This simple, natural based, zero waste and plastic free home made deodorant is a great first step in reducing bathroom products and waste. You will be able to avoid packaging, allumium and other ingredients and know exactly what is going onto your skin.
When you embark on the natural deodorant journey, you may have to try a few before you find what works for YOU personally.
A recipe or product that works fabulous for me may not provide the same results for others and I have seen (and smelt) this first hand with my friends and family. If you've been following the blog, you'll know that I always give my recipes a good road test before sharing and I find this one to be effective at minimising odour and sweat
If one recipe doesn't work, don't be disheartened, go ahead and try another.
It takes a short time to test them out properly and you may want to give it a week or two to make up your mind. If you have been using aluminium based anti-perspirants you may find you need an additional few weeks for your body to adjust to the change and you may find you are smellier than usual initially. Cooler months are the best time to do this when you will be sweating less.
This Recipe is probably the simplest you will find and has a pretty good chance of working well for you.
One thing to be aware of is some people are sensitive to bi-carb soda. All this means is that you may find your armpits feel a bit chaffed or perhaps become a little red and this is a sign to stop using it. There is no need to try and tough it out or attempt to condition your arm pits to accept bi-carb because it's not going to work and there are many other options.
The great thing about this recipe is that it's cheap, can be mixed in minutes and if you're not happy with it then it's no big loss.
So what have you got to lose?
I've provided 3 variations of the exact same recipe below.
This allows you to first test with the unscented sample size.
Following on from that, if you want to experiment with essential oils, its best to head to recipe 2. You will be able to experiment with essential oil blends, the scents and ensure you're not sensitive to the oils before making a big batch (recipe 3) and potentially wasting ingredients.
1. Unscented Sample Size Deodorant Recipe - Try this First!
1 teaspoon of coconut oil (available from most supermarkets)
1/2 teaspoon of Bi-carb Soda
1/2 teaspoon of corn-flour
2. Sample Size Recipe for Essential Oil Blends
2 teaspoons of coconut Oil
1 teaspoon of Bi-carb Soda
1 teaspoon of Corn flour
1 drop of Essential oil
If you want to test a blend of essential oils simply double the quantities for 2 drops or triple to use 3 drops of essential oils.
Be a little cautious which essential oils you choose as some can be a little irritating to sensitive skin AND ensure you use good quality oils that are free from synthetic fragrances and other rubbish.
3. Full Size Bath of Homemade Deodorant
1/2 Cup of coconut Oil
1/4 cup of Bi-carb Soda
1/4 Cup of corn flour
10-20 drops of essential oil (See notes above)
How To Mix
Once you have chosen which recipe to try, measure out the ingredients and mix together in a glass jar or container.
If using essential oils, always opt for glass if you can.
Keep mixing until it becomes a smooth paste.
Coconut oil has a tendency to firm up in cold temperature, and turn to liquid when hot. So you may need to warm or cool it to blend well.
Apply a pea sized amount daily under each arm.
Storing in the bathroom is ideal as usually this room is not too hot or too cold for the coconut oil, making your deodorant paste much easier to apply.
If you already know bi-carb is not a great option for you, or you prefer to use a spray, then head to m other recipe using a witch-hazel base.