My friends, Mona at Healthy Homesteading and Cindy at Farmgirl Cyn, both posted this recipe and thereby encouraged me to give it a try. So far, it's doing the job, but I suspect summer will be the real test.
Have you considered that your body was designed to perspire? Please rethink using an antiperspirant (which almost always contains aluminum) on a regular basis if you're still doing so. It's one thing to use it for "special occasions"; it's another to use it every single day. When God designed our bodies to perspire, it was for a good reason, one of which was to eliminate toxins! And I believe that the more chemicals and junk you eliminate going into your body, the less of that stuff that needs to find a way to escape and then cause smelly underarms (that's a plug for a "clean" and healthy diet). So deodorant alone hasn't been my only attack on unpleasant odors.
Back to the homemade version... some of the reasons I've decided to try my own recipe include the cost, not being able to control what's in it, effectiveness, and availability. According to Mona's calculations, it cost her only $1 or two, with the coconut oil being the most expensive ingredient. So if you could hit a sale on that, you're really keeping the cost down. And since the ingredients are only things used in baking, it's so clean, I could eat it... but I don't think I'll try. The natural commercial stuff I was using worked okay, but not stellar. Hopefully this will out perform the store bought variety. And finally, this deodorant is made from items I keep on hand all the time. I don't have to wait for my coop delivery or a trip to town, nor do I have to count on it being in stock.
Have I convinced you to at least give it a try?
Homemade Deodorant
(Makes one small canning jar - just over 1/2 cup)
1/4 C. baking soda
1/4 C. cornstarch or arrowroot
5 - 6 T. coconut oil
Tea Tree Oil (optional)
Combine the baking soda and cornstarch, then work in the coconut oil. I used my mixer to incorporate the two until well combined.
If desired, add tea tree oil (anywhere from 5 - 20 drops) which has natural antibacterial qualities. I tried adding some lavender essential oil, but the coconut oil seemed to overpower the scent a bit. Just think of this deodorant as having a tropical scent and leave it at that.
You can adjust the amount of coconut oil if necessary. I liked mine a bit dryer, but if you want, increase the oil up to 8 T. Also, if your room is warm, the oil might liquify at around 76 degrees, so move it to the refrigerator if necessary or a cooler room. I popped mine in the fridge so that it would firm up a bit after using the mixer.
To use: Rub a small amount on underarms.
I'm finding that less is best when it comes to this recipe; you can always increase it if necessary. And so far, I haven't found that it's been an issue staining my clothes either.
I know some of you have been using this or a similar recipe for a long time. Please, include your comments and add to the conversation!
I've been using this basic recipe for a long time and it really works for me, even when I was doing student teaching. The only difference I have is that I don't combine the coconut oil with the powders and TTO. I spread a little coconut oil under my arms, then use a powder puff to apply a thin layer of the combined powders/TTO mixture.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, by the way!
As a soapmaker who uses Coconut Oil in my soaps I have found that you can get good prices online for the coconut oil, just don't forget to add in the shipping. I buy mine in 5 gallon buckets for about $60.00 plus shipping. Since I am less than 2 hours away from the retailer I use(goldenbarrel.com) I drive to get it. Shipping can run about 20 on a 5 gallon bucket. Another place to try is soaperschoice.com. Prices are close to the same but shipping might vary depending on where you live. Coconut oil in the stores is much more expensive because of the smaller packaging. It can be used for soaps, hand creams, deodorant, and cooking also. Many uses for this product. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteI saw your comments on Homestead Revival and was amazed that you get 5 gallons of coconut oil for $60.00 plus shipping. I've used Coconut Oil for several years but have never found it for that price. Do you mind letting me know where you get it?
DeleteThanks
Robin
http://www.goldenbarrel.com/soap-making-oils.php is in eastern Pennsylvania not far from Lancaster.
Deletehttp://www.soaperschoice.com/cgi-soaperschoice/Web_store/web_store.cgi?query_price_low_range=0&cart_id= is from Des Plaines, IL
These are for 76 degrees Coconut oil, Columbus foods aka Soapers Choice also has 92 degrees. I have also asked at Good Foods and they use it for cooking themselves. It is the shipping that will get most people.
Works great! Been using it myself for a few years. :)
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I researched making my own deodorant, started using plain baking soda until I could decide on a method/recipe. The baking soda worked so well that I've stuck with it and haven't used anything else!
ReplyDeleteAnother unexpected plus was that while we were traveling I was stung by a bee - it was really starting to become painful. I made a paste out of my baking soda, applied it to the sting, covered it, and by the time we got home (two hours later) you could hardly tell that I was stung!
I've been making my own deodorant for some time now. I have both a cream version like this and a powder version with just baking soda, cornstarch, and a few drops of essential oil. I found in both of my recipes, though, that keeping the baking soda at the proportions called for really irritated my skin, so I had to start over and modify the recipes. I use about one part of baking soda to six parts of cornstarch and that works great for me. No more irritation and no odor!
ReplyDeleteI've been using a recipe like this for years. I would suggest definitely using the tea tree oil for added odor control. The only time I noticed it didn't work as well was when I was at a concert and was dancing and sweating a lot. Other than that it's good stuff. I stopped using commercial deodorant about 16 years ago. That stuff is toxic and scary!
ReplyDeleteWe have been using a similar recipe for a couple years now too. I would never go back. I used store bought natural deoderants for 10 years prior...they were never satifactory (but I refused to use the conventional commercial stuff knowing how bad it was). This has been so wonderful because it is cheap, it is safe and IT WORKS really really well! I use different essential oils now and than for variety. I will make a floral one for me at times, but than I feel compelled to make a more "manly" one for my husband (so he doesn't smell like lavendar when he warms up - poor fella!). He appreciates that. :-)
ReplyDeletewww.homeshalom.blogspot.com
you can also put the mixture into an old deodorant container so that you can twist more up as you need it. Just like commercial deodorant.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I've been doing for past couple years now. I use a similar recipe to this one and then just scoop it into an old deodorant stick... It's sooo much more convenient that way!
DeleteI've had a recipe like that one in my notebook for a few years, but I just haven't gotten around to trying it yet. I love your photos by the way. Who knew a jar of deodorant could look so beautiful?
ReplyDeleteI just started using this recipe about 5 days ago so far no odors (I am the guinea pig my husband wont use it till I give him the results)! I also just poured mine into my old deoderant container while everything was in liquid form so now I dont have to get it all over my hands to apply. Beware this doesnt work in the containers that have holes in the tops this is too solid! I really like this recipe I think the coconut oil has a very pleasant scent.
ReplyDeleteSo far I am loving this deodorant! My husband doesn't care for the scent so the next batch I am going to try and use an essential oil that he does like. He hasn't said that he doesn't like the scent on me, just doesn't like it right out of the jar. He probably won't try it for himself until it's smells better to him. Personally I like the scent. I still use the tea tree oil but may include a few other oils to get a nice smelling blend next time.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you so much! I have tried a few natural deodorants(including the crystal)to no avail. I already have all the ingredients for this recipe and can't wait to get mixing.
ReplyDeleteI had reactions to baking soda, cornstarch and the arrowroot for some reason..... so I make mine with with cocoa butter, shea butter, witch hazel, castor oil and lavender essential oil. I have bought deo at the dollar store and rinsed out the containers and refilled them with my deoderant. I love it. It dries quick and doesn't leave oil stains on all my clothes like the coconut oil/cornstarch version. I have played around with many different recipes and I like this one the best.. Since I don't normally use plastic products I really wish I could only find glass roll up or push up bottles.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know you exact measurements I also have a reaction to the baking soda, after a few days my underarms get red and itchy and sore but I so want to get away from store deoderant
DeleteI'm going to have to try this. I purchased a large jar of coconut oil and have all the other ingredients. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteI have been using this recipe for about 8 months now and I love it. I teach Zumba and I haven't had one issue with body odor (and believe me, I sweat!).
ReplyDeleteI much prefer using this product than using products with aluminum!
I also put my deoderant into an older deoderant container and turn it up as needed.
Oh what a blessing. thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI just shared the same recipe on my blog and homesteading group. I have been using this and I love it. I used lemongrass essintal oil in mine. I guess the best part is my 11 year daughter can use it and I don't have to worry about her asorbing toxins into her body. Rebekah
ReplyDeleteI started using the same recipe back in August. I teach a lot of exercise classes and do a lot of road cycling so I was very skeptical about using this at first. You do still sweat, no bad, but there is absolutely no smell. I will never go back to the regular stuff. Thanks for your blog.
ReplyDeletewhere do you buy your essential oils? i would like to try this.
ReplyDeleteI tell ya... I am so glad I started following your blog.. You really tickle the imagination and inspirations! I am going to have to try this.. Very interesting. I've never thought about making my own deodorant, but am now! I'm going to try this right after I make my own bird suet! I suppose I should put a sign on it though that says, "DO NOT EAT" cause if I leave anything that looks "Homemade" on the counter my Snow "Man" and daughter will want to stick their fingers in it and taste it.. HAHAHA -- Hmmm.. maybe cause to look into a breath mint recipe next!
ReplyDeleteI do love your blog! :) Have a wonderful week and smile as many times as you are old this week!
Tina, you can get them lots of places, including most health food stores, but for on-line shopping, try Mountain Rose Herbs or Frontier Naturals.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, thanks for the encouragement and laugh! I can imagine the reaction of them tasting your deodorant! And let me know if you ever develop that breath mint recipe!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to make my own deoderant for a while now. I've been using aluminium free stuff from the Body Shop which I like but it's pretty expensive and I don't like throwing away the plastic container. I'd love to give this a try although I'm not sure where to find all of the ingredients here in Italy. Thank you for sharing x x
ReplyDeletevery cool recipe. thank you for sharing! xoox
ReplyDeleteSarah Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly have fun helping you sniff it out in Italy! I'm sure they have these items, just perhaps under different brand names. The coconut oil will be the hardest to find. Just keep in mind that if you are thinking of substituting a different oil, some go rancid faster than others. Try looking for them under their more proper names such as sodium bicarbonate. A quick google search revealed that cornstarch is called amido di mais and is sold under the name Maizena (common brand in a yellow box) or Paneangeli, which comes in a green box with a red banner. I'm sure you can do the same kind of search and find info on the coconut oil.
I happen to have a little coconut oil left over from soap making, probably just enough to make a batch of this deodorant. Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDeleteHi there:) I just found your blog and will definately give this a try!!! I use organic coconut oil as a make up remover/moisturizer so I already have some:D
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you for a wonderful post on a rather delicate subject! I find that using the peppermint liquid soap, Dr. Whosit's, has eliminated need for any deodorant, but I will gift this recipe to my sister :)
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if the Sara who makes a recipe with cocoa butter, shea butter and so on would be willing to share her recipe. The recipe that you posted worked wonderful for me for a week and then I started to get very dry and irritated. My husbands underarms also became irritated. In the end, we both had rashes so we went back to natural store bought stuff that just doesn't seem to work as well at covering up the odor. I want to sweat, I just don't want the smell. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love my homemade deodorant! I use lavender oil in mine and yes, the coconut oil seems to overpower it a bit, but I still like the combination. A friend of mine uses grapefruit oil.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you statement that there's a lot to what makes our sweat smell bad. The phrase "garbage in, garbage out" comes to mind!
Thanks for continuing to pass this great recipe along!
Thanks so much for posting. I was going to have to look it up. I want to start making and using this very soon. Both my husband and I had grandmothers with alzheimer's. Want to do all we can to keep that from happening to us.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy!
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to contact you, to no avail!!!! I'm stressed...I may need that deodorant...lol!!
My email again,is stockmans4@gmail.com. If you could contact me I will give you my mailing info. I'm so excited for this goodie!!! Thank you so much!!
Holly - I got your email; no need to stress! Just busy, busy and internet not cooperating when I go to do business half the time! So frustrating, but gives me an opportunity to practice patience! Let me know if you didn't get my email that I sent this a.m.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I highly recommend choosing the arrowroot powder and NOT the cornstarch...the cornstarch can breed yeast and the last thing you want is a yeast infection.
ReplyDeleteI made this awhile ago for both my mother & myself & we loved it & it worked great...unfortunately I eventually started getting a red itchy rash from it as did my mom (it took a few weeks to develop). I researched a bit and apparently there are some (like us) who have reactions from the baking soda...so unfortunately unless I find a recipe that works sans baking soda, it was back to my old deoderant. Assuming you aren't as unlucky as we were, I'm sure you'll end up loving this homemade recipe!
This is on my list for this month. As well as toothpaste. I et my coconut oil from Provident Essentials and it's $49/gallon with free shipping. It's cold processed too. I just tried to order another gallon and they're out of stock, yikes!
ReplyDeleteI posted a recipe just like this a few weeks back - we have been using it for a few months and have had GREAT results. It even keeps the hubby from smellin' so you know it works!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to make my own deodorant for quite a while now. Let me know how it holds up once the summer heat arrives. Thanks for sharing the recipe and getting this great dialogue started!
ReplyDeletei love it! So quick and easy to whip up, no shopping trip required!
ReplyDeleteA small canning jar! Oy! I've been researching making my own deodorant for a while now but was stumped on what to store it in. You're amazing! Thanks Amy! : )
ReplyDelete~Andrea~
I quit using deodorant around October and have just been using alcohol. I was worried that it would dry out my skin, but so far, I've been fine. At first I was using a cotton ball, but then felt guilty about wasting them, so I put alcohol in a spray bottle and added a few drops of lavender. Works great. Next time I'm going to cut the alcohol by 50%, because I doubt I really need pure alcohol. My husband has started using it, and so has my daughter, and no complaints from either of them.
ReplyDeleteHI there! I just recently found your blog through Andi's blog. Anyway, I am keen to try this! I used to just use bicarb soda on its own in a powder form. Unfortunately, both times I used it, it gave me several cysts embedded in my armpits that I needed to get removed. Thankfully by the time of the procedure, they had actually gone! Phew! But i guess it frightened me to try just the bicarb soda again on its own even though it really did work. I kind of resigned myself to the fact that I might just have to use store bought deoderants forever but now you've given me hope and inspiration to try something new!!! So THANK YOU once again! Will let you know how it turns out :)
ReplyDeleteLusi x
Oh, lusi, that sounds painful! I use to have a friend who got them in her armpits - more like a boil than a cyst though. You might want to try this recipe and substitute the baking soda with arrowroot instead. Do be careful!
ReplyDeleteI have been using this recipe since last fall some time, and I love it. I have had some dry areas develop, but found if I used a body scrub in my pits that took care of it. I love it, I sweat less, and even when I do sweat, I don't stink! I love not worrying about what the ingredients are!
ReplyDeletei have read all of the comments & i think that i will try it. i love a bargain so when winn-dixie had deodorant on clearance for .99 i bought three. when i got home & i was putting them in my drawer i realized that they were "adidas sport professional strength" i wondered exactly what was in the professional version & i remembered my friend telling me that she doesn't use deodrant anymore, since she had to be healed of cancer. this really cuts through my excuses, ie price, quailty, likability. thank you so much for tis post. i am really glad that i visited your site. i have been saying for some time now that i think we should bring back some of the values & techniques of the previous generations.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be trying this out!!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI use plain baking soda and find that it works BETTER than anything commercial that I could buy. Yes, I perspire - but we're suppposed to! No I don't smell bad. One of the best switches I have ever made.
ReplyDeleteI love this recipe! Been using it for weeks now and I can't STAND using store bought anymore...I love the feeling that I know my body's working the way it's supposed to and I can still feel fresh and clean!
ReplyDeleteI've been making this deodorant for the last few months and love it. My only big problem is that I can't keep it from liquefying mostly. do you have any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Tabitha
Tabitha, you can stick in in the refrig, but it will be pretty hard. I believe if you get it to below 70 degrees it will be fine - any spot in your home that might work?
ReplyDeleteI actually use just the extra virgin coconut oil and it really works for me. Maybe for those with irritations might think of trying just the coconut oil. The extra virgin cold pressed retains the antibacterial properties....and bacteria on the skin is a source of odor. I am going to try adding some Young Living essential oils though. Great post!
ReplyDeleteA cotton ball swipe of cider vinegar also works great. Cheap, works extremely well, no body odor. And the vinegar smell? - well, it goes away by the time I walk from the bathroom to the bedroom to finish dressing - about 30-45 seconds! No one calls me a pickle!!
ReplyDeleteI have been using the baking soda and cornstarch for awhile and I lke it! The coconut oil is just a carrier anyway. It's not necessary for the deordorant and I like the silky dry feel of the powder and the way it absorbs the moisture and oils.
ReplyDeleteWorks very well!
I gave up on my life long use of Secret a few years ago when it suddenly quit working. Then after a bit of trial & error....initially I used ONLY baking soda powder. Then I added Tea Tree Oil. if you don't mind dusting yourself w/ a powder form of deodorant, this is the absolute *cheapest* version.
ReplyDeleteJust baking powder & TTO. Voila! This was tested during a summer camping trip, 5 days in the Grand canyon w/ no real shower. Worked great!
I was using baby food jars I had on hand so approximately 1/4 cup of baking soda & 5-10 drops of TTO, your choice.
I think I am going to make some *creamed* versions, like you have above, for Christmas gifts for some of my friends that want to be more natural minded but have no idea how to start.
Thank you for the recipe.
Casey and I stopped using antiperspirant years ago. When we stopped, we both tasted aluminum for months. That was proof positive for us. We've used natural deoderants ever since. I have been looking for a recipe to make it myself at home, so thank you.
ReplyDeleteI use olive oil or almond oil instead of coconut oil. It makes a creamy paste. It only takes a few seconds to stir the ingredients together. I've been using this recipe for years! Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI didn't want to have to make my own, but I have found a store online that makes homemade soaps and recently started making deodorant that really and truly works!!! (I've tried many that don't work well.) Chagrin Valley Soaps is a great, safe place to buy products. Check it out
ReplyDeleteI used to sweat profusely and ruined many shirts. The odor was so unbearable and I needed to reapply the strongest deodorant I could find several times a day. My doctor told me that using soap or body wash on the armpits removes all the oils and causes the armpits to dry out and that triggers the body to make more sweat to replace what was washed away. It's just like over-shampooing can remove the natural oils and cause more oil production in the hair making it extra greasy. It's a natural process for the body to sweat. I stopped using anything on my underarms except water. The sweating really eased up and no more ruined shirts. I still need deodorant, but only need to apply once a day. I am looking forward to trying the recipe.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the recipe and will probably make it for my daughters who want something solid so they can put it in used containers and not have to touch it. I have been using baking soda mixed with alcohol for about 2 years and have not had any reaction, plus it take care of odor and sweat.
ReplyDeleteI've just started using this deodorant and I'm loving it as I seem to have finally found something that helps against the odor but is still natural. I have been wondering though, if oil stains from the coconut oil are an issue. I can't really tell as most top and shirts I've been wearing lately still have old stains in the armpit area from the commercial deodorants I've been using. I've noticed that the arrowroot and baking soda leaves white powder marks on darker clothing. This could be an issue when wearing dark colored tank tops and other sleeveless tops or T-shirts.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteI've found that the oils do not effect most fabrics but it does on a couple. I mostly wear cotton T-shirts and it's fine; turns the white ones a bit yellow under the arm, but it ALWAYS washes out without any stain treatment. I couldn't say that about my natural store bought deodorant. It always left yellow stains even after stain treating.
I have occasionally used extra baking soda to dust under my arms, especially if I think it might be an issue or I might have excess perspiration that day (the oil is just a carrier for the baking soda to stay in place). I just put it in an old recycled spice jar with large holes in the lid. Most days during the winter, if I'm at home, I don't even bother to wear deodorant at all since I don't really sweat those days. I just use it if I'm going out or in the warmer months.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI have been using basically the same recipe for over a year now. I don't have problems with oil stains, but it does color the pits of my white shirts. I have found that if I apply it when my pits are a little wet I don't get white powder on my dark shirts.
I really love this stuff! The first "natural" deodorant that has worked for me.
Hi Amy, hi Tressa!
DeleteThanks for answering. All I can say, that I'm loving this deodorant so much. It's the first thing that has ever worked for me against odor. Even the next morning I still don't smell too bad...I used to smell quite rough LOL. I've tried so many deodorants, natural and non-natural. natural ones unfortunately never worked for me, neither did the salt crystals. I've been having to use commercial antiperspirants which did help quite well against odor, but not as good as this. And then of course I've been unhappy having to use those antiperspirants because of the toxins, and not giving my body the chance to sweat naturally, and they also left really bad stains after a while, even visible on the outside of the fabric and even on darker clothes. so very annoying. I'm hoping the stains won't be as much as a problem with this one, because I don't think I'll be able to give up using it - I love this so much!
if you have problems, as I do, with baking soda try milk of magnesia either alone or mixed with witch hazel this can be thickened with a little zanthan powder food grade to thicken it up. I use a little less than 1% zanthan and blend it with an immersion blender. I buy 2 or 4 ounce bottles called tottles with a dispenser cap from Elements bath and body for about 50 cents each.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. Luv it. I mix coconut oil and raw honey to use under the arms, ratio of about 2:1. The honey kills the bacteria which is what causes the smell. Just a little dab is all I need. I guess adding a few drops of essential oil would be nice too, I didn't think of that.
ReplyDeleteI see your recipe and it call for baking soda but if you don't use organic then their is (Aluminum) in the baking soda. Another deodarant idea i was told was to use lemon juice for 1 week and then you don't have to wear any at all. You recipe does sound good though just wanted to point out that fact I read in a health book about baking soda containing aluminum.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I always use aluminum-free baking soda. I should have mentioned that in the post! How silly of me to neglect that... it's the whole point of the homemade deodorant! Thanks for pointing this out.
DeleteActually baking soda does not have aluminum in it -- baking powder does. Baking soda is simply sodium bicarbonate.
ReplyDeleteLOL!!! HELP! I've been in the sun too long! I read and typed baking "soda', all while visualizing my little can of baking "powder"!! (And when tired like this, I've been known to switch then when making recipes with disastrous results!)
DeleteSo let me restate myself correctly this time... I always use aluminum-free baking POWDER.
Thank you, Deborah for catching that mistake!
I'm going to give this a try, I decided to give up antiperspirants and right now I'm trying a Tom's brand deodorant. When it's finished, I'll try this recipe!
ReplyDeleteI just made this tonght fter reading this and am excited to try it out. Actually going to guinea pig my son after he showers.
ReplyDelete