I believe in sweating. I do.
Sweating is ok, body odor isn’t. While I have used deodorant, as opposed to anti-perspirant for many years now, I can’t say that I have been all that pleased with any of them. Paying upwards of $7 a stick at the health food store, the deodorant is mediocre, at best. I just learned to live with it, washing a re-applying after a half day in the summer.
When I saw this recipe for homemade deodorant on the internet, I was skectical. Yet, after a few minutes of thought about the ingredients, I couldn’t think of how it wouldn’t be worth a try. Before I recommended it to anyone, I wanted to try it myself……and I love it. And the cost? Well, for me it didn’t cost anything because I already had all of this. My rough estimate would be about $1-1.25 per batch though.
Recipe for Homemade Deodorant
6-8 tablespoons of coconut oil ( I happen to keep extra-virgin in the kitchen so that’s what I used)
***Coconut oil has all kinds of healing properties and happens to be an antibacterial. Can’t go wrong there. For more facts about what coconut oil can do for you, go here. I used it to clear up a nasty baby bottom yeast infection years ago that nothing else would work on. For further reading,” The Coconut Miracle” is an excellent book and can be ordered through The Morristribe Amazon bookstore below and to the right.
1/4 cup baking soda ( I used Aldi brand)
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
10-20 drops of tea tree essential oil ( I used 10 drops of tea tree, 10 drops of lavender)
I melted the coconut oil in a microwavable measuring cup to get an accurate measurement. Then I poured it in a bowl to sit.
Mix the baking soda and arrowroot together in a bowl.
Pour the coconut oil in with the dry ingredients and mix.
This is the consistency I got. The warmer it is, the more liquid-ish your deodorant will be. No sweat ( pun intended). I wouldn’t advise putting it in an old deodorant container, it will melt right out once the temperature in the house is above 70 degrees or so.
It was admittedly a bit weird to apply it with my fingers, but after a couple of days it wasn’t a big deal. You just have to wash your hands and under your nails afterwards.
I LOVE this recipe! Anyone else ever try this recipe or something like it?
***You may want to try this on a small area to check for skin sensitivity and if you are on meds, make sure coconut oil is ok to use with your Dr.
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Yes, I tried this formula and it worked well for me for the last few months………granted that was NOT in the heat of summer, so not sure about that. I can’t use coconut oil anymore ( due to a medication I just started) so will have to try to find some pure shea butter and try the recipe with that–apparently, it works just as well. I got used to applying with my fingers very quickly, but, like you was a little grossed out at first! LOL
I really liked the fact that I knew exactly what was in there, AND that it didn’t contain aluminum.
Hi Traas3,
I haven’t heard about the shea butter idea, I would be curious to know how that works for you. And yes, NO aluminum.
Take care!
I’ve seen this idea before and wanted to try it, but I’m always afraid it will leave oily stains on my shirts. Right now I use Burt’s Bees spray deodorant and don’t love it, but on the upside, it doesn’t leave white stains like conventional deodorants can. I once used a cotton cloth to clean up melted coconut oil and was surprised that the stains did not last. I just ran the cloth through regular hot laundry cycles and months later realized it had no stains on it anymore. So, I’m wondering if you’ve noticed any staining on your clothes? If so, does it wash out?
Elizabeth,
I worried about the same thing. I have had no such issues so far and I’ve been using it all winter. We’ll see about summer time but so far so good. Good questions!
Interesting on the coconut oil. Mark’s aunt has always battled with such bad Psoriasis. Few weeks ago we were out visiting and her skin looked so good. The best I have ever seen it and I have been in the family almost 17 years. She said she was using coconut oil. Taking it by mouth and put it on her skin. It really is amazing.
Melissa,
That book “The Coconut Miracle” has some pretty lofty claims about c.o. but people seem to love it!
Wow, Kelly, this homemade deoderant looks very interesting! I’ll give it a try and let you know.
Karen,
I would love to know what you think!
Thanks for commenting!
I have plans to but just haven’t taken the leap yet. I really need to though.
Sarah,
It took me less than 5 minutes to make. I hope you get the chance soon.
That’s pretty awesome. If I used deodorant I’d totally give that a try. As it is, I prefer au natural.
http://www.littlehomesteadinthevalley.blogspot.com
Hi Jenangelcat,
I wish I could go au natural!! Thanks for commenting! I’m gonna go check out your site!
Elizabeth,
This is great Kelly! I’ve been making our own deodorant for over 3 years now and love it. It works! I’ve been thinking about trying the coconut oil. Probably should because it would be so much easier to put on. I often use other EO for different smells. We both love tea tree and peppermint.Thanks for linking up at Simple Lives Thursday!!
Marillyn,
I’ve thought about different scents, I may try the peppermint! Thanks for commenting!
Toni,
Hmmmmm, not sure. Perhaps you used too much oil, or maybe it just doesn’t jive with your skin?? Another reader mentioned using shea butter instead, have you thought about that?
I will say that I haven’t been through a summer with this deoderant, so I am curious about it’s performance then.
Take care!
I use the same recipe! I originally mixed in some neem for its antibacterial properties, but it smells rather nasty. Kind of defeats the purpose, ay? I like to use tea tree and lavender as well, and think sweet orange or lemongrass might be nice to add some yummy smell. I have used about every deodorant on the market and none have worked until now. Who knew the answer was lying in wait right in our kitchen cupboards?
Hi Miranda!
The money I could have saved!!!
I am going to give this a try once I run out of what I currently have. The thing I wonder though, is does it stain your clothes? Saw you over at Simple Lives Thursday, stop by and say hi sometime if you can!
Hi Pure Homemaking!
I’ve been asked that questions many times and to date, it has not stained anything of mine.
I’m gonna check out your blog!
I have been using this recipe for over a year now, and Love It! It is a little annoying in the summer when it is liquid, but I get over it
It did sting pretty badly when I applied it after shaving, yuck! I have since added a squeeze of aloe vera gel to the mix, which has helped completely.
Hey Erikadianne,
I lOVE the idea of adding some aloe vera! Thanks for sharing that!
I’ve been using this homemade deodorant for over a year, off and on. I’ve found it’s hugely effective, but my armpits develop an irritated rash if I use it for more than two or three days in a row – I think the baking soda is too abrasive for my ridiculously sensitive skin. >.<
When I can't use my homemade stuff, I alternate between an Avalon Organics lavender spray-on, and another "no aluminum/no bad stuff" other brand I can't think of off-hand.
I think I'm going to try making up another batch and greatly reduce the amount of baking soda, while increasing the corn starch.
Erin,
Thanks for your comment! It’s good to have an alternative to switch back and forth to, especially if your skin is an sensitive as yours.
Take care!
I have the same problem with baking soda, I used a similar recipe and added an additional 1/4 cup of arrowroot. No more irriation for me!
Arrowroot is the answer! Cornstarch is probably the culprit!
Melissa,
Great suggestion about the arrowroot! I’ll try that next batch. Thanks for your comment!
At the risk of sounding like an idiot, where do I find arrowroot???
Debbie,
Arrowroot can be found at the health food store or you can use cornstarch as an inexpensive replacement. There are NO stupid questions, my dear, you can always ask me.
Hi Redunlap,
Applying with fingertips is a little weird at first, but it does give you more control over how much you use.
I started using/making homemade deodorant in December, and in Florida, our ‘summer’ weather starts pretty early. And I have great success with this deodorant recipe. I just substitute cornstarch for arrow root powder (because it’s in the cabinet). But I am so GLAD that I read all the comment! I noticed more little red bumps under my arms after starting this deodorant and attributed it to razor burn. But I started shaving less and still notice it a lot. Now I see the baking soda may be irritating my skin, too. So I’ll cut down on that amount, add in some extra cornstarch, and add peppermint oil, too. I use peppermint oil in my homemade toothpaste (also made with coconut oil), so I will give it a try with the deodorant. And…I totally agree about applying with your hands…just wash after application. I really believe that, once I started using this deodorant in December, it cleared up a fungus in my fingernails that OTC topical medication didn’t touch.
Hi Allison,
Now, that’s an interesting point about how the tea tree cleared up fungas!!
Would you mind sharing your toothpaste recipe on The Morristribe’s Facebook Notes??
Thanks!
I am all for avoiding aluminum and have used Tom’s deodorant for a couple years now. It works well (I live in southern FL) and only costs about $4/stick.
Hi Lari,
Tom’s hasn’t worked well for me, but I’m glad you like it! Thanks for commenting!
Oh, and applying with a cotton ball helps with the initial ickyness of applying with fingers.
Bnteasley,
Hmmmm, never thought of that!! Good tip!
I have been using this for months and LOVE it, but just recently noticed that when I wear a tank top or certain types of fabric, that you can see a slight oil mark and it’s rather embarassing. I bought some store deoderant for the summer months of tank tops, but I started sweating more and smelled soooo bad. I miss my CO deoderant, any ideas of how to avoid the embarassment of what appears to be “sweat stains” even though it’s not?
Bekah,
Thanks for commenting!
All I can think of is adding some bees wax to thicken it up and change the consistency, or perhaps more cornstarch.
Anyone??
Where can I find bees wax?
Debbie,
I see it at farmer’s markets a lot, also the health food stores.
I was thinking bees wax also to firm it up a bit but I wonder how much? I just bought some and I have cocoa butter and vitamin E oil to make lotion for my girls as they’re growing so fast in the breast that they’re getting stretch marks! I guess some experimentation is in order.:)
I found that cutting back on the coconut oil and making the consistancy stiffer the oil doesn’t bleed on your clothes as bad. I mix my coconut oil in a tablespoon at a time until I get it the perfect consistancy.
I have been using a variation of this that I came up with for about a year now. I did not have shea butter, but coconut oil is always on hand. I mix it with palm oil a small amount of tea tree oil, and spearmint oil. It worked great for mild days, but garden hot days of hard work would have me smelling like the hardest working man at times. I would powder on baking soda after applying the deodorant and that did help a lot! Recently I just mixed the baking soda in the oil mixture which is fine except it change the texture to gritty. will go back to powdering it on. Need to find an old fashioned powder style applicator like my grand mother used to use. Not sure where to find one tho. Because the tea oil coconut oil and palm oil all have wonderful bacterial fighting properties, microwaving is a really bad idea. Fast and easy but not good for the oils. It kills all of the beneficial properties. Doesn’t take that much longer to heat these up to stirring consistency. All in all I like what I have used and will try this one out as well.
Is it possible for a 16 year old to make money out of blogging?. . I have no idea what a blog is or how they work.. . I know that it can make money though. . Thanks!.
Hey John,
I’m not sure if your age would restrict you, however, I love ProBlogger to get started and to tweek a good thing. good luck!
http://www.problogger.net/make-money-blogging/
We love our Kindle Fire, but as many people have said it has some drawbacks when compared to the iPad, especially on size and power. But I’m impressed with the new specs of the Kindle Fire 2 with the 10inch screen. Some of the new specs are at kindlemad.com and I think they will be opening up pre-orders soon.
Hi Kelly. I’m really interested
in trying this! Funny I just purchased my first jar of Coconut Oil!! I’m thinking of using a makeup sponge to apply this!! As for Arrowroot, I’ve used that to thicken gravies/sauces in the past. Sometimes you can find it at the grocery store.
I use the same recipe, except I use corn starch instead of arrowroot powder and only about half the amount of essential oils that you use. Also, I mix everything up in a small ziplock bag, starting with the dry ingredients. Then I add the coconut oil little by little and mix it by squishing the bag until it is the consistency I like. I normally don’t use as much as you are using. Then I cut the corner off the bag (frosting style) and squeeze the contents into an old deodorant dispenser. Put the dispenser in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to let it harden. After the initial hardening, keep it in the bathroom and use just like you would a commercial brand. Works VERY well, even on this pregnant lady in the 90-100 degree summer weather we are experiencing now!
I have been looking for this recipe for awhile, thanks! I male a similar diaper cream using coconut oil, lac and tea tree e.o.s and beeswax (to keep is thick when it’s hot. I’m going to try this recipe tonight and I’ll use the beeswax so I can put it in a deoderant tube. I think that will work nicely. Also, if it’s not thick enough, you can always remelt and add more beeswax.
I use a similar recipe, but baking soda leaves a red rash on my skin. I use food-grade dichotomous earth instead. I have never used arrowroot — I might try adding it next time, or just using a little as a body powder. I have found that a small batch like this lasts me for months, and if is very effective. No BO at all.
Kelly,
I have been using this deodorant for a weeks now and I won’t go back to anything store bought. This is the best deodorant I have ever used. I usually have odor in and around the breast area (embarrassing to admit) when I get really hot and sweaty from work. I apply a small amount under each breast and between as well as my armpits and there is absolutely NO odor. I love this stuff. You mentioned you use your hands. I wasn’t liking that too much either, so I starting applying it using a large craft stick (tongue depressor). I just stir, dip and wipe off excess, then I spread it down my arm pit. Works wonderfully without the mess.
Very interesting! I have been wondering about this and will have to gather the ingredients to try. I will have to put all the variations into a master recipe list so I can see which ones will be used. Interesting to use DE- I love that stuff! I will have to find my ingredients. Has anyone used something else instead of Tea Tree Oil?
Thanks all! You’ve given me some great insights!
I have been using homemade deoderant in the heat of the southern summer here in the US. I made my first batch with corn starch and within a couple days broke out in a rash. After doing some research I found that some people are sensitive to corn starch and they found arrowroot powder more gentle. I made a second batch using arrowroot powder and love it. I used to have to wash and reapply store bought deoderant after sweating through a hot southern day but with the homemade I can go two days with no odor. I did a test and only started smelling after 2 1/2 days and even then it wasn’t bad. And that was with me outside sweating! I added a couple drops of tea tree oil to mine for that added antibacterial action. My recipe is:
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 arrowroot powder
5 drops tea tree oil
coconut oil (I added mine a tablespoon at a time and mixed until I had a stiff consistancy, this helps eliminate oil stains on clothes)