Yes, we use homemade deodorant. Are you skeptical? We were too…which drove my decision to try out a recipe I found about three years ago. I am pleased to report that years later, we are still using it and have even given it to others to try with enthusiastic response!
We were so tired of trying different brands of *expensive* natural deodorant and being disappointed because they just didn’t work well. Being the experimenter that I am, I set out to do some research to figure out if it was possible to make something that would do a better job. I was thrilled when I came across the recipe for deodorant about two years ago over at Passionate Homemaking.
First of all, it would be wise to avoid antiperspirants for a few reasons. Our skin was designed to both absorb and secrete. This means we can absorb both good and bad things, which can make it’s way into our bloodstream.
Aluminum, which is found in antiperspirant, has been clinically shown to be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s. The aluminum is what keeps our body from secreting perspiration; it blocks perspiration. Perspiration is actually a very healthy way that our body secretes toxins, so we don’t want to prevent it!
What we love about this deodorant, other than the wonderfully natural and safe ingredients, is that it does a great job allowing our body to function as God intended. The baking soda plays the role of absorbing any odor that you may excrete, and the cornstarch/arrowroot powder keeps you dry.
It takes about 5 minutes from start to finish to make, so it’s not labor intensive!
homemade deodorant (Photo credit: LizMarie_AK)
Here’s what you’ll need:
5-6 T coconut oil
1/4 c baking soda
1/4 c cornstarch or arrowroot powder
glass jar
empty deodorant container
1. Warm a pan of water on the stove. Measure the coconut oil into a glass Pyrex measuring cup and place in the pan of water to melt the oil.
2. Once the oil is melted, remove the measuring cup from the pan of water. Add the baking soda and cornstarch/arrowroot powder, and mix well (a small whisk works well).
3. Prepare your old deodorant container by screwing the little tray all the way to the bottom. Pour the liquid deodorant into the container (no, it won’t leak out through the bottom!). There will likely be extra, so store the rest in a glass jar.
4. Immediately and very carefully place the container into the fridge so that the deodorant can solidify. Once solid, remove and add the lid and either keep it in the fridge or in the bathroom (or wherever you keep your deodorant!)
*If you find that it’s too oily, re-melt and add more baking soda and corn starch/arrowroot powder.
When you are ready to refill your container, simply melt the deodorant in the glass jar the same way you originally melted coconut oil and then repeat steps 3 and 4!
Voila! Easy, effective, frugal deodorant. This costs less than $2 to make and it makes enough to fill at least two deodorant sticks with some leftover!
