What is a natural deodorant and how does it work ?

The use of natural products to reduce body odor goes back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, products such as rose oil, thyme and chamomile were used to mask body odor. In Greco-Roman antiquity, products such as vinegar, olive oil and cedar oil were used to perfume and reduce body odor.

Over the centuries, many other natural products have been used to reduce body odor, including tea tree oil, ox gall soap and peppermint oil.

In the 20th century, conventional deodorants began to be widely used, and were often made from chemicals such as aluminum and parabens. In recent years, however, there has been a growing demand for natural products, including natural deodorants. These products are generally made from natural ingredients and are considered more respectful of the environment and human health.

Essential oils can be used in the formulation of natural deodorants because of their antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Some popular essential oils for use in natural deodorants include tea tree oil, palmarosa oil, lavender oil and rosemary oil.

It's important to note that essential oils can be highly concentrated and need to be diluted before being applied to the skin. It is recommended to mix one or two drops of essential oil in a carrier oil such as almond oil or coconut oil before applying to the skin. It's also advisable to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a deodorant containing essential oils, to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

It's also important to choose high-quality essential oils and use them with care, as some essential oils can be irritating or allergenic for some people. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional before using essential oils for the first time.

Sodium bicarbonate is a commonly used ingredient in natural deodorants due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can help reduce body odor by neutralizing the acids present in perspiration.

Sodium bicarbonate can be used on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create a natural deodorant. To use on its own, simply sprinkle baking soda under the arms and leave for a few minutes before rinsing off. You can also mix baking soda with water to create a paste, which you can apply under the arms with a cotton bud or brush.

It's important to note that sodium bicarbonate can be abrasive and can irritate the skin if used excessively or undiluted. We recommend diluting it with water or mixing it with other ingredients such as coconut oil or almond oil before applying it to the skin. It's also advisable to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a deodorant containing sodium bicarbonate to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

There are many medicinal herbs that can be used in the formulation of natural deodorants due to their antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Some popular medicinal herbs for use in natural deodorants include chamomile, lavender, thyme and peppermint.

Herbal remedies can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients to create a natural deodorant. To use medicinal herbs alone, simply make an infusion with the chosen herb and leave to cool before applying under the arms with a cotton bud or brush. You can also mix dried medicinal herbs with melted coconut oil to create a paste, which you can apply under the arms using a cotton bud or brush.

It's important to note that some herbal remedies can be irritating or allergenic for some people. It is advisable to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a herbal deodorant, to ensure there are no adverse reactions. It is also advisable to consult a qualified health professional before using herbal products for the first time.

Natural deodorants are generally made from natural ingredients such as essential oils, sodium bicarbonate, aluminum and plant extracts. They are considered more respectful of the environment and human health than conventional deodorants, which are often made from chemicals such as aluminum and parabens.

Here are some common properties of natural deodorants :

1. Antiseptic and antibacterial : Many of the natural ingredients used in natural deodorants have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help reduce body odor by neutralizing the bacteria responsible for bad odor.
2. Soothing : Some natural ingredients, such as lavender oil and chamomile oil, can be soothing to the skin and can help reduce irritation and redness.
3. Moisturizers : Many of the natural ingredients used in natural deodorants have moisturizing properties that can help keep the skin under the arms hydrated.

It's important to note that some natural deodorants may not be as effective as conventional deodorants in reducing body odor, especially during situations of stress or intense physical exercise. It may be worth testing different products to find the one that best suits your needs.

Here are a few precautions to bear in mind when using natural deodorants :

1. Dilution : Some essential oils and herbs can be irritating or allergenic to some people. We recommend diluting these ingredients in water or mixing them with other ingredients such as coconut oil or almond oil before applying to the skin.
2. Patch test : It is recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using a natural deodorant for the first time, to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
3. Storage : Natural deodorants may contain natural ingredients that are sensitive to light and heat. We recommend storing your deodorant in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.
4. Ingredients : It's important to read ingredient labels carefully and choose deodorants that contain high-quality ingredients.
5. Contraindications : If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or have any special health concerns, it is recommended that you consult a qualified health professional before using a natural deodorant.

It is important to follow the instructions for use of natural deodorant and to observe the precautions for use to avoid any health problems.

There has been relatively little research into the effectiveness of natural deodorants compared with conventional deodorants. However, there are a few studies that have examined the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of some of the natural ingredients used in natural deodorants.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology examined the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil and concluded that it was effective in killing odor-causing bacteria. Another study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology examined the antibacterial properties of palmarosa oil and concluded that it was effective in reducing bacterial growth.

It's important to note that these studies were conducted on bacteria cultures in the laboratory, and there is not yet sufficient evidence to determine whether these ingredients are effective in reducing body odor in humans. It is advisable to exercise caution when using natural deodorants and to test different products to find the one that best suits your needs.

There are many natural deodorant recipes you can try making yourself at home. Here's a simple natural deodorant recipe you can try :

Ingredients :

• 2 tbsp. baking soda
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. melted coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions :

1. In a small bowl, mix the baking soda and cornstarch.
2. Add the melted coconut oil and mix until smooth.
3. If you wish, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil and mix well.
4. Transfer the paste to an airtight container and place in the fridge for a few hours to harden.
5. Apply under arms as you would a conventional deodorant.

It's important to note that this recipe may not be as effective as conventional deodorants in reducing body odor, especially in situations of stress or intense physical exercise. It may be worth testing different recipes and adjusting the proportions to suit your needs. It is also advisable to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a homemade deodorant to ensure there are no adverse reactions.