Fun fact that I bet you didn’t know about me: I’ve been making (and wearing) homemade all-natural organic deodorant since 2011. My husband wears it too. It only is $1.89 a batch, I don’t have to reapply a few times a day, I don’t sweat like crazy, and I don’t smell like a dirty hippie.
No offense to any hippies. In fact, I probably am a hippie. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Ahem.
That’s right, you won’t smell. My husband didn’t believe me and waited a month after I did to try it. I practically made him try it before heading out to work in the yard. A super sweaty activity.
And guess what?!
He came in, and I had an I told you so moment in my head. And now he bugs everyone to use it too. 🙂
I’ve been using this since 2011 andI don’t think I’ll ever use anything else.
I starting making deodorant about a year after I found the recipe and was sad I didn’t try it sooner. IT IS SO EASY! You'll only need three ingredients that you either have on hand, or can get on Amazon or in the health foods store. It takes a few minutes of prep, and will last you about three months for two slightly stinky people. Six months if it’s just you. Double the recipe and go longer.
Why would you want to make your own? Besides containing ingredients like aluminum or parabens, or other chemicals, anti-perspirants block your body from sweating. Sweat doesn’t smell, it’s just your body flushing crap out. Why would you want to hang onto the crap? Other natural deodorants can get pricey, and often don’t work well. This is cheap AND works.
4 T aluminum free baking soda
4 T arrowroot powder
6-8 T organic extra virgin coconut oil
I like using the oil in a liquid state (when the oil reaches 76 degrees Fahrenheit) but many prefer to use it in a solid state. If the temperature of your house is cooler, or your oil is solid, you might need more. But add six now, and wait to see if you need more.
Usually I use 6 to make a "summer batch" and 8 for a "winter batch".
Right here is where you decide if you want to add 2 more tablespoons of coconut oil (or 8 total).
In the summer, I'll use 6 and in the winter 8. Why is that? When using the oil in a liquid state (in the summer, warmer climates), 6 T will be plenty to make your deodorant thick. But when using it as a solid (colder than 76 degrees, in the winter or cooler climates), you might need to add two more tablespoons of coconut oil.
I use a short glass Ball jelly jar, have also used the small glass Pyrex containers, also the smallestKORKEN jar from IKEA when I make double batches.
I’ve tried adding it to an old deodorant container, but had to keep it in the fridge and didn’t like putting on cold deodorant. Try it and see if you like it! But I didn’t.
If you want to get daring, this also works as an excellent exfoliant scrub. Just make sure to wash your hands before and after applying to your gross pits. 😉
It will be liquidy. Don’t freak. It will harden in cooler temperatures, but still be pliable. If you are in a warmer climate, you can keep your deodorant in the fridge and remove a few minutes before applying. Here’s the deodorant right after I made it (soupy), and a week later (holds its shape a bit more).
We still bring this with when traveling. We have a sealed pyrex that we mark “homemade deodorant”. I would assume a ziplock bag would work fine, but you don’t want any TSA agents stopping you.
You can try adding essential oils if you’d like a scent. Tea tree oil is good for its antibacterial properties, lavender, peppermint, lemon oil. But be aware, they can be an irritant for some, so try it on a small portion first to check. I don’t add anything to ours, the light scent of the coconut oil is enough for me.
Some recipes say that cornstarch can be substituted for arrowroot powder, I say DO NOT TRY IT.Cornstarch contains talc which can be an irritant. We broke out, and I’ve had many other friends who did too. Take a trip to the store and get arrowroot powder, or order it online. It’s cheap, and it’s worth it.
For the arrowroot powder and baking soda, I prefer Bob’s Red Mill and find it at my health foods store.
Some brands of coconut oil I like are from Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Tropical Traditions, Nutiva, Spectrum, and Nature’s Way. Make sure to get Extra Virgin Organic. Expeller Pressed is fine, it is more refined but doesn’t have the smell or taste like coconut. You can buy coconut oil just about anywhere these days!
I know there are natural deodorants out there, but they can be pricey. I tried a few and didn’t like any of them, but love this blend. I felt as if I was constantly re-applying, stunk, and was way more sweaty. With this, you might be a bit more sweaty at first since it is not an antiperspirant and your body won't be used to sweating regularly. But after a short time, you'll get back to a normal sweaty level. Sweat is good and normal, it flushes our body! Blocking that sweat in is not normal and can be bad for you.
You know, people get used to their own stink and don’t realize it after time?Well, I asked some of my blogging friends and roommates from aconference: “Did I smell bad? Any memorable experience from smelling me?”
You smelled horrible. I almost couldn't stand it. TOTALLY KIDDING! Didn't notice any smell whatsoever. – Erin from DIY on the Cheap
I thought you smelled fine. You mumble in your sleep, though. 😉 – Vivienne from The V Spot
You didnt smell - and I had an enhanced power of smell due to my preggo super powers. okay I actually dont think I was that sensitive yet at that time - but still no. no smelly Ann!
– Pamela from PB&J Stories
Believe me now? 😉
This recipe is adapted from the Homemade All-Natural Deodorant recipe on Passionate Homemaking. If you have any issues or are interested in the why behind natural deodorant, please check out their post, links, and comments. There is so much good information over there!
