Hormone and nicotine patches work because our skin absorbs a lot of what we put on it. Many of the ingredients in conventional deodorant have serious safety issues.

Triclosan, for example, may disrupt normal thyroid function and alter hormones. Aluminum, which is present in some “natural crystal” deodorants, has been classified by an oncologist as a genotoxin and hormone disruptor. Other harmful ingredients may include propylene glycol, parabens, and “fragrance,” which often includes phthalates.
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Ready to toss your store-bought deodorants goodbye?  Here’s an easy recipe!
Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons baking soda – if this feels like too much after trying it, decrease by a tablespoon and increase the arrowroot powder by one tablespoon
• 5 tablespoons arrowroot powder or non-GMO cornstarch
• 6 tablespoons shea butter (it’s not greasy and absorbs easily)
• 30-60 drops essential oil (tea tree, frankincense, lavender and patchouli are good options)

To Make
In a deep bowl, mix baking soda and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch together). Using your hands or a fork, work in the shea butter until it looks like very crumbly dough. Add in essential oil if using and then whip the deodorant together using a hand mixer. It will seem too dry at first and you’ll wonder if it’s really going to come together, but it will. You do need a deep bowl, though, because in the initial stage of mixing you don’t want the powder to go over the side of the bowl. Transfer to a clean glass jar – I use a 4 ounce jar.
To Use
Using your fingertips, scoop out a very small amount of deodorant – really, a little goes a long way – and rub it in your underarm area until it’s invisible. The deodorant will absorb quickly and keep you smelling fresh, but if you want extra dryness protection you can apply a layer of arrowroot powder over the deodorant using a makeup brush.