What is value to you? Is it stored in currency? Maybe in a home or car? Could it be your children? Or the inheritance you plan to leave for them? There’s nothing wrong with any of these, but I think we all are lucky enough to be the inheritors of something more valuable.
Earth.
After all, what and where would your definition of value be without it? Today is the day we put environmental concerns at the forefront of our minds and try to make a conscious decision to change. We also celebrate the wonders, the beauty, and the comforts of life this fragile blue orb in space provides us.
At Found On Earth, I encourage my readers to put down the tech and get outside. Explore the magnificent gift you have.
Warning, This Is The Travel Deodorant You’ll Love!
Why do I believe you’ll love this travel deodorant? Simple, it does its job well without the health risk that many store-bought chemical cocktails present. What’s more, it eliminates the issues many have come to expect from natural deodorants. No more bleached underarm hairs, caking deodorant, and underarm soreness. Not to mention the benefit of making it at home with ingredients you can easily find. Best of all, Your skin is left feeling soft and moisturized while achieving all-day protection.
Powerful Results For Adventurous People
Being the inspiration, travelers and adventurers who lack access to water for long periods will enjoy this powerful yet gentle travel deodorant. In addition to preventing new ones, it eliminates smells that have already formed. Therefore, users do not have to clean their pits before using it. Furthermore, the solution can be applied indefinitely without washing, still retaining the ability to eliminate odors. Nevertheless, showering is still encouraged.
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A Simple Travel Deodorant With The Best Ingredients
Most deodorants use aluminum or alcohol to combat odor. Aluminum is controversial and can be dangerous in high concentrations. As a result, this one will use alcohol as a base. After all, it is a natural, safe way of combating odor. Furthermore, alcohol is highly effective at eliminating any initial bacteria on the skin’s surface.
The main recipe utilizes essential oils as a vital yet safe ingredient. Moreover, they offer aromatic scents. Additionally, many have antifungal and antibacterial properties that fight odors. Their cost can be high, but buying in bulk can offset the expense.
Rosewater makes a great alternative to essential oils. It is an antioxidant that produces a pleasant smell while providing moisturization and reducing inflammation. When paired with the other ingredients, it creates an uncompromising travel deodorant. From my test, I can see that the essential oil recipe offers a strong smell that lasts longer. Nevertheless, Rosewater still keeps the underarms in check all day.
Sweet almond oil is the recommended base oil. It makes skin feel soft and has a delayed absorption rate. I am not sure if this helps make the deodorant last longer, but the test I have run makes it appear so. Additionally, it leaves the skin feeling moisturized after consistent use.
Apple cider vinegar increases the travel deodorant’s longevity. Moreover, it disrupts the PH levels under the arm, creating an inhabitable environment for the bacteria and fungi to grow. However, the scent of vinegar is overpowering, causing us to add only a little to the mixture. Conversely, adding more would increase its concentration. It’s speculative, but this may increase longevity.
Where To Buy Ingredients
Most of the ingredients are available at your local health store or online. The alcohol is the only exception, but most local liquor stores carry it.
Things You Need To Know.
I am very excited to share this and have been waiting for the moment to post it. However, I am just going to be straightforward. Not all deodorants have the same effects on everyone. There are sensitivities that some of us must endure. I am aware of this and consistently try alternatives to see if I can find other variants that may work better for those with sensitivities.
Alcohol deodorants can present a burning sensation, but it is rare and preventable. You only need to know what causes the feeling and learn how to avoid doing those things. Users are welcome to submit any findings in the comment section below. The following could contribute to the burning effect.
Not using the right bottle
The ball does not roll well or apply enough solution
Too much friction from roller all
Applying solution rough
Skin Problems
Having torn skin in your underarms (shaving)
Sensitive skin
Scrubbing under the arm instead of a gentle cleaning
Not enough oil in the mixture
I must remind users that this travel deodorant destroys odors under the arms. Moreover, it is efficient at eliminatingthe bacteria and fungi that cause it. As a result, you do not need to scrub hardto remove the existing odor before applying. It works well enough to freshen the smelliest of pits.
Activities That Will Make You Sweat More.
I recommend carrying the bottle for elevated physical activities (especially in the heat). Sweat will not affect the deodorant working. However, extreme sweating will overtake the underarm surface and dilute the potency of the deodorant. Re-apply, even if an odor starts to form. The travel deodorant will eliminate it and continue protection.
I tested the Rosewater formula recently on an intense 5-hour, 4.4-mile hike in the Nevada desert. It was a hot day that included some rock climbing. The travel deodorant lasted until the end of the trip (intense sweating with a backpack on). I re-applied the deodorant in the car after the hike. No odors came back for the remainder of the day.
Natural Astringents
This travel deodorant does not intend to stop the body from functioning as intended. But you should know it does contain natural astringents. They are not the same as antiperspirants, but they provide essential benefits you need in a deodorant. While antiperspirants block the glands by creating a gel-like substance, astringents allow sweat to still come through at a reduced rate. Sweat is a natural process that plays a crucial role in regulating skin flora¹; therefore, we do not want to eliminate sweat.
Astringents
Naturally, tighten pores
Provide antibacterial benefits
Removes irritation
Helps with inflammation
As mentioned above, sweat is a natural process the body goes through and is needed. If you have used antiperspirant for a long time, you may need to get used to sweating on hot days.
*Safety Warnings
High-proofalcohol isflammable. Do not expose deodorant to high heat, sparks, or open flame. The alcohol vanishes under the arm after a minute, reducing this risk. Nevertheless, exercise caution while the underarms are still wet.
Essential oils can damage plastic, paint, and many other surfaces. It is advisable to store the deodorant away from these surfaces. Store the deodorant away from items that can be damagedif the bottle leaks. Keep out of reach of children.
*More warnings about Essential Oils are posted below.
What do you need to buy?
Buying The Right Container.
I cannot express how vital part the bottle is to the functionality of the deodorant. Please do not look at it as a place to save money. The application makes a big difference in how well the solution works. You will need Deodorant roller bottles designed to hold Essential oils and offer protection against UV. They should be glass, as plastic does not mix well with essential oils. Avoid painted bottles that scratch or flake off (See picture below). Look for baked-in tinted colors.
After one week of use, the bottle on the left lost all color on the screw. The paint was also peeling off upon delivery!
Low-Quality plastics not rated for essential oil will warp. Look for the troubling signs before deciding to commit to keeping a bottle.
The cap on the left is warping at the screw. The seller claims the bottle withstands essential oils, but it does not.
Color & UV protection
Brown bottles let in the least amount of UV rays.
If you cannot find brown, choose cobalt.
Green offers the least protection of the color bottles but is still better than clear.
Clear bottles are unacceptable.
Size Matters
Liquid Capacity Needs To Meet Your Needs
10ml tinted glass bottles are pocketable, great to travel with, and hold enough fluid for a few (2-3) days. I have three that I use to test mixtures. However, I wouldn’t and don’t use them on a regular. But they are great for keeping in a purse or pocket for emergencies.
Travel deodorant bottles come in multiple colors. These are my three 10ml test vessels.
I recommend using the 50ml tinted glass bottle. It holds 5x more of the liquid and is not too big to carry around. Moreover, it will prevent you from needing to make the deodorant as often. If the intention is to keep it at home, a 100ML tinted glass bottle may be enough.
Be sure to check your bottle for leaks, and ensure the lid is on tight.
Ball quality matters much more than its size.
Finding large roller balls that can withstand the essential oils seems like a near-impossible task. Most bottles come with a small roller which requires more time and friction. That’s fine as long as we pick quality rollers. I detail below how to find such a roller.
This 50ml amber glass travel deodorant bottle has the same ball size as the 10ml. Although the balls look the same, the 50ml has a better quality ball.
How to find quality balls.
Whether empty or full, the ball should give no resistance and move freely. Moreover, the liquid should cover the applicator with ease. Thus, allowing the skin’s surface to become saturated. If the essential oil causes the plastic to swell and the ball falls out, it is not a good bottle. If shaken, the ball must stay in place.
This bottle and ball are of low quality. The ball lost its texture after a week!
Ingredients
I recommend getting all organic ingredients. Though, it is difficult to find organic alcohol above 80% that is organic.
Grain Alcohol – Vodka or Tequila 192 – 80 proof (The lower the number is weaker and less effective for some people). This recipe only works with grain alcohols.
Organic Essential oils
I only use the top three (All listed have antibacterial properties).
Aloe Juice – Requires refrigeration (Do not use unless you don’t mind having your deodorant in the fridge)
Lemon Juice – Requires refrigeration
Learn How to make your new travel deodorant.
Mixing into the travel deodorant bottle.
Add Sweet Almond Oil to about 20-30% of the bottle.
Then add the Essential Oil (See table below for amount)
Add 1 drop of Apple Cider Vinegar per 1 ML (50 drops for 50ml)
Fill the remaining space (Leaving a little room to shake) with the chosen (Grain) Alcohol.
Shake the solution well. (Store in a cool, dark location)
Oil settling is natural. Just shake before applying to each arm.
Essential Oil
10 ML Travel Deodorant Bottle
50 ML Travel Deodorant Bottle
Bergamot
5 Drops
25 drops
Lemongrass
20 Drops
50 Drops
Lavender
7 Drops
35 Drops
Amount of essential oil drops to add to the mixture
The smell can be altered* by switching the oil drop amounts. For example, to get a strong lavender smell:
10 drops of Lavender instead of Lemongrass
7 drops of Lemongrass
5 Bergamot
I find that adding more sweet almond oil reduces the chance of feeling the burning effect.
How to apply your travel deodorant and reduce discomfort
Let the skin heal after shaving. Applying after a shave would likely reduce the chance of a skin infection, but I don’t recommend it. Fun fact.Alcohol doesn’t physically cause burns. It does activate the same receptors that a hot object or fire would, Just with less intensity.
Clean
If possible, gently clean under the arms with mild soap and water. Use apple cider vinegar in the field.
Avoid using anything abrasive under the arm.
Although it isn’t a requirement, applying apple cider vinegar before application helps clean the skin and disrupt the PH levels. (Apply to makeup removal cotton pads)
Apply
It is best to hold your arm up to stretch the skin’s surface.
Shake the bottle often to ensure an even initial mixture
Apply before sleep and after waking up.
Roll-on generous amounts in a circular motion, leaving the surface well saturated. Aim to cover the length of the underarm, not just the cup.
Roll the bottle in a circle motion softly, applying thick wet coats
The oil will naturally settle(Separate) during wiping. You want this towards the end of the application as it will act as aseal.
Just a tip, everyone should carry the bottle around for the first few weeks until they know how their body performs with the deodorant.
Other powerful uses for this solution.
This solution also makes a powerful multi-use spray.All you need to do is put it in a UV-protected spray bottle. However, It is best to omit Sweet almond oilif you intend to use it as a surface spray. The oil will dry up and leave residue on the surface. Some uses include, but are not limited to:
Sanitize surfaces
Hand sanitizer
Room freshener
Pillow spray
Fabric freshener
Odor elimination
Toilet freshener – Spray in the toilet before use
Using the multi-use spray will cause you to burn through your ingredients faster.
I Hope You Enjoy Your New Travel Deodorant!
Thanks for trying this recipe out. It makes a great gift idea for friends and family. Be sure to share the post with them and always check back for updates.
While I do my best to ensure I include everything, somethings are easy to miss. Feel free to leave a comment with feedback. I only ask that you be respectful and understand that not everyone has the same body. I can only test theories on myself. Therefore, my results may differ from others.
Essential Oil Warnings.
Essential oils are highly concentrated. This potency allows them to work but can makes them somewhat hazardous if not used properly. Some things should be adhered to when using essential oils.
Essential oils applied topically should always be diluted. The only exception is if instructed by a physician.
Ensure oils are stored out of the sunlightandaway from children.
Store away from medications and food. Keep this in mind if you use Aloe Juice, which requires refrigeration.
*Citrus oils such as orange, bergamot, lemon, and more, can cause skin photosensitivity.
Keep this in mind while doing outdoor activities that expose the underarms to the sun.
*Tea Tree Oilcan only be used in small concentrations.
Essential oil use is not recommended while pregnant or nursing.
Do not ingest essential oils. Consult a physician if accidental ingestion occurs.
Children should notusecertain essential oils. Please research which oils are safe for children. Some pose a life-threatening risk to them.
Mint oils have antibacterial functions. However, dermatologist do not recommendusing them.
Never use on mucous membranes (mouth, nostrils, etc.)
Patch testing for allergic reactions and sensitivities is always encouraged before applying to a large area.
Essential oils can pose a threat to aquatic life. Do not use anything containing essential oils while swimming.
If you experience itching, pain, or rashes due to a particular essential oil, try a different one, or reduce the concentration.
Sources:
¹Schittek, B., Hipfel, R., Sauer, B. et al. Dermcidin: a novel human antibiotic peptide secreted by sweat glands. Nat Immunol2, 1133–1137 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/ni732
