I have been reading about handmade deodorant for a few years now, but was always a bit skeptical. Each recipe seemed to involve melting stuff, or buying bulk ingredients to use in small amounts- not super practical. I have been off the traditional antiperspirant & deodorant for a long time since it is full of scary stuff like aluminum, phthalates & fragrance [See Secret Wide Solid's rating at Skin Deep] which is liked to neurological problems, cancer and reproductive toxicity. And there is an excessive amount of plastic used for each tube. Instead I used Trader Joe's deodorant which was pretty safe, eco friendly, and cheap. I saw no reason to make things more complicated for myself.
But here's the catch: I loved the Trader Joe's deodorant, and Toms of Maine, and other non-toxic deodorants I have used BUT they don't really work that well. I feel bad saying it, but they quit by the end of the day. I just assumed that was the nature of using non-toxic deodorants and have lived with it for far too long. Until now.
I came across this recipe, from this website and I had all the ingredients in my kitchen already. Plus there was no heating involved. But what really caught my attention was the rave reviews. And I am here to add to those reviews.
Let me say it loud and clear: THIS STUFF WORKS. And it works all day, and in to the next. In fact, since I switched, I have not had one single moment of smelliness. Total awesomeness.
Homemade Amazing Deodorant:
Adapted from Passionate Homemaking
The original recipe calls for either corn starch or arrowroot powder, but since I had both, I used both. Some folks complained about irritation in the comments due to the amount of baking soda- and found that using less helped. I have had no problem with the amount of baking soda so I will continue with these proportions. Also the coconut oil can go from solid to liquid depending on the storage temperature. Mine stays at a perfect semi-solid in my bathroom, and melts to an oil when I rub between my fingers.
5-6 tablespoons coconut oil
1/8 cup arrowroot powder
1/8 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup baking soda
Several drops of bergamot oil [optional]
Mix the powders together in a jar and slowly add the coconut oil until you have a "pomade" consistency and powders are mostly dissolved. Add a few drops of oil until it has a lovely hint of scent.
To use, scoop out a pea sized amount and rub between your fingers to melt and create a smooth texture. Apply under your arms and rub any left into your hands as a moisturizer.
Since the coconut oil changes rapidly from a solid to a liquid I would not recommend trying to use a traditional deodorant "stick" but rather to scoop from the jar.
If you are at all hesitant about making your own, this is the recipe that will win you over! Non toxic, plastic free, sustainable, and extremely effective. Total win-win.
Cheers!
32 comments:
Does the coconut oil cause oily stains on your clothes? That is my only concern. Sounds awesome!
Nope. You don't use very much and it absorbs right in. The baking soda makes it "dry" feeling. I have been using it for 2 weeks now and there is nothing on my clothes- just checked. :)
Cheers!
yay. i've been on TJ's too... but i just might try this :)
this is just what i'm looking for. thanks for posting this! definitely going to try it.
I use the same recipe and have for several years. I love it!!! M husband uses it as well, but he adjusts the baking soda as his skin is more sensitive. It is hands down the best stuff I have used.
This is so helpful, I'd had the same results with those brands and my local store stopped carrying a green clay variety that had been working for me. Can't wait to test this out!
Just for clarification, this is just a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, right? I am all on board to try it, but I'd like to know what to expect in the wetness department...does the cornstarch take care of wetness too? (cause that would kick some serious homemade booty if it did!)
If anyone else tries this I would love to hear your feedback!
Yes, this is more of a deodorant than an antiperspirant BUT I have noticed considerably less sweating? It might be the corn starch or baking soda? Or just my body since I haven't used antiperspirant in 10 years and don't notice sweating that much anymore.
If you are switching from an antiperspirant you might notice a period of "detox" where your body adjusts- so I would give it a week or two.
Cheers!
I've never even thought about my deoderant being full of chemicals before but this has me so curious! I might need to give this a try for a spell and see how things go. Though I have super sensitive skin so I will just assume now that adjusting whatever it was you mentioned will be necessary.
I've been hesitant about trying out home made deodorants but I'm definitely going to try this out!
I've been thinking of trying a homemade deodorant for a while, but haven't quite taken the plunge. This makes it easy for me- thanks. Just one question, I don't shave my underarms- has anyone had experience with natural deodorants and hairy bits? If not I'll report back when I try it.
i made this right after my comment and have been using it since. i think it actually works better than my deodorant/antiperspirant. it still wears off for me by the end of the day, but i feel like i smell better than i did when the old one wore off. could just be imagining it...
Happy to report that I am impressed with it (even with hairy pits). Thanks- it was so easy to make.
Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVE this recipe! i was skeptical at first, but i decided to give it a try, because you said it worked for you. I had such good results i just had to blog about it! (http://leftofaverage-southofnormal.blogspot.com/)
thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!!
So glad this is working for everyone! Mine is still working and going strong!
Shash- I am wondering if you switched from regular antiperspirant to this- since you may have some detoxing effects. Give it a few weeks and hopefully it clear up and work better.
Cheers!
I can't wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Surfed over from winterfoliage, and I have to say, I switched to a non-aluminum deodorant early this year, and after 6 or more months of using a non-aluminum deodorant, I swear to goodness that I sweat less. I'm eager to try this recipe out, thanks for posting about the lack of oil stains from the coconut oil, I was worried about that.
I just tried this and love it. I found when I'm making it a heat op the coconut oil and everything mixes easier, I also pour it into a old deodorant tube and it's easier to apply.
My wife has been making this to your recipe for a year now and we've both been using it. I'm very happy to be avoiding the toxic metals/chemicals of supermarket deodorants and still be unstinky!
Tip for winter time: we keep a teaspoon on top of our jar to dig a little out when it's solid because of the cold.
Wow! I'm so excited and can't wait to try this!! So you don't smell but do you sweat still too or you also have no sweat either? Please let me know!
Also, I would love to include this on my blog! Could I do that and link to you?
And this is why it's important to read this comments! lol I just found the answer to my question! :) lol I'm so glad you posted this and other people asked already! :)
Well please let me know if it would be ok for me to use this! :) Cause I would love to post it!
I am allergic to coconut so I was wondering what could be substituted for coconut oil?
oooh, I'll keep it ! I'm gonna try it very soon.
I scented mine with three drops of lemongrass and two drops of citronella (which I had on hand for bug repellant) and it smells like a delicious lemon drop candy! Tea tree oil and lavender would be good for the extra odorous, and peppermint would have a wonderful cooling effect for the summer. This stuff is really great, I'm so happy to have an safe and effective alternative to traditional deodorants and antiperspirants. The only thing I would suggest is make sure to buy organic ingredients if possible, AND use unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil...it has more beneficial vitamins and has a light, lovely coconut scent.
I made this on Sunday, been using it all week, and it is AMAZING!! I cannot believe how non-stinky I am! I added a couple of drops of lavender oil, just because I love lavender so much. This stuff is wonderful. Thank, thank you!
so i've just made this, but it turned out a bit grainy. Looks and smells amazing, but when i rub a little bit between my fingers, it feels like a mild scrub... used orange blossom water to scent btw.
Wow! I'm so excited and can't wait to try this!! So you don't smell but do you sweat still too or you also have no sweat either? Please let me know! bulk nozzle 1290
I am going to try, however, my son STINKS!! STINKS, STINKS, STINKS!!
I am hoping to add a couple drops of oil to help combat this, but do you know if it actually helps with odor?
what size cup shall I use?
So I've tried this home made deodorant and it works awesome as far as smell goes and keeps me dry. But first go I used orange essential oil before finding out that it can be very harsh and it caused very painful red patchy swelling. So I tried over this time read up a little more and used lavender essential oil and 3 days in its starting to turn red and patchy again. Anyone else go through this? Is it normal or am I just freaky allergic to everything?
Unfortunately this made my armpits first itchy, then burn. I have very sensitive skin. I continued to use it, hoping I could just get myself used to it. I started getting bumps under my arms, kind of like a swollen clogged pore. The swelling got worse and I eventually got a fever.
Back to commercial gel deodorants for now... bummer.
Would grape seed oil also work. I use it all the time for a skin moisturizer so I know I'm not sensitive to it. Need to try this.
Post a Comment