DIY Homemade Natural Deodorant

One of the most important things that I have wanted to make a priority while ridding our home of toxins and chemicals has been deodorant. We use it daily, slathering up our underarms, and all the while knowing that it contains aluminum and a boat of other unsafe chemicals. Alzheimer's and cancer both run in my family, so of course I want to stop using products which are linked to both. The deodorant has got to go! Years ago I used an aluminum-free deodorant from Adidas that worked great, but eventually became impossible to find. While it is easier to find aluminum-free deodorants now, most of them still contain other questionable ingredients and while there are a few all natural brands out there, the price can be a bit hard to swallow. The solution? Make your own all-natural, effective deodorant.

There are several recipes floating about the internet for homemade deodorant, and like most things of this nature, it's best to make small batches until you find one that works for you. Baking soda can be a bit harsh for some people, so my suggestion is to half this recipe the first time. Also, if corn starch is an issue for you, arrow root is a great substitute. 

The ingredients:

-1/2 cup corn starch

-1/2 cup baking soda

-6 T coconut oil

-essential oils (optional)

1.) Mix the baking soda and corn starch together in a bowl. I just mix in the container I store the deodorant in, but you'll need room to mix so a bowl might be easier.

2.) you can add the coconut oil two ways-either melt it a little in a double broiler or in the microwave, or mix it in by hand with a fork using a mashing method. I just mash it in. 

3.) Add your choice of essential oils and mix well. (This step is purely optional! If you're using unrefined  coconut oil, it has a very yummy smell all on its own. A citrus-based oil is nice, and tea tree oil or lavender both have antibacterial benefits.)

4.) Add to the container of choice. I just apply a pea-size dollop with my fingers, but you can use a makeup sponge or cotton balls you'd like. Some people add their deodorant to an old deodorant container, but coconut oil has a tendency to melt if it gets warm. You can definitely do this and store it in the fridge though if you're determined to use it in an applicator. 

Helpful hints: Wait a few minutes after applying to let the oil absorb into your skin. If you can't or don't want to do that, try dabbing a little corn starch or baking powder on top after you apply.  Only use about a pea-sized dollop per arm. Any more may cause irritation.

If you've been using commercial, store-bought deodorants for a while, your body may have an adjustment period involving increased sweating or odor when you switch to this. Please keep in mind that his is only temporary and once the chemicals are out of your body, you may even notice less sweating than ever before! (This is just a deodorant...not an anti-perspirant!)

Do you have a tried-and-true DIY deodorant recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts, tips and suggestions! 

Blessings, and happy crunching!

Kimberly