If you’ve ever gotten into making your own beauty products before, then you know how addicting it can be. One area that I hadn’t gotten to try yet (but was so curious to see if I liked), was making my own deodorant. If you’ve been trying to switch your body care products to more natural options, then you probably already know about some of the toxins that can be found in many of the antiperspirant and regular deodorants on the market (like aluminum, parabens (preservatives), and questionable chemicals labeled as “fragrance” to name a few). One thing that I like about the more natural DIY versions out there (as well as the one that I use), is that you probably already have most of the ingredients that you need to make your own version at home! And since you are making your deodorant from scratch, you can also customize the scent combination and strength as well.
Natural Deodorant DIY
Recipe slightly adapted from Wellness Mama’s Natural Deodorant
3 tablespoons of coconut oil
3 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons Shea butter
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
6 drops of lavender essential oil*
2 drops of vanilla oil*
container for deodorant (either a push-up stick or a jar)
*You can use whatever essential oil you like, but this is the combo I love.
Measure out your ingredients into a glass mason jar and loosely place the lid on the top. Add 4-5” of water into a pot and bring the water to a low boil. Reduce the heat to medium, and place your glass jar into the pot. Allow the warm water to melt the ingredients together (you can give the jar a swirl to mix every minute or two).
Once your concoction is liquid, let it cool a little, and then pour it into either a jar or push-up deodorant stick for use. Since coconut oil has a melting point of 76 degrees, your deodorant will be more solid below that temperature and more of a lotion if it’s warmer. So, how cool you keep your house may determine if you want to use a jar or the stick for your container (you can use either your fingers to apply out of the jar or I’ve also seen people use little spreader sticks to apply).
I was a little skeptical about making this category of product myself, but you know what? I really love it. The smell is great, and it works just as well as the other deodorants I’d been buying, but I can feel really good about what went into making it (my husband really likes it too!). Since it is an oil base, I usually apply it a few minutes before getting dressed so it has time to soak into my skin and I don’t get excess on clothes (kind of the same way you would if you use coconut oil as a lotion). As with all skin products, go easy on the amount you use until you know that it doesn’t react badly with your skin type. I love seeing all the homemade beauty products taking over my bathroom sink, and I can’t wait to find more options I love! xo. Laura
As much as I love the idea of natural deodorant, none of them actually make a difference for me. Especially during the summer months, my sweat is out of control. I’ve always had issues with over-sweating my entire life. A few months ago I read an article about different deodorants and junglejuice was listed on there. I was hesitant to stray away from the norm but I knew I needed a deodorant with an extra kick to it. I’ll tell you this stuff is amazing. It stays on even after my outdoor workouts in the summer heat! Now I can work all day and then run to happy hour with the girls without feeling self-conscious the entire time. It’s worth a look into for sure: https://www.junglemannaturals.com
Thanks for the tips…
Yes, every body is different so make sure that it works for your body chemistry! I haven’t had any rash problem with mine
Laura 🙂
Yay! Glad you found one you like! And I think the keeping it in the fridge is totally fine too 🙂
Laura
It’s true! I did think about that 🙂
Laura
Good tip on the beeswax! I’ll have to try that next time…
Laura
Hmm, that’s a good question. Some guys like the tobacco smell of vetiver oil but my husband isn’t one of them. I would take him to a place that sells oils and just let him find one he likes. I thought my combo might smell too “feminine” for my husband but he actually really likes it for himself 🙂
Laura
Oh nice, good tip!
Laura 🙂
So glad you are enjoying the posts! Hope this recipe works for you!
Laura
Yay! Glad you already love this sort of thing! And thanks for the tips!
Laura 🙂
I believe they were from Anthropologie 🙂
Laura
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I really love learning about different DIY options. I’ve tried a DIY deodorant recipe in the past, but it didn’t impress me much. This one looks much better.
I’m really into natural skincare, and I’m considering starting to make my own skincare products. So thanks for this great DIY!
xx
Renaud | http://xxmuchlove.blogspot.com
I’ve found that a blend of diatomaceous earth, kaolin clay, and arrowroot seems to do the trick for replacing baking soda. As far as effectiveness goes, I noticed the biggest difference after I found an essential oil that works well with my body. I’m planning on sticking with the natural stuff because weirdly enough, I sweat significantly less using it than I did using even the prescription strength antiperspirants!
It’s working really well so far! I use a combo of diatomaceous earth, kaolin clay, and a bit of arrowroot powder to replace the baking soda. I’ve found that what really makes the difference in homemade deodorant is the blend of essential oils you use.
I had the same problem! Loved the stuff and then after a month got the most painful rash. Took the baking soda out of the recipe and then it just didn’t work that well anymore. Back to regular deodorant for me. The amount of aluminum in it isn’t enough to kill you in our lifetime anyway.
Attraverso un’analisi oggettiva dell’immagine personale, verranno enfatizzati i punti di forza, camuffate le debolezze, individuate le linee, le fantasie, i tessuti, gli accessori, l’hairstyle e il make-up più adatti al cliente.
I have been wanting natural deodorants but they never seem to do the job for me.
www.petiteandhungry.com
There is a difference between making deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant only deodorizes so you don’t smell. antiperspirant which is what you buy at the store is anti-sweat to prevent sweating. So with MOST homemade versions you will still sweat it just wont smell. After a while once your body adjusts you will sweat less.
I was scrolling down to comment about exactly this! The monstrous baking soda rash struggle is real people! How is the diatomaceous earth working for you?
This is a very common problem with baking soda, apparently: http://www.lisaliseblog.com/2012/03/no-sweat-about-baking-soda-deodorant.html
Baking soda has a much higher pH than human skin does, so it’s not the best ingredient for a product you leave on your skin. When I was younger, I switched to using bs for my hair washing for a few months, before realizing that it causes breakage and disturbs the skin mantle there, as well. Baking soda is a safe solution for scouring the shower, however. 🙂
This recipe has inspired me to make a deodorant bar, though! I’ll just leave out the bs. 😛