Natural deodorant: baking soda

Deodorants, according to Wikipedia, are substances applied to the body, most frequently the armpits, to reduce the body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration. Deodorants and antiperspirants should not be mistaken as the same things, as they are not. Antiperspirants are merely a subgroup of deodorants, which prevent odor and reduce sweat produced by parts of the body. They work by clogging, closing or blocking the pores with powerful astringents such as aluminum salts so that they can't release sweat. According to vitawise, an accumulation of aluminum is toxic for the brain.

That being said, it's much safer to use deodorants than antiperspirants. And instead of buying commercial ones, why not make your own?

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has many uses (i.e. as a dandruff solution), including as a cheap alternative for deodorant. Baking soda can neutralize the odor of sweat. Here are some ways on how you can make a baking soda based deodorant:


Things you need: baking soda and washcloth

• Just sprinkle the baking soda onto a damp washcloth.
• Apply on armpits.
• Don't rinse.

Things you need: cornstarch, baking soda, essential oils and washcloth

• Place them all in a glass jar and shake them well.
• Sprinkle mixture onto a damp washcloth.
• Pat on armpits.
• Don't rinse.

Note: If you have dark underarms, you may also add lemon (more uses of lemons here and here) or calamansi (not too much of the two if you have a sensitive skin).

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