This is my recipe with my ingredients and measurement spoons.
A success! Not a flop! Whooorah! I’m excited! I’m happy! I’m flabbergasted that my homemade deodorant recipe TURNED OUT the way it was supposed to! Yayayayayay! MUCH different than my first homemade toothpaste recipe, which ended up NOT turning out well at all. Now, only time will tell if the deodorant WORKS well. (I am wearing it right now, and it is just fine.) I will update the blog after some time of using the deodorant.
Why did I chose to make my own deodorant? I actually have many reasons, but the main two are 1. Commercial deodorants have aluminum in them, as well as other ingredients that have been linked to cancer and many other diseases. No… I much rather prefer to go natural. and 2. Commercial deodorants can be EXPENSIVE. My normal deodorant cost more than $3.00, whereas this homemade deodorant cost me less than $1.00! I much rather prefer to be frugal.
Here’s how to make your own homemade deodorant!
1. Baking Soda/Cornstarch
Mix 1/4 of each into a bowl or container.
Adding my 1/4 of cornstarch to my 1/4 of baking soda (without aluminum).
Baking Soda and Cornstarch can be IRRITATING to some people’s skin, so you do NOT want to make a large batch your first time, as you determine the correct measurements for your skin. You can reduce your ratio of baking soda/cornstarch to coconut oil, if you find it does bother your skin. Also, an alternative to Cornstarch is Arrowroot powder (of the same measurement). The Cornstarch or Arrowroot powder act as thickening agents for your deodorant, so they are pretty essential to this recipe.
2. Add Coconut Oil
Spoon 6-8 Tablespoons of SOLID coconut oil into your bowl or container of baking soda and cornstarch. You may have to use more, if your deodorant turns out not as solid.
Here I am adding my pure, all natural coconut oil to my mix of baking soda and cornstarch.
Remember that coconut oil stays solid at 76 degrees and below. At 77 degrees or higher, it turns to liquid. If you live in a particularly warm climate, you may consider putting your finished deodorant and coconut oil in the refrigerator to prevent from melting.
3. Add Essential Oils (Optional)
I did not do this, since I am currently still in the market for essential oils, but if you have essential oils on hand, you can add them for scent or flavor, if you like. I do not know much about each essential oils’ qualities; however, I have heard that peppermint, orange, and tea tree oil are all popular choices. You can mix and match to get the scent you desire.
If you do not add essential oils, the deodorant will not really “smell” like anything. (At least mine does not.) I have heard that the coconut oil can be fragrant in itself, depending on the type you use, but mine did not smell like anything in particular.
4. Mash the combination with a spoon
The next step is to simply mash it all together with a spoon until it becomes thick like a commercial deodorant. This may take a couple of minutes, but keep on going, and it’ll get there! 🙂
I had just begun mashing up all my ingredients, and I admit...I was doubtful at first that it would turn out.
5. Place in a Container
You can either place your deodorant in a jar, or you can place it in a used deodorant container. I chose to do the latter. You just need to mush it down. This recipe makes about 1 cup, or about 1 deodorant stick. By the way, if you put it in a used deodorant container, it looks JUST LIKE the store bought kind! 😀
Doesn't it look like the real thing? Even my skeptical sisters were amazed!
What I Did Next:
Since I had been touching it with my 98.6 degree hands, it started getting a little liquid-y, so I just put it into the refrigerator. When I went to take a shower this morning, I took the deodorant out of the fridge, put it on the counter, allowed the heat from the shower to soften it up a bit. Then, I put on the deodorant, and I am wearing, and have been wearing it since this morning, and I am doing very well with it. I have not experienced any rashes or irritation from it. I hope I never do!
CREDIT:
I received my deodorant recipe from Lindsey at Passionate Homemaking. You can see her instructions, her video tutorial, and her FAQ on the topic of homemade deodorant making. I found her article EXTREMELY helpful and informative. You may, too, so Click here!
DISCLAIMER:
You try this deodorant recipe at your own risk. Everyone’s bodies are DIFFERENT, so what works for me is not guaranteed to work for you. Research before you begin ANY project. For example, I did A LOT of research into homemade deodorant recipes before I made my own (almost a month’s worth). If you experience problems, I am neither a doctor nor an expert on hygiene and body care, but I will be available to hear your complaints and help you find a solution.
Zealous Dedication 