I gave up traditional store bought deodorant years ago because of all of the chemicals and aluminium they contain. Since then, I have been on the quest for the best all natural deodorant. Some that I tried would work for a little while and then quit. Others seemed to make me smell worse than I would if I wore no deodorant at all. And still others would work really well but cause a very uncomfortable rash around my arm pit. A dear friend of mine shared her homemade deodorant recipe with me. I loved that there were only a few quality ingredients; however, it still caused me to have a rash. From that recipe I have tweaked some of the measurements and added a couple of other things, finally creating the best deodorant that works for me. The texture may take a little getting used to for some, as it is more of a thick lotion or paste rather than a bar or spray. I currently live in the south, and this recipe works in the heat of summer, while still being gentle to my skin.
Natural DIY Deodorant
Fill a small-medium sauce pan with water and place over medium heat. Place shea butter and coconut oil in a mason jar. Put mason jar in sauce pan filled with water. As the water starts to heat up, the shea butter and coconut oil will melt. Once melted remove from heat and add arrowroot powder, baking soda, and lavender oil. Mix very well until all powder is evenly distributed in the shea butter, coconut oil mixture. Pour mixture into the storage container you will be using and place in refrigerator until mixture becomes firm.
Notes: You do not have to use a mason jar for melting your shea butter and coconut oil, but it will save you from endlessly scrubbing your sauce pan. I use an immersion blender to mix my deodorant and I find it gives it a nice smooth texture. You can keep your deodorant stored in the refrigerator if you like, but I keep mine stored at room temperature. I like to let my deodorant set for a few minutes after applying and before putting on clothes, to prevent oil from transferring onto my clothes. Should an oil spot show up on your clothes, apply dish soap to cut the oil, before washing.
Natural DIY Deodorant
- 1/2 cup organic unscented shea butter (I use Alaffia brand)
- 1/2 cup organic coconut oil (Nutiva is my favorite)
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder (also listed as starch or flour)
- 1 Tablespoon baking soda (pure baking soda should be aluminum free)
- 15-20 drops therapeutic grade lavender essential oil (I use Young Living)
Fill a small-medium sauce pan with water and place over medium heat. Place shea butter and coconut oil in a mason jar. Put mason jar in sauce pan filled with water. As the water starts to heat up, the shea butter and coconut oil will melt. Once melted remove from heat and add arrowroot powder, baking soda, and lavender oil. Mix very well until all powder is evenly distributed in the shea butter, coconut oil mixture. Pour mixture into the storage container you will be using and place in refrigerator until mixture becomes firm.
Notes: You do not have to use a mason jar for melting your shea butter and coconut oil, but it will save you from endlessly scrubbing your sauce pan. I use an immersion blender to mix my deodorant and I find it gives it a nice smooth texture. You can keep your deodorant stored in the refrigerator if you like, but I keep mine stored at room temperature. I like to let my deodorant set for a few minutes after applying and before putting on clothes, to prevent oil from transferring onto my clothes. Should an oil spot show up on your clothes, apply dish soap to cut the oil, before washing.
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