A few years back I made the switch to using and buying natural products for our family. It took some time but I slowly switched over all our personal care and cleaning products. I think one of the last products for me to switch over was my deodorant. I knew the deodorant I was using had potentially harmful ingredients in it but my logic at the time was, “how can I switch to a natural deodorant when this clinical strength stuff I am using hardly works??” I think I just assumed that if it was natural it wouldn’t work. I remember in the beginning I tried a few natural ones from a health food store and they were okay. But so was the one that I was using with aluminum and other harmful ingredients….just okay. So I at least ditched the aluminum one but continued to be on the lookout. After more research I found out about the idea of making my own deodorant. I have to admit I was skeptical at first but I came across this recipe and for me it has been amazing!!
I know everyone’s body is different and what works for one person may not work for another but I couldn’t believe that when I tried this it actually worked better than my old deodorant with aluminum and parabens in it! And living in Phoenix it is almost always hot here so I have had plenty of chances to put it to the test.
So this is pretty simple to make and once you invest in the ingredients you can make several batches of deodorant out of it. First you want to melt your shea butter and coconut oil in a 1 quart mason jar in a pan of water over medium heat.
I take my little whisk as it starts to melt and stir it up to help it along.
Then add your baking soda and arrowroot powder and mix well. Remove from heat and add your essential oil. Mix that all up and pour in your glass jar. I use a 4 oz glass jar like this and it fits perfect.
For the first few days it will still be runny until it firms up so don’t be alarmed. On the second or third day I like to give it another stir to make sure it is all still mixed well. I noticed in the winter it will firm up faster than in the summer.
Here is a picture at about 3 weeks out from making it. You can tell it is not quite as runny.
I use this every morning and after every shower. Before I rub it on I always apply my homemade vinegar toner. That can help kill any bacteria that would cause you to skink more. You can read my post about the vinegar toner here!
So maybe you have never thought about ditching your store bought deodorant?? Here are a few articles on why you may want to consider a natural alternative. How Dangerous is Your Deodorant? 7 Harmful Ingredients in Your Deodorant Five Ingredients That Make Your Deodorant Dangerous.
Here is your printable recipe!
I would love if your would join my Friday link-up party!
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 4-5 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 oz jar for storing
- First you want to melt your shea butter and coconut oil in a 1 quart mason jar in a pan of water over medium heat.
- Take a small whisk and stir it up as it melts to help it along.
- Then add your baking soda and arrowroot powder and mix well.
- Remove from heat and add your essential oil.
- Mix it all up and pour in your glass jar.
- **It can take a week or two to firm up.
I was featured at To Grandma’s House We Go link-party!
Teresa - Aging Like a Fine Wine says
I’ve been using a natural deodorant for a few years now, but have never been wild about it. I’ve never thought about making my own. I’m guess that you just use your fingers to scoop some out and rub under your armpits? Thank you for sharing this special recipe!
Jen says
That was how I felt with the store bought natural ones. Hopefully this one will work for you too! Yes, I just use my finger to put it on. That was kind of weird at first but I got used to it. 🙂
House of Hollingsworth Blog says
This is a great idea (I know there are loads of nasties in store bought deodorants). I had a good laugh at the thought of scooping it out with my fingers and rubbing it under my arms, but that’s just because I’m conditioned to believe deodorant should be in a roll-on form (I’ve clearly bought into the marketing!). Can’t wait to give this a try Jen! xx
Jen says
I remember that was strange for me at first too, as I had always used the kind that you rub/roll on from a container. Now I am so used to it and I like using a safe product. I hope you like it!
DearCreatives (@DearCreatives) says
I’ve never tried making deoderant. But, love DIY beauty recipes. Thanks for joining us at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared
Jen says
Thanks! It is so much healthier for you than store bought. 🙂
tarahlynn says
I’m going to have to try this! Thanks for sharing it with us at the To grandma’s house we go link party – I’ll be featuring this tomorrow morning when the new party starts!
Jen says
Thank you so much for the feature!
Sherry says
I will give this a try! Thanks for sharing!
Jen says
Great I hope you like it!