How to: Homemade Deodorant.

Homemade Deodorant

Recently I have been exploring the idea of producing my own cosmetics. I have some skin issues and a desire to solve them has prompted research into ingredients which help and ingredients that harm.

Type homemade deodorant into google and you will find a million links explaining the dangers of using commercial deodorants as well as how to make your own. I found it a bit overwhelming. In the end I chose the positive over the negative, glossing over the scare-mongering articles and focusing on the recipes. 

The most useful reference I found during the research phase was Passionate Homemaking. I appreciated the experiment that led up to their deodorant recipe, I like the way it organically grew over some time resulting in the final result. I would love to be able to come up with my own products in a similar way (I'll certainly be more thoughtful about my 'making stuff' process in future).

Homemade Deodorant Ingredients

Ingredients (German in brackets):

1 part arrowroot powder (Pfeilwurzelstärke)
1 part bicarbonate of soda (Natron)
3 parts coconut oil (Kokosöl)

What I did:

1. I measured 2tbsp (tablespoons) of arrowroot and 2tbsp of bicarb of soda and plopped them into a bowl.

2. I then added 6tbsp of coconut oil and started working it all together with the back of a spoon.

3. I kept on going for a few minutes until the mixture was homogeneous.

4. Finally I put the whole lot in an upcycled sterilised jam jar. 

Making homemade deodorant, part way mixed

What I learnt:

•  I suppose you could add a bit more oil if it's too dry, or a bit more of the dry ingredients (in equal amounts) if it's too wet. 
• Working the mixture together doesn't work so well with a fork (she says from experience!).
• Putting the mixture in the jam jar works better with the back of a spoon too. 

The verdict a few days later: 

I've been using my new deodorant exclusively for nearly a week now. 

I like it! 

• It goes on easily (scrape a bit out of the jar with the back of a fingernail as it melts to the touch of skin).
• It's a little grainy when you put it on which was initially disappointing, but not a deal breaker.
• I used to wait for my commercial liquid deodorant to dry, so I do the same with my homemade version, letting it soak in.
• Doesn't smell strong and holds out all day (even the stressful first day back at work yesterday!).

NB: This is not an antiperspirant deodorant. That doesn't bother me though as antiperspirants didn't seem to work on me anyway!

Update in September:

• I used this deodorant exclusively for 6 months (January to June) and was very happy with it, having no skin issues the whole time. 
• Then the weather started to get warmer. And I went back to full time work. And I wimped out a bit! I started to use commercial deodorant for my work days (teaching) and using my coconut deodorant for my off days. This worked a treat.
• After about 7 months the deodorant started to smell a bit funny and I didn't enjoy using it so much. I threw it out thinking the coconut oil had reached its use by date. Which is a shame, because I still had LOADS left. I've just checked the original coconut oil container and the oil is still good for another 6 months. And the arrowroot powder is good for another year. Maybe I acted prematurely with the throwing out act... Ooops...
• I will definitely make more of this, but in a smaller quantity so I can use it up before it turns.

Are you gonna give it a try? Got any tips to share?

PS. Are you into buying handmade? Yes? Then you should check out the amazing stuff in the Etsy Stock Take. If you sell your craft on Etsy, please come and join in :)

Recipe: Summer in Winter Hummus.

Recipe: Summer in Winter Hummus.

The other day I was thinking about what to do for an easy lunch and started going through my recipe notes.

I came across this sorry looking envelope with a load of scribble on it. What could it be? Hummus... Mmmmm That'll do it!

I enjoyed making this so much that I thought it deserved to be recorded beautifully with pictures.

Tah dah!

Ingredients:

• 1 400g can of chick peas, rinsed and drained*.
• 1 clove of garlic (cut in half and remove the green stalk trying to grow inside, this is the bit that is hard to digest and makes you have bad breath).
• Juice of one lemon.
• 5 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin.
• A green chilli, optional but good if you are feeling adventurous. 

1. Put all the ingredients in a bowl/blender. 
2. Add 3 tablespoons of water.
3. Blend until smooth, adding a bit more water if needed (you are aiming for peanut butter type consistency).
4. Serve with salt, freshly ground pepper, paprika and a little extra olive oil. Toast or chicory leaves are perfect for scooping. 

That's it! So easy. And full of the cold fighting properties of garlic, so pretty good to eat in the winter. It's good in the fridge for 3 days. 

And it's yummy.

What are you eating these days?

*If you are using dry chickpeas you need to soak them overnight (or 6 hours). Rinse and boil rapidly for 10 minutes. Then simmer for 1-2 hours until soft.

Super Easy Apple Sauce.

Super Easy Apple Sauce - Dump that on your roast pork :)

Peel, core and chop. Add a little water and cook over a low heat for 10 mins. Mix in a very generous dollop of butter  and a little sugar while mashing a bit with a fork.

Et voila!

PS. Are you into buying handmade? Yes? Then you should check out the amazing stuff in the Etsy Stock Take. If you sell your craft on Etsy, please come and join in :)