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When Life Gives You Lemons, Make… Deodorant?!
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There are many people who are worried about the ingredients are used to make deodorant. The ingredients in question are aluminum, formaldehyde, triclosan, and parabens. It hasn’t been definitively proven, but many people have voiced concern over aluminum being a cause of cancer.
One of the alternatives that some people have tried in place of deodorants and antiperspirants is lemon juice. There are choices available if you no longer wish to swipe under your arms with something to keep you from sweating or having body odor. Here are some choices that you may want to check out:
1. Lemons
There are some people who already use the juice of fresh lemons every day under their armpits as an alternative to commercial deodorant. The people feel that the citric acid from the lemon juice gives them adequate protection against perspiration and body odor. If you are interested in trying it out for yourself, just take a freshly sliced lemon and swipe it across your underarm area. Do not try this right after you have shaved under your arms, or it will sting and you will probably have a reaction.
2. Baking soda and corn starch
People who tried the baking soda/corn starch combo found that it does work, but it is messy and inconvenient. The combination is successful at naturally fighting odors and is less expensive to use on a regular basis. One woman decided to use a makeup sponge to apply her natural deodorant. The mixture is composed of one part baking soda to six parts cornstarch. Dip the makeup brush in a little water, then apply the powder.
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3. Rubbing alcohol
Another alternative is filling a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol. This mixture is convenient and easy to apply. If you are looking for a fresh scent, you can always add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the alcohol. If you want to make sure you don’t end up with any body odor, you can also add a little tea tree oil to your spray bottle.
4. Essential oils
If you would like to try your hand at making your own deodorant using essential oils, you have a host of choices that act as both antiseptic agent and antibacterial products. Choose from: Thyme, tea tree oil, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, lemon, and geranium. If you have never worked with essential oils, you should start slowly. Not all oils are created equal — some are much stronger than others, and you will need much less of them. All you need to make your own deodorant from essential oils is a glass jar that is wide enough for you to reach your fingers int, 1/4 cup of baking soda, a small spoon, and your favorite essential oil. Plan on 15 to 20 drops but start out with less, as it’s easier to add more.
5. Witch hazel
Women who tried witch hazel found that the product is even more effective than their regular deodorant, but there was a little issue with the fragrance. True witch hazel does not offer a flattering aroma, but there are versions that have scents added. The problem with this variety was it was more of a scent that was geared towards grandmothers than younger women. Another issue, and one that comes with many deodorant alternatives, is the application process is messy and not convenient to carry with you to the gym to apply after working out. Applying deodorant with the traditional stick form wins hands down as opposed to applying witch hazel to your underarms with a saturated cotton ball.
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Photo credit: bigstock.com
6. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an easy choice for a natural deodorant. Its antibacterial qualities mean that it kills bacteria, yeast, and fungus. A number of women who decided to try the coconut oil experiment were so happy with the outcome, they have been using coconut oil as her deodorant ever since.
7. Hand sanitizer
Using hand sanitizer as a substitute for deodorant is something that should be saved for a last-minute emergency situation. While the antibacterial sanitizer can safely kill bacteria, it may prevent you from smelling bad in case you left your house in the morning and forgot to apply your regular deodorant. Simply rub a small amount of sanitizer under your arms, and it will quickly resolve your problem of not having applied any deodorant. As with most hand sanitizers, you will smell nothing but the alcohol in the product at first. This smell will dissipate within a few minutes, and the rest of the time you will be safe from exhibiting any offensive body odor.
KEEP READING: 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
8. Natural or make-your-own deodorants
There are several companies that specialize in natural products. You can find natural deodorants from the following companies: Trader Joe’s, Burt’s Bees, Kiss My Face, Schmidt’s, and Nourish Organic Deodorant. If you prefer to try making your own, there are several recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients. An Internet search for natural deodorants will yield enough for you to try out until you find one you like and that works for you.
If you are concerned about what is in your regular deodorant or antiperspirant, check out some of the alternatives listed above. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results. If you would like something effective but just as convenient as your current brand, try some of the natural selections also included in this article.
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