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8.06.2009

Going Green Gradually update - deodorant

homemade deodorant

Yesterday I finally did it. I've been thinking about it for so long, knowing I wanted to do it. So overwhelmed with the task of...buying the right ingredients. I made my own deodorant. I am quite pleased with the results. Not too difficult either...shea butter, cocoa butter, and two that I already have on hand - baking soda and corn starch. I had Lavender essential oil but I bought Sweet Orange to add to it. I have leftovers of everything but the cocoa butter which I bought very cheaply in bulk- the exact amount I needed. I originally saw this recipe over at Angry Chicken.

3 Tbs. Shea Butter
3 Tbs. Baking Soda
2 Tbs. Corn Starch
2 Tbs. Cocoa Butter
2 Vitamin E oil gel caps - (which I did not use, but I can see this would probably emulsify it more, although I don't have a problem with just rubbing a little-it warmed up pretty quickly and easily)
lots of essential oil (I used 20 Lavender drops and 10 orange and I can barely smell it. I don't think I can smell the orange at all. Next time I will add a little more. The overwhelming smell though, for me at least, is the cocoa butter, which is heavenly in itself.)

Wore it yesterday, was perfect, didn't get oily, didn't dry out my skin, and best of all, in the middle of August? I didn't have the scent of summer. If you know what I mean. Actually, best of all, I don't have to wonder about some of the unpronounceable ingredients as in my previous deodorant. I wouldn't be surprised if this became part of my handmade Christmas gifts to friends and family (for those who I think might like it). I also realized how easy it would be to make a lip balm or a nice lotion, maybe with just a slight variation of this recipe.

-genny

9 comments:

Nicola said...

awesome, genny!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

You completely and totally amaze me. I am very proud of you. I love reading these updates in your blog!

Michelle said...

You made it!!! This has been on my list for a while now, and I thank you for the reminder. We live in "Tom's of Maine" territory, so that's what I've been using for years, but I'd so much rather make my own!

Thanks for trying it out and especially sharing your experience with it:-)

PS I had a feeling you were a fellow Leo;-)

leaningapplemama said...

wow! what a great idea...i think i may have to give this a shot!! thanks for this...

gennysent said...

Nicola, You are such an inspiration every day, I try to do what I can, but you are also doing so well with all the changes you talk about having made.

Jodi, Thank you so much! So sweet of you. I am inspired by what I read from wonderful women like yourself. I look forward to whatever path you lead me down with each of your posts. They all get me thinking and teach me new and important things. You are a great teacher!

Michelle, Tom's of Maine was my last stop before homemade, that and Weleda, which is the toothpaste Tristan and I now use. It's a children's toothpaste but it tastes great to me. Tom's of Maine still has some questionable things in there. I wish they didn't, but they do. I was really surprised at how easy this was. All it was was melting the cocoa butter and shea butter on the stove and adding the other ingredients. And I guess you could microwave it! So simple...

I think when you told me you were in the acting/directing field and some things you were talking about with that, that is when I got the Leo vibe!!

Pennie - Yes, do try it! It is so easy...and honestly, it is like lotion. I used it on my son's bottom tonight...it is so mild!! :)

kyndale said...

Genny,

This sounds so great and so easy. I have been known in the past to make my own lotions and lip balm.. This may be the nudge I needed to go at it again. It just sounds so luscious. I love the way natural oils smell too. Thank you for the inspiration!

Smiles,
Kyndale

Lisa said...

mmmmm cocoa butter sure is a heavenly smell! great recipe!

Lisa ;)

gardenmama said...

Good for you Genny! There are so many yucky things in so many store bought products, how wonderful to just add the basics!

SE'LAH... said...

discovered your blog from Vchelle at Operation You.

so going to try this recipe. thanks for sharing.

One Love.