DIY Natural Deodorant

For a creamy consistency and hydrating alternative to store bought deodorant try this simple DIY natural deodorant recipe.

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I’ve been making my own natural deodorant for a couple of years now and absolutely love it! When I first started using essential oils I knew that I wanted to start making many of my own products. Deodorant was the first DIY I’ve ever tried and since making it 2 years ago I have no desire to ever use antiperspirant deodorant again.

After trying several different recipes this one has been my favorite for sure! I love the addition of shea butter because it almost feels more like a lotion verses a deodorant. This recipe is very easily scooped out with a finger and melts quickly once applied. I haven’t had any trouble with staining or dripping because it also has fast acting absorption.

Long gone are the days of crumbly deodorant stains on my clothes and irritated arm pits.

Making your own deodorant is super easy and only takes a few simple ingredients. One of my favorite things about making my own products is that many recipes call for the same ingredients. As long as I stay stocked up on the basics then I never truly run out of anything!

DIY Natural Deodorant Video

Ingredients

3 TBS shea butter

3 TBS baking soda

2 TBS unfiltered coconut oil

2 TBS cornstarch or arrowroot powder

5-10 drops of essential oil (I used Purification and Lemon)

How To Make Natural Deodorant

Using a double boiler begin by melting the shea butter and coconut oil over the stove.

Once completely melted remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and cornstarch.

Let cool slightly and then add your essential oil of choice. I personally love Purification and Lemon!

Combine everything together and pour into a container. This recipe fits perfectly in 4 oz mason jars but if you prefer to use a regular deodorant tube then I recommend storing in the refrigerator. I love my deodorant to be a bit on the creamy side for ease of scooping out with my finger but this will keep very solid in the refrigerator. You can also substitute the shea butter out for more coconut oil instead if you prefer a more solid consistency.

You’ll have no problem using this deodorant in the cooler months but if your home is really hot in the summer take note that coconut oil melts at around 76 degrees.

Best Oils To Use In DIY Natural Deodorant

Although Purification and Lemon seem to be what I always come back to for scent, I do enjoy switching it up as well. There’s so many oils to choose from with awesome benefits!

Lavender

I’m sure we all know by now just how popular lavender is as a scent. It’s such a versatile oil and has been used since ancient times as a perfume additive. Not only does it smell great it also promotes a good night’s rest and is well known as an all around relaxing oil. Something else that’s great about lavender is that it has antibacterial properties making it a good choice to use in homemade deodorant recipes.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is also known for fighting bacteria so naturally it makes a great addition to deodorant. The vast majority of body odor comes from the bacteria in under arms. Sweat itself doesn’t smell but bacteria does when combined with sweat. Tea tree oil pairs really nicely with citrus scents as well as lavender.

Cypress

For a more masculine scent cypress would make a really nice deodorant for men or even women who aren’t fond of floral. Cypress smells like a fresh cut tree with a bit of a spicy aroma and aids in fighting bacteria and preventing perspiration. Cypress would pair well with bergamot.

Why Make The Switch?

For years I had been using the same brand of antiperspirant deodorant and never gave it much thought. I’m not one to sweat much in general but always bought the antiperspirant “just because.” I was oblivious to the many toxins in the deodorant I had been using every day since I was a little girl.

Although the studies on antiperspirant deodorants are a bit up in the air I feel 100 times more comfortable avoiding them in general!

But what about sweating?

It’s normal! Antiperspirant deodorants block the pores under your arms to prevent you from sweating but this also means it’s preventing your body from releasing toxins. In addition, sweating increases metabolism, burns calories, and relieves stress.

Repeat after me. Sweating is not the enemy!

Besides health reasons I loved the idea of making my own deodorant to be more sustainable. I cannot count how many plastic deodorant tubes I’ve thrown away over the years. Although I could do better I love knowing that at least I’m keeping deodorant containers out of the landfill and saving money all at the same time.

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