Homemade Aromatic Body Powder

Hello sweaty weather. Boy is it hot! In New York City the crowds are lethargically mulling around, dripping and smelling like hot, sweaty bodies. I can’t even imagine the amount of deodorant rolled, sprayed and patted on each morning of this knee-bucking heat wave. Personally, I’m old-timey enough to prefer powder to brand-name products. I know that there are good all-natural deodorants, but the bulk of commercial deodorants scare me. So yes, I’ll take powder, thanks.

However, according to Stephanie Tourles, author of Organic Body Care Recipes (Storey Publishing, 2007), talc is often the first ingredient in body powder. She goes on to say that though inexpensive, talc can be irritating to the lungs and frequently contains traces of arsenic. Deodorizing body powders and baby powders often contain a blend of talc, baking soda, and cornstarch or can be pure cornstarch with a fragrance additive.

So, let’s make our own. Here is her formula for a minty-citrus deodorizing powder that is especially recommended for keeping underarms dry in the hot weather, and also works well to deodorize the feet.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup baking soda
1 cup white clay, finely ground
1 1/2 cup arrowroot
1/4 cup dried orange peel, very finely powdered
1/4 cup peppermint, very finely powdered
100 drops peppermint essential oil
100 drops lemon essential oil

1. Combine all ingredients except the essential oils in a large bowl. Stir slowly with a whisk for 15 seconds until well blended.

2. Using a mortar and pestle, combine the essential oils drop by drop with two or three tablespoons of powder until the oil is absorbed. Add this oil mixture to the remaining powder and whisk the mixture slowly (to avoid making too much dust) or shake vigorously in a large container with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Store powder in an airtight storage container in a cool, dark place for 3 days to allow the scent of the essential oils to permeate the mixture. Package the powder in smaller containers if desired.

4. No refrigeration is required, but for maximum fragrance and freshness, please use within one year.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Robert O.

11:37AM PDT on May 10, 2012

Thanks Melissa.

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KS G.

5:45AM PDT on Apr 26, 2012

Thanks for the article.

Jennifer C.

9:05PM PDT on Aug 1, 2011

Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

Past Member .

10:19PM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

Thanks :)

Mary Beth M.

11:35AM PDT on Apr 9, 2011

I have made foot powder before using oils, but this seems like a lot of oil. 200 drops?

6:46AM PST on Mar 2, 2011

Forgive me ... I have so little time, so I am just here for points for the animals ...

Bo T.

6:51AM PST on Jan 6, 2011

Great formula thanks for posting it. I will give it a try.

Kim S.

12:29PM PDT on Jul 21, 2010

Thanks. This sounds great!

NO EMAILS P.

1:11AM PDT on Apr 11, 2010

thankyou

SuS NoMail Plez P.

10:41PM PST on Jan 28, 2010

This sounds like a great recipe! I will pass it on. I don't know why, but I have never HAD to use deodorant! The only thing that makes sence to me is my diet is so healthy.