Dr. Bronner’s as deodorant

It’s getting better all the time

/ MNM / 4 Comments

This is a great feeling.  For once, I’m taking one of my natural products from good to better, instead of from bad to worse.

Here’s the deodorant recipe I’m currently using: 

Step one – liquid

  • 1 Part Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap
  • 1 Part Aloe Vera Gel

Step two – powder

  • 1 Part Baking Soda
  • 1 Part Corn Starch

Let’s call this “Good.”

What keeps it from being “Better”?  Even with the Aloe Vera Gel, I have had to adopt a nightly ‘underarm moisture treatment,’ because the Dr. Bronner’s dries my pits out until they’re as flaky as the perfect pain au chocolat.  Then, of course, there’s the issue of traveling abroad with my BS/CS concoction.  I’m fairly certain that a few days of powdering my pits in a hostel bathroom would land me on “Locked Up Abroad” right quick.  Seriously, for several weeks after I started using this deodorant, my mother confronted me daily about the hazards of using drugs.  Perhaps that’s because the bathroom looks like a Meth lab after I finish dusting myself with my deodorant.

Then my friend Julie approached me with a breakthrough – deodorant based in coconut oil.  It was a recipe she found on Homestead Revival, and she gave it rave reviews.  Naturally, I was skeptical.  As we know, I’m a champion sweater, so I’m hesitant to break up a winning act for just another natural recipe that doesn’t promise “prescription strength protection.”  But boy am I glad I did.

  • 1/8 C Baking Soda
  • 1/8 C Corn Starch
  • 2.5 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
  • 4 drops Tea Tree Oil

Let’s call this “Better.”

My recipe is slightly different from Julie’s, but we both found that the consistency is great – much easier and cleaner than powder.  It’s like a thick lotion that you can rub on.  I think this deodorant lasts longer than the “Good” recipe, and the coconut oil even creates a nice fragrance I can smell for most of the day.  Julie reported that her concoction stood up to moving apartments in hot, humid weather and EVEN a full day in an un-breathable business suit!  Now THAT’S a testimonial!

*****

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