Can Coconut Oil Be Used as a Sunscreen & Deodorant?

man's solid deodorant image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

Concerns and uncertainty over certain cancers and their association with chemicals such as aluminum zirconium, benzophenones and salicylates in beauty products have led some people to consider making their own. If you are looking for a natural alternative to manufactured beauty products, consider a homemade recipe. Homemade sunscreens and deodorants with a coconut oil base will not only save you money; they can also reduce your exposure to chemicals and free radicals that may eventually lead to cancer.

Sunscreen

Spoon 3 tbsp. of shea butter into a medium bowl. Add 6 tbsp. of coconut oil to the shea butter. Whip the two ingredients together using a wire whisk.

Add 2 tbsp. of zinc oxide to the mixture and blend with the wire whisk. Zinc oxide is a natural “physical” sun-blocking agent (filters out UVA/UVB rays) .

Pour the mixture into a plastic container with lid. Apply the coconut oil sunscreen to your skin using your fingertips before you head outdoors. Store the unused portion in the refrigerator.

Deodorant

Scoop a ¼-cup of baking soda and a ¼-cup of cornstarch into a medium bowl. Stir the two together with a metal whisk to combine.

Add 5 tbsp. of coconut oil to the baking soda and cornstarch mixture. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the coconut oil deodorant to scent.

Mix all of the ingredients together with the metal whisk, forming a thick paste. Scoop the mixture into a plastic container with lid.

Apply a quarter-sized amount of the coconut oil deodorant to your underarms using your fingertips. Massage the deodorant into your skin until absorbed.

Repeat the application as often as needed. Store the coconut oil deodorant in the refrigerator in between uses.