DIY Deodorant & Antiperspirant (Aluminum Free)

Many people are worried over the aluminum based active ingredient  in antiperspirants. This aluminum-based compound in question temporarily plugs the sweat ducts and prevents you from perspiring. Recent studies have theorized that aluminum-based antiperspirants may increase the risk for breast cancer. Yikes. According to these studies, most breast cancers develop in the upper outer part of the breast -- the area closest to the armpit, which is where antiperspirants are applied. The studies suggest that chemicals in antiperspirants, including aluminum, are absorbed into the skin, particularly when the skin is nicked during shaving. These studies claim that those chemicals may then interact with DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells, or interfere with the action of the female hormone estrogen, which is known to influence the growth of breast cancer cells.

Considering that one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime, the idea that antiperspirants might somehow contribute to the disease is a pretty serious claim. Yet experts say the claims don't hold up to scrutiny. "There is no convincing evidence that antiperspirant or deodorant use increases cancer risk," Ted S. Gansler, MD, MBA, director of medical content for the American Cancer Society, said in an e-mail interview.

Gansler says many of the studies that have been conducted were flawed, and even though a few detected chemicals from antiperspirants in breast tissue, they didn't prove that those chemicals had any effect on breast cancer risk. In fact, one well-designed study comparing hundreds of breast cancer survivors with healthy women, as well as a review of all available studies on the subject, found no evidence that antiperspirants increase the risk of breast cancer. Worrying about antiperspirants shouldn't distract women from addressing the real breast cancer risks, Gansler says, especially the ones they can control, like eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and limiting alcohol.


Back in the 1960's, a few studies found high levels of aluminum in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The research suddenly called into question the safety of everyday household items such as aluminum cans, antacids, and antiperspirants. But the findings of these early studies weren't replicated in later research, and experts have essentially ruled out aluminum as a possible cause of Alzheimer's.


"There was a lot of research that looked at the link between Alzheimer's and aluminum, and there hasn't been any definitive evidence to suggest there is a link," says Heather M. Snyder, PhD, senior associate director of medical and scientific relations for the Alzheimer's Association. According to the experts interviewed for this story, the aluminum in antiperspirants doesn't even typically make its way into the body.Now If you're like me then you'd agree that ingredients like aluminum have absolutely no place in your body and we all know that many studies are made and used to feed the general public sweet lies and assurances about products and ingredients that do our bodies more harm than good. If you're worried about the aluminum in your deodorant and would like to make your own, here is a recipe that I've personally made and used. I can vouch for the effectiveness of this homemade deodorant. Here's what you'll need:  

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Coconut oil
1 1/2 Tablespoons beeswax pellets
1/2 cup Baking Soda
1/2 cup Cornstarch
10 drops each of Lavender, Lemon and Frankincense Essential Oils



If you don’t have essential oils on hand, don’t fret. This will work just fine without the oils. The oils are an added bonus but I'd really recommend that you try to add at the Lavender Oil. It adds a really great smell plus you can use lavender oil for many other uses. I love to use it on my hair.

Directions:

Add the coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to a small saucepan. Slowly melt over VERY low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add baking soda, and corn starch. Mix with a spoon until smooth and creamy in consistency, then add the essential oils and pour into your containers. Let stand to cool and solidify.


I was very pleased at how well this turned out. It has a great consistency and smells divine. But most importantly, after wearing it for a full day, it was every bit as effective as any commercial brand I have purchased.

If you prefer a spray instead of the usual stick then here's a recipe for you.

HOMEMADE SPRAY-ON DEODORANT

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Witch Hazel
1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel (or juice)
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
10 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil (one of the most effective deodorant essential oils that has a crisp, refreshing scent!)

Directions:

Add witch hazel, aloe vera, baking soda and your favorite essential oils to a small spray bottle and shake well before each use. Spray on underarms. If you don’t like the “wet” feel of it…you can stand in front of a fan for a few seconds to help it dry…or you can gently pat it with a dry towel. I didn't do either. I just sprayed it on and went about my day.

(Important Note: Clary Sage Oil should be avoided during pregnancy.)

I also tested this deodorant out on my own armpits and loved it. When I first sprayed it on it felt cool, refreshing and almost tingly. I thought the ‘wetness’ feeling of it might bother me…but after a minute I forgot I even had it on. And after wearing it all day long, no notice of any odor or wetness. Success!

Whether you prefer to rub-in, rub-on, or spray…now you can make your own homemade deodorant that’s safe and effective. 

Good Luck =)

SOURCES

http://www.webmd.com

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com