"Mom! Smell my armpits! I'm smelly! I need deodorant!"
"Ew. No thank you. Are you sure you need deodorant? I don't smell anything."
"I'm sure! All my friends already wear it!"
My ten-year-old is the opposite of me when it comes to rites of passages like wearing deodorant. When I was ten, I liked being girly sometimes, but I loved the fact that I was the fastest, tallest, and strongest kid in my class, even compared to the boys. Nation ball was my favorite. I was the best; always picked first and out last. My, was I proud of that. The deodorant convo between my mom and I happened more like this:
I just got in the car after winning a rad game of Nation.
Mom: "Oh my gosh, Katie. It's time for you to wear deodorant."
Me: "What? I don't smell anything."
Mom: "Well I do. Big time."
Me: Grumbling sounds.
I've become a bit more self-aware and realize when certain deodorants don't work. Which is just about every natural, non-toxic kind out there. As a last effort before reverting back to toxic anti-persperant for the sake of mankind, I tried making my own stuff. I had serious doubts, but it worked. Even though it only takes a few minutes to make, I couldn't get myself to make it while I was pregnant. Big mistake. Sorry, humanity.
My daughter's newfound excitement about deodorant encouraged me to whip up a new batch of the homemade goodness. Our pits are very porous and absorb whatever you put on them, so staying away from anything with aluminum, and even lots of "natural" deodorants (that may contain parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and other toxins) is really beneficial to our health. Tea tree oil lends it's anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial properties to keep us clean and smell-free. This recipe is especially quick to make in the summertime when the coconut oil is already liquified.
Homemade Deodorant
Makes about 1 cup
- 1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 4 drops tea tree oil
- 12 drops essential oil of choice (I recommend lavender, lemongrass, tangerine, eucalyptus, or cinnamon oils)
- If coconut oil is solid, melt it on very low heat. Mix in baking soda. Add tea tree oil and other essential oil of choice. Mix well. Pour into a glass jar and place a lid on it for storage, or clean out an old deodorant container and pour your mixture into that. If storing it in a deodorant container, unless your house is cooler than 74º, keep it in the refrigerator so it solidifies. If storing it in a bowl, apply using fingertips.
I'm sharing this at Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter.
Any tips on antiperspirant? I don't want sweat "rings". . .thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood recipe. I've been using a very similar one for the last couple of years and it's incredibly effective. Mine has much less baking soda though, just because I have particularly sensitive skin.
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect timing! I'm using up the last of my standard deodorant soon (couldn't stand to just throw it away, so yes, I'm using it up!) and had homemade deodorant on my mind! Thanks! I will try this!
ReplyDeletequestion: if you're not putting it into an old deodorant tube, how do you apply it? just using fingertips?
ReplyDeleteYep. Fingertips. :)
ReplyDeleteSadly, there is no healthy antiperspirant. Our bodies were created to sweat out toxins, and when we inhibit that, it's detrimental to our health.
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my "to-do" list for a while, but I never seem to get around to it. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I am trying to break my hubby from his deodorant because it gives me a head ache.
ReplyDeleteI don't wear deodorant (or perfume) for the same reason.
Thanks for the links, too!
What do you think about using cocoa butter instead of (or in addition to) coconut oil? Cocoa butter has a melting point of 100 degrees, compared to coconut oil's 76 degrees. Maybe cocoa butter would work better if one is planning on using a deodorant tube?
ReplyDeleteI've been making my own deodorant for a while now. I ran out one day and decided to just put baking soda under my arms and see if it worked by its self. IT DID! Now I just buy a box and keep it in my bathroom. Can't get easier or cheaper than that!
ReplyDeleteThis may sound dumb, but does this leave oil stains in the pits of your clothes because of the coconut oil? I have all the stuff and really want to make it! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeletei have been using homemade deodorant for 2 years and converted many family and friends (including my husband) because IT WORKS! i first tried it during my last pregnancy because my hormones threw off my body and everything made me feel stinky. we do coconut oil, organic corn starch, baking soda, and tea tree oil. i love it so much! next time i might try eucalyptus in it too because that is my favorite essential oil right now. mmmm. it is super easy to make too - i agree. sometimes i put it right into an old deodorant container so it is easier for my husband to put on.
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I used a very similar recipe for a long time but frequently battled breakouts in my armpits, along with painful little bumps under my skin (they felt cyst-ish). If I stopped using the deodorant, the problems went away. But then they'd come back immediately if I used it again. I think it's the baking soda, because I also used to make my own toothpaste, which had baking soda in it, & my gums became so sore & painful that I had to stop. Anyway, all that to say - I wonder if there's a recipe that doesn't use baking soda? I'm guessing that it's a fundamental part of why this deodorant works, but I just don't think my body likes it.
ReplyDeleteCharis, what is the corn starch for?
ReplyDeleteI believe it helps absorb moisture.
ReplyDeleteNot a dumb question at all. I forgot to mention that you do need to be careful with dark clothes, although I use it no matter what color I'm wearing.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea! Let me know how it works if you try it. :)
ReplyDeleteHow important is the essential oil, other than the Tea Tree? Are those just to add fragrance?
ReplyDeletei made this and tried it out today, and i have to say i am AMAZED by how well it works! and it was so easy to make. i'll be passing this along to all my friends and family. thank you, katie! ps--loooove your blog.
ReplyDeleteSweet, I'm so glad it worked for you, too! And thanks for the kind words. :)
ReplyDeleteThey can add additional benefits (you can find out what each one imparts by reading their description) but you can totally make it without them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorene! I love it...will try to make some soon. My family and friends will love you for it:-) You're right...the natural stuff just isn't the same as a rule.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to absorbing some moisture, it also "dilutes" the baking soda. Baking soda can be irritating for some people, so adding the cornstarch can help quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteCurious if you have had any issues with the deodorant drying out your skin.. I noticed my skin gets really dry and almost starts forming a scab. Could it be the tea tree oil since it dries out things or maybe the baking soda?? Any thoughts would be great! I really like using it because it works so good but the dryness and scabbing is not fun :/
ReplyDeleteWhen I used to apply it from a deodorant container, I would have the same thing happen. Ever since I've been applying it gently with my fingers, scooping some out from a bowl and rubbing it in like lotion, I haven't had any problems.
ReplyDeleteI second the plain baking soda approach! I was meaning to try making my own, but never got too it and discoved that just sprinkling a little baking soda in my hand and patting onto damp armpits works amazingly well. I keep an old spice shaker in the bathroom for this. I use the baking soda for washing my face too. And cleaning the sink and shower.....
ReplyDeleteWhoa. That's such a great idea!
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Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteQuestion for you...do you still use this deodorant recipe? I'm curious if it has irritated your skin at all? I have found that it has begun irritating my armpits and I wonder if you've experienced this at all? Or have any suggestions for another recipe that you have tried? It's so strange because I've been using this for a year and only at the bottom of each batch does it irritate my skin causing red bumps...would it be the baking soda? Just curious if you have any ideas. :) Thanks!
-Hannah-
I do still use it but rub it on from a jar. Rolling it on from an old deodorant tube does irritate me skin. You might want to forgo the tea tree oil as its a common allergen.
ReplyDelete