This recipe is super easy and uses ingredients you probably already have in your home! Several studies have found that traditional deodorant contains often toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your health. One specific study found that chemicals from deodorant have been found to remain in breast tissue! Even with many studies stating data is inconclusive I would rather be on the safe side and make my own all natural, safe, and effective deodorant. It’s also super cheap to make and lasts a long time!
Each ingredient plays a vital role so leaving one out isn’t recommended.
The ingredients
Coconut oil is your base ingredient here and necessary for the creamy smooth texture this deodorant has. Coconut oil fights bacteria, moisturizes skin and allows the other ingredients to mix together evenly.
Baking soda is a common household ingredient and used in this recipe to help with odor protection when you sweat. Baking soda doesn’t irritate my skin at all but some people can be sensitive to it so if that’s you, reduce the amount you use in the recipe by half and see how you do with that amount. I use the same stuff I cook with but there are specialty brands marketed to skin specifically you could look into if you’re interested in that!
Arrowroot powder is the last ingredient that makes this recipe work. It acts as a moisture absorber and another odor blocker. Obviously, we sweat in our arm pits and using something that will help reduce the amount of wetness and pull it away from our skin is helpful.
Alternative ingredients
There is some possibility to use other ingredients, but I will post some alternative recipes another day! Corn starch can be used in place of arrow root powder and I’ve heard good things about Tapioca starch as another alternative but have not personally used that one!
I personally like to add essential oils to my mix to give it a nice fragrance, but this is not necessary and does not alter the effectiveness of the end product! With any essential oils be sure you are diluting correctly and understanding what can go on your skin and what can’t, even though they are “all-natural” they can still cause issues and adverse reactions.
I melt my coconut oil in a saucepan on the stove but you can absolutely melt it in the microwave or even leave it in a warm place to liquify so you can mix in your powders!
How to store this?
Store this product in a glass container and use as needed. I have found that I do sometimes need to apply this more than one time in a day depending on how often I am sweating. This should keep in at room temperature for several months.
What if it irritates my skin?
If you make this and use for a few days and realize it isn’t agreeing with your skin, then you can remelt the mixture and add more coconut oil and arrow root powder to help dilute out the baking soda.
How do I apply this?
The easiest way to apply is to dip your fingers in and just apply it with your hands/fingers. If that isn’t what you want to do you can use a beauty sponge to dip and apply that way so you don’t get any on your hands. You can also pour your melted product into an old deodorant tube and apply that way. The tube method you do need to be careful with storage though as that would need to remain a solid to avoid leaks. I would store it in the fridge or another always cool location to ensure it stays solid.
If making your own deodorant is your vibe, no worries I have a list of the best ones that you can buy from small businesses and big box stores alike! Check it out here!