Recently, I have been attempting to convert all of my cosmetic and hygienic products to homemade versions.  Self-care products have a variety of ingredients that are carcinogenic, polluting, and/or made from fossil fuels.  My most successful endeavor thus far has been homemade deodorant.  I was wary at first, as I made the initial batch during a heat wave, but I actually like it even more than its commercial counterpart.  The recipe is as follows:

¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup corn starch
10 drops essential oil
2-4 tb coconut oil (the kind that is solid at room temperature)

The baking soda deodorizes, the corn starch absorbs moisture, and the coconut oil soothes the skin and gives the stick a proper consistency.  The essential oil is meant to act as an aromatic and an anti-fungal.  I use lavender, but other essential oils with anti-fungal properties include tea tree, myrrh, cedarwood, and lemon eucalyptus. 

Commercial deodorants often contain aluminum compounds, parabens, talc, propylene glycol, and steareth, all of which are considered harmful to human health.  Also, when these ingredients are washed down the drain or thrown into landfills, they accumulate in the earth and harm wildlife.  If you are not yet ready to try making your own, consider a “natural” deodorant from a company like Tom’s of Maine, which contains fewer harmful ingredients.  I strongly advocate taking the leap to homemade, however, as it gives you complete control over the products you come into contact with on a daily basis.