Did you know that what you apply under your arms can impact your overall health? Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants often contain aluminium, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances—ingredients linked to hormonal disruptions, clogged sweat glands, and potential absorption into breast tissue. Your underarms are home to lymph nodes that help detoxify the body, but applying chemical-laden products can interfere with this natural process.
Why You Should Switch to Natural, Non-Toxic Deodorant Today
Aluminium compounds, commonly found in antiperspirants, work by blocking sweat glands. While this may keep you dry, it traps toxins in the body and has been associated with breast health concerns. Synthetic fragrances contain hidden chemicals that can trigger skin irritation, allergies, and even disrupt hormones.
Switching to a natural deodorant
Switching to a natural deodorant allows your body to sweat naturally while neutralizing odour, supporting healthy lymphatic drainage, and reducing exposure to harmful toxins. Plus, when you use plant-powered, skin-loving ingredients, you’re not just preventing odour—you’re nourishing and protecting your skin at the same time. Ready to ditch the toxins and stay fresh the natural way? Keep reading for an easy, effective DIY deodorant recipe that actually works.
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Ditch the toxins
I first started making my DIY natural beauty products on SABC3’s Expresso Morning Show in 2011 and 2012, where they crowned me their DIY Cosmetic Chef, Eco Diva. This deodorant recipe is an enhanced, superfood-powered version of the one I originally shared on the show—only now, it’s even more effective, nourishing, and skin-loving.
My RECIPE:
Ingredients:
2 tbsp sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) (neutralizes odour)
2 tbsp cacao butter (moisturizing & antibacterial)
3 tbsp arrowroot powder (absorbs moisture)
2 tbsp coconut oil (antibacterial & antifungal)
10 drops tea tree essential oil (kills odour-causing bacteria)
2 tbsp shea butter (soothes & nourishes skin)
10 drops lavender essential oil (soothing & fresh scent)
5 drops lemon essential oil (natural deodorizer)
5 drops peppermint essential oil (cooling & refreshing)
1 tsp kaolin clay or bentonite clay (helps with absorption & detoxifies)
READ MORE: What is better? Natural vs Synthetic Skincare
Instructions:
In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water), melt the cacao butter, shea butter, and coconut oil until fully liquefied.
Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda, arrowroot powder, and clay until smooth.
Add the essential oils and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a clean, dry deodorant container (an empty deodorant stick tube, glass jar, or tin).
Let it cool at room temperature, or place it in the fridge to solidify.
How to Use:
- Apply a pea-sized amount under each arm and gently massage in.
- Store in a cool, dry place. If it softens in warm weather, keep it in the fridge.
This formula is effective, non-toxic, and nourishing for the skin, keeping your underarms fresh all day!
READ MORE: About the writer
THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY NICOLE SHERWIN, THE FOUNDER OF ECO DIVA NATURAL SUPERFOOD SKINCARE AND KELLY BURKE FROM FLUX COMMUNICATIONS
