Did you know you can make your own homemade deodorant that actually works?? There are many dangers lurking in traditional deodorant. Mainly preservatives and aluminum that may be linked to cancer. A DIY deodorant is easy to make, affordable and definitely a switch that should be at the top of your list to make.
The concept of remedying B.O. is quite simple. Underarms tend to sweat–>Bacteria forms–>Bacteria stinks–>Ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils are antibacterial and ingredients like arrowroot and baking soda absorb moisture. Hence, homemade deodorant.
I will warn you, I have a very hippie mentality on deodorant. I am totally fine not wearing any. I do sweat and stink but keeping my detox pathways open is more important to me then always smelling fresh. However, there is a time and a place for airing out your “natural” smell and social events where everyone greets you with a hug is not that place. So, deodorant is definitely a product I keep close.
I have become very familiar with making my own products and actually have a couple of DIY deodorant recipes. A simple spray deodorant comes in very handy when you need to freshen up during the day. A solid deodorant like this recipe is stronger and more effective long term. I also have a Pit Wipe recipe that comes in handy for freshening up easily and on the go.
What’s Wrong with Traditional Deodorants?
Using traditional deodorants effects the pH of your pits and can make you smell even worse in the long run. Did you know that our pits need balance just like our gut? Using antiperspirants and unnatural deodorants will throw this balance way off making your pits a breeding ground for bad smelling bacteria. Not to mention, the function of deodorant masks bacteria smell and keeps you dry but in the process, it is trapping toxins in your body.
Traditional deodorants use antimicrobial agents or ethanol to kill the bacterial stink. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, use aluminum-based salts to plug up the sweat glands so that those armpit bugs can’t chow down and create a stink.
A 2016 study shows that these traditional products alter your skin’s ecosystem. You could be making your body odor worse while compromising your immune system. Study participants who did not use pit products had Corynebacterium in their underarms. This bacterium produces body odor, but it also boosts the immune system against infections.
Did you know that their are 20 to 30 axillary lymph nodes under each arm? Translated, A LOT is absorbed in the underarm.
A Few Scary Ingredients in Deodorant:
- Aluminum (alzheirmer’s)
- Parabens (hormone disruption)
- Triclosan (dermatitis and considered a pesticide)
- Talc (contains asbestos fibers)
- Propylene Glycol (kidney and liver damage),
- Steareth (human carcinogen)
None of these are an option for me personally, hence embracing DIY deodorant!
Why Switch to a Homemade Deodorant:
A homemade deodorant’s main role is to neutralize stinky smells not just to mask them. All though, the strong scent of essential oils do help to mask and neutralize.
The lauric acid in coconut oil kills odor-causing bacteria and tea tree and lavender essential oils are antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral. These 2 essential oils are powerhouses when used to kill bacteria. I keep an antiseptic roll on handy for tick bites, rashes, ring worm etc.
Mango butter will absorb into your skin at lightening speed, thicken up your deodorant and nourish your underarms.
Arrowroot powder and baking soda are used to absorb wetness and stink.
More Underarm DIYs:
- Spray Deodorant
- Pit Wipes
- Clay Mask Pit Detox
Transition and Detox:
When discontinuing use of traditional deodorants that block the pores and contain harmful ingredients, a period of detox will occur which means you might smell worse than you thought for a period of time. I find it helpful to help the detoxification process along with a Pit Detox Clay Mask. It’s easy to make and will help pull chemicals out of the underarms naturally.
Keeping a spray deodorant with you at all times will help ease the transition and your mind when you’re afraid you’re stinking up the room!
Homemade Deodorant Recipe:
- 3 TBSP. Organic Coconut Oil (find it HERE)
- 3 TBSP. Mango Butter (find it HERE)
- 3 TBSP. Arrowroot Powder (find it HERE)
- 2 TBSP. Baking Soda (find it HERE)
- 20 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil (find it HERE)
- 10 drops of Lavender essential oil (find it HERE)
Directions:
- Fill a pot half way full of water.
- Place a glass bowl with a spout in the pot.
- In “double boiler” melt coconut oil and mango butter.
- Once coconut oil and mango butter are melted remove from heat and mix in arrowroot powder and baking soda.
- Add essential oils.
- Pour in deodorant containers (find them HERE) or a glass jar.
- You can place in the fridge to speed up the cooling and thickening process.
Troubleshooting DIY Deodorant
- Some people find that baking soda is too harsh and after a few uses can get an uncomfortable rash. If you intend to use deodorant everyday and are experiencing discomfort I would reduce the baking soda and up the arrowroot. Since this DIY is so cheaply made, making a whole new product is necessary. If you know you are sensitive to baking soda, omit it all together and use 5 TBSP. of all arrowroot.
- Shea butter, cocoa butter or kokum butter can be used if you don’t have mango butter. I love mango butter because it absorbs so fast but it can easily be replaced.
- Because of baking soda, I do not suggest you put this deodorant on directly after shaving. It will sting. Waiting even a few minutes after shaving can fix the issue.
- Do not use too much homemade deodorant or you’ll end up feeling wet from the coconut oil and possibly transferring oil to your clothes. It does not take much of this recipe to do the job.
- Feel free to empty out your old deodorant container and fill it up with this recipe!
- If you don’t have a deodorant container, you can put your deodorant in a jar and scoop and apply. Many people use their homemade deodorants this way because it’s easier to control how much you’re applying.
- If you find this recipe ends up being too soft, adding more butter will help tighten it up as well as nourish your skin.
- I have linked all Mountain Rose Herbs products, however feel free to use Amazon for pure baking soda and organic arrowroot.
xx, Jenni
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