Easy Homemade Deodorant

Let’s talk about armpits.

And homemade, tree-hugging deodorant.

I promise not to say the word armpit ever again on this blog.

If you’ve been a reader for a reallyyyy long time [thank you!!!!], you may remember when I used to post about natural skincare and home cleaning recipes I made at home. These aren’t just things I make and post and never actually use. I use these recipes on a daily basis and couldn’t live without them.

One of those items is this easy homemade deodorant. I’ve been using it for FIVE solid years now, and I absolutely love it. It’s easy to make, there are just a handful of natural ingredients, and it works. If it didn’t work I wouldn’t use it.

I’ve posted about this deodorant a few times before but each time the recipe differs slightly. This recipe is for more sensitive skin with the addition of shea butter and more vitamin E oil.

It’s lightly scented with clove which I find perfect for fall and winter. I mean, I know you want to smell like cookies and Christmas! Who wouldn’t? In the spring and summer I prefer lavender.

The reason I choose to use these essential oils is because they have natural properties that help fight bacteria causing odors and sweat. Crazy, right? It’s true! I’ve always despised the overly fragrant commercial deodorant scents but the unscented kinds were even worse. I also found [even when using antiperspirant deodorant] that they didn’t completely work and kind of caused their own funky odor that stayed in my clothing. I’ve never had any staining or lasting odor in clothing throughout the 5 years I’ve been making and using this homemade deodorant. It even holds up to 30 mile road bike rides in the summer!

The starch and baking soda help absorb sweat and the shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil help to moisturize your skin. With a batch this size I typically only make it 2-3 times per year. It lasts for a long time!

Print this!

Easy Homemade Deodorant gluten-free + vegan – But please don’t eat it.

• 3 1/2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
• 2 1/2 tablespoons pure shea butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 6 tablespoons arrowroot starch, or non-GMO cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 10-15 drops pure essential clove oil, or lavender essential oil

Place a small pan over medium-low heat with about 1/2-inch of water. Set a clean and dry jar into the water and add the coconut oil and shea butter. Allow them to melt together, stirring occasionally.

Turn off the heat, carefully dry off the bottom of the jar, then place on a heat-safe surface. Stir in the vitamin E oil, arrowroot starch, and baking soda with a fork until smooth. Add in 10 drops of clove oil then smell the mixture. Add more drops for a stronger scent if desired.

Leave the lid off until fully cooled and let set on the counter or in the fridge. Seal with a lid and keep in your bathroom. Use your fingers to spread a pea-sized amount under each arm and rub in for a few seconds.

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Things to note:

-This mixture will start to soften around 75° F. The higher melting point of shea butter keeps this a bit more solid than when using only coconut oil.

-To simplify this recipe you can use 6 tablespoons coconut oil, arrowroot starch, and baking soda. The oil and shea butter are to help moisturize and the essential oil is for a light fragrance but also helps battle odor and keep bacteria away with its natural anti-microbial properties.

-The vitamin E oil I use has 40,000IU. The IU number refers to the strength. You can also break open and use vitamin E capsules.

-My previous mix used equal amounts of baking soda and arrowroot starch but this combination is a bit gentler on the skin. If you have extremely sensitive skin [or develop a rash] you may want to try using only arrowroot starch.

-I’ve never experienced any stains whatsoever on my clothing or that funky deodorant smell that never washes out.

-Your arms may go through a little detox period when you’re getting used to your new, chemical-free deodorant. Give the deodorant at least 2-3 weeks to decide what you think.

-If you profusely sweat throughout the day or during workouts you may want to reapply a few times throughout the day. 90% of the time I only apply once daily.

I know this isn’t the normal topic of conversation, but I also know you enjoy seeing more than just food around here. At least I hope so. Please come back Friday for more food.

Ashley

p.s. The winner of the Fair Trade USA giveaway is Lacey, who said:

“I have recently committed to buying fair trade coffee every week. I finally decided the extra few dollars a week is worth it, and so important to support communities throughout our world. I like fair trade because with all the labels and marketing it is hard to know which products really support what they claim to (organic, natural, "cage-free", etc.) and fair trade certification takes the guess work out of it. Also, I love coffee and chocolate which are so easy to find fair trade!”

Thanks to everyone who entered! Lacey, I will be emailing you shortly!