No Sweat!

Men perspire, women glow and we all fret about the sweat that leaves us wet and yet, we continue to bet, incorrect, that the duet of deodorant and antiperspirant on the market would offset the upset about the smell of our sweat.   Underarm cosmetics are hazardous to our health.  Most of the compounds we roll and rub into our armpits contain synthetic perfumes and toxic components that have been linked to brain and respiratory disorders as well as cancers.  Aluminum salts are central to preventing sweat and odor from discharging through our pores.  The problem is that our bodies are designed to emit fluids to control temperature.  Sweating is natural and is critical for survival. When the fatty acids and proteins in our sweat break down and bacteria get involved, the combination emits a hostile odor.  When we try to stop this natural function, we absorb and retain the toxins and cause lymph and sweat gland problems and other health complaints. 

There are natural alternatives to odor management.  Sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, the chemical composition of baking soda, is a nontoxic odor neutralizer and scrubbing agent.  Cornstarch, the starch of a corn grain, is a thickening agent and stabilizer and can help control moisture and odor.  Many have tried one or both ingredients and they do work.  However, some complain about skin irritation and excessive dryness; the lack of fragrance of the mixture; the application to the skin; or other valid reasons.   Most of the criticism can be overcome by the addition of coconut oil to bind and temper the ingredients and essential oils for fragrance. 

Recipe

1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup corn starch (or substitute arrow root powder)
about 5 tablespoons extra virgin organic coconut oil

a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

In a short wide mouthed glass jar, add the baking soda and cornstarch.  Mix well.  Place a few tablespoons of solid coconut oil into glass bowl.  Place that bowl into a larger bowl of warm water to melt the oil or use room temperature melted oil.  Pour 5 tablespoons of oil into the powder and stir.  Let the mixture rest.  (use any leftover oil on your skin or hair)

The mixture will solidify in cooler temperatures and liquefy in warm temperatures.   When using this mixture, I use scrape about a fingertip amount out of the jar and rub under each armpit.  The heat from your fingers will melt the oil.  You may feel slight grittiness upon application, but that grittiness dissolves as it warms on your skin.  

The Co²Soda recipe works great.  It takes me through long days at work and it has staying power through 3 karate classes on Saturday mornings.  I have no odor; no allergic reaction; and no skin irritation. 

You may find about ½ cup of poisonous commercial deodorant for about $4 to $6 or you can make the same amount of Co²Soda from edible ingredients for pennies.  

Try it out.  If you usually use an antiperspirant, give yourself time to adjust.   If you experience skin irritation, add a bit more coconut oil.  If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, try one of the dry ingredients or substitute olive oil.

Let me know if it works for you.