Baking soda is found in many homemade antiperspirant deodorant recipes. Indeed, it is well known for neutralizing bad odors and it is alkaline, which helps fight the bacteria causing these same unpleasant odors. No more need for conventional aluminum salts! However, over time, this natural ingredient can cause irritation and redness or make sensitive armpits itchy. And without baking soda, it can be complicated to find a very effective recipe for homemade deodorant. Well… they say it’s complicated, but fortunately, it’s not impossible! Here are 3 recipes for natural deodorant without sodium bicarbonate to combat perspiration without sacrificing the comfort of your underarms.
1) The liquid milk of magnesia recipe
Milk of magnesia or magnesium hydroxide can be purchased in pharmacy. Ideal for sensitive skin, it helps combat excessive sweating all over the body. And if it is very commonly used against sweaty feet or on sweaty hands, it can also be used on the armpits! In addition, it is very simple to use: just pour it into a 50 ml spray bottle. Optional: You can add ten drops of essential oil to start, then more later if it seems necessary to you. All you have to do is spray it on your armpits and let it dry. On the other hand, the product can sometimes clog the spray a little if it is not used regularly. If this happens, pass the nozzle to spray under hot water.
2) Bicarbonate-free deodorant with essential oils
For the following recipes, replace the bicarbonate in deodorants with zinc oxide. This mild natural astringent is antibacterial. It therefore helps fight against the bacteria responsible for bad body odor. On the other hand, you have to dose this product carefully. In too large a quantity, it can leave some white marks! White clay is rich in silica and magnesium. This gives it soothing properties in addition to its powerful absorbent properties.
The ingredients
-30 ml of beeswax (or 15 ml of sunflower wax)
-30 ml of shea butter
-60 ml of coconut oil
-45 ml of arrowroot starch
-30 ml of white clay or bentonite
-30 ml of zinc oxide
-24 drops of essential oil(s)
Optional: 10 ml of arrowroot (to better absorb moisture and give a “dryer” deodorant).
The steps:
1) Melt your wax, butter and coconut oil in a bain-marie. Stir regularly as it melts.
2) Next, incorporate your powders previously sifted. Use an electric whisk or mixer.
3) Then let sit for a few minutes so that the mixture can thicken a little and cool before adding the essential oils.
4) Finally, after mixing well, transfer everything into an airtight jar or a tube of deodorant. All that remains is to let it harden at room temperature. To apply with the finger and well let dry before getting dressed !
Which essential oil for my bicarbonate-free deodorant?
L’palmarosa essential oil and clary sage essential oil are often recommended to regulate sweat and therefore bad odor. Sage is, however, prohibited in cases of hormone-dependent cancer (breast cancer, etc.). L’tea tree essential oil (tea tree), very antibacterial, is also ideal against odors. Otherwise, you can also use peppermint or rose geranium essential oil to control sweats. And for the good smell, use essential oil of lavender, patchouli, balsam fir… Use alone or in combination, respecting the recommended doses!
The deodorant recipe without baking soda or essential oil
Like bicarbonate, essential oils can be irritating. They can also promote allergies and are sometimes less ecological. When your armpits are very sensitive, it is better to avoid them! Fortunately, they are easily replaced by a natural fragrance.
The ingredients:
-25 g coconut oil
-10 g cornstarch
-10 g of white kaolin or bentonite clay
-3 g of zinc oxide
-0.5 g of beeswax
-Optional: 0.5 g of natural fragrance of your choice
The steps:
1) First, melt the wax and oil in a bain-marie, stirring often. If you plan to use a stick of deodorant as a container, add a little more wax to have a more solid texture.
2) Remove from the heat, incorporate the sifted powders until the texture is homogeneous. Using a whisk or mixer can help reduce lumps.
3) Finally, add your fragrance, transfer to a jar and let your mixture thicken. You get a thick paste to take with the fingers, massage under the armpits and let dry.