A few years ago I went on a beauty detox. I took a long, hard look at all of the different products I was using and made a list of the ingredients and toxins I was putting ON or IN my body. The results we sobering to say the least.
Parabens! Synthetic colors! Fragrance! Phthalates! Triclosan! Formaldehyde! Toluene! Propylene glycol!
Parabens are preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in cosmetic products. We like preservatives, right? But they do more harm than good. Parabens have estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. They can be found in body washes, deodorants, shampoos, facial cleansers and makeup.
Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical that’s a known endocrine disruptor…especially thyroid and reproductive hormones. Triclosan can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants.
Are you scared yet? You should be! But don’t be overwhelmed…I’m here to help!
I started out small. Eliminating one or two products at a time as I found all natural replacements for them. Deodorant was the FIRST thing to go…and after spending $14 (crazy, right!?) on ONE tube, I decided to make my own. This is the BEST natural deodorant recipe. It’s easy, effective and makes my underarms soft and smooth!
BEST All Natural Deodorant Recipe
Here’s what you need:
1/4 cup baking soda
1/3 cup arrowroot (can substitute with cornstarch)
3-5 tablespoons coconut oil
15 drops desired essential oil (order doTERRA essential oils here)
2 empty deodorant containers
Directions:
1. Combine baking soda, arrowroot, and essential oil in a bowl.
2. Combine coconut oil with other ingredients until mixture is at the desired consistency. I use a pastry cutter at first, then knead it with my hands.
3. Press firmly into an empty deodorant container and let sit until the coconut oil solidifies. You can put it in the refrigerator, to speed up this process!
That’s all there is to it! Some of the essential oils I have tried when making the best natural deodorant are; Lavender, Maleluca, Geranium, and Lemongrass. I also use Cedarwood for my husband and he loves it! Order some essential oils here.
1/4 C Baking Soda = $.94
1/3 C Arrowroot = $1.24
3-5 Tablespoons Coconut Oil = $1.50
15 drops essential oil = $1.35
Deodorant container= $1.38Total Cost: $6.41 (for two sticks) or $3.20 (for one)
Lavanila sells their all natural deodorant for about $14, so my diy version saves you $10.80, that’s over 70% cheaper! And the best part, our version comes toxin free. Since it takes basically no time at all to make, and I can control the ingredients I’m using…I would say it’s definitely WORTH IT!
TIP: When working with coconut oil, remember that whether refined or virgin, it has a melting point of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be liquid above that temperature, but solid below that. Store your deodorant in a cool place, and if you live in a warmer climate try the fridge!
If you love this post and you’re ready to eliminate of even more toxins from your beauty routine, be sure to check out this Homemade Non Toxic Bug Spray or this Simple & Effective Makeup Brush Cleaner!
So, this is a deodorant only, not antiperspirant right?
Yes, it is just a deodorant.
Did you find that you had any ph balance issues or strange reactions at first until your body adjusted?
There was a small adjustment just like you would have whenever you change products but it wasn’t long before my body adjusted. It’s definitely worth a try!
Thanks for your reply! I love your site!
Hi, I just wanted to inform you that using baking soda is not a natural ingredient, even if it is aluminum free baking soda, there still are traces of aluminum. I research this and I notice numerous people are making a natural deodorant and still using ingredients that are nit natural. The best natural deodorant out there is a sliced lemon daily under the arm .I even tried to use bentonite clay in lieu of the baking soda , but had to scratch the recipe because bentonite is an absorbent aluminum.
Thank you so much for this post! I too have been getting rid of a bunch of my lotions, body splashes, etc etc. I’ve also been wanting to find a good recipe for deodorant. I’m curious as to how many different recipes you tried. Also, does this one stain your shirts? And while I’m at it, have you sold your house? Do you live on your 5 acres now? I too want to buy some land and grow my own food and have my own chickens and whatnot. I’m sick of having no energy, and I need to heal my gut. Have you read the book, “Gut and Psychology Syndrome”? It really is a great book.
I haven’t noticed any staining so far on my shirts. Yes, I have moved but just into a temporary house while our 5 acres is being put together! I will update soon! 🙂
The coconut oil stains my shirts
The best and easiest deodorant I use is white vinegar. I keep a spray bottle in the bathroom and after I dry under my arms, I spray generously and I also spray between my legs because there can be a smell from sweat in the area between the thigh and vajayjay. I let it dry while I do everything else before I get dressed. The vinegar smell goes completely away.
Vinegar kills stuff (do the research) and does not harm me. It lasts all day. Albeit I am not a heavy sweater. If I am unsure before bed, another spritz takes care of it and I wake up non-stinky.