If I could only change one personal care product habit in the world it would be the use of deodorant, specifically antiperspirant. In fact, the more I have learned about our amazing body, the deodorant would actually be my number one recommendation in changing to a healthier lifestyle. Change your deodorant even before you worry about making any changes in what you eat or drink or even how much exercise you get in a day. Yep, it’s that important!
So What’s so wrong with Antiperspirant? Isn’t it better than big sweat rings?
One of the main ingredients in antiperspirant type deodorants is aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride is the substance that blocks your pores from releasing sweat and may also contribute to increased cancer risk.
Aluminum is also widely recognized as a neurotoxin, and Alzheimer’s patients typically have elevated levels of aluminum in their brains. While there are other sources of aluminum, antiperspirants are a major one, as most people use it on a daily basis.
Aluminum salts can account for 25 percent of the volume of some antiperspirants, and in one study reviewing the most common sources of aluminum exposure for humans found that antiperspirant use can significantly increase the amount of aluminum absorbed by your body. According to this study, about 0.12 percent of the aluminum applied under your arms is absorbed with each application. When you multiply that by one or more times a day for a lifetime, it can up to a massive amount of aluminum—a poison that may be more toxic than mercury!
Basic Ingredients
Arrowroot Powder: Native plant South American called arrowroot because it was used as a treatment for poison arrow injuries. It draws out toxins, is absorbent, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Baking Soda: Odor absorber, moisture absorber. Some people can be sensitive to baking soda. Baking soda can cause sensitivity so if you notice irritation or redness discontinue use and replace baking soda measurement with arrowroot powder.
Coconut oil: Anti-bacterial, helps to kill odor-causing bacteria
Optional Ingredients
Jojoba Oil: The jojoba oil is the only oil that closely resembles human sebum – an oily substance naturally produced by the oil glands below the skin surface.
Redmond Clay/Bentonite Clay and Activated Charcoal: Draws out toxins and has a soothing effect on the skin
Essential Oils: My favorite are Tea Tree, Lime, Lemon, Lemongrass, Wild Orange, Bergamot or Lavender
Print RecipeLet’s Make Some Deodorant
Ingredients
¼ cup arrowroot powder
1½ Tbsp. Baking Soda
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1–2 Tbsp. jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, optional
1 Tbsp. Redmond Clay, optional
1/8 tsp. activated charcoal (just open up a capsule, use what you need and save the rest for another batch)
⅛ tsp. essential oils, optional
Favorite essential oils: Tea Tree, Lime, Lemongrass, Wild Orange, Lemon, Bergamot
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl add all ingredients and stir together until thoroughly combined. If a thicker consistency is wanted, stir in 1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder at a time until desired consistency is met. Store in a glass half pint jar.
To apply scoop a pea-sized amount of deodorant out of the jar with your finger. Rub into armpit, repeat for the other side. Reapply as necessary.
Troubleshooting the Detox Period
Conventional deodorant clogs the pores trapping in both toxins and bacteria. When you stop using deodorant the body works to unclog all that junk that has built up over time. Your body will go through a detox period and you may notice the following symptoms:
Super stinky
Super sweaty
Swollen lymph nodes
You can get over the detox period more quickly by drinking more water, avoiding processed foods and foods high in sugar, dry skin brushing, or sweat it out by doing some vigorous exercise or sitting in a sauna.
For more information about changing your personal care products and why it even matters check out these other articles.
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