This weather! If you’re in the UK, chances are you’ve enjoyed the magnificent heatwave that we’ve all had. We’ve had to work a little harder to keep the gardens green (we’ve installed a water butt and filter system to catch our grey water from the bath and use to water the garden) and our bodies have had to work a little harder too – soap has been a key factor in keeping clean the past few weeks, as has natural deodorant.
I’ve tried store-bought natural deodorants and they are great, but some can be irritating to the skin and making your own means that you get to totally customise your recipe to a unique blend that suits your skin. There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to natural skincare and products, so getting your hands dirty – so to speak – is the best way to find the best product for you.
Onwards! I had an amazing message from one of my customers this week –
I have your tea tree oil soap and it is amazing but a really good use for it is as an antiperspirant. I’ve not used deodorant for a month as I’m trying to live naturally and have been using the soap instead – the tea tree oil is antibacterial – and I’ve not noticed any sweat, even in this heat!!!
That really perked me up and got me thinking about all of the uses for our soap that I’ve collected so far – as soap, of course, as a face wash, as liquid soap (grate a little bit of your favourite soap bar into an old liquid soap dispenser, dissolve it in hot water and use as normal!), as shampoo, as counter cleaner, kitchen cleaner, grease scrubber, window cleaner, laundry detergent, multi-surface cleaner, paint-remover on toddler’s delicate skin for when they’re feeling particularly creative… and now deodrant!
If you’re not so keen on rubbing soap under your pits (although I totally am), here’s my most favourite and most used natural deodrant recipe from the magnificent wellnessmama who has very kindly shared her recipe on her blog – check it out! Her website is an amazing source of excellent DIY recipes for the beginner. I’ve made many variations of her skincare products but the basic recipes are solid starting points for anyone giving DIY a go.
DIY Handmade Natural Deodorant Recipe
- 3 T Coconut Oil
- 3 T Baking Soda
- 2 T Shea Butter
- 2 T Arrowroot (optional) or organic cornstarch
- Essential Oils (optional)
Check out her blog for precise instructions if you’d like to make your own, but here’s my summary: melt the solids (shea butter and coconut oil) in a double boiler or a jar until just melted, add the baking soda, stir until combined and when the oils have cooled a little, add in your essential oils and store in a jar. A drop or two of tea tree oil will be a brilliant addition, or lavender if you’re feeling like you need a floral pick-me-up. Don’t go overboard: less is more when it comes to essential oils and they can be an irritant so go easy. The deodorant pictured here was one made for me as a gift.
Don’t leave your natural deodrant on top of the microwave (I’ve done this) or in the car (I’ve done this) or in your handbag for on-the-go application when it’s super hot outside (I’ve done this) unless you’re ready to come back to a bit of a puddle! If it does happen, just give it a good stir when it’s still liquid and it’ll set back to normal in a few hours.
Get in touch with me on instagram @beanandboy or facebook @beanandboy and let me know how you get on!
