The Herbal Deodorant test turned out to be slightly gummy. The balm unmolded slightly soft, as evidenced by the bit that was left behind.
Using the deodorant takes some getting used to. It’s a lotion bar so requires some melting before the product will actually adhere to the armpit. Since I was cheap (I mean, frugal) and did not use a lotion bar/deodorant tube, I have to apply the deodorant via hand. It’s messy and requires hand-washing afterwards. Note to self: next time, spring for the $1.50 for the deodorant tube.
For the entire test week, my armpits feel slimy. It actually feels like I am sweating even though I am perfectly dry. This is not a position of confidence. To add insult to clammy injury, I smell a bit. It’s not a bad smell thanks to the ylang ylang. But, it’s a smell, an unmistakable odor of “not just showeredclean.”
I wore the homemade deodorant for six days and showered twice a day out of paranoia. The last two days at Richmond PR, I wasn’t entirely certain my homemade science project would hold up so (head hanging low) um…. I resorted to using traditional antiperspirant. I feel like a traitor.
But (whiny voice), I just didn’t want to smell either.
I’ll be back to the drawing board, with more anti-bacterial essential oils and more smell maskers. I am confident that there is an option for making handmade deodorant that doesn’t involve ingredients slightly linked to horrible, life-threatening illnesses.
Hi,
I made a great deodorant and no stinkies at all. Plus it’s good and natural to sweat. If I am going to a fancy event, then I will use a commercial store bought anti perspirant.
But this deodorant is great for daily use. Plus I found that commercial ones eventually don’t work and you end up getting stinky then have to switch brands. So I LOVE this one.
It’s my own recipe and I use a little beeswax, shea and coconut oil, baking soda, a little witch hazel, lavender eo (anti bacterial and works very well but you have to find the exact amount yu will need for your own body), sweet orange, just a touch of both tea tree and rosemary because they are just medicinal smelling (so 1 or 2 drops each).
Pour into into an old deodorant push up and let harden over night. Works great!
During hot weather 76 F and hotter, tho, the coconut oil will melt so you might consider using all shea which has a higher melt point.
Use a little more beeswax (not too much) that you would use for a lip balm and the came ratios for oil that are on this blog. You will have to conpensate tho for the baking soad and witch hazel;.
Thanks so much for the tip, Ruby! We are always looking to make our recipes even better. 🙂
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Keep up the good work! Just don’t go back to the aluminum stuff its been linked to breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease.
I hope you’re successful! I’d love to find something without the aluminum that doesn’t make me feel like I have gummy underarms. LOL I have given up on the brands I can get locally and it never occurred to me to make my own…
Christy – Thanks for admitting you keep going back to the “hard stuff” too. I had a weekend conference to attend with a bunch of executives and I brought my Aluminum based deodorant to the conference so I’m totally off the all natural wagon.
I’m going to try it again this week since the worst that will happen is that I’ll just gross out all the BB employees and my hubby.
I am going to go back to the drawing board and do a higher usage rate and more sodium bicarb in the next batch.
SingingWolf has an interesting idea about trying more cocoa butter rather than cheaping out with just the olive oil and beeswax. I’ll try that as well.
Anne-Marie
In order to avoid the “slimy” feeling, and the gummy bar, do you think using cocoa butter instead of the olive oil (or part of the olive oil) might help?
This is something that is now on my “R&D” list for next year…
Anne~Marie-Thanks for sharing your trial with homemade deodorant…it opens the door to how we should think/use commerical deodorant.
I’ve tried many different brands of natural deodorant from our local healthfood store and they have ALL left me sticky feeling. I always end up going back to the Suave or Secret. *sigh*
Wow! What a brave soul. I too have considered using something more natural, but I was afraid of the “not showered clean” feeling too. Good luck in your search! I am enjoying reading about your crafty adventures!!