While I am normally very conscious of the foods I eat and any drugs or supplements I put into my body, I am not always as vigilant about products that come into contact with my skin, like deodorant. However, thanks to my friend Kim, I began looking into the issue of potential risks to using mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants. If you’re curious, this article enumerates many of the possible dangers, including possible links to breast cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and allergic reactions.

As a result, I began using a deodorant which I make in a clean jelly jar and apply daily using my fingers. The recipe is super simple:
Mix together:
¼ c. cornstarch
¼ c. baking soda
4 T. coconut oil
10 drops of essential oil (Kim & I both use lavender)

I’ve been using the homemade deodorant since June of this year and have found it to be as useful as any other product I’ve tried, while not drying out my underarms to the point of itching and discomfort. So, feel free to give it a try–it’s definitely worth a shot if you have some extra coconut oil lying around, and there just may be more health benefits in the long run!

Something to think about this Monday morning!

-Keeley