Homemade Deodorant
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There is a lot of junk in deodorant, and let’s not even get into the breast cancer thing. But of course, it’s not really considered a good thing to be gallavanting around town without it. If we all stopped using deodorant, that would be one thing, but when you’re the only one, it’s a bit easy to be called out as a weirdo.
I’ve tried lots of other natural deodorants before, with results ranging from being extra wet and smelly by noon, to irritated skin.
But then I heard about some homemade deodorant, and then I received some coconut oil in the mail. Talk about a serendipitous moment! I immediately mixed up a batch, packed it into a 4 oz jelly jar, and waited eagerly for the next day so I could use it.
I am shocked by how well it works for me. Even on Saturdays, when I run around the markets outside, it worked better than any store-bought brand. It doesn’t smell overwhelmingly like coconut once you put it on, either.
For variation, add a couple drops of essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender, to the coconut oil before mixing with dry ingredients. A 4-ounce container will last a long time, so consider dividing the recipe into small batches if you want to have multiple scents ready to go.
My friend who is chemically sensitive notes that baking soda can be irritating for some people to apply directly to the skin, so be careful and watch out for any sort of reaction.
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Homemade Deodorant
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 4-ounce reusable jar
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4-6 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Whisk the corn starch and baking soda together, then add coconut oil a little at a time until you get the consistency you want. It should look like standard store-bought deodorant. Pack it into a container. This fills a 4-ounce jar to the brim.
- To use: Scoop a small amount up with your fingertips and rub it in. I find it works best immediately after showering, and letting it “soak in” a bit before getting dressed.
Disclaimer: I received a jar of coconut oil from Tropical Traditions. I was under no obligation to write about the product.
About Megan
I focus on fresh ingredients and easy methods, with spins that keep meals interesting. Dinnertime shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…
A friend and I were just discussing whether we could do this the other day. Mega perfect timing. Thank you!
a mama from swap mamas made me some… mine smells of rosemary and oranges. so yummy. and so very effective.
Pamela, that sounds delicious! I’ll have to try that combo next time.
This is awesome. I’m going to have to make some of this with my boyfriend someday. He digs natural deoderant.
What? Genius. I am making some because we hate antiperspirant.
This is brilliant!!!! I’ve been using antiperspirant knowing it’s not good for me. It is so wonderful to discover an effective natural alternative!!
I just wanted to tell you that baking soda has aluminum in it which is what I am sure you are trying to avoid with the whole “breast cancer thing.” I highly suggest you buying Red Mills Aluminum free baking soda and use that instead. You can get it at most grocery stores and whole foods. It is expensive though. It is worth it though if you are aiming for the natural way of things and eliminating the aluminum is the goal. (Hint: if the baking soda does not say aluminum free, it’s not!)
Frances, thank you for mentioning this!
Whoa. Interesting. It seems like no matter what store bought brand I use I still smell pretty funky in the a.m. I don’t expect to smell freshly showered the next morning but sometimes I wonder if my deodorant even did its job.
I’ll have to remember this. Seems like a better alternative to all the chemicals in regular deodorant.
If you are into all these recipes you should check out: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/farmgirl-connection/
and
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/magazine.asp
The magazine is EXCELLENT and she always has recipes in there. Like for laundry detergent, cleaning solutions, etc. It only comes out every 3 months, but I love it! I think it is something you would really enjoy and appreciate.
I made up a batch of deodorant and tried it out. I didn’t scent it, just plain, since so many scents end up bothering me nose-wise later. I have to say that it works just as well as any antiperspirant that I’ve tried. Granted I didn’t do hard work to create a big sweat, but less pit wet than antiperspirants (go figure!) and no stinky pits either. THANKS MEG!