DIY Healthy Deodorant

FINALLY A HEALTHY DEODORANT THAT WORKS!!!

• No Artificial Fragrances
• Paraben-Free
• No Aluminum to clog your pores
• No GMO

We've all heard the dangers of harmful chemicals finding their way into consumer products, including cosmetics, deodorants, and antiperspirants. The following is a list of the top five chemicals to avoid in antiperspirants and deodorants. 

Aluminum 

The average antiperspirant contains aluminum which is a metal used to clog your pores thus eliminating sweat from escaping. Studies have shown that aluminum is linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.  You might think you are safe by switching to deodorants, but commercially sold deodorants still have other harmful ingredients. 

Parabens

Parabens are chemicals used to preserve products and are found in an alarming amount of cosmetics, sunscreens, lotions, deodorants, pharmaceuticals, as well as foods and beverages. Often more than one paraben is used in a single product. They are known as: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben. The CDC performed a test on 2,548 individuals during 2005-06, and found paraben chemicals in the urine of most of the people tested. Females had significantly higher concentrations of methylparaben and propylparabens than males. This can probably be attributed to the amount of make up, lotions, and perfumes they consume. Why is this bad? It's bad because parabens have been linked to disturbances of our delicate hormonal balances. This can be seen in young girls beginning puberty much earlier than young girls in the past. There is also concern that parabens can increase the risk of hormonal cancers, birth defects, and organ toxicity. 

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is a petroleum based, odorless, and colorless liquid used in many deodorants and antiperspirants to provide a smoother consistency for ease of application. Research has shown that large quantities can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, and heart. But consumer safety advocates are now questioning their use in small quantities as well. Since Propylene glycol is also used in shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and even foods, we are getting this exposure from various sources. 

Here are some of the foods and drinks that Propylene Glyco is present in:

• Ice cream - to prevent ice crystals and to maintain a creamy texture
• Artificial sweetener Sorbitol - as a preservative
• Icings - as an emulsifier
• Soft drinks - to preserve flavor

Phthalates 

This chemical is used in cosmetics, synthetic fragrances, body care products, and plastics. They serve to create an improved consistency. This chemical has also been linked to disruptions of hormones and an increase in the likelihood of cell mutation. 

Triclosan

Triclosan is used in deodorants, hand wipes, anti-bacterial soaps, dish-washing detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shoe insoles, and mattresses. It is used mainly for it's anti-bacterial properties as well as a deodorizing agent. Triclosan may disrupt thyroid function and has been linked to liver and inhalation toxicity.

Sources:
http://www.naturalnews.com/033364_deodorants_chemical_ingredients.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_6962663_foods-drinks-propylene-glycol.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/followup-antiperspirants-and-cancer/
http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-triclosan

In Summary

I know it can be overwhelming trying to avoid the massive list of dos and don'ts of a healthy conscience lifestyle these days, but every decision you make in choosing something healthier brings you one step closer to better health.  

That said, here is the deodorant recipe that works the best for me and keeps the best consistency even in warmer temperatures of your house. 

DIY Organic Coconut Deodorant

(Makes One 2.5 oz Container)

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 Tsp Organic Coconut Oil
• 5 Tsp Organic Bees wax   Pastilles
• 5 Tsp Almond Oil  
• 1/4 Tsp Baking Soda
• 2 Tsp Organic Arrow Root  or Organic Cornstarch
• 2  Vitamin E Softgels
• 5 Drops of Organic Lavender Essential Oil 
• 5 Drops of Organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil 
• 2 Drops of Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil (optional)
• Deodorant Container 2.5 oz  (1/3 Cup)

* *ARMPIT ALERT* *
Many people have discovered (myself included) that homemade deodorants eventually cause your armpits to get irritated and red. After reading this article from a fellow blogger, Lisa Lise, I reduced my baking soda dramatically and now I have the perfect combination. Still fights odor too!

Another pitfall of having your baking soda ratio too high is that you can't smell your essential oils, thus it is a waste of time and money to add them.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat coconut oil, beeswax, and almond oil in a double boiler until melted
   
2. Whisk in baking soda & arrow root or corn starch until creamy
   
3. Remove from heat 
4. Add contents of vitamin E capsules by puncturing with pin and squeezing into mixture
5. Add essential oils (add less or more depending on your preference)
6. Pour into deodorant container and allow to sit until fully set. (I sometimes speed this up by placing it in the refrigerator or freezer).
   
7. Add your own labels  

Notes:  This is the recipe that finally has the right smooth consistency and doesn't melt in warmer room temperatures.  I've also decreased the amount of baking soda because continued use with higher levels of baking soda can cause underarm irritation and redness. This article, by Lisa Lise, really helped me understand this better.