The Best and Greenest Deodorant
A lot of you are probably aware of the harmful toxic chemicals in commercial deodorants and antiperspirants, and the dangers they pose to your health. If you have searched for an effective non-toxic alternative without success, we have an easy and inexpensive solution for you!
The greenest and most effective way we've found to address body odor is a homemade deodorant powder made of equal parts aluminum-free baking soda and organic cornstarch (you can experiment with the ratio of baking soda to cornstarch, although we are giving you the one that has worked best for us). Baking soda is an excellent odor eliminator and cornstarch is smooth and soothing to the skin, helping to keep it dryer by absorbing the perspiration. Over the years, we have tried just about every natural deodorant product on the market and not one of them even comes close to working as well as this simple, homemade powder, which is equally effective for men and women. It is equally effective on underarms and feet.
In addition to being extremely effective, safe and non-toxic, this homemade deodorant powder is much more cost effective than packaged alternatives. And it also has an additional green advantage: it eliminates the need to purchase a product in plastic packaging every few weeks, which decreases post consumer waste (every little bit helps!).
In addition to being extremely effective, safe and non-toxic, this homemade deodorant powder is much more cost effective than packaged alternatives. And it also has an additional green advantage: it eliminates the need to purchase a product in plastic packaging every few weeks, which decreases post consumer waste (every little bit helps!).
Directions: Thoroughly mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl, then transfer to an airtight container of your choice. Apply it straight from your hand on dry or damp-from-the-shower underarms (we find it works better when underarms are damp, but some prefer dry), or with a powder puff or washcloth. Experiment to determine the amount that works for you.
For a container, we like to re-use spice jars that have snap-on/off tops with holes for sprinkling, or plastic cottage cheese or sour cream cartons if using the powder puff or washcloth application method.
NOTE: This powder will transfer to your clothing (it will not harm the cloth) so it is best to apply it at least 30 minutes before dressing in your street clothes. If you don't have time to wait, use a dry washcloth to brush off any excess powder. Then, especially if wearing a darker colored garment, put the garment on carefully so that no part of the right side of it will brush over the underarm area (this can be a little tricky with a pullover, but it is doable). If any of the powder does transfer to your garment, a quick, gentle swipe of the area(s) with a damp washcloth should solve the problem.
For a container, we like to re-use spice jars that have snap-on/off tops with holes for sprinkling, or plastic cottage cheese or sour cream cartons if using the powder puff or washcloth application method.
NOTE: This powder will transfer to your clothing (it will not harm the cloth) so it is best to apply it at least 30 minutes before dressing in your street clothes. If you don't have time to wait, use a dry washcloth to brush off any excess powder. Then, especially if wearing a darker colored garment, put the garment on carefully so that no part of the right side of it will brush over the underarm area (this can be a little tricky with a pullover, but it is doable). If any of the powder does transfer to your garment, a quick, gentle swipe of the area(s) with a damp washcloth should solve the problem.