make your own deodorant

Easy Homemade Deodorant

Even before I started to go zero waste, I tried switching around my deodorants.  First I changed to more natural brands because I didn't want to be using the antiperspirants and found I was sensitive to the heavy perfumes.  Then, I discovered the natural brand deodorants were not working as well as they should have been, especially during workouts.  So I decided to go the homemade route.

First I started using just baking soda, right out of the box.  This worked fairly well, but was slightly irritating to my skin.  Then I stumbled upon a few recipes that really worked well for me personally. This one is my favorite, it's super simple and inexpensive to make.  I also think if you haven't ever tried homemade beauty/personal products this is a great place to start!

Ingredients

  1. Cornstarch, non-GMO if possible. 
  2. Baking soda
  3. Coconut oil
  4. Your preferred essential oils (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda together
    • I use  1/3 cup of each
  2. Blend in coconut oil until the mixture reaches your preferred consistency
    • I use about 1/2 cup
  3. Optional: Add your preferred essential oils 
    • I use tea tree and jasmine oil
  4. Place your newly made deodorant in small jar for use
  5. To use just add a small dab under each arm with your fingertips!

Variations

  • Cornstarch can be replaced with arrowroot powder
  • Vitamin E oil can be replace or used with coconut oil

And there you have it! This takes about 5 min to make, and a jar can last me about 2-3 months easily.  This stuff works great for both men and women. 

The only problem I ever encountered with this recipe was one time it got warm enough for the oil to melt and then the ingredients separated.  To resolve this, I moved the jar to a cooler area, waited for it to re-congeal, and remixed it with a fork.


My DIY deodorant recipe is adapted from the "Man Stink Killer" deodorant originally created by Mommypotamus