"I like your spa at home recipes -- I make them with my Aunt once a month when we housesit together. This may be a dumb question, but can you make your own deodorant/antiperspirant at home, too? We were laughing that it's the only body thing have not made on our beauty weekend." -- Emily K.
Emily -- I'm glad we are contributing to a fun way to spend a weekend. Of course you can make your own hygiene care at home -- however, let's distinguish between the two products you mentioned. Antiperspirants and deodorants are not the same thing.
Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents -- such as aluminum salts -- so that they cannot release perspiration. Many natural health care proponents argue against using aluminum because it accumulates in the brain.
Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the perspiration mixed with "body dust" (skin, hair and other bacterial goodies we carry around on ourselves all day), and by antiseptic action against that bacteria. Deodorants are more healthful because they don’t interfere with perspiration, a natural cooling process.
Here are a few simple recipes, which are fun to make because they can customized with your favorite scents. We don't always have to smell "powder fresh" or "sunshine fresh." I prefer ylang ylang, myself. -- Editor
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Baking Soda: Baking soda works wonders because it neutralizes the odor of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse.
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Basic Deodorant Powder: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, a few drops essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon, or try cedar and sage for men. Place the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Sprinkle a light covering of the powder on a damp washcloth. Pat on. Do not rinse.
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Basic Liquid Deoderant:1/4 cup each witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and mineral water, 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin, a few drops antibacterial essential oils such as lavender, or tea tree. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Makes 3/4 cup with an indefinite shelf life.
DRY SKIN CREME
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sesame seed oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
2 tablespoons grated beeswax
3 drops essential oil of grapefruit
2 drops of aroma oil (optional, your choice)
a pinch of borax
Blend the vitamin E oil, beeswax and sesame oil. Heat on low until melted. Combine the water, oils and borax. Heat for a few minutes (until warm) but do not boil. Combine the water mixture with the beeswax mixture. Mix well (at least 2 minutes). For a fluffier cream, use an electric mixer or a blender. Pour the cream into a clean container after it has cooled completely.
*FYI: "Creme" is a commonly used term to describe a creamy substance without dairy additives. For instance, heavy whipping cream uses actual "cream" whereas "Mock Whipped Creme" does not.
MOISTURIZING BODY SCRUB
- 1/2 cup liquid glycerin
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups sugar or salt (white sugar, brown sugar, or table salt)
- 1 teaspoon solid coconut butter or solid coconut oil
- 6 drops of essential oil of your choice, or combine several (not to exceed 6 drops)
Combine glycerin, water, and one cup of sugar or table salt until the salt/sugar has mostly dissolved. Add the remainder of the sugar/salt until you have a rather pasty mixture, at a consistency you prefer. Meanwhile, melt the coconut butter or oil in a small container, in your microwave. MELT, but do not overheat. Stir the melted coconut oil into your sugar mixture, and stir well. Last, add the six drops of essential oils of your choice, stirring to blend. Melt and add more coconut butter or oil to reach your desired consistency. Transfer your mixture to an airtight container or jar, and cool until slightly thickened. Use as an after shower or after bath moisturizing body scrub.
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