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Guest Post by Jackie of Lilolu
If you are sensitive to most store bought deodorants then you should try homemade deodorant. It’s natural, smells and feels great! This is a quick and easy recipe I just know you will love. You will need:
- 1/4 cup baking soda (aluminum free)
- 1/4 arrowroot powder (You can also use cornstarch but it contains talc)
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
- 10 drops of Thieves- a blend of rosemary, clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus (You can also use any essential oil you like. I happen to love the smell of Thieves and it fights against bacteria and fungus.)
1. Pour 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup arrowroot powder and 1/4 cup coconut into a bowl and mix until it has a paste like consistency.
2. After you mix the baking soda, arrowroot powder and coconut oil add about 5-10 drops of Thieves. Mix it all together until it has a thick cream-like consistency.
3. Fill a wide-mouth jar or an old (but clean) deodorant container.
You may have to place the containers in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes just so it solidifies. The deodorant stick container is convenient but it crumbles a little while gliding it on. I prefer using a wide-mouth jar and applying it with my fingers.
So there you have it. This deodorant is NOT an antiperspirant but will prevent you from stinking up a room. I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as we do.
Jackie is a mother of 3 and a wife who loves quotes, poetry and learning something new every day. She has a passion for learning to live an organic life and documents this journey on her blog, Lilolu. She is also the creator of Mama’s Quotes.
You must have read my mind! I have been meaning to look for a good homemade deodorant recipe for a long time and then this one appeared! Thank you!
Do you think if I added some beeswax to the concoction that it would keep it from crumbling in the deodorant stick container?
@T., That would be a good experiment, but I’m not sure. If you try, be sure and tell us!
Thanks for the recipe and tutorial. I’ve yet to try making my own deodorant though it is on my list of things to do!
I did want to make a comment on the baking soda though. Just because a company puts “aluminum free” on their baking soda does not mean that regular baking soda has aluminum in it. After many futile online searches, I finally just emailed Arm & Hammer and asked them. The company representative told me that there is no aluminum in their baking soda. I’m sure that the natural baking soda is purer and better for you but I personally believe the “aluminum free” tag is misleading.
@Tammy, I agree. I think the “aluminum free” labels came out of the concern over aluminum in baking powder, but to my knowledge it has never been in baking soda at all. I never worry about which baking soda brand I buy.
Thank you so much for this recipe! I have tried powder only recipes, but was but was not really pleased. Have you any problem with the oil causing stains on clothing?
I just made my own but with corn starch instead of arrowroot and without the thieves. honestly, if you research trheives you’ll find its bogus. while those individual essential oils may have anti-fungal properties there is no proof that this story is correct or those together are better than any others.
I have long had a problem with store brought deodorant and I found it’s due to an allergy that I have to most metals (deodorant has aluminum in it). When I first made my own deodorant I forgot that regular baking soda (including Arm & Hammer) also have aluminum and developed a LARGE rash. I was about to give up when I realized that fact and since I’ve switched to an aluminum-free baking soda the homemade stuff has been working great…….better than anything I ever purchased from the store.
The only change that I’ve made is using shea butter instead of coconut oil, I found the low melting point made quite the mess, but that’s just my personal opinion.
This is similar to the one I have been making. To answer the question about oil stains, I found that when I used it in an old deodorant container it went on too thick and yes, it stained my shirts. I used to put it on and then wipe most of it off again before getting dressed. Now I just keep it in a jar and apply it with a non stick pad (bandage). It goes on thinner and no longer stains.
Also, there is no aluminum in baking soda. Baking powder contains aluminum unless it specifically states “no aluminum”, but not baking soda. I also use cornstarch instead of arrowroot and find that it keeps me dry as well, unless it is really hot out.
Kellan, I’ve been meaning to try shea butter instead since it does have a low melting point. I also plan on trying cornstarch instead of arrowroot but really hope it doesn’t cause a reaction.
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Seventh Generation Giveaway =-.
No kidding? I have never thought of making my own deodant. I love this article! I can’t wait to share it with my readers!
I’m almost finished with my first batch made earlier in the summer. I only used coconut oil and baking soda and it works great! And this has been the hottest summer in decades. Next batch I’m going to add a few drops of lavender essential oil so I don’t smell so much like a coconut cream pie.
wow! I’m going to try this!!! thanks!
.-= Amy Walker´s last blog ..Bummas and ChicoBag Giveaways Ending this Weekend! =-.
Yep – the regular baking soda DOES contain aluminum, but as a by-product of production. They don’t actally put the aluminum into it, but it leaches into it from the equipment it is manufactured on.