Sweating and axillary malodor are often linked, so to combat these problems we usually resort to the use of antiperspirants or deodorants.
Fortunately today there are many options on the market to combat odor and underarm sweating: From stick deodorants, lotions and sprays, among others, however, many of these products contain undesirable chemicals which are bad for our health.
Natural Options
Sweating is a natural process, however, the odor that occurs due to the action of bacteria can be quite unpleasant.
To combat the odor, we can use deodorant that inhibits the growth of bacteria and also helps to eliminate odor. On the other hand, there are antiperspirants whose function is to avoid sweating altogether and consequently odor.
There are some natural deodorant options, such as Alum stone, lemon juice and baking soda, among others.
Homemade deodorant recipes
The advantage of homemade deodorant is that besides being free of chemical agents, we can be completely aware of the ingredients included.
Baking Soda deodorant
The following recipe is very simple and can be customised to your own personal taste.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
Preparation:
1. Place the baking soda with cornstarch together with lavender essential oil in a glass container, mixing well. Cover and store in a cool, dry place.
2. It is recommended to use this deodorant after bathing, applying by patting on with your hands. Try to avoiding carving motions with your hands.
Deodorant with Witch Hazel and Rosemary
This is a mixture that functions as a liquid deodorant and whose aroma is citric and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 20 milliliters alcohol
- 100 milliliters of water
- 2 handfuls of rosemary leaves
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- 5 drops of oregano or eucalyptus essential oil
Preparation:
1. Put water on to boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the rosemary leaves, leave them to boil for a few minutes, remove from heat and cover. Let stand for about 5 minutes.
2. Once cool, add the remaining ingredients, mix well and drain out the large leaves and collecting the liquid. Store in a glass bottle.
3. To apply, spread onto clean armpits using your fingers.
Coconut oil and baking soda deodorant
If you would prefer to use a natural deodorant bar, the following recipe will be helpful.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
Preparation:
1. Put all ingredients in a saucepan and mix. Put the pan over a low heat and continue mixing until the oil is melted and ingredients are blended. Once the oil has turned to a liquid form, remove from the heat while continuously mixing.
2. Once the mixture is homogeneous, pour into an empty container or mold to form the deodorant stick and place it under refrigeration for at least 12 hours before use. This deodorant should be kept in the refrigerator for preservation.
Clay and bicarbonate Deodorant
This is a deodorant cream which is easy to make and use.
Ingredients:
- 50 milliliters of coconut oil
- 50 grams of bicarbonate soda
- 50 grams of white clay
- 8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Preparation:
1. Place the coconut oil in a bain-marie, stirring until melted without heating excessively, then remove from heat.
2. Empty the melted coconut oil into a bowl and add the clay and bicarbonate soda, mixing well.
3. Once you have obtained a homogeneous mixture, add the essential oil and put in a glass container.
4. For use, apply a little cream in the underarm area.
Mineral deodorant
While it does not require preparation, alum stone-based deodorant is long lasting and completely natural.
Material:
- 1 alum stone similar to a bar
- Glue
- 1 empty deodorant stick container
Preparation:
1. Stick the alum stone at the base of the empty container with glue, apply pressure against the stone's base for at least 3 minutes. Let stand for two to three hours before using.
2. Use the same way as any deodorant stick.
Orange Deodorant
Citrus can help to fight the growth of bacteria and body odor, however, there is a slight drawback to using it: Vitamin C reacts with sunlight and can temporarily stain the skin, so this should be taken into account when using this deodorant.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of water
- The fresh peel of 3 oranges
- The fresh peel of 3 lemons
- 1 cup of sea salt
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
Preparation:
1. In a pot, boil water along with the peels and chopped citrus fruits.
2. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes before straining it.
3. Once cool, add the salt and baking soda, mixing well. Pour into a glass container and reserve.
4. Sprinkle a little on your armpits after bathing. Use sparingly.
