Effective as it was, you had to make a new batch everyday because it dried and mixing it everyday was a too much hassle so instead I looked for something that I could mix and it would last longer.

So I decided to mix the bicarbonate soda/baking soda with coconut oil.  I think you can use any of your favourite oils, coconut oil is good because it makes a nice paste.  Also I add a few drops of peppermint essential oils which adds a nice scent and freshness when applied to the underarm.

Very effective and it lasts!!!

I stumbled upon safe cure for Body Odour, Bicarbonate of Soda or Baking Soda (if you are based in the USA).  Can you believe it? Basically mix it with a little water to make a paste, apply it to your underarms and hey presto!!! You have your safe, cheap, long lasting and effective deodorant.  Seriously it really works!!!

The real test for me is when I go to the gym, I use to smell really bad afterwards when I use commercial antiperspirant but now I hardly smell even with a hard workout.

Other home-made safe solutions include Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), some people find ACV can be sticky on the underarms so brushing dry baking soda helps to alleviate this.

Caution:

• Do a test patch for baking soda, some people complain of slight irritations
• Don’t use straight after shaving

There are some people who believe that there really are “safe” synthetic chemicals. If we look at chemical use historically, we see a pattern of fantastic chemical breakthroughs that are sold to us as the “new” answer to our problems, which are then subsequently banned (or withdrawn) after the damage has been done.

Remember the “miracle” of DDT for getting rid of pests on crops? I believe that the search for newer, better and safer chemicals is foolish. Mother Nature always has, and always will, provide us with everything we need.

We should avoid all synthetic chemicals. By seeking out truly natural and organic products we are making a positive difference to our own health as well as supporting ecologically sound business ideals.

Previous: Natural Alternatives to Chemicals:Preservatives Part 8

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group

Some Synthetic Preservatives Imidiazolidinyl Urea (Germall 115) and Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall II) Causes contact dermatitis. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde over 10°C. DMDM Hydantoin Highly toxic, causes contact dermatitis, contains formaldehyde. Used in shampoos and deodorants. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben Toxic, Causes allergic reactions and skin rashes. Used in almost everything! 2-Bromo-2-Nitro-Propane-1, 3-diol. (Bronopol) Toxic, causes allergic contact dermatitis. Used in face creams, shampoos, mascaras and bath oils. Benzalkonium Chloride Highly toxic, primary skin irritant. Used in shampoos, conditioner and deodorants. Quarternium-15 Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone Causes contact dermatitis. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone Both cause allergies. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Butylated hudroxyanisole (BHA) Both cause allergic contact dermatitis. BHT is carcinogenic. Some Natural Preservatives Tea Tree Essential Oil Thyme Essential Oil Grapefruit Seed Extract Bitter Orange Extract

Previous:Natural Alternatives to Chemicals: Surfactants Part 7

Next: IS “NATURAL” REALLY BETTER?

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group.

Some Synthetic Surfactants Sodium or Ammonium Lauryl or Laureth Sulphate Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Sodium Lauroyl or Cocoyl Sarcosinate Cocomidopropyl Betaine TEA (Triethanolamine) compounds DEA (Diethanolamine) compounds MEA (Monethanolamine) compounds PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) compounds Quaternium -7, 15, 31, 60 etc Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine Disodium Oleamide or Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc. Some Natural Surfactants Castile Soap Yucca Extract Soapwort Quillaja Bark Extract

Previous:Natural Alternatives to Chemicals: Emulsifiers Part 6

Next: Natural Alternatives to Chemicals: PRESERVATIVES Part 8

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group.

]]> http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/natural-alternatives-to-chemicalssurfactants-part-7/feed/ 0 Pure and Organic http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/natural-alternatives-to-chemicals-emulsifiers-part-6/ http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/natural-alternatives-to-chemicals-emulsifiers-part-6/#comments Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:11:18 +0000 Pure and Organic http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/?p=38 ]]> Emulsifiers hold two ingredients together that normally don’t mix. This can either be a physical substance (like a wax) or a physical action (shake well before use!). Synthetic emulsifiers are usually petroleum/hydrocarbon derivatives and can be allergens. Natural emulsifiers are obtained from various nuts, berries and leaves.

Some Synthetic Emulsifiers Alkoxykated Amides (eg TEA, DEA, MEA, MIPA compounds) can undergo nitrosation to form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens PEG compounds – may contain the toxic byproduct dioxane Sorbitan Stearate, Laurate, Palmitate, Oleate etc Ozokerite, Ceresin, Silicone and Montan Waxes Isopropyl Stearate, Laurate, Palmitate, Oleate Etc Some Natural Emulsifiers Plant Waxes (eg. Candelilla, Carnauba, Jojoba, Rice Bran) Xanthan Gum Quince Seed

Previous: Natural Alternatives to Chemicals: Humectants Part 5

Next: Natural Alternatives to Chemicals:Surfactants Part 7

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group.

]]> http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/natural-alternatives-to-chemicals-emulsifiers-part-6/feed/ 0 Pure and Organic http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/natural-alternatives-to-chemicals-humectants-part-5/ http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/natural-alternatives-to-chemicals-humectants-part-5/#comments Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:19:17 +0000 Pure and Organic http://pureandorganic.wordpress.com/?p=35 ]]> The main purpose of any cream is to keep the skin moist. Many conventional creams form a suffocating film on the skin to prevent moisture loss.

Even a natural humectant, glycerin, actually attracts water from the air and surrounding tissue. It keeps the skin moist as long as there is sufficient moisture in the air. In a dry climate it actually draws moisture from the skin.

Collagen, elastin and keratin enjoy some popularity as humectants. Whilst they are compatible with the skin and deposit a protective film, they are usually sourced from animals and therefore cannot be termed “cruelty free”. Some skin care companies would like you to believe that your skin can use special animal proteins to rejuvenate and replace aging cells. This is nonsense! The size of the molecules, even when broken down (hydrolysed), are far too large to penetrate the skin. Even if they could get in, they would be immediately rejected as foreign matter and attacked by the immune system.

Natural phospholipids, from lecithin, are fantastic humectants. An important benefit of phospholipids is that they are hygroscopic (attract water from the surrounding air) and hold water where an increased level of hydration is needed.

Therefore, phospholipids increase the hydration levels of the skin without being occlusive (forming a film to prevent water loss, and preventing normal cellular function).

A recent study proved the value of topically applied phospholipids in skin care. It found that environmental factors (sun, wind, pollution) and the detergents and solvents, found in most skin cleansers, actually stripped the natural phospholipid content from the top layer of skin.

This loss resulted in a rough feel and a pitted appearance under a microscope. Importantly, the phospholipids in the uppermost skin layers cannot be replaced by natural cell function, as the top layer of cells no longer metabolise; they serve only as a protective barrier.

Remarkably, the study showed that topically applied plant phospholipids restore the barrier function of the skin, protecting it from substances such as bacteria and harmful chemicals.

Some Synthetic Humectants Propylene Glycol – causes irritation and contact dermatitis Ethylene/Diethylene Glycol – causes irritation and contact dermatitis PEG compounds (eg Polyethylene Glycol) – may contain the toxic by-product dioxane Ethoxylated surfactants (eg “- laureth-”) – may contain the toxic by-product – dioxane Synthetic alcohols (eg Glyceryl Coconate, Hydroxystearate, Myristate, Oleate) have been shown to cause allergies and dermatitis. Some Natural Humectants Lecithin Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) Glycerin

Previous: NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS? EMOLLIENTS Part 4

Next: Natural Alternatives to Chemicals: Emulsifiers Part 6

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group

All skin care products, both synthetic and natural, contain items from the following categories in some combination or other:

EMOLLIENTS

Emollients serve two functions; they prevent dryness and protect the skin, acting as a barrier and healing agent. Water is the best emollient, but because it evaporates quickly it is ineffective. It needs to be held on the skin by emollient oils in what is called an emulsion.

Synthetic emollients are occlusive i.e. they coat the skin and do not allow it to respire (much like plastic wrap), which can cause skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients can accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also nonbiodegradable, causing a negative environmental impact.

Natural emollients actually nourish the skin. They are metabolised by the skin’s own enzymes and absorbed into it. They are readily biodegradable and are of edible quality.

Some Synthetic Emollients PEG compounds (eg PEG- 45 Almond Glyceride) may contain the toxic by-product Dioxane Synthetic alcohols (anything that contains the phrase benzyl –, butyl-, cetearyl-, cetyl -, glyceryl-, isopropyl-, myristyl propyl-, propylene-, or stearyl-) eg Isopropyl Palmitate, Diglyceryl Caprylate) have been shown to cause allergies and dermatitis. Hydrocarbons (eg mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin) contain carcinogenic and mutagenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and can cause chemically induced acne. Silicone Oils (eg dimethicone, cyclomethicone, copolyol) can clog the skin like plastic wrap and cause tumours when painted on lab animals (according to the Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by the manufacturer). Some Natural Emollients Plant Oils (eg. Jojoba, Avocado, Rosehip) Shea, Cocoa and Jojoba Butters

Previous: How do we know what we are buying is really “NATURAL” and “ORGANIC”? Part 3

Next:Natural Alternatives to Chemicals: Humectants Part 5

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group.

Here are a few terms and meanings to help you.

100 per cent organic: contains 100 per cent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt).

Eco-cert: contains at least 95 per cent organic ingredients (excluding water and salt).

Made with organic ingredients: contains at least 70 per cent organic ingredients.

Hypoallergenic: products are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Alcohol-free: contains no ethyl alcohol (or grain alcohol).

Fragrance-free: product has no perceptible odour.

Noncomedogenic: products do not contain common pore-clogging ingredients that could lead to acne.

Cruelty-free or no new animal testing: implies that products have not been tested on animals.

Here is the ingredient list of a “natural” and “organic” body moisturiser from a well known “natural” skin care company.

Take note of the last point that says “Content: Apricot Oil (2.5%)”. Notice that Apricot Oil is number 3 on the list. Because skin care manufacturers are required to list the ingredients in descending order this means everything AFTER Apricot oil makes up LESS than 2.5% by volume.

This means that about 90% of that product is water and Isopropyl Palmitate. Isopropyl Palmitate, is derived from Isopropyl Alcohol, synthetic alcohol, and Palmitic Acid, a fatty acid from palm oil. It is known to cause skin irritations and dermatitis in rabbits and has been shown to have comedogenic (acne promoting) properties.

Nos 4, 5 and 6 are all produced by chemical reactions between various fatty acids and glycerol (synthetic glycerine). They are largely synthetic and have been shown to cause allergies and dermatitis.

No. 7 is a synthetic emulsifier that may contain dangerous levels of ethylene oxide and dioxane, both known carcinogens.

Nos 8-15 are natural ingredients used in very small amounts that may have been grown using pesticides and herbicides.

No. 16 may be natural or synthetic and has been shown to cause contact eczema.

No. 17 is otherwise known as Caustic Soda and is extremely alkaline and corrosive.

No. 18. Sorbic acid was once isolated from the mountain ash berry, but is now chemically synthesized and is a toxic preservative.

No. 19 is synthetic Vitamin E.

Nos 20-22 are toxic and allergenic preservatives.

No. 23. Probably synthetic, may contain phthalates that have been linked to birth defects.

No. 24. Synthetic colours that could be potentially carcinogenic.

No. 1. from organic aloe vera plants with potent healing properties to regenerate the skin.

No. 2 is cold-pressed from organic safflower seeds, with emollient and skin softening properties.

No. 3. Purified Water.

No. 4 is cold-pressed from organic avocado fruit, very nourishing for dry skin.

No. 5 is from organic shea nut beans, fantastic at preventing stretchmarks and contains a natural sunscreen.

No. 6 is from non-genetically modified soybean oil, a natural moisturising factor contained in healthy skin.

No. 7 is from organic sugar, helps emulsify the oils, butters and aloe together.

No. 8 is a precursor to vitamin B5, healing and moisturising.

No. 9 is from olive juice, a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from UV damage.

No. 10 is from grapefruit seeds, a natural antibacterial.

No. 11 is a natural gum to soften the skin and thicken the product.

No. 12 is from organic vanilla beans and smells divine.

Previous: What does “Natural” and “Organic” mean on product labels? Part 2

Next: What are the natural alternatives to chemicals?

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group