For most of my life I was committed to using only natural deodorants. I have tried every stick, spray, roll-on, and crystal I could find. The result? Disappointment. I hate to say it, but I never found a product that worked for longer than an hour. In my frustration I found my way back to using conventional deodorant, stressing with each application about what I was putting into my body.
Then I heard from a friend that if you didn't use deodorant for a period of time your body will naturally adjust to it and you wouldn't need to use it. Let's just say I tried that for a week and it was a failed experiment. And gross.
After searching around the internet, I discovered there are a ton of DIY deodorant recipes that use natural ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder/corn starch, and coconut oil. I have tried several different batches of homemade deodorant using different proportions of these ingredients and different essential oils. My first batch used peppermint oil which irritated my skin, my second batch had too much baking soda which also irritated my skin, but this final batch? Just right.
Since I live in a colder climate, coconut oil is usually solid (except in summer) so I had to gently heat it to a liquid so I could mix my ingredients. When it cooled again, my deodorant was a solid gel. I've heard mixed reviews from others who have put homemade deodorant into empty twist-up deodorant containers - some say it crumbles while others think it works fine. I haven't tried this myself because I think it's easier to keep the deodorant in a small jar and apply by hand. If you live in a warm climate, your mixture might not solidify (unless you keep it in the fridge) so it will be even easier to apply by hand because it will be in a liquid state.
I have been super impressed with how well this deodorant works and it actually works better for me than conventional deodorant. I think I have to say that again. It actually works better than conventional deodorant - the ones with the aluminum! If only I had known about this years ago. Sigh. I guess the perfect deodorant search is over.
DIY Deodorant
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 Tablespoons arrowroot powder (or corn starch)*
1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking soda*
20 - 25 drops lavender essential oil
Melt your coconut oil (if necessary) and mix with the corn starch and baking soda. Add the essential oil. Mix. Transfer to a glass container. Use up! Will last 2 -3 months depending on usage.
*Notes: My batch has less baking soda and arrowroot powder (or corn starch) than some recipes I've seen because I experienced skin irritation from these ingredients at a higher ratio. If this mixture is not effective for you, you can increase the amount of baking soda and arrowroot powder by about 2 teaspoons.
i love this! i also used to be neurotic about using commercial deos, but i was even more worried about trying something 'alternative' for a long time. then i started mixing corn starch and baking soda and i've been using this for at least a year now. i'd love to try your version with coconut oil added, but it's insanely expensive over here (i guess you use extra virgin CO). you're very right about being careful with the ratio, because i've had skin irritation too that started with a shaved armpit and pure baking soda, ouch. so i'm still trying to figure out the right amount of baking soda, but i think i'll try your combination next time.
ReplyDeleteSame problem here - nothing without the aluminum seems to work!! I've been trying to get off aluminum deodorants for years! I will most definitely be trying this. Is the corn starch just there for thickening the mixture? If so do you think I could substitute arrowroot powder for it? Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of using arrowroot powder instead of the corn starch. I hadn't thought of that! If you try it, definitely let me know how it goes. :)
DeleteNot only would the corn starch be a thickener, but it is an excellent drying agent. It is routinely used in dusting powder for this reason. I'm excited to try this formula. I have heard that aluminum can be bad and that it poses no problem, so no matter which is true, why use it if you don't have to?
DeleteI use a similar one with arrowroot powder. Works great!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to try this! I've spent so much money on natural deodorants, and like you, have been disappointed every time. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe idea that aluminum in deodorant causes Alzheimer's is based on an outdated and faulty study, the results of which have not been replicated in reputable studies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info! :)
DeleteHowever, the studies that parabens and other chemicals in deodorant and body products are contributing factors in breast cancer are compelling... you should read up, its not an outdated and faulty study, think about it. You are putting these nasty things in a place where they are rapidly absorbed near your breast tissue... hmmm. - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/05/24/parabens-on-risk-of-breast-cancer.aspx
DeleteThis is wonderful! I have never seen this recipe before and I had no idea about the hazards of conventional deodorant! Thank you for this new information. Will try making this soon!
ReplyDeleteDoes the coconut oil ever give your clothes a big grease stain?
ReplyDeleteIf not, I'm soooooooo trying this! :)
Good question! I only wear cotton shirts and I haven't had a problem with this. But, I don't know how it might affect other fabrics. :)
DeleteThis is super coool. i havent used deodorants in a really long while. but i do feel the need some days. home made everything where oyu know what goes in it is the best!
ReplyDeleteTheres a bidding war on your earrings on the auction.. they went frm 10, 12, 15,17.. so on to 30 bucks now:)
That's so great! I checked out the auction page a couple of days ago and it looks like things are going well! :)
DeleteThanks for this post! I made this last night and am currently wearing it! I've made natural deodorant before but had severe irritation on day three of wearing it. I thought I might have been allergic to something in it (the recipe had more ingredients at higher concentrations), but after reading your post, I hope it is just an irritation to the high amounts of corn starch and baking soda. It's incredible, but I totally agree that these simple natural deodorants work better than my "clinical strength" deodorant that I've started to sweat through. So, here's to hoping that there's less irritation with this one!
ReplyDeleteI stopped using aluminum deodorants years ago, and I did finally find a "natural" one that works for me, but your recipe is much more appealing. I like that there are so few ingredients. I think I'll definitely make some. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am always on the lookout to using naturally safe products. Thanks for the pictures and the extra info in making the deodorant and storing it. I look forward to trying this mixture. I'll try to get some of my more manly friends to try it. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have been using a recipe similar to this for about two years now, and we will never go back to store bought deodorant! I totally agree that it works better than the commercial brands, "natural" and not. Even my sister-in-law, who lives in Hawaii uses it, and if it works in hot and humid Hawaii, you know its got to be good!
ReplyDeleteBesides the quantities listed ( I've made this so many times, I'm not even sure what measurements I use) the only difference is that we use organic Arrowroot powder instead of Cornstarch. I have read that Cornstarch can encourage yeast growth, something I did not want to entertain in my underarms.
For all the time that I have been using this, I have not had a problem with it staining my clothes. Hurray for homemade deodorant!
That's great to know about cornstarch and yeast. I've never heard that before. Thanks for the info! :)
DeleteI just stumbled upon your blog and your deodorant. Is the lavender oil an active ingredient or is merely to provide a pleasant smell? I don't care much for lavender and wonder if rosemary or rose or other essential oils would work?
ReplyDeleteThe lavender is just for the scent so you could definitely use another oil. I tried rosemary and found that it irritated my skin, but if you have success with this or other oils let me know. :)
DeleteI've been using this deodorant now for about 2 weeks and I love it! I didn't have any lavender essential oils, so I just used what I had-Freshwater Cucumber from Bath and Body Works (I think). It's fantastic! I've been so unhappy with my Tom's deodorant, and am so pleased to have a DIY alternative, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad this works for you!
Deletefrom the day i got this recipe i haven't went to store to purchase deodorant because it satisfy and keep me fresh all the day
ReplyDeletegive it a try it will save your budget
Just make sure to use virgin (unrefined coconut oil). Smells nice (like coconut) and naturally is antibacterial and antifungal. It also helps keep the bacteria levels down...which keeps odor down as well.
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Great! I've wanted to find a great source of natural and easy to follow do-it-yourself deodorant which is based on coconut oil and thank God I found your blog. Thank you so much for sharing. This is really helpful for me. :)
ReplyDeleteHi I've recently been trying out natural deodorants...I used coconut oil and the patted on baking soda I had a really bad reaction days later. Since I have tried arrowroot but it doesn't work like the baking soda...do you think I could add a small amount of baking soda?
ReplyDeleteHey there! As I mentioned in the post above, my skin also had a reaction the baking soda so the recipe above has a small amount compared to the other ingredients. I haven't had a reaction with this recipe, but if you're worried about it, either start with a small amount or try leaving it out. Hope this helps!
DeleteJenna, thank you for the great receipe. I will have to gather the ingredients and try to make my own. I would like to share an excellent all natural, aluminum free deodorant. I've tried the salt crystal, Tom's, etc.. but they seem to work only for so long. However, I have experienced nothing but success with Nutural. After wearing this deodorant all day, and completing my 5 mile run before dinner, there is still NO! stink and no stains on my clothes. I love it.
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Hello! I made a batch of this and had put a small amount in a little travel container. I noticed that the mix in the small container worked, but the stuff in the larger jar didn't. This morning I noticed why - all of the baking soda and corn starch was at the bottom of the jar - I had been basically using just coconut oil the last two days :)
ReplyDeleteIs there a way to keep the soda and starch from settling to the bottom? Thanks!
I'm guessing that you live somewhere warm and the coconut oil is in a liquid state? I live in Seattle and it's usually really cold for most of the year so my mixture stays solid. If yours is liquefied, I'd recommend mixing it up before applying. The other option is to mix it up thoroughly and then keep it in the fridge. This is what I usually do in the summer. Hope that helps!
DeleteI live in PA - it's solidified, but I had originally melted it to mix it all together, then let it solidify - then the soda and corn starch settled to the bottom. I may try heating it and remixing before applying. Thanks for the response! I love this blog - I'm trying to switch over to plant-based :)
DeleteHi! Is there a reason to use the lavender essential oil? Or could I use a different scent?
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Any oil will work fine! :)
DeleteHello. I want to make it to give as a present. Do you know if I can store it in a little can? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI haven't personally tried storing it in a can, but I can't think of any reason why it would be a problem. What a nice gift! :)
DeleteTHANKS!!!!!!!!!!!! <3 going to try it
ReplyDeleteLove this idea - I'm a huge fan of coconut oil for almost everything! This may be a silly question, but do you store it in a jar, and just apply with your fingers?
ReplyDeleteI keep mine in a jar and apply it by hand. I've heard from others that they reuse an old twist-up deodorant container, but I've yet to try this method. Hope you enjoy it!
DeleteWhat if you don't have access to coconut oil? Is there a good substitute? ( I'm in Canada, and good CO is hard to come by.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this recipe with another oil so I can't tell you for sure. There are lots of great brands of coconut oil that can be purchased online so that might be another option.
DeleteGlenn I live in Canada & have not had any trouble finding coconut oil! What part of Canada do you live in? If you are near a superstore, they have it in the natural foods section. Any health food store has it. Bulk barn also carries it. I have seen it in Sav On Foods & Safeway in their natural or organic sections & in the pharmacy areas. Hopefully you can find it, it is amaing. I haven't checked Walmart, but they may carry it in the pharmacy or grocery section.
DeleteI have been deodorant free for a few years, the first month or so is a bit of an adjustment but now I don't notice it and don't sweat like I did when wearing deodorant! The only thing I do in the morning in my shower is to make sure I scrub my underarms with soap (I sweat in my sleep). My boyfriend even started doing this when we got our apartment last July and loves it as well!!
ReplyDelete