HOWEVER (yes in all caps), we have had
random reactions and sensitivities to the deodorant and need to take
a break from using it every now and then. I've also asked my friends
to help me test it. Some have had a reaction, while others have used
it successfully. I've gone back a few times and re-researched all the
ingredients, reading blogs, searching the cosmetic safety databases
and consulting my reference books. Everything I read says that these
ingredients should be safe and effective. If it is not the individual
ingredients that are causing a reaction, then it must be how I'm
mixing them, right?
 |
| Formula 3: solid, hard consistency |
Then there is the issue of texture and
consistency. The recipes have come out ranging from a hard solid to a
runny cream. I've experimented with different blending techniques and
quantities of ingredients. I melted the oils first and the blended
them with the dry ingredients. The last time, I combined all the
ingredients first, then set the mixture over a double boiler to
soften the oils and butters as I mixed it by hand. I've also tried
changing the ratios of dry to wet ingredients, but this just produces
either an oily or gritty formula. Nothing seems to be working.
Here's what I figured out today...
I'm not too proud to ask for help. I
could use some constructive criticism and suggestions to help
identify things that I might be doing wrong. I'm frustrated with the
process. My brain just doesn't work well with numbers. And I cringe at the
waste of good ingredients. Maybe the same bloggers that I've been
using for inspiration are up to helping me with this challenge?
Floraesthetics Deodorant - Formula 4
 |
| Formula 4: creamy, runny consistency |
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Corn Starch
- 1 tsp White Clay
- 1 tsp Oat Flour
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 tsp Coconut Oil
- 3 tsp Cocoa Butter
- 2 tsp Shea Butter
- 1 tsp Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 tsp Vegetable Glycerin
- 1/2 tsp Emu Oil
- 6 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 6 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 3 drops Vitamin E
- 3 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
___________________________________________________________
Previous posts on my homemade deodorant
attempts:
- Scare tactics or not, I'm giving homemade deodorant a try - October 29, 2011
- Three days and still feeling fresh - November 01, 2011
- DIY Diary: Back to the drawing board with paste deodorant - January 09, 2012
- Homemade deodorant in twist up tubes - March 22, 2012
I found this a few days ago, hope it helps you. http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/2009/08/natural-homemade-deodorant/
ReplyDeleteThank you Cndy! The formula looks very solid. I will have to test it out. I appreciate the help :-)
DeleteI have been using and formulating with therapeutic grade essential oils for almost 3 years now. It may be that the oils you use are not therapeutic grade or, if they are, you may be getting a detox response. Although somewhat uncomfortable, the detox response will become fewer and farther between. Of course I am assuming you eat a healthy diet and you might want to up your water quality/intake.Also, maybe try having 2 different batches of deoderant available at any given time so that you can alternate which one you use (different essential oils in each of the two) on an every-few-days/weekly basis. We tend to detox through our skin readily and sweat contains a concentrated amount of thrown off toxins. Hope this helps! Thanks for sharing your experiences!
ReplyDeleteHi Patty! The essential oils are therapeutic grade... mainly Now brand. I do have an overall healthy diet. I cheat sometimes, but in general it's organic and local produce and meats. The 2 different batches is a fantastic idea. I have to do that with hair and skin care all the time. I will totally try a couple different recipes!
DeleteHi there, I think that there's nothing wrong with the actual process you're using to make it - seems standard. However, I think there's just way too much going on here! I'd keep it simple during your first attempts. Baking soda and cornstarch are perfectly safe and green alternatives to synthetics, however they can be an irritant for some people. The essential oils are about the right amount. Personally I'd use less wet ingredients (around 5 tbsps in total for butters), up the clay to around 3 tbsp, lessen the amount of base oil's you're using (not sure I'd go much beyond the tbsp to be honest). Consider using a small amount of beeswax, around 1-2tbsps (or alternative wax) to help it harden. Also try thickening it in a bowl surrounded by ice, then pour into containers as it starts to cool down. Keep out of heat and light. Hope this was helpful in some way, this is just the way I would do it. Let me know how you get on!
ReplyDeleteThis is such helpful information! I am still struggling with the formula, but I have definitely simplified it. After a lot of testing, I think the baking soda is what is causing a reaction. I removed all potential irritants and have been adding them back in one at a time with each batch. The non-baking soda, arrowroot formula caused no reaction with my skin. It also didn't work as well as a deodorant. I'm going to try some of your suggestions and see if I can strike the right balance of ingredients and effectiveness. Thanks for the feedback!
Deleteloving ur blog :) im deffo a new follower!.. xx
ReplyDelete