Armpit Lovin’: DIY Natural Deodorant

Along with creating personalized placenta remedies, I love to dabble in DIY projects. Yep, you can definitely find me all over pinterest, trying to find that next creative outlet. For me, there is something so powerful about creating from scratch.

I have been making my own deodorant for the last couple of years. It is super fun and easy- plus, I am always a bit skeptical of ingredients lists that contain things I can’t pronounce. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make your own natural deodorant.

Note: this recipe is not for an antiperspirant deodorant- meaning it won’t stop you from sweating. I try to steer clear of deodorants that contain controversial ingredients such as aluminum that are designed to inhibit perspiration. Your body was made to sweat as a natural purging process, let it!

Ingredients list:

3 tablespoons coconut oil

3 tablespoons baking soda

3 tablespoons arrowroot powder

1 tablespoon witch hazel

10 drops essential oil of your choice

(Optional 2 teaspoons beeswax)

In a double boiler, Heat the coconut oil until it has become a melted liquid. If you choose to use beeswax, go ahead and add this as well. The beeswax will help to harden your end product. Otherwise, your deodorant may change consistencies with the weather, as coconut oil usually does
Add in the baking soda, arrowroot powder and witch hazel. Stir until there are no more chunks and the liquid is smooth.
Add 10 or so drops of your favorite essential oil and stir. In the past, I have used lavender oil, patchouli oil, and tea tree oil. This time I used lemongrass oil, and when combined with the coconut oil base the smell is divine.
Mix everything thoroughly and then pour into your container (I just re-use small jars that I collect over time). Another option is to use an empty deodorant stick. Let the mixture set and cool completely before applying!

And, that is all it takes! One thing to know about natural deodorants: folks often get turned off to them because they feel as if they just “don’t work.” And while it is true that they do work differently than store bought commercial brands, you should allow your body a several-day period to get used to the new product, especially if you are making the transition from a heavy fragrance, heavy chemical brand. In this time, you may notice you are a bit stinkier than usual. Stick with it! By day 7, you should be smelling great.