DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant

Deodorant is made with almost the same ingredients as toothpaste.  That is why I was eager to make them both on the same day.  My biggest concern about commercial deodorant is that the active ingredient comes from aluminum.  From my understanding, aluminum is easily absorbed into the body, and can cause breast cancer and Alzheimer’s, both of which are in my family history. 

Most of the blog recipes I’ve found are very similar, but this post about results really inspired to me that not only would this work, but it has a real chance of helping with both odor and sweat: http://www.crunchybetty.com/all-roads-lead-to-the-pits-the-homemade-deodorant-conclusion . We shall see!

DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant

¼ cup Baking Soda (aluminum free!)

¼ cup Arrowroot Powder

5-8 TBSP Coconut Oil (depends partly on the temperature)

Drops of essential oil as desired

Mix baking soda and arrowroot powder.  Add coconut oil by the tablespoon and mix with a fork or emersion blender.  You are looking for a soft solid similar to commercial deodorant texture.  (My oil was warmish, so I think it will harden more as it sits.)  Add essential oils as desired. 

I used tea tree and lavender EO.  Tea tree has some natural anti-bacterial properties, and the scent is pretty neutral, so my husband and I can both use this.  To apply, you can use your fingers to rub it on like lotion.  As with all my experiments, I will post an update when I have some results!

Cost Breakdown:

¼ cup Baking soda $.64

¼ cup Arrowroot $.64

(I can’t find a the quantity on the arrowroot powder, just the weight, and since my kitchen scale is broken…it’s less than 64 cents, since 1lb of arrowroot is larger in volume than 1lb of baking soda…I do not like all this math, FYI!)

5 TBSP Coconut oil $2.50

10ish drops EO $.16

Estimated cost: $3.94 for about a cup of deodorant

I think I paid a similar amount for a stick of deodorant.  I’d call that pretty reasonable for a non-toxic alternative.  It took less than 10 minutes to make.  Blogging takes about six times as long! 

Please use caution with essential oils and homemade recipes.  Do your own research to make sure that you feel comfortable with the benefits and risks of any ingredients you are using.

4/13/13 Deodorant Update—1 Week Later: 

She gives it a thumbs up; he gives it thumbs down.

Pros—it seems to keep smelling fresh all day, it goes on easily, and I sweat about the same amount as I did with store-bought products, which is an acceptable amount for me. (Sweat is normal, right?)  We will see what happens in the summer heat!  I have had no noticeable staining on my clothing, but I am careful.

Cons—I notice a very mild burning(ish) when I apply, but it is not bothersome, and I haven’t had a skin reaction yet.   My husband has gone back to his old deodorant.  The scent works for him, but the anti-perspirant factor is not as strong as he would like.  I intend to do more research to see if I can win him over with a different formula!

There is a learning curve.  If you try to rub your fingers together, the oil will melt!  I was not sure about applying with my fingertips instead of a stick, but it hasn’t been bad at all.  I have only applied after showering so far.  I don’t know how reapplying would be if I had to do that, but since I rinse or wash my hands after, I don’t think I would mind it.  The powder ingredients rinse away easily and the coconut oil stays on my fingertips unless I use soap.  Since coconut oil is great for skin, I often just rub any extra into my hands.