So I made some homemade potions today. The first up was the homemade deodorant. It was easy and it smells SO good.
I used this recipe from Angry Chicken. Check out her site for the exact measures of ingredients. It was super easy, and all the ingredients were found from my local health food store. It was easy: just combine the shea butter, the cocoa butter, the baking soda and the corn starch. Melt it in the microwave for about 45 seconds, give it a big stir, then add in the essential oils and vitamin E. Put it in the fridge to set and VOILA!
I had just run out of both regular deodorant (Secret) and my all natural brand (Dr. Toms). I’ve not been happy with the store bought all natural deodorants- they still leave me smelly. And although natural deodorants deodorize you, they aren’t anitperspirants.
The Science behind why regular deodorants are questionable:
There is just so much out there that is inconclusive about the correlation between deodorants and the increased risk of breast cancer. The cosmetic industry will tell you parabens are perfectly safe- which has been disputed by science time and again. Just recently, the American Cancer Society has changed it’s stance on the risk of the combination of underarm shaving and the risk that deodorants pose to developing cancer. Interesting. Read this:
The FDA is aware of concerns that antiperspirant use (in conjunction with underarm shaving) may be associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer. FDA continues to search scientific literature for studies examining this possible adverse drug effect. Unfortunately, there are many publications that discuss the issue, but very few studies in which data has been collected and analyzed. Overall, the studies (containing data) are inconclusive in determining whether antiperspirants, in any way, contribute to the development of breast cancer. FDA hopes that definitive studies exploring breast cancer incidence and antiperspirant use will be conducted in the near future.
So since I REFUSE to stop shaving my underarms, my only other option is to use a safe deodorant in hopes of decreasing any existing relationship between antiperspirants and cancer. I don’t like that there is inconclusive evidence- because IMO, if it’s not proven to NOT harm you, there is a chance it could. I would rather decrease my risks and exposure. All the ingredients are all-natural (truly) so I feel comfortable with all the ingredients touching my skin.
- cocoa butter (fair trade)
- shea butter (100% pure)
- baking soda
- corn starch
- vitamin E oil
- tea tree and lavender essential oils
It’s pretty soft and smooth. You take a little out (with a fingernail), and just rub it on your underarm. Any leftover can just be rubbed into your skin (it IS lotion based after all). The baking soda makes it a little gritty, but not bad at all. Can’t wait to sweat and see if I stay stink-free. The big container should last about 5-6 months- and it cost less than $4. Much cheaper than regular deodorant. The little tin is the leftover I had that wouldn’t fit in the container so I’m giving it to an eco-friendly co-worker. Whether she wants it or not will be a different story. 
And yes, it’s stored in a plastic tub, but I didn’t have any other containers lying around, and I didn’t feel right buying a new container and making more waste. Use what you’ve got. Next time I’m at the thrift store I’ll look for a tiny glass jar to put it in.
My next task was to make homemade lotion. I realized that I did not have the proper ingredients, tho. I needed all of the above, plus some emulsifying wax (the store had beeswax, but not the emulsifying). I shall order some online and make it later this week when it arrives.
I love making things from scratch.
Oh, and look at what I did to my Ibex wool beanie (I *love* wool and I love Ibex apparel). Apparently my head is too big, and it doesn’t cover my ears and I always wound up getting cold ears. 
I cut the back of it, pulled down the extra fabric, then sewed some fleece to the inside to keep my ears toasty warm. I love being creative and using my sewing machine to solve problems!
This beanie fits under my helmet and keeps my head toasty on cold mornings when I’m riding. I bought it from a message board that I frequent for only $10. Score!
Have a great day, everyone!
Pedal On!