Finally! We're starting a new section on Alma Eko's blog that we've been dying to create. It's been on our minds for a long time, but it took us a while to get it going. Here it is!

We've called it "Alma Eko's Potions," and we'll show you recipes for homemade hygiene, cosmetics, and cleaning products . Always using 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, what we achieve is not consuming plastic containers, reusing them, making the most of the resources at our disposal... It's one of the most sustainable actions par excellence.

WHY WE START THIS SECTION

If you've been following us for a while, you'll know that we're firm believers in self-production and self-consumption as part of a more sustainable lifestyle.

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

Making your own homemade hygiene, cosmetic, or cleaning products is a great way to reduce waste. Packaging is especially important. For example, with just one kilo of soap nuts (alone or in combination with other ingredients) , you can create a multitude of cleaning solutions for your home. It will last for months and you'll avoid unnecessary packaging for different products: one bottle for windows, another for degreaser, another for dishwashing liquid, another for the washing machine, a special product for bathroom surfaces...

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

SAVE WITH SELF-PRODUCTION

If you make the switch and make 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 , a jar of shea butter , or a handful of beeswax nuggets can last you months, and you can use them to make different products that you can use for a variety of purposes.

Still, we know that, with the pace of life we ​​lead in this hectic society, finding the time to make your own products isn't always easy. We encourage you to take it slow and easy, and we'll suggest the simplest recipes possible so you don't have to invest a lot of time.

The recipe we bring you today is a perfect example. It's ready in just a few minutes and will last for months.

NATURAL HOMEMADE DEODORANT RECIPE

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 bio, 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 causes bad odor.

• 40 grams of baking soda

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 balances the pH .

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

• 15 drops of tea tree essential oil or any other oil 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 that you like the smell of and that works well for you. If it's antibacterial, even better. You can use thyme , eucalyptus , or lavender , for example.

The amounts of the first two ingredients are approximate. You can adjust them to achieve the desired thickness . Also, keep in mind that coconut oil turns into a liquid at temperatures 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 smooth. Let cool.

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

You got it!

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

You only need a small amount, and it lasts a long time . Smooth it over your armpit and you'll be worry-free all day long.

You'll notice that the texture is a little grainy due to the baking soda. It may take a little getting used to at first, but it will gradually become unnoticeable . And, importantly, it doesn't leave residue or stains on clothes .

You should also know that this deodorant is not an antiperspirant , so it's healthier for your body . Conventional deodorants, with aluminum salts, block pores so they don't perspire. This causes certain toxins we expel when we sweat to stay inside our bodies. This doesn't happen with natural deodorants. The toxins leave our bodies, and the natural ingredients are what prevent bacteria from proliferating and causing bad odor .

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

We hope you enjoy this new section, that you'll be inspired to try the recipe , and that you'll tell us how it turned out.

Last year, before launching this section, we shared a recipe for a potion: a homemade balm with shea butter, coconut oil, and calendula. We encourage you to check it out too if you're up for it. It's also super easy!