Finally! We're launching a new section on the Alma Eko blog that we've been dying to do. It's been on our minds for ages, but it took us a while to get it up and running. Here it is!

We've called it 'Alma Eko's Potions' and in it we'll show you recipes for homemade hygiene, cosmetic, and cleaning products . Always with natural ingredients .

We just launched this section in July, Plastic-Free Month , and we think it's wonderful. Because when we make our own homemade products , we avoid using plastic packaging, reuse materials, and make the most of the resources available to us… It's one of the most sustainable practices.

WHY WE STARTED THIS SECTION

If you've been following us for a while, you'll know that we are strong advocates of self-production and self-consumption as part of a more sustainable lifestyle.

Does that go against our interests as an online store? Well, a little, yes, let's not kid ourselves. But the truth is , this section is meant to help you get the most out of items you might already have at home, items you've bought elsewhere, and also products we have in our store. Our priority is environmental care and responsible consumption, and we have to strike a balance , even with an online business.

Decades of marketing bombardment have led us to believe that a different product is needed for everything . But we can assure you, from our own experience, that this is not the case .

SAVE WITH SELF-PRODUCTION

If you switch to making your own homemade products, you'll save a significant amount of money over the course of a year . A large bar of Marseille soap , a kilo of baking soda , and a jar of shea butter can last you for months, allowing you to create different products with various uses.

Even so, we know that with the pace of life in this hectic society, finding the time to make your own products isn't always easy. We encourage you to take it one step at a time , and we're also going to suggest the simplest recipes possible so you don't have to invest too much time.

The recipe we're sharing with you today is a perfect example. You can have it ready in just a few minutes, and it will keep for months.

RECIPE FOR NATURAL HOMEMADE DEODORANT

For this recipe we will only need three ingredients:

• 50 grams of coconut oil

The one we're using is of excellent quality. It's organic, certified organic, cold-pressed, and comes from a fair trade project .

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties , making it ideal for use as a deodorant, since it is the proliferation and accumulation of bacteria that produces bad odor.

• 40 grams of sodium bicarbonate

It will give consistency to the mixture and its absorbent properties will make the moisture in the area disappear.

This ingredient may not be suitable for sensitive skin, but in combination with coconut oil, which is very moisturizing and nourishing, it helps to balance the pH .

I have sensitive skin and I've been using this deodorant for over three years without any problems. I encourage you to try it before dismissing it for that reason.

• 15 drops of tea tree essential oil or another one you like

I admit that tea tree oil has a rather strong and peculiar smell, but I like it. It also has antibacterial properties , which, as we've already mentioned, makes it perfect for making deodorant. However, you can use any essential oil you prefer, one whose scent you like and that works well for you. If it's antibacterial, even better. You could use eucalyptus. or lavender , For example.

The quantities of the first two ingredients are approximate. You can adjust them until you reach the desired consistency . Also, keep in mind that coconut oil becomes liquid above 25 degrees Celsius, so the consistency of the deodorant may vary in summer and require a little more baking soda.

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE

STEP 1 : If the coconut oil is not in a liquid state, heat it in a double boiler until it is.

STEP 2 : Mix the coconut oil with the baking soda until you get a smooth mixture. Let it cool.

STEP 3 : Once it has cooled slightly, but hasn't solidified, add the drops of essential oil. It's best to add it while the mixture is still warm so it doesn't lose its properties. Mix and you're done.

You've got it!

HOW TO USE IT AND MORE THINGS YOU'LL LIKE TO KNOW

A very small amount is needed and it lasts a very long time . Apply it to your underarm and don't worry about it all day.

You'll notice the texture is a little grainy because of the baking soda. It might take a little getting used to at first, but you'll hardly notice it after a while . And importantly, it doesn't leave any residue or stains on your clothes .

You should also know that this deodorant is not an antiperspirant , making it healthier for your body . Conventional deodorants, with aluminum salts, block pores to prevent perspiration. This causes certain toxins we release through sweat to remain inside our bodies. With natural deodorants, this doesn't happen. The toxins are eliminated from our bodies, and the natural ingredients prevent bacteria from multiplying and causing unpleasant odors .

Furthermore, because it contains baking soda, it's an effective whitener for the underarm area . In my case, I've always had dark spots in that area and didn't realize they were caused by deodorant until I switched permanently to this recipe, which I've been using for three years.

We hope you like this new section, that you'll try the recipe , and that you'll tell us how it went.

Last year, before launching this section, we shared a recipe for a delicious treat: homemade balm with shea butter, coconut oil, and calendula. We encourage you to check it out if you'd like to try making it. It's incredibly easy!