Crystal deodorant + essential oils

[Azaria]

What do you all think...are there any adverse effects to putting a few drops of various EO on my crystal for some added smelly goodness? The armpit is such a place of absorption, lymphatics, etc., and I am wondering if there are any reasons not to use this method.

[RawKnitster]

It would depend on the essential oil(s). Most EOs should NOT be applied full strength. Some can be very damaging, even burn the skin.

As a general rule to make a 1% solution, put 10 drops of essential oils in 2 oz of base oil. (Coconut, olive, jojoba, sesame, hazelnut, etc.)

To make a perfume (5% solution), try 30 drops of essential oil in 1 oz of jojoba oil.

Did you have a specific essential oil in mind?

[Revvell]

I've not had a problem with burning BUT, you're looking at a combination of salt and eo. Hoping you're not planning on shaving and doing this.

I'd go with what RK says and dilute. Your underarms will thank you.

Actually, I wouldn't use the salt rock and the eo's together. One or the other.

[klomasius]

You could always simply use the salt crystal and then put the EOs on your pulse points for scent.

Alternately you can make up a mist bottle of himalaya/celtic salt, water and a bit of EO of your choice and use that as a deodorant, does the trick nicely! Just remember the salt concentration must be high.

[Azaria]

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

I've been dropping a few drops of either lavender, sweet orange, and lemongrass every few days, so it has built up to a lovely scent ;) After applying a drop or two of only one of these, I'll swipe the crystal under the water and then apply. I don't put fresh drops on the one or two days a week I shave, so no stinging.


Actually, I wouldn't use the salt rock and the eo's together. One or the other. Why not, revvell?

Klo, I have a mist bottle with distilled water and EO but I like your idea of the salt...should I mix it in while warm to dissolve the salt or does it not matter? Roughly how high is a high concentration?
Cheers!

[RawKnitster]

I've been dropping a few drops of either lavender, sweet orange, and lemongrass every few days, so it has built up to a lovely scent ;)

That looks like a very nice combination. I've got the lavender. I'm putting sweet orange and lemongress on my wish list. Slowly building up my collection of EOs. The shopkeeper advised me to be careful using oils and gave me a % chart listing the amount of drops to add to base oil. One of these days I am going to take the class she teaches about how to mix and use essential oils. I find them fascinating. :)

[michigan roman]

i agree with the spray bottle containing water and essential oil

easy / cheap / healthy

[RawKnitster]

I was googling to find out how jojoba ester is made and stumbled on this which reminded me of this thread.

http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2008/09/natural-deodora.html

[klomasius]

I use salt for a lot of things, generally I make it at saturation or close to saturation point.

The way to do this is to get a clear glass full of (usually warm, but cold will do, just takes longer) water and start putting teaspoons of salt into it one by one, stirring until dissolved.

At the saturation point, no matter how much you stir, there will be a little pool of crystals at the bottom of the water, this means that the solution has reached saturation and no more salt can be dissolved.

At this point, you can add a little more water and dissolve the remaining crystals and you have a nice deodorising solution (much like the commercial salt mist deodorisers). If when you spray this mister under your arms you get salt crystals, simply add a little more water and it'll be fine. You'll find your particular balance. :)

[Azaria]

Oh excellent, will check out the link and just made up a batch of salt spray. Very excited to see how it works out ;)