Vegan, zero waste, deodorant powder that smells incredible and does not leave oily stains really does exist!
If you want, you can skip to the end of this post where I provide the instructions and the amazing source for this deodorant, but keep reading if you want to learn more about my transition! Believe me, switching to a natural deodorant can be quite the journey!
Four years ago this summer, I decided to stop using store-bought stick or spray deodorant.
When I was younger and first began to use deodorant, I constantly had allergic reactions in my arm pits from the deodorants I tried to use. Then, when I found a brand that did not cause allergic reactions like an obvious rash, I was still settling for a deodorant that caused my arm pits to be darker, almost like that one spot on my body was tan. People would ask me why under my arms was darker, so I knew that the way my arm pits looked was unusual.
It was embarrassing, but I thought I was supposed to be wearing deodorant so I eventually got used to not thinking about it. However, as a dancer training hours per day, I was constantly reminded and embarrassed when I caught a glimpse of my reflection with arms raised in the mirror.
Interestingly enough, I do not sweat very much at all. Why was I convinced that I had to wear deodorant?
Four years ago, I realized that there was not anything or anyone that required me to wear deodorant, and I stopped wearing it! I did not try to find an all-natural version or substitute, I simply stopped wearing any deodorant at all, and that was one of the best things I have ever done.
Yet, even though I immediately felt better not using deodorant anymore, I did go through an initial detox period. The majority of all conventional deodorants use aluminum to make the deodorants an antiperspirant, and the pores under my arms had to release all the toxins that I had been putting under my arms for years. It was a bit like having acne in my arm pits, but the more the acne formed and healed, the more the discoloration went away from under my arms!
Why do I use a deodorant powder now?
During Mississippi summers, the weather is sticky, hot, and humid, and when I work out or garden, it is nice to not have the stickiness under my arms. However, I do not use this powder every day, and I do not use this powder as a antiperspirant, I still sweat a little bit, this body powder simply keeps me drier and smelling better when I am hot.
Which recipe for deodorant do I use?
I found the recipe for the deodorant I use in a book called “Organic Body Care Recipes” by Stephanie Tourles, and it is actually the first homemade deodorant powder that I tried. I immediately loved this powder because it is really a body powder, which means that this powder can be used as a foot powder, baby powder, and underarm powder! I love this recipe because it uses real, dried thyme and rosemary essential oil and thyme essential oil. The crisp, woody, and herb-y smell is strong yet subtle, and it is perfect for both men and women to use– my husband loves this powder as well!
I have attached the recipe below and here is a link to Stephanie Tourles’ blog, www.stephanietourles.com!
I would love to see your thoughts on this post, so please comment or ask any questions! In addition, if you were inspired to put a picture on Instagram because of this post, tag me at #shalomhomestead!
Best wishes and shalom, friends!
- 1¾ cups arrowroot powder
- ¾ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup thyme, powdered
- ¼ cup white clay
- 100 drops rosemary essential oil
- 50 drops thyme essential oil
- In a small spice or coffee grinder, pulse the thyme until it forms a powder.
- Then, add all ingredients except essential oils into a large bowl and whisk carefully to fully combine, do not whisk too quickly or the powder will form a cloud.
- Next, in a small bowl, scoop out about ¼ cup of the powder mix and add it to the small bowl.
- Add the essential oils ten drops at a time to the small bowl of powder in order to evenly distribute the essential oils.
- Once the small bowl of powder and essential oils is mixed together, add the small bowl of powder back to the large bowl and mix well.
- Carefully scoop the powder into a storage container(s) like small jars.
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