DIY Deodorant

Regular store-bought deodorant reacted with my pits for an extra special stink almost immediately. Natural deodorants from the store gave better results but not for long enough. Enter this recipe, which has been my go-to for years!

Supplies:

Wide mouth pint glass jar

Spatula

Warm water bath (I just use a pot on stove set to lowest heat)

Smaller, lidded jars with wide mouths for finger application OR deodorant stick molds/applicators (reuse spent store-bought ones or order empties online)

************
½ c organic, extra virgin coconut oil

¼ c minimally processed baking soda

¼ c minimally processed arrowroot

Optional: Organic Essential oils to scent preference (I use peppermint)

*************

Put large jar in water bath and add coconut oil.

While the oil is melting, thoroughly mix dry ingredients in another bowl.

Pull oil out of water bath, and add dry ingredients to jar of melted coconut oil.

Put the lid on the jar and shake to mix, then add preferred essential oils.

Shake jar every 20 minutes while cooling to keep ingredients from separating while the oil resolidifies.  Putting it in the fridge and shaking every 10 minutes also works well.

Once deodorant is solidified, use spatula to add it to smaller lidded jars or press into empty deodorant stick containers.

Notes:

Experiment with how much to put on - for me, a small gumball-sized dollop is plenty for each application.

Let the deodorant soak into skin for 60 seconds before putting on clothes to avoid temporary oil stains.

If you live in a warm climate, or keep your house temperature above 70, don’t use the deodorant stick containers because the coconut oil will melt. Use a sealed jar to contain mixture, shaking as necessary for daily application.

If you have been using typical deodorant, you may experience armpit detox while switching to natural product. Armpit detox can result in extra stinkiness for a week or two.  Consider trying a mix of typical deodorant and this recipe while adapting.