Make Your Own Deodorant: A Crafty Eco Chick Reader Shows Us How!
Ashley Goode, an Eco Chick reader, recently entered our People Towels giveaway contest. In her comments, she also left the following info on how to make your own deodorant (which I have done a few times too). I loved her comments so much I wanted to share her information with the rest of you!
Why does she make her own? “Store bought deodorants come in many fun shapes, sizes and scents but are toxic due to the aluminum zirconium (which studies indicate contribute to Alzheimer’s and DNA mutation). When I learned this I decided to make my own safe deodorant, but it HAD to be made from recyclables and 100% biodegradable after the fact,” says Ashley.
DIY Deordorant:
– I use the cardboard from the toilet paper rolls as my ‘stick’
– Heat up 1/4 cup each of coconut oil, baking soda and cornstarch in a pot (coconut oil is a solid at room temperature)
-You may personalize your deodorant by adding a few drops of an essential oil into the mixture. I prefer sandalwood (though rose is nice too).
Once the ingredients are melted together, I place the cardboard roll vertically on a plate, and pour a small part of the mixture in. Allow it to solidify and then add the rest. You may leave it out to solidify, as long as the air temperature does not exceed 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees F).
Once solidified, all you have to do is peel away the cardboard as you use the deodorant, and those cardboard pieces can be put into your compost pile!
You can follow Ashley on Twitter: @OneGreenGoode
Starre Vartan
Starre Vartan is founder and editor-in-chief of Eco-Chick.com and the author of the Eco-Chick Guide to Life. She's also a freelance science and environment writer who has published in National Geographic, CNN, Scientific American, Mental Floss, Pacific Standard, the NRDC, and many more. She lives on an island in Puget Sound with her partner and black cat. She was a geologist in her first career, and still picks up rocks wherever she goes.
