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Paleo Diet Primal Is Your Deodorant Toxic Antiperspirant spray-min

Is Your Deodorant Toxic?

When you put so much care and effort into your Paleo nutrition and fitness, are you equally aware of the health and beauty products you use, like your deodorant?

Deodorant and antiperspirant are something most people use – and apply directly onto their skin every day, but is commercial deodorant safe?

Shop brought deodorants often contain parabens – a chemical that has been associated with cancers. Deodorants often also contain aluminium, which is used to stop perspiration – but has been linked to dementia, brain disorders and breast cancer.

It is also common for deodorants to contain alcohol, which can be drying for some skin types.
While aluminium free and paraben free deodorants are available, these can still come with added alcohols or other chemicals that could build up in the body. There are many natural deodorants available, for example made from crystal stones. However – you could make your own natural alternative!

Deodorant For Women

Ingredients:

  • Five teaspoons of distilled witch hazel
  • 5mls (0.17 fluid ounces) of vitamin E oil
  • 10 – 20 drops of geranium essential oil
  • 10 – 20 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
  • 5 drops of clary sage
  • One small spritzer bottle

Directions:

Add the witch hazel into a small mixing bowl and then add in the vitamin E oil and blend it together using the end of a pipette, a teaspoon, or a small wooden spatula.

Next add the essential oils and remember to build them gradually until you have the desired scent. Once ready, pour into the spritzer body and use when need. This can be stored in the fridge for a cooling effect.

Deodorant for Men

Ingredients:

  • 5 teaspoons of distilled witch hazel
  • 10 – 20 drops of sandalwood essential oil
  • 10 – 20 drops of pine essential oil
  • 5mls (0.17 fluid ounces) of vitamin E oil
  • One small spritzer bottle

Follow the directions for the deodorant for women.

If preferred, just use the sandalwood essential oil on its own.

Solid Deodorant

Warning: Take care when heating and pouring the cocoa butter to ensure it doesn’t get on your hands as it will be extremely hot.

Ingredients:

  • 30g (1.05 ounce) of cocoa butter or shea butter
  • Essential oils as listed in the above recipes
  • 5mls of vitamin E oil
  • Square soap mould or massage bar mould

Directions:

Melt the butter in a saucepan by lightly heating it on a hob or in a microwave oven until melted.

Stir in the vitamin E oil and then added in the essential oils.

Pour the mix into soap or massage bar mould. For a smooth bar, use a soap mould.

Leave the bar to cool overnight and it will be ready to use the next morning.

Bicarbonate of soda can also be used for a simple, effective deodorant.

Note: Pregnant women should take advice before using essential oils.

Do you use commercial deodorant or antiperspirant – or perhaps you go without entirely? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this – and whether you’d try making a natural alternative – in the comments below.

Paleo Diet Primal Is Your Deodorant Toxic Antiperspirant spray-min

Understanding the Difference: Deodorant vs Antiperspirant

Before diving deeper into natural alternatives, it's important to understand the fundamental difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorants work by neutralising odour caused by the bacteria that break down sweat. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are designed to block your sweat glands, preventing perspiration altogether. This blockage is usually achieved through aluminium-based compounds, which form a temporary plug in your sweat ducts.

While reducing sweat may sound appealing, sweating is one of the body’s essential natural detoxification processes. Suppressing it can interfere with the body’s temperature regulation and toxin release. By opting for a natural deodorant, you allow your body to sweat as it should while neutralising odour in a safer, less invasive way.

Transitioning to Natural Deodorant

If you’ve used conventional products for years, you may find there’s a transition period when switching to a natural alternative. This is completely normal. Your body needs time to adjust, especially if your pores have been clogged for years with antiperspirant ingredients. You may sweat more than usual or notice stronger odour for the first week or two.

To support this process, try a detoxifying armpit mask made from bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. This can help draw out impurities and ease the transition. Also, ensure you stay well hydrated, wear breathable fabrics, and wash regularly with a gentle natural soap.

Other Natural Ingredients That Work

There are several other natural ingredients that have been found effective in reducing odour and promoting skin health. Consider experimenting with these in your DIY deodorants or choosing products that contain them:

  • Arrowroot powder: Absorbs moisture without blocking sweat glands.
  • Bentonite clay: Detoxifying and antibacterial, useful in paste-style deodorants.
  • Activated charcoal: Known for its toxin-absorbing abilities, it helps neutralise odour naturally.
  • Coconut oil: Antimicrobial and moisturising, helps reduce irritation and bacterial growth.
  • Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda): Great for odour control, though it may irritate sensitive skin if used in large quantities.

When combining these ingredients, aim to strike a balance between effectiveness and gentleness. Test a small amount on your skin to check for any sensitivity before regular use.

Essential Oil Combinations to Try

Essential oils not only give your deodorant a pleasant scent but also offer antibacterial and antifungal properties. Here are some suggested blends to customise your deodorant:

  • Citrus Fresh: Lemon, grapefruit and bergamot – uplifting and clean (note: avoid direct sun exposure after applying citrus oils).
  • Earthy Calm: Vetiver, frankincense and cedarwood – grounding and soothing.
  • Herbal Clean: Lavender, rosemary and sage – calming and fresh-smelling.
  • Floral Sweet: Rose, jasmine and neroli – luxurious and feminine.

These combinations not only help keep odour at bay but also contribute subtle aromatherapy benefits to your daily routine.

Storage and Shelf Life

Because natural deodorants don’t contain synthetic preservatives, it’s important to store them correctly to extend their shelf life. Keep spritzers in a cool, dark place and always store solid bars in a sealed container away from direct heat or sunlight. If you notice a change in colour, smell or consistency, it may be time to discard and make a fresh batch.

Solid bars tend to last longer than liquid sprays, but freshness will also depend on the oils used. If you're using coconut oil, for example, remember that it will solidify in cooler temperatures and liquefy in warmer ones, so plan storage accordingly.

When Natural Isn’t Enough

Some people find they still need something a little stronger, especially in hot climates or during exercise. In this case, applying your natural deodorant multiple times throughout the day may help. Carrying a travel-sized version in your bag can make this easier.

If irritation develops, reduce or eliminate ingredients like baking soda and switch to a sensitive skin formula using arrowroot, clay and essential oils. Always patch test new recipes and remember, more natural doesn’t always mean better for every skin type — listen to your body and adapt accordingly.

Making the Switch: A Holistic Perspective

Switching to a natural deodorant is about more than just the product — it’s about embracing a holistic approach to wellness. When you stop suppressing natural processes like sweating and instead support your body with nourishing ingredients, you create balance and improve long-term health outcomes.

While the initial adjustment can be challenging, many people report fewer odour issues over time, as their bodies rebalance and adapt. Combined with a clean Paleo diet, proper hydration, regular detoxification, and breathable natural fabrics, natural deodorant can be just as effective — and much safer — than its conventional counterparts.

Embrace a Cleaner Routine

Deodorant is just one small part of your personal care routine, but it’s an important one. Every day, we expose ourselves to dozens of chemicals through our beauty and hygiene products. Making simple swaps, like switching to a DIY natural deodorant, can significantly reduce your toxic load and support better long-term health.

If you’re already mindful of what goes on your plate, it only makes sense to be just as intentional about what goes on your skin. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it absorbs far more than most people realise. What you put on it matters.

So why not give it a go? Experiment with a few of the recipes above and see how you feel after a few weeks. Your body — and your skin — might just thank you for it.

Homemade Moisturiser Recipe skincare paleo-min

Paleo Skincare – Homemade Moisturiser Recipe

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Everyone loves to pamper their skin, and in the colder months a moisturiser can be especially useful help prevent dry, flaking skin caused by cold winds and heating. Unfortunately the many commercial brands of moisturiser seem to come with so many added chemicals. Moisturisers often have harmful chemicals such as parabens added in order to preserve the life of a product. When you’re being so careful to have a clean, natural Paleo diet – the last thing you want to do is let these chemicals soak into your skin.

Homemade Moisturiser Recipe skincare paleo-min

You can use coconut oil on your skin, but if you’re after something a little different, you might like to try making a homemade moisturiser.

The following recipe uses natural ingredients only and is designed to be kind and gentle to the skin, while also nourishing it through all of the seasons. Once set, this moisturiser is harder and firmer than traditional moisturises and can be used as a balm for the lips, elbows and any other areas of the skin with dry patches.

Natural skin moisturiser

Ingredients:

  • 28g (1oz) of Shea Butter
  • 21g (0.75oz) of cosmetic grade beeswax
  • 20 mls of vitamin e oil, wheat germ oil or almond oil
  • Essential oils:
  • For greasy skin ad 10 – 20 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil
  • For dry skin add 10 – 20 drops of lavender or geranium oil
  • For sensitive/combination skin add 15 – 20 drops of camomile essential oil
  • Storage jar

The more oil added, the stronger it will smell so add the oils gradually first and build up to the desired strength.

NB: Be careful when making this as the beeswax can get very hot; take care not to get it on your skin.

Add the Shea butter to a saucepan and melt it on low on an oven ring or melt in the microwave. Once it has melted, give it a stir and then add the beeswax. Melt the beeswax either on an oven ring or in the microwave. Mix the Shea butter and beeswax together and then add your oil. Stir in your chosen carrier oil and then add the essential oils.

Once it has all blended together, add the mix to a small glass jar. Be careful not to touch the sides of the jar as it will be extremely hot. Leave it in its place to cool down. It is probably best left until the next morning.

Once ready the mixture can be used like a salve to soften skin and moisturise.

NB: Pregnant women should take medical advice before using essential oils.

Paleo Diet Primal Shampoo No Poo Kombucha SLS Paraben Ingredients Chemicals-min

What’s Really in Your Shampoo?

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As people become more aware of the damaging chemicals contained within everyday products (like shampoo, conditioner, make up and lotions), it is a natural instinct to start looking for natural alternatives – or even making your own products so you know exactly what has gone into them.

Cleansing products we use everyday such as shampoo offer contain sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) and Parabens, which seem to be very damaging, both to our health and the environment.

SLS is a favourite of manufactures, as it helps to make their products lather and form a thick constituency – but it can be very irritating, not to mention toxic. With the skin being our biggest organ, and able to absorb whatever we apply to it, it makes sense to be very cautious about the products you use.

Avoiding Chemical Shampoo

Increasing numbers of people are going “no poo” – that is, going without shampoo entirely. For some, this might be a step too far – in which case, have you considered cleansing your hair with Kombucha?

For a simple, chemical free hair rinse, all you need is some water and some Kombucha. Although it is often drunk as a tea for its health benefits, it also has some beauty applications.

Using Kombucha will give the hair a natural sheen without the need for chemicals, and make it easier to control oily hair.  Kombucha will also make the hair lighter and easier to control.

Paleo Diet Primal Shampoo No Poo Kombucha SLS Paraben Ingredients Chemicals-min

The Kombucha should be diluted with one- two parts water before being used as rinse.

Herbs can be added to the mix to give a delicate scent. Herbs such as camomile and lavender will work well with normal, dry/itchy and oily hair. Camomile will also help to lighten blonde hair. For dark hair, rosemary will work well. The herbs can either be added directly to the hair rinse or lighted boiled first.  When it comes to quantities of herbs, just add a small handful, enough to give some fragrance, but not so much that the herbs swamp the water.

Another way to cleanse the hair naturally is to use baking soda. Just apply the baking soda to a brush and brush it through the same way you would a dry shampoo or wet your hair with a cup of water and then apply the baking soda.

How do you wash your hair – or do you go without? Are you careful to avoid certain ingredients in commercial shampoos and hair care products? Please leave your comments or share your recipes below.