as deodorant, also ACV works well. Crystal mineral deodorants are great too. I bought the sage infusion from health shop but I guess home made sage tea could also work.

Most of the time I go without any deodorant, I exfoliate whole body including armpits often and always put body lotion after shower, in armpits too.

(He he, I'm exfoliating maniac it seems!)

[curls2grow]

happylynngilmer, I used Oyin Funk Butter about 1-2 years ago. I loved it at first, but after a few weeks I started to develop a really bad rash -- it burned and took 1-2 weeks to heal. I figured it was due to the baking soda in the formula, or something contaminating the contents and causing a reaction for me (I don't think there are any preservatives in it). I bought a new tin, let the irritation heal, waited a couple of weeks after that and used the new tin -- and the irritation returned. I found this product helped with odor and perspiration, so I was was really bummed when I had to switch.

I definitely think it's worth trying! I would still be using it if it liked my skin.

[squiggyflop]

this is slightly offtopic but i didnt want to start a whole new deoderant thread.

tell me why antiperspirants are bad... i sweat ALOT even the most concentrated antiperspirant on the market cant stop my right armpit from sweating... other girls my age wear nice tight shirts but i cant because i sweat through them... is there a natural way of making my body sweat less in my armpits? even when i sweat i dont smell so im not looking for something to stop any smells... but if i wear deoderant with no antiperspirant even if i wear the loosest teeshirt in the middle of winter i can feel the sweat drip down me.. its really gross...
and the weird thing is that my left pit doesnt really sweat but my right one sweats alot no matter what i do...
any help??

[Arctic]

this is slightly offtopic but i didnt want to start a whole new deoderant thread.

tell me why antiperspirants are bad... i sweat ALOT even the most concentrated antiperspirant on the market cant stop my right armpit from sweating... other girls my age wear nice tight shirts but i cant because i sweat through them... is there a natural way of making my body sweat less in my armpits? even when i sweat i dont smell so im not looking for something to stop any smells... but if i wear deoderant with no antiperspirant even if i wear the loosest teeshirt in the middle of winter i can feel the sweat drip down me.. its really gross...
and the weird thing is that my left pit doesnt really sweat but my right one sweats alot no matter what i do...
any help??


I sweat a lot too, I have just gotten used to it, wear colours that don't show it etc.

Antiperspirants contain aluminium, which is linked to Alzheimers disease and other diseases and conditions. It absorbs throught the skin into your system. The aluminium somehow blocks the sweatglands or something?

I'm not sure if there are non-aluminium antiperspirants available?

ETA: You might want to check out sage, used both internally and externally as deodorant :)

[curls2grow]

The only non-aluminum deod/antipersp that I know is the one made by Adidas -- but I havent' seen it advertised in a while, so I don't know if it's still sold.

[happylynngilmer]

meliora, good luck I hope you like it!

curls2grow, I've heard of people that had reactions to the baking soda. Oyin also makes an unscented one with no EO's in it because sensitive skinned people had reactions to the stronger EO's. I get heat rash sometimes in the summer, so I'll definitely try the unscented first! Besides, I wear alot of different scents and don't want the scented ones to mix with it. Who knows what kind of funky smells I'd get! LOL

[curls2grow]

I was using the unscented FB all along and the reaction still happened. I was bummed.

[meliora]

Curls2grow, I tried the aloe vera gel/baking soda mix and it literally burned my armpits, even though there was more gel than baking soda there. They were red afterwards too, so I didn't have any luck with baking soda. It can be pretty harsh for some people.

I used to use Certain Dri antiperspirant and developed a reaction to it in my teens, so since then I stopped using the strong antiperspirant, even though I also have sweating problems. I used regular chemical deodorant, but because of all health hazards associated with it, I would like to stop. Even with regular chemical deodorant/antiperspirant I sweat somewhat pretty often, but I've adapted. There are different ways, from wearing patterns or certain colors to not allowing your sleeves to be too tight. I also noticed that as I age, I sweat less.

squiggyflop, Aluminum is thought to be linked with cancer, particularly breast cancer. It stops sweat and toxins from releasing from your body, so they become trapped and cause abnormal cell behavior. Arctic is also right about Alzheimer's. Either way, I would rather not use something that has so many potential risks associated with it.

Herbal Clear worked well for me so far. I wore it today, and surprisingly experienced no more sweating than with regular chemical antiperspirant/deodorant (I was using Ban before), and no smell. It is somewhat sticky when applied, but that goes away pretty fast. If it keeps working like this, I'll be happy.

squiggyflop, I almost forgot: I read that cornstarch can control sweating. Some people have had success with it. I never tried it, personally, but I think if you dust it on your armpit it will absorb most of the sweat.

[Pursuer]

Hi ladies. I am glad I found this thread. I originally found these recipes and a few others at the old LHC, but I cannot find some of them anymore. I will type the extra one I had printed out for an example:
Herbal Annie's Spray-On Deodorant
2 tsp. zinc oxide powder
2/3 c. witch hazel extract
2 T. clear aloe vera gel
30-40 drops EO*

Mix all in dark 8oz. spray bottle, one with a twistable, closeable nozzle, to prevent clogging the nozzle. ZInc settles, so make sure to shake before each use. Close nozzle after each use.
*For daily use, 30 drops rose geranium EO. For sensitive skin, 30 drops calendula co2, 10 drops lavendar (calendula is hard to mix). FOr excessive perspiration, 30 drops sage, not to be used if pregnant or epileptic.



I ended up doing 15 drops each of sage and lavendar - it smells wonderful! I don't smell at all until the next morning when I wake up. (I am going to try an idea I heard here, to wash my armpitts and then apply dab of ACV, for over night... will probably solve that issue!)
The recipe wasn't here, but it's worked so well for me!
I tried KImberlily's Cream, but upon mixing, it turned into a soup (no one else seems to have had that problem), even when I made a second batch without warming it up. Not sure what went wrong. I am going to try sticking it in the fridge and see what happens. The odor protection did last for most of the day with that recipe.
Anyway, I do have a question.

I could only find plain old zinc, which I used in the recipe. But I am wondering what the difference is between zinc oxide and plain zinc - does anyone know?
Thank you in advance!

[Pursuer]

I used to use Certain Dri antiperspirant and developed a reaction to it in my teens, so since then I stopped using the strong antiperspirant, even though I also have sweating problems. I used regular chemical deodorant, but because of all health hazards associated with it, I would like to stop. Even with regular chemical deodorant/antiperspirant I sweat somewhat pretty often, but I've adapted. There are different ways, from wearing patterns or certain colors to not allowing your sleeves to be too tight. I also noticed that as I age, I sweat less.

That is interesting! I had been using regular commercial deodorants for a long time. I was able to get a free sample of Secret's Clinical Strength through the mail, and was hooked! I could do PIlates, then go for a jog, and never break a sweat - and still smelled great. THEN I learned about aluminum and the danger it poses to our health, from ALzheimer's to cancer and more. I decided to move from my beloved Secret Clinical to all-natural. I still haven't found anything to stop me from sweating, but that's okay. Knowing what I know now, I am okay with sweating, I just don't want to stink.
The one thing I loved about S.C was that I could wear white shirts again, nice, classy shirts again. WIthout it, I was going through 8 t-shirts in a matter of 2-4 months. I was able to get dress shirts without worrying that the wet marks in my pitts would show up.
Yes, excessive sweat requires us to alter our clothing choices.

The most interesting thing that you mentioned was that as you age, you sweat less. That happened with my grandmother as well. I haven't thought of it like that before, but it makes sense that it can happen. Hopefully it's hereditary! :)

[Wind Dragon]

Hi ladies. I am glad I found this thread. I originally found these recipes and a few others at the old LHC, but I cannot find some of them anymore. I will type the extra one I had printed out for an example:
Herbal Annie's Spray-On Deodorant
2 tsp. zinc oxide powder
2/3 c. witch hazel extract
2 T. clear aloe vera gel
30-40 drops EO*

<snip>

I could only find plain old zinc, which I used in the recipe. But I am wondering what the difference is between zinc oxide and plain zinc - does anyone know?


:whoa: The difference between zinc and zinc oxide is like the difference between iron and rust (rust is iron oxide.) I don't have a clue what applying straight elemental zinc might do to your skin, but it certainly won't have the same properties as the oxidized stuff. It also might react with something else in the mix, slowly oxidizing (or possibly producing some more sinister combination) there. I'm no chemist (obviously, or I'd have more concrete answers for you) but really, I wouldn't if I were you.

[Pursuer]

Yikes. Thank you for that information!

[florenonite]

Inspired by this thread, I made up a lotion type deodorant a couple of days ago. Yesterday was hot and humid. I was sweating even though I wasn't moving. Yuck. I used a pea size amount for each arm pit. By late afternoon I was still feeling fresh. I didn't get *fire pits* and I liked the cooling sensation I got from the tea tree oil. I also like that it didn't leave any type of residue, which will be great for wearing tank tops this summer (very happy about this!). I didn't shower last night, but planned to this morning. When I woke up, I did a sniff whiff test. Nothing. Nada. I have to say I am amazed. Now I just need to put it to the 'work-out' test, though I am not too worried at this point. :happy:

Here's the recipe:

Deodorant Lotion

2 1/2 T Aloe Vera Gel
2 T Virgin Coconut Oil
2 T Baking Soda
2 T Arrowroot Pdr or Cornstarch

10 drops tea tree eo
10 drops lemon eo

I mixed all ingredients together. I didn't even need to heat it up, the coconut oil was already melted. This made a runny-ish creamy consistancy, so I put it in a small squeeze type bottle. Used pea-sized amount per pit. Makes approximately 2 oz.

Thanks guys for the inspiration! :flower:
I mixed this up, leaving out the EOs as I have none and couldn't be bothered spending money, and I found it too difficult to pour into a squeezy bottle that I got for it. It's a small bottle (1/2 mouth or so), so that might be the problem, it might not be runny enough, or I might just be incompetent (this is likely). Any suggestions?

ETA: I didn't actually measure the AVG, because I haven't got proper measurements (only tablespoons for eating) and it was too difficult to pour it into a regular spoon, so I eyeballed it. Did I maybe use too little?

[LisaJaney]

From the looks of the recipe, it's equal-parts of all four ingredients, but just a LITTLE bit heavier on the AVG. That means you could use ANY measure you want, and it'd be fine, as long as all four items were the same-amount and you added just a little more AVG. If it's not runny-enough (which MAY come in handy for getting it into the bottle, but may be a problem when it comes to getting it to stay in your pits and kinda DRY there) then more AVG would probably help with the runniness. So would warming it (to get the coconut oil to melt. The stuff melts at around 65 degrees, so you don't have to get it very warm to make it liquid)

[Isabella]

I use Just Veggin from MMU. Works for me and I sweat modaretly. unfortunately the owner is on maternity leave at the moment. The thing I like about them (other than the fact they are deos rather than antiperspirents) is that I can order them to match my perfumes.