Natural Alternatives to Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Summer is fast approaching which means holidays, festivals and long, hot evenings. But one thing you don't want making an appearance is unwelcome body odour. Although we can nip out to our local shop and pick up a roll on, these deodorants often contain ingredients that can disagree with our bodies and, in the case of aerosols, are bad for the environment. In OneHowTo we tell you some tried and tested natural alternatives to deodorant and antiperspirant to keep your armpits fresh this summer.
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Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that comes from the witch hazel plant. It works so well as an alternative deodorant due to the fact that it is also antibacterial so therefore it fights any unpleasant smells before they become an issue. To apply witch hazel you can use cotton pads to wipe directly onto to your underarms. If you use this method regularly then it's a good idea to use a spray bottle. This way you prevent unnecessary wastage and also save money on cotton pads!
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is also a reliable natural deodorant alternative, and as you can imagine, leaves you smelling delicious. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties which means that it fights the bacteria that causes sweat to smell unpleasant. Simply apply the coconut oil to your underarms and you're set to go. Tip: Less is more with this method of deodorant or it can feel a tad greasy.
Coconut oil also has great cosmetic benefits, which you can read about in our article what are the cosmetic benefits of coconut oil.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is fairly well known as a natural antiperspirant alternative and actually works very well. However after mixing it with water and applying it, it can get a little messy and can cause marks on dark clothes. But before you write baking soda off entirely, one of the best methods is to actually combine it with coconut oil. The two of them work well together at fighting bacteria and provide a much nicer smelling deodorant. The coconut oil also provides a stickier texture making the soda easier to apply. On top of this, baking soda acts as a kind of natural bleach so that you can actually whiten your underarms with baking soda.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice also works well as a natural deodorant due to its strong smell and acidic juices. The acid in lemon juice kills of the odorous bacteria and of course the juice itself leaves a fresh scent making it an ideal alternative deodorant. Simply apply juice squeezed from the lemon or give a quick wipe with a lemon slice under each arm. A word of warning, this may not be the best method for a freshly shaved armpit.
Remember that these are DIY deodorant substitutes and whilst they are effective, they may need a reapplication throughout the day. There are also high street stores that stock deodorants made from natural ingredients that may be worth checking out too!
If you want to read similar articles to Natural Alternatives to Deodorant and Antiperspirant, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.
