I know, I know. Right now you’re judging me. Just the title of this post has you thinking, “I’ve never laid eyes on this person, but she must walk around life in purple Birkenstocks.” I assure you, I do not. And just so you know, I’m actually becoming less of a hippie with this recipe. Because, before homemade deodorant, I didn’t wear any deodorant at all. I think commercial deodorant stinks, both figuratively and literally. Seriously. I think the combination of “powder fresh” + the smell of human body= something too close to kitty litter.
So, when I happened across this recipe on another blog (sadly, I cannot take credit for this one) I decided I owed it to all of you to try it out to see if it works. It’s a public service, really. I don’t want you to develop cancer from your Degree Professional Strength. And I already had all the ingredients on hand.
If you’re not interested in trying this concoction, you should know this: My husband, a Naval Aviator, teased me about making this. Then two days later, tucked his tail between his legs and told me it works better during long flights than any other deodorant/antiperspirant he’s tried.
Homemade Deodorant/Antiperspirant
5 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup baking soda
doTERRA essential oils, optional (I like lavender for me, my hubby likes melaleuca)
Melt coconut oil over low heat. (If you’re unfamiliar with coconut oil, you should know it’s available in most grocery stores along with the other oils. It comes in a semi-solid state similar to Crisco.) Remove from heat. Stir in cornstarch and baking soda. Add a few drops of essential oils. I used lavender.
Pour mixture into any kind of storage container. Tupperware, or a jar, or whatever you have. Refrigerate for a few hours. You might want to stir the mixture again once it’s chilled if it has separated. Apply with your fingers.
Thank you for posting this recipe! I’m going to give it a try.
I’m totally going to try this!
Bought some coconut oil today to try out this recipe!!! The reason for the comment is this: I have discovered, on accident, another use for the coconut oil! I had been outside spray paining a cardboard refrigerator box (to make my son a play house) and had blue spray paint on my fingers. Well, a little dab of the coconut oil took it right off!!! Awesome!!!
Do you have to keep this in the refrigerator or just while it hardens?
I just stumbled across this website, and I have already made and tried the homemade deodorant..and I LOVE it! I have used it for a week now, and can’t get over how effective it is. Finally, a natural deodorant that works! Thank you so much for this post!
I came across this article via Pinterest. My question to you is do you have to reapply during a busy/active day? I want to get away from using commercial antiperspirant and deodorant.
Nope! We don’t need to reapply. MY husband is a pilot and sometime has flights that are 8 hours in a flight suit and a bullet proof vest, etc and he says this works better than any store bought he’s tried.
I have tried this deodorant recipe and love it!!!! It truly works! I used lavender oil as you had and it’s wonderful. My question is, I want to make some for my hubby, what oils would be best for men?
We usually use none, but Balance might be nice!
Hi! I’m so excited to make deodorant! I’ve just been using coconut oil, but it doesn’t really help with the post baby hormones I’m experiencing right now!
I have a question, I’ve heard cornstarch can be unsafe, possibly being made of GMO corn. Do you have a possible substitute? Arrowroot? (I believe that’s a good sub, when cooking)
Thank you!
Yes, I’ve made it with arrowroot instead of cornstarch and I like it just as well!
Hi there!
I made this and love how effective it is! I wondered, though, how to make it a bit creamier. It is a little hard to get out of the container.
Thanks for your help!
You could play with the ratios and see if that helps. Or, run the container under warm water before using it.
Thanks for the reply. I”ll try adding more coconut oil? Maybe some shea butter? I’m kind of new to this DIY skin care stuff. But, this deodorant really works! I didn’t have any oils and found that the coconut scent is really nice!