Homemade Sun Screen And Deodorant.
Concerns and uncertainty over certain cancers and their association with chemicals such as aluminum zirconium, benzophenones and salicylates in beauty products have led some people to consider making their own. If you are looking for a natural alternative to manufactured beauty products, consider a homemade recipe. Homemade sunscreens and deodorants with a coconut oil base will not only save you money; they can also reduce your exposure to chemicals and free radicals that may eventually lead to cancer.
SunscreenStep 1~ Spoon 3 tbsp. of shea butter into a medium bowl. Add 6 tbsp. of coconut oil to the shea butter. Whip the two ingredients together using a wire whisk.
Step 2~ Add 2 tbsp. of zinc oxide to the mixture and blend with the wire whisk. Zinc oxide is a natural "physical" sun-blocking agent (filters out UVA/UVB rays) .
Step 3Pour the mixture into a plastic container with lid. Apply the coconut oil sunscreen to your skin using your fingertips before you head outdoors. Store the unused portion in the refrigerator.
To get links for products mentioned, either click on product name or HERE
SunscreenStep 1~ Spoon 3 tbsp. of shea butter into a medium bowl. Add 6 tbsp. of coconut oil to the shea butter. Whip the two ingredients together using a wire whisk.
Step 2~ Add 2 tbsp. of zinc oxide to the mixture and blend with the wire whisk. Zinc oxide is a natural "physical" sun-blocking agent (filters out UVA/UVB rays) .
Step 3Pour the mixture into a plastic container with lid. Apply the coconut oil sunscreen to your skin using your fingertips before you head outdoors. Store the unused portion in the refrigerator.
To get links for products mentioned, either click on product name or HERE
Homemade Moisturizing Deodorant That Works
- 2 oz. coconut oil (1/4 cup)
- 1 oz. grated beeswax (see note)
- 1 oz. shea butter (2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 20 drops tea tree oil
- 20 drops essential oil of choice (for scent)
- Combine coconut oil and beeswax in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until almost completely melted.
- Add shea butter to the saucepan and stir until everything is completely melted.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils with a fork or a small whisk.
- Once everything is completely combined and the mixture is smooth, pour into your container(s) and let harden.
- I recommend using a scale to measure out your beeswax by weight. The volume measurements will vary depending on the type of beeswax you are using. If you are using the small pellets that you can buy, the approximate measurement will be 2 1/2 tbsp. If you grate the beeswax yourself, the approximate measurement will be 1/2 cup.
- For the containers, I just use old deodorant containers. Twist it down until the bottom piece is completely at the bottom, and then fill to the very top with the deodorant while it is still liquid.
- This recipe makes enough for 2 average size deodorant containers (2.6 oz. – 3.0 oz.)
- At room temperature this deodorant is solid, but goes on very smoothly. It is wonderful! If it gets too warm and your deodorant starts to get too soft or melts, just pop it in the fridge. I’ve never had to store mine there, and the average temperature in our house is around 72o.
- Don’t twist the deodorant up more than necessary when applying. Whatever is twisted up is what will go on, so only twist up the amount that you need.
Simple Homemade Deodorant
- 6-8 tablespoons of Coconut Oil – I like Nutiva and Aunt Pattys
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda - Any Brand
- 1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder - You can get this in bulk at any Natural Food Store, or on Amazon.
- 10-20 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil – You don’t have to use Tea Tree Oil but it does contain antibacterial qualities.
Mix the the baking soda and arrowroot powder together in a bowl. Add the spoonfuls (we used 6 tablespoons) of coconut oil and rub the oil and powders together until you get a smooth consistency. Add 10- 20 drops of tea tree oil and mix well (we used 15 drops). The consistency might be a little more creamy than your usual deodorant/antiperspirant. If you want a dryer consistency then just add or more equal parts of arrowroot powder and baking soda.
You can put your new homemade deodorant in a container with a lid or use an old deodorant container. According to Lindsay you only need to apply a small amount.
Since coconut oil melts at 76 degrees you may need to refrigerate your deodorant in warmer weather. Test the deodorant on a small area on your body in case you have an allergy to one or more of the ingredients. Lindsay at Passionate
*As far as a container goes I have not yet found the "perfect" solution. However, I seem to prefer just keeping a tiny scoop in my deodorant jar and using that to scoop out a small amount and then just rub it under my arms.
** If you have a sensitivity to the deodorant it may be the baking soda or it could be your body detoxifying from the aluminum in your old deodorants. Try treating the rash as you would most rashes. At night wash deodorant off and apply just coconut oil. It is very possible in a few weeks the detoxifying will be over and you can resume as normal. I personally always wash deodorant off at night and apply coconut oil on its own, it keeps my under arm skin smooth and clear. If the rash is from the Baking Soda then try reducing the amount of Baking Soda (BS) by 1 tbsp and replacing it with Arrowroot. You can add 1/4 cup of Shea Butter or Coco Butter to the recipe for its healing benefits. Anouther option is to apply a smooth layer of Aloe Vera Gel under your arms before applying your deodorant.
*** Always try to wait at least an hour after shaving before applying any deodorant, this too can help prevent irritation to the skin.