I have problems with commercial deodorant/antiperspirant.  Not only have I struggled in the past few years to find one that worked for more than 20 minutes, I recently have been fighting a rash from using the ones that do work.

I have long suspected a metal allergy- because wearing certain earrings makes my ears swell up into lollipop lobes. So, my search for homemade deodorant began out of sheer necessity.

I started by asking around- on discussion forums, on Facebook, at homeschool gatherings.  I was looking for a solution- for something that would not cause an allergic reaction and that would WORK (as in not make me stinky).  Sweating doesn't bother me- smelling phewey does.

You see, people are built to sweat.  It is a natural function of our body.  Sweating provides a perfect cooling barrier for our skin. Antiperspirants contain chemicals that form gel plugs in some of our sweat glands, making it impossible for your sweat to get out.

Thankfully, my friend Amanda invited myself and another homeschooling mom to a “deodorant-making class” at her home.  She showed us all the ingredients we would need and how to combine them to make our own natural, home-made deodorant.

After trying it for a couple weeks, I am happy to report that no-one in my family has removed themselves from my presence due to stink-pits.

Amanda was gracious and allowed me to share her recipe with you:

 Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup Baking soda
• 6-8 TB Coconut oil (preferable “virgin unrefined”)
• 10-12 drops of essential oils (I *Aadel* used 2-3 drops of Tea Tree oil and the rest Lemon Verbena)

Combine the arrowroot powder and baking soda in a mixing bowl.  Slowly add the coconut oil 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach the consistency you want.  (I *Aadel* made mine pretty dry, a paste-like consistency)

When you have the mixture to your desired consistency, add 1-2 drops of essential oils.  Mix thoroughly and perform a “sniff test”.  Go lighter on the stronger oils (tea tree, peppermint).  When it smells how you want- you are done!  You can transfer your mixture into an empty deodorant container or store in a jar or tin.

Tips

-You want to make sure your coconut oil is firm when you mix it in.  Chilling it in the fridge the night before should do the trick.

-When choosing a container for your deodorant, you should use glass or food-grade metal and plastic.  A little jelly jar or these prep bowls work nicely.  Cosmetic jars also work.

Amanda's tip for using ingredients: “If it is healthy to eat, it is healthy to use on your skin. Virgin unrefined coconut oil is best.  It is cold pressed instead of expeller pressed, which makes it food grade.  I prefer that, but you CAN use expeller pressed/refined – it is cheaper, it just isn't food grade.  Since I use deodorant every day or every other day then I use the unrefined/virgin.”

Image by Egahen