“Why are you making your own deodorant? What’s wrong with the regular deodorant we buy at the stores?” asked one of my close friends as she saw me preparing a batch of homemade deodorant a while ago. She didn’t think much of the deodorant she was using but now she was questioning it, just like I did once.
A little over four years ago I began researching ingredients in all the products we use at home and at first I was terrified. It seemed that every single product we used contained at least one toxic ingredient, linked to endocrine disruption or cancer. I didn’t want my kids around anything that could affect their health and I also didn’t wan’t anything affecting my own health since I want to be there for them.
At times when breast cancer is on the rise, I think it’s best to be more mindful with the products we use, especially ones that are so near our chest, like deodorants. There hasn’t been enough studies to confirm a link between antiperspirants and breast cancer, however, why use something with questionable ingredients when there are other better alternatives available?
What are the harmful ingredients in conventional deodorants?
These vary depending on the deodorant you use, but some of the ingredients that are found in conventional deodorants that I try to stay away from are:
- Parabens: They are endocrine disruptor and I got into more detail on this post.
- Triclosan: This ingredients is commonly used to prevent bacterial contamination, and to kill bacteria on the surface of the skin. The problem is that it has been linked to thyroid issues as well as cancer.
- Propylene Glycol: A neurotoxin linked to kidney and liver damage.
- Aluminum compounds: They block your sweat glands temporarily and reduce the amount of sweat released but they can mimic estrogen and have been linked to breast cancer.
- Fragrance: I stay away from anything that says fragrance unless the company discloses how they came up with those fragrances (most companies won’t disclose it). Fragrances can contain phthalates and other ingredients that act as endocrine disruptors.
I don’t want make deodorant, can I buy a safer one?
Yes, luckily now a days there are many options. Make sure you read the label and all the ingredients contained in the deodorant you’re buying. If you’re not sure if it’s safe, consult the cosmetic database from EWG.
Some of my favorite brands are:
- Organic Island Deodorant – this is the deodorant I’ve been using for years
- Attitude
- Purely Great
Before you make the switch…
If you’ve been using conventional deodorant for a while, your armpits might have a build up of these toxic chemicals. It is best to do an armpit detox before or once you start using a natural deodorant.
You probably need an armpit detox if:
- you’re using a natural deodorant and your armpits get a little stinky
- the baking soda used in natural deodorants is giving you a rash
- you’ve never done an armpit detox
Click here for instructions on how to do an armpit detox at home – it’s very simple, takes about 5 minutes and all you need is two ingredients. You can also buy an armpit detox here (it’s also available on Amazon here).
This post contains affiliate links
DIY Natural Deodorant Recipe
This recipe makes enough to fill up 2 deodorant containers.
Ingredients:
- Deodorant containers or reuse an old container
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons of Shea butter
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 3 tablespoons of arrowroot powder
- 3 tablespoons of beeswax
- Essential oils: if you want an unscented deodorant, don’t use essential oils. If you love a scented deodorant, add about 20-40 drops of your favorite scent. Here are some of my favorite ones:
- Lavender and Vanilla
- Pink Grapefruit, Lemon and Vanilla
- Tea Tree Oil (I always add about 5-10 drops of this one to my husband’s deodorant)
- Lemongrass
- Cedarwood
Directions:
Make this recipe by using the double boiler method. Inside a pan with water, put a glass jar big enough to melt the ingredients. Add the beeswax and shea butter to the glass jar.
Once those ingredients start melting a little, add the coconut oil.
After all the ingredients have melted, turn off the stove but don’t take out the glass jar out of the pot. Now add the baking soda and arrowroot powder.
Make sure you mix well all the ingredients. The powders should be completely dissolved.
If you’re adding essential oils, add them now. Stir with a spoon or wooden stick to make sure all the ingredients are combined.
Transfer to a deodorant contianer and wait for it to harden.
It will take about 15-30 minutes for the mixture to harden, depending on the temperature in your home. If you’re in a rush, stick the deodorant in the refrigerator and it will harden a lot faster.
Once it’s hardened all the way, use as you would use any regular deodorant.
Tip: If you find this mixture feels a little too soft during summer add one more tablespoon of beeswax.
As you can see this recipe is very easy to make. In under 10 minutes you can have your own homemade natural deodorant made with organic, non-toxic and safe ingredients. Plus by making your own deodorant you can save a lot of money.
One batch of this recipe makes enough for two deodorants but you can easily double or triple the recipe and make enough for your friends and family. It makes an awesome gift!
All the ingredients used in this recipe can also be used in other DIY recipes so be sure check them out here.
Do you make your own deodorant? If not, what deodorant are you using?
Anonymous says
We’ve made something very similar to the above recipe, love the smell! Unfortunately, the oils stain our clothes…have you found a solution to this? Thank you!
Carolina says
Hello, I am currently testing a spray type deodorant. If it goes well I’ll make sure to share the recipe with you. 🙂
Anonymous says
I was able to get the oil out of my clothes by rubbing the stain with a paste of dish detergent and baking soda before I threw them in the wash. I’m playing around with fractionated coconut oil right now. It absorbs faster and my clothes doesn’t seem to be oily.
Vaniti Byrd says
My skin is extremely sensitive to baking soda could I leave this out of the recipe?
Carolina says
Yes you can! Just add an extra tablespoon of arrowroot powder.
Vaniti Byrd says
Ok great I won’t have irritation with the arrowroot powder?
Carolina says
It probably depends on your own body, people can be allergic to all sort of things. That being said I haven’t heard of anyone having issues with arrowroot powder.
The baking soda might cause a rash on some people and that’s what you should watch out for if you have very sensitive skin.
Bekah says
Hello! I’ve just decided to start trying a natural homemade deoderant and found your recipe! I tried one a few years back, but it had baking soda which irritated my skin. So I made your recipe and just used all arrowroot powder in place of the baking soda. So far it feels ok on my skin and seems to help with sweating but it doesn’t help with the stink. Any suggestions? I added tea tree, lemon and grapefruit essential oils too.
Carolina says
How many times a day are you using it? Most people that use natural deodorants need to re-apply it throughout the day.
Also, have you done an armpit detox? I find that this really helps to avoid getting stinky. Here are the instructions: https://mamainstincts.com/detox-armpits/
If that doesn’t work, I’m going to share a new deodorant spray recipe this month, so be sure to check for it. It’s my favorite one now and I feel that it works better with smelly pits like mine. 🙂
Bekah says
I had used it a few times and still felt a little stinky. But I have not done an armpit detox and I just got some bentonite clay so we’ll see if that helps! I’ll have to check for your spray recipe too! Thanks.
Carolina says
How did it go after the detox?
Luanne says
Thought I would share my experience with your natural deodorant. I made a half batch which was exactly one stick of deodorant and it worked FABULOUSLY! It set up super well in my deodorant container and applies easily.
I wore it all day at work and even put it to the test at the gym! No stink or sweat issues at work and, most importantly, no significant stink issues after the gym. Obviously, I was sweaty after my workout, but no horrible odor like previously (with commercial deodorant–and I tried MANY). Even my hubby took a big whiff when I got home from the gym and declared the formula a success! No commercial deodorant has ever worked for me like this natural stuff and I will never go back!
Unfortunately, after only about a week, I started developing redness and a bit of itching. It’s not significant, really, but it is bothersome. Assuming it’s the baking soda, I dumped the previous batch and substituted cornstarch for the baking soda. The new batch is cooling/curing on my counter and I can’t wait to give this tweaked version a try! Thanks for sharing your recipes with us all!
Carolina says
Oh no! I’m so sorry you had a reaction to the baking soda. I have actually developed a deodorant spray that doesn’t use baking soda.
I’ll be posting the recipe very soon!
AshleyStar says
Magnesium Hydroxide is an excellent replacement for baking soda.
Jessica says
This looks really promising, but is there a substitute for beeswax for those avoiding animal ingredients? Thanks!
Ella says
I need to make this. Trying to make more things at home.