Article by Ey@el

Original en français

Six years ago, I posted my first homemade cosmetic recipes on the French blog. Included was a deodorant talcum powder which I quickly abandoned because it wasn't convenient to use. I then switched to a very efficient cream deodorant made with coconut oil, arrow root and baking soda with beeswax to use it a stick deodorant. After years of satisfied use, I eventually dropped it because it still had too many drawbacks (baking soda didn't dissolve properly resulting in over-concentration in places and was irritating my skin; during the summer, you had to keep it refrigerated to prevent melting; it was difficult to apply when reaching the end of the container; and it was such a pain in the neck to clean the container to make some more). I also tried a baking soda-free gel deodorant made with aloe vera before stumbling upon a French online shop of homemade natural cosmetics and was thrilled at their idea of using a roll-on to apply a deodorant powder — why didn't I think of that?

So I used the list of ingredients of their product as a basis to create mine with some additions and I find it very convenient to use all year, ultra quick to make, virtually unlimited storage life (kept in a dry place) and easy to recycle. Also, it is perfectly suitable for adults and children alike even with the most sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Makes 40 g:

- 15 g white clay
- 12,5 g arrow root powder
- 10 g baking soda
- 2,5 g orris root powder
- 6 drops lavandin super oil (optional)

Properties

Orris root (also called “violet root” because of its most sought-after fragrance by perfumers) protects the sensitive skin of your armpits while relieving irritation and preserving its elasticity. White clay absorbs excess moisture whereas arrow root retains the powder on your skin rather than on your clothes. Finally, baking soda eliminates the bacteria responsible for unpleasant body odours.

Instructions

All you need to do is whisk all powders in a glass or ceramic bowl, then add the essential oil and stir well with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a recycled roll-on container. If you don't have any, you may find one in specialised shops online. Otherwise, an old recycled baby powder container or a compact will do. You may also apply with a powder brush, but it won't be as convenient as a roll-on.

NOTE: You may skip the essential oil or substitute the lavandin super (hybrid lavender) for another oil, but make sure you get all the information you need about its properties and uses as some oils (such as cinnamon or oregano for instance) can be highly dermocaustic or photosensitising (all citrus oils are). Some safe options are palmarosa, tea-tree, sage, geranium, sandalwood, vetiver. Some (such as vetiver) have a very strong fragrance, so you may want to reduce dosage and test by adding one drop at a time.

It should also be said that this deodorant won't block perspiration which is essential to the elimination of toxins, but will regulate it and prevent bad odours. Therefore, if you had previously been using an astringent deodorant to tighten your skin pores, expect a fortnight period for your body to adapt. You may also use it on your hands and feet if you sweat a lot.

Whack! Bad smells off!

Ey@el