No, it’s not frosting. It’s homemade deoderant!
I was super excited to share this homemade glass of joy, until right now, when I realized I would have to make a slightly embarrassing confession along with it. But since I’ve already uploaded the picture, I might as well go ahead and tell you…my armpits get sweaty really easily, and then they smell really bad. In fact, since college I’ve strictly worn tank tops to avoid sweaty pits, and it took ages to find an antiperspirant that could kept me dry for the majority of the day and not turn sour smelling when I did sweat. There you go…as Chelsea used to say, “We’re friends now.”
Recently I found out that antiperspirants MAY not be good for you. While deodorants neutralize the bacteria on our skin that mixes with our sweat to cause the stench, antiperspirants use aluminum and parabens to clog our pores so we don’t sweat. Some people argue that these latter ingredients may cause cancer or Alzheimer’s, but apparently no studies have proven this true (source, source). However, I don’t completely trust the FDA. And, I am all for the all-natural trend.
PLUS, the gym started requiring that we wear t-shirts (no tanks!) which meant smelly pits for me. I decided something had to be done. (On a side note, why they did not outlaw butt-high shorts as well I simply cannot fathom – I think it’s much more unattractive and unhygienic).
So I looked up a recipe to make home-made natural deodorant, and it’s amazing! I smell like coconut all day, and my pits don’t get raunchy unless I get super duper sweaty. I can wear t-shirts and long sleeve shirts again! I don’t have to apply it more than once a day! The trick is, use baking soda, which neutralizes the bacteria. And coconut oil, which smells delicious
This is the recipe:
- 1 part extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part cornstarch
- if it makes your underarms sting, add more coconut oil and cornstarch
- you can even add some essential oils for nice smellies if you like
Unfortunately I couldn’t re-find the websites to respectfully cite my sources, so my thanks goes out into the wonderful world of internet research as a whole. I am a new woman!
I’ve been thinking about making my own for the same reasons you posted! Now that Ramona is near my armpits frequently (not that I stick her in there, but you know she gets nearby when being carried, nursed…), I have been using Toms (not the shoes) brand but would love to make my own. And now that I know yours works, I’ll be set! thanks for sharing!
You are SO smart and resourceful!! Baking soda really DOES have 1001 uses, huh? WOW.
Why did your gym outlaw tank tops??? Thanks for the deodorant reminder – must make since I have all the ingredients on hand.
I am not sure! I think it’s something about having your whole back covered when you use the workout and weights equipment.