How to Make Your Own Crystal Deodorant
Many people find that the variety of chemicals found in most deodorants can cause skin irritation and look for gentler options. Sweat is odorless, according to the Mayo Clinic until it hits the surface of the skin and mingles with bacteria. An alum crystal deodorant creates a barrier that neutralizes the bacteria as opposed to chemicals found in commercial deodorants which many times just mask the odor. Making crystal deodorant is a fun project but it does take two to three weeks to grow your crystal before you can use it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Clean jar
- Shallow dish
- 2 1/2 ounces alum powder
- Ruler or craft stick
- Nylon fishing line
- Spoon
Instructions
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Pour one cup of hot water into a clean jar. Slowly stir in two ounces of alum, a little bit at a time. Stir until it dissolves. Keep adding the alum until it will not dissolve anymore and starts to settle at the bottom of the jar. Alum powder can be found in the spice section at the grocery store or some health food stores. If you cannot find it, many online retailers have it available.
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Add about 1/4 of your alum solution to a shallow dish. Stir in one tbsp. of alum powder in the solution left in your jar. The remaining solution in the jar can be covered with a clean cloth and stored in a dry, warm area where it will be undisturbed. Leave your dish uncovered overnight to form the seed crystal.
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Check your dish the next day. There should be some small crystals that have already formed. Choose the largest that you would like to use for your crystal deodorant. This is your seed crystal that needs to grow to become large enough for use.
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Tie some nylon fishing line around the crystal you chose and tie the other end to the middle of a ruler or craft stick. The length of thread will depend on the jar that you use. Make sure it is long enough to secure around the crystal and the stick so that when you place the stick over the top of your solution in the jar, the seed crystal will be suspended and fully submerged in liquid. Do not let your seed crystal touch the bottom or sides of the jar when it hangs.
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Store your jar in a dry, warm place, there is no need to keep it covered. It will take two weeks to reach its full size but check on it every few days. If you see crystals forming on the sides of your jar you can transfer the liquid solution and your crystal to a new, clean jar to grow larger. The small crystals will compete with your seed crystal for the alum; it will depend on how large you want your homemade deodorant crystal to be. When it grows to your desired size it is ready to be used. Make sure you wipe it off with a paper towel before using and gently file down any sharp areas.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use thread if you do not have nylon fishing line but crystals will form along the thread taking away alum that can be used for your crystal.
Only use your crystal deodorant on clean skin right after bathing. The effects of the alum crystal should last 24 hours.
