Cruelty-free deodorant is just one way you can make sure no animal was harmed in the manufacturing of your personal care products. Sadly, we’re often unaware that most commercial or conventional personal hygiene products, like deodorant, are not cruelty-free, in addition to being laden with synthetic chemicals. That’s why we’ve hunted the easiest and low-cost formula for a vegan deodorant that works. Help yourself with this vegan deodorant recipe that you can DIY!
How To Make A Homemade Cruelty-Free Deodorant
Why Make Your Own Vegan Deodorant?
Before we get to mixing our homemade deodorant, here’s a fact that we must take to heart: traditional deodorant isn’t good at all. Chemicals found in most deodorants are dangerous, both to us and the environment. This is why we make the effort to concoct our own cruelty-free skincare and hygienic products.
It may not be as convenient as picking up a stick or two from the grocery store, but you might be surprised how fun and fulfilling it is to make your own cruelty-free deodorant.
It isn’t a question whether conventional deodorant is bad–it is harmful. Just check the ingredients:
While triclosan is commonly used in personal hygiene products, it is now classified as CEC (a contaminant of emerging concern). It means, it is being investigated for possible public health risk.
Although talc is also widely used in many industries, it came under fire for possible health risks. Talc is being studied for its possible contribution to pulmonary issues, such as lung and ovarian cancer.
Releasing propylene glycol into the water can inhibit the growth of its inhabitants. The substance apparently uses up oxygen in the water, a much-needed element in the survival of sea life. It is also considered a neurotoxin, which can cause damage to the liver and kidney.
Silica is known to irritate the skin and is a possible carcinogen. Inhaling silica dust can possibly lead to lung cancer.
You’ve heard the saying, “better out than in?” Aluminum is used in deodorant to temporarily plug the sweat ducts. What is more concerning about it is that excessive exposure to aluminum compounds can promote cancerous cell growth.
While the possible health risks of parabens (ethyl, propyl, benzyl, methyl, and butyl) are under debate, its environmental risk is present and clear.
A Closer Look At The Natural Ingredients
Do you know that our sweat is odorless? The bad odor comes when the sweat mixes with bacteria. Nature is abundant in ingredients that help fight bad bacteria and inhibit its spread.
Tea Tree Oil
It’s not surprising tea tree oil is valued as an all-around disinfecting agent. Whether it’s virus, fungi, or bacteria, tea tree oil is your ultimate germ-buster. Keeping a bottle in your first-aid and medicinal stash is a good idea. Tea tree oil will help fight bacteria in areas where it can spread fast (like your armpits).
Baking Soda
It’s no secret, baking soda is more than just for baking. Its many uses, around the home, are amazing. Generally, baking soda neutralizes odor where it is applied. It also helps inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria.
Coconut Oil
Tea tree oil can be a strong ingredient; so you need a carrier oil to tone it down a bit. Coconut oil has a pleasant smell, providing a natural aroma to mask the strong tea tree oil scent.
Arrowroot Powder
To act as a base for our deodorant, we use arrowroot powder in place of talcum. You can use cornstarch, but arrowroot powder is preferred as it’s non-GMO. Arrowroot powder has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Reminder!
While these ingredients are natural, you may be allergic to any one of them. If you are using these ingredients for the first time, try to test the product for possible reactions. Make sure to test everyone in the household. You can apply a small amount of an ingredient directly on your skin. It usually takes 48 hours to determine allergic reactions.
Cruelty-Free Deodorant Recipe
Here we are, at last, with our easy DIY cruelty-free deodorant recipe!
Ingredients:
- 10 to 20 drops Tea Tree Oil
- 3 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 3 Tbsp. Baking Soda
- 3 Tbsp. Arrowroot Powder
Instructions:
Step 1. First, melt the coconut oil if it’s been solidified. You can use a double boiler, or simply place your coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl, over a pan of boiling water.
Step 2. Once coconut oil has melted, remove from the heat. Stir in baking powder and arrowroot powder, then add the tea tree oil.
Step 3. Transfer the mixture to a clean sterilized container.
How to use: Dip your fingers in your homemade deodorant to get a small amount. Spread it in your underarm, in a circular motion, and let it dry. This recipe can last up to two months.
Check out this video from Ela Gale to make a more convenient vegan stick deodorant:
There you have it, green buddies! A cruelty-free deodorant recipe you can easily make on your own, at home, anytime. Now you know better than to spend big bucks on deodorant that may potentially harm you in the long run. You can also check out these cruelty-free skin care products for the ultimate vegan skincare regimen!
Would you care to give this cruelty-free deodorant recipe a try? We’re excited to find out your answers in the comments section below!
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