To tackle the issue of body odor, one can use a number of commercially available deodorants. However, these over the counter products are not found to be suitable for everyone. The presence of aluminum and other synthetic ingredients in the commercial deodorants are seen to cause skin irritations in many people.
If you are one of those who suffer from this unwanted side effect of commercially available deodorants, then it is recommended that you change your product of use as soon as possible. Instead of using over the counter products, you can very well try your hand at natural deodorants.
These deodorants, which are very effective in action, do not pose any threat of unwanted side effects. Do read on to know more about some easy methods by which you can make your own natural deodorant.
Tips To Make Your Own Natural Deodorant
The Baking Soda Deodorant
One of the easiest ways to make a natural deodorant is by using baking soda. For making the deodorant, you will have to mix baking soda with water, so as to form a smooth paste. This paste is to be applied on your underarms as soon as it is prepared. To make the deodorant a fragrant one, you can add to it one to two drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender oil is the recommended choice of essential oil, owing to its anti bacterial properties and its gentle action on the skin.
To eliminate body odor, you can also use a powder deodorant, which is made by mixing together baking soda and cornstarch. While the action of baking soda eliminates the odor causing bacteria, cornstarch acts as an anti perspirant, thereby controlling excessive sweating. In order to avoid skin irritations, it is advised that you use only a very little amount of baking soda for making the deodorant.
The Cocoa Butter Deodorant
In order to make a skin nourishing deodorant, one can make use of cocoa butter. To prepare this deodorant, you should first heat together 1 cup each of cocoa butter and beeswax in a double boiler, for 5 minutes. Remove the melted mixture from the heat and to it add 10 drops of lemon essence and 1 tablespoon each of rose water and glycerin. Stir the mixture well and set it aside to cool down.
While rose water and essential oils in the deodorant will help in tackling body odor, the action of cocoa butter will help in keeping your skin nourished and moisturized. The deodorant prepared by the above said method will have a creamy texture and you should store it in an airtight glass jar, for future use.
The Aloe Vera Deodorant
Using a deodorant made out of Aloe vera will not only help in getting rid of body odor, but will also help in giving your skin a cool and refreshed feel. To prepare the deodorant, you should mix together 3 tablespoons of Aloe vera juice with half a cup of witch hazel extract.
To this mixture add 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil and stir well. The addition of grape fruit essential oil to the deodorant will enhance the anti- bacterial action of Aloe vera juice. Witch hazel on the other hand, acts as an effective astringent, thereby bringing about complete toning of the skin.
The liquid deodorant thus prepared can be stored in a spray bottle for further use. The deodorant is to be shaken well before use and should be sprayed directly over your underarms.