homemade deodorant and face scrub

i've been excited to post this deodorant recipe for a while, but wanted to be sure it stood the test of sweaty days before i did. well, john is back to slaving working as a union electrician lifting pipes and digging trenches under the warm sun, and he comes home with pits smelling as sweet as a lemon drop!=)

for all you skeptical sweaty bettys (or eddies), this stuff really works! it's as good as, if not better, than any commercial brand out there. it almost works too good, so i just use it when i'm going out. i like to let my pits breathe.=)

this recipe came from the lovely passionate homemaking site:

Homemade Natural Deodorant

Ingredients:

5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Combine equal portions of baking soda and arrowroot powder. Then slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon until it maintains the substance you desire. It should be about the same texture as the store bought kind, solid but able to be applied easily. You can either scoop this into your old dispensers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. After applying the product, you can just rub the remains into your hands as a lotion! This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.

kelli's notes: some are reporting an itchy rash from this deodorant. if you have sensitive skin, i suggest halving the recipe and spot-testing one underarm.

edit: using less baking soda, about 2-3 tablespoons, also helps with the itchiness. 

if your coconut oil is too solid, simply warm it up by placing the jar in a dehydrator or warm water. coco oil melts at around 76° F.

to make a scented deodorant, add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil. i used lemongrass and love how fresh and clean it smells. rose and lavender also make for nice scents.

***

i've ditched most of the chemical-laden beauty products and simply use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with some dried lavender and a little warm water for washing my face.

since i've stopped using commercial face soaps, my face doesn't get dry like it used to. in the winter months, i moisturize the rare dry spots with a dab of organic virgin coconut oil or vitamin e.

since we're all adults here, i also want to share a little secret i learned from first magazine - coconut oil makes a great chemical-free lube. it really does! throw that ky crap out and put a little container of coco oil in your bed stand. you can thank me later ;)

wise words to live by: don't put anything on your skin you wouldn't eat.

i tried to go 'poo-free for a few months but felt a tad too greasy. i was washing my hair every few days with baking soda and rinsing with apple cider vinegar. it didn't work for me at the time, but i'm willing to try again. anyone else 'poo-free?

in the meantime, i'd like to find dr. bronner's soap and try lindsay's homemade shampoo recipe. i'll let you know how it works for me. if you use a homemade shampoo recipe, please share!=)