Deodorant is certainly a product that can not miss in the DIY cosmetics. Coconut oil and baking soda are the ingredients among the most used in the do-it-yourself formulations. But what if we wanted to create a deodorant different from the usual ones? A deodorant without baking soda and coconut oil? In this article, I’m happy to share with you a recipe different from the usual. Let’s prepare together a DIY deodorant cream with Zinc Oxide, suitable for the most sensitive skin. Let’s see how.
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Gabi
Deodorant without baking soda and coconut oil: why?
Before describing the recipe, let’s see why baking soda and coconut oil are often avoided in DIY deodorant formulations.
Baking soda
Baking soda exhibits a slightly alkaline pH when dissolved in water. When it is in contact with an acidic substance it is able to neutralize it with the following formation of carbon dioxide. A classic example is represented by bath bombs that fizz when sodium bicarbonate and citric acid come in contact with water. If you want to see a DIY recipe you can find it here.
Used in deodorants, baking soda changes the normal pH value of the underarms, raising it and neutralizing the acidity of sweat. Baking soda, however, can be aggressive leading to irritation in sensitive skin. I created and used a DIY deodorant with baking soda that in my case did not create any type of irritation or abrasion. If you want to check out the recipe you can find it here.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is among my favorite ingredients. Easy to find, it is perfect in many recipes. Plus, I love its unique smell that is able to scent products naturally and without the use of additional essential oils or fragrances. What you need to consider though, when using coconut oil in formulations is its distinct tendency to be comedogenic. An oil or butter is defined as comedogenic when its use results in the clogging of skin pores. Oils and butters are then rated using a comedogenic scale that assigns 0 to oils that do not clog pores at all and 5 to those that have a high probability of clogging pores. Coconut oil is assigned a value of 4, a fairly high probability of clogging pores. This is why using it in deodorants could contribute to clogged pores with serious consequences. If you don’t want to give up coconut oil, wash the area often or avoid applying it very frequently allowing your underarms to breathe and also sweat according to their normal regularity.
Knowing the role of each ingredient and how to use them helps us choose the best ingredients for our formulations. To help you along this path, check out my academy finally online! In the academy you’ll find comprehensive courses designed to guide you step-by-step through the entire formulation process. This is an effective way to help you create your own products according to your needs, without necessarily having to rely on tutorials. Check it out!
Alternative to baking soda in homemade deodorants
If you do not want to use baking soda or coconut oil we can opt for different formulations. In this article, for example, I decided to use zinc oxide (non-nano) for its soothing and antiseptic properties and replace coconut oil with almond oil and shea butter.
What is zinc oxide used for?
What is zinc oxide used for? Zinc oxide is an inorganic mineral widely used in cosmetics. It finds applications in sunscreens, soothing creams for redness or in make-up products. It is very versatile because it has many functions, from shield for sun rays to emollient and antiseptic. Zinc oxide in the form of nanoparticles is the focus of controversy and further study regarding its possible toxicity, so better choose non-nano zinc oxide. Learn more.
In deodorant formulations, zinc oxide will play a soothing but also antiseptic role ideal even for sensitive skin. For the use of non-nano zinc oxide, it is always recommended to wear a protective mask when handling it. This is because powders can easily disperse in the air and enter the respiratory system.
Natural deodorant recipe with zinc oxide
To make the natural deodorant recipe with zinc oxide we will need:
- 3g (0.1Oz) sweet almond oil (you can find it here)
- 15g (0.5 Oz) shea butter (you can find it here)
- 9g (0.3 Oz)of cornstarch (you can find it here)
- 1.8g (0.06 Oz) of non-nano zinc oxide (you can find it here)
- 1.2g (0.04 Oz) of Beeswax (you can find it here)
Sweet almond oil and shea butter help to moisturize and nourish the skin.
Cornstarch, on the other hand, helps absorb sweat ensuring we stay fresh.
NB# It does not reduce sweating or odor, it only absorbs sweat.
Beeswax makes the deodorant more consistent and creamy, while non-nano zinc oxide plays a soothing and antiseptic role.
Natural deodorant recipe with zinc oxide | Procedure
Preparing the DIY cream deodorant with zinc oxide is very simple:
- Weigh the sweet almond oil, shea butter and beeswax in a bowl.
- Melt the fat phase in the microwave, 1 minute at 500W.
- Add the cornstarch and zinc oxide to the mixture and stir.
The zinc oxide may remain in the form of small lumps, which are difficult to disperse and mix with the rest of the mixture. To improve this step we can either use an hand blender or use the microwave again for a few seconds.
I used the second method as I did not have enough product to be able to use a mixer.
The last step is to continue stirring the mixture with a small spoon until it cools down. At this point, we introduce it into our container and can finally start using it.
Tutorial | DIY Cream Deodorant with Zinc Oxide
Conclusion: DIY Cream Deodorant with Zinc Oxide
DIY cream deodorant with Zinc Oxide is a great alternative if you are looking for something gentle for your underarms. Not using baking soda or coconut oil does not expose us to possible problems such as skin irritation or clogged pores. Consequences that would be very annoying in the armpit area because it is an area subject to repeated rubbing but also because it is home to lymph nodes and sweat glands.
NOTE: By using beeswax, the deodorant may appear more solid than what we would expect. This is also depending on the weather conditions and indoor temperature of your home. If it turns out to be too solid for you, try creating your own variation by avoiding the beeswax. This will make the deodorant creamier and easier to apply.
Now make it yourself! And don’t forget to check out my academy to start making your own products at home with more confidence!
Gabi