MINDFUL

If you’re not a DIYer, I’ve included a few store-bought
natural deodorants for men that really work at the
bottom of this post.
Sweat-Absorbing Ingredients
Baking soda has a very high pH at around 9, while
our skin’s protective acid mantle is about 4.5 pH.
This is one reason some people find it causes skin
irritation and redness in a deodorant.
My men’s deodorant recipe uses some baking soda
for its odor-preventing properties, but I’ve added
other ingredients that serve the same purpose but
are gentle on the skin.
Arrowroot powder or cornstarch helps to absorb
underarm moisture and thicken the product gently.
Diatomaceous earth does the same, with added
antimicrobial properties. When sweat hits bacteria
on the skin, it causes odor. Adding antimicrobial
ingredients helps solve that problem.
The science behind aluminum toxicity isn’t precise,
but there’s enough evidence of harm that I avoid
it. Antiperspirant deodorants with aluminum block
pores to reduce sweat. Natural deodorants allow
the body’s natural detoxification processes to work,
which is good for the body.
I’m not a fan of fake fragrances. There are over 3,100
chemicals used in perfumes, and NONE of them are
required to be listed on a product label.
Some essential oils can be safely used in more
significant amounts than others, and some cause
photosensitivity when used above a certain percentage.
Read more about the exact safe rate for
each oil here, but .5-2% is a good rule of thumb. I’ve
narrowed down to my favorite combination in the
recipe below, but feel free to switch up the essential
oils to your preference. Anything from the list above
will work.
My Favorite Deodorant Scent
Here’s a breakdown of the essential oils I used in my
men’s deodorant recipe and why they work so well:
Cypress, an astringent to tighten pores and minimize
but not prevent sweating (because it’s healthy!). It
also helps relieve stress (think stress sweat) and acts
as an antiseptic.Sweet orange anti-fungal, antibacterial,
and doesn’t cause photosensitivity.
Frankincense fights stress and anxiety, which can
help with stress, sweat, and overall mood. And
they also smell great together! This recipe to fill two
deodorant tubes. If your containers are more than
2.5 ounces each, cut back on the coconut oil.
Ingredients
• 1.5 tbsp beeswax, pellets
• 8 drops orange essential oil
• 18 drops essential oil
• 8 drops frankincense necessary oil or fir
needle essential oil (or use your favorite
skin-safe essential oil for the above)
Instructions
1. In a heat-safe glass jar, like a mason jar, add
the beeswax and coconut oil.
2. Place the jar in a pot with several inches of
water in it, and heat over medium-high heat
until melted.
3. Remove the jar from the heat with a hot pad
or towel and allow it to cool for a minute.
Whisk in the essential oils, arrowroot, baking
soda, and diatomaceous earth.
4. This will solidify rather quickly, so immediately
pour the natural deodorant into your containers.
If you prefer to have the deodorant in a
jar, adjust the beeswax, and keep the deodorant
in the pot, you made it in!
Variations
Once you try this recipe, mix it up with other
scent combinations. Here are some ideas of
essential oils that pair well:
• Clove, cinnamon, orange
• Cypress, juniper berry
• Bergamot, cedarwood
• Sandalwood, patchouli
• Sweet orange, patchouli
• Lemon, fir needle
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