Thursday, May 27, 2010

Homemade deodorant


Does antiperspirant deodorant weird you out?? Yeah, me too. There is plenty of debate over the topic, so why not play it safe and make your own.

I've meaning to do this for ages, and now that I've done it I keep wondering why I put this off for so long. I had everything in my pantry to make it, and it took like two minutes!

But does it work?? Yes, and quite well. I've been using it for about two weeks now and it can hold its own through long runs and sweaty workouts. I love the stuff!

1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder*
4 tablespoons coconut oil
10 drops/shakes essential oil* (I used tea tree)
A tin or jar with lid

In a bowl, stir together dry ingredients, then add oils gradually until you like the consistency, mixing with a fork. Store in a closed container at room temp. (If the mixture seems too soft, try refrigerating it for a bit to firm it up.)

To apply, scoop up a bit with your finger, hold it against your skin for a couple seconds so it melts a little, then rub around.

*You could try cornstarch in place of the arrowroot powder. However, cornstarch may lead to yeast infection so I strongly recommend arrowroot powder.
*You could leave out the essential oil but essential oils have antibacterial properties and bacteria is what causes odor. All would not be lost if you left it out though, the baking soda absorbs odor as well.

21 comments:

  1. Okay first, antiperspirant TOTALLY freaks me out. Second, I can't believe I have all of these ingredients and have never made this - Thanks so much!

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  2. wow. awesome!
    thanks

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  3. Hey!! You made some! That's awesome. After searching online last week I found out arm&hammer makes a natural deodorant with baking soda and plant oils, that hardly any stores carry. But I found it at kroger yesterday.

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  4. OK, I have to jump on board here. I did the no antiperspirant thing for about two years. I've been using it again for about another two years and I've been thinking about going back to just deodorant. If someone doesn't want to go through the trouble of making it themselves (which I understand most of us relish!), try a salt crystal deodorant. It's literally a big block of salt. You get it wet, rub it on, et voila. It doesn't work with everyone's body chemistry, but it works great with mine. No odor - easy as pie - natural. You can get them at healthfood stores and even some Walgreens and CVSs. The salt creates an unaccommodating environment for bacteria that eat sweat - which is what causes odor (not the sweat itself). It's worth a shot if you can't find the ingredients or want a different solution.

    Meanwhile - anyone doing no-poo? I've been at it for a little over a month and I L.O.V.E. it!

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  5. question: I've got most of the ingredients to make this but have only been able to find coconut oil in solid form. Am I just not looking in the right places?

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  6. Coconut oil is solid at 76 degrees and under. You can just put your coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds or so and it will be completely liquid.

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  7. Excellent. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  8. i just found your blog & i'm so excited about it!
    i will definitely try this soon :)

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  9. This is such a good idea and I bet making it up alone is good fun. I'll have to try this out. xxx

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  10. I've been meaning to whip up a diy deodorant for quite some time now too...and your recipe looks more simple than some of the ones I've come across AND I have all of those ingredients already. I know what I'm doing tomorrow! (Now, to decide on an essential oil...)

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  11. hey! Just found your blog - this is awesome! Antiperspirant freaks me out too, I'll definitely be trying this. If you have any other recipes for home made body care I'd love to see them!

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  12. I really love all the crafty things you post! I'm glad you shared this. I don't have the ingredients yet, but I will keep this recipe to make when I get them. It's going to be fun picking up an essential oil. :)

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  13. This is a really great idea. In dealing with so many allergies in the house, I might need to cruise around for a substitute for the coconut oil. Still, I really like the idea of using this home made concoction. It makes me feel so much better knowing what has been put into products meant for daily usage.

    Great post!

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  14. Thank YOU!!!
    What blogs do you like?

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  15. abi thank you so much for posting this!! i in fact gave this recipe a try and i LOVE it to say the least. i appreciate your blog so very much!

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  16. This is a pretty cool idea, I might try it. Although, I do love my aluminum anti-perspirant despite the potential dangers (sorry guys), salt crystals never did it for me, I couldn't stand smelling like a sweaty hippie... Here's a site with more accurate info on anti-perspirants and breast cancer... I wouldn't freak out too much, research is not conclusive about a link btwn the two, but maybe be wary about shaving in combo with anti-perspirant? http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo

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  17. So I discovered the hard way that I am allergic to tea tree oil. HOWEVER, I did a little research and found the eucalyptus is also a little antibacterial and it better for sensitive skin.

    So for anyone like me who seems to be allergic to everything, you can use eucalyptus. You don't smell SO much like Vicks; you just get a little zing to the coconut smell.

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  18. I referenced this blog on my page! Thanks for the recipe!
    http://spiceentice.blogspot.com/2010/09/oh-what-suprise.html

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  19. Great idea! I've avoided antiperspirant for years but plain all-natural deodorant doesn't always do the job. I can't wait to try making this! It's funny how some things never occur to you to make homemade, and they always seem to be fairly easy. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  20. Great post! I am actually getting ready to across this information, is very helpful my friend. Also great blog here with all of the valuable information you have. Keep up the good work you are doing here. Deodorant Alternatives

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