Have you tried multiple different natural deodorants without finding one that works well? If you’re like me you have spent too much money on expensive natural deodorants that don’t work. You need look no further. I have a wonderful natural, frugal deodorant to share with you.
I found this recipe on Passionate Homemaking last year. I made a batch in September and haven’t run out yet. It works so much better than any of the natural deodorants I have bought in the past. Just as I was getting ready to write this post I saw that Lindsay had written a new post about her deodorant. She answers any question you may have about making your own homemade natural deodorant. She even has an instructional video. Unfortunately I am unable to watch it, the internet is a little too slow here to load the whole thing. Hopefully you will have better luck. Here’s the basic recipe with my modifications but for a more in depth lesson be sure to go check out Lindsay’s site.
I am so glad that I now have a frugal safe deodorant I can use. At last an aluminum free deodorant that works! Aluminum has been linked to breast cancer because your lymph nodes are in your armpits as well in your breasts. Coconut oil is has anti fungal and antibacterial properties that make it an excellent oil to use in deodorant.
Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorant
6 TBS Coconut Oil
2 TBS Grated Bee’s Wax
¼ Cup Baking Soda
¼ Cup Arrowroot Powder
10 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil (opptional)
Heat the coconut oil and bee’s wax together. Once the wax is fully melted stir in the baking soda and arrowroot powder.
While still warm pour the mixture into a small container.
I made this while it was still very hot out. I found it impossible to apply in such a liquid state. That’s when I decided to add bee’s wax. In the summer and fall it is the perfect constancy to apply with our fingers. Now that it’s winter I stick my deodorant container in my pocket for a few minutes. Then it is easy to apply.
Here is an article that I came across today that discuses the dangers of aluminum in antiperspirants and deodorant.
Dearest Katie, u r an angel!
Thank you for blessing us with this recipe!
I have a couple of questions though:
Will it be tuff to clean all the utensils after melting the wax for this recipe?
Do you have a trick to clean the utensils/ pots after melting wax?
Does the deodorant melt when it’s hot outside? / I live in CA/.
Do you use white or yellow wax?
Does it stain clothes?
Can you heat the oil and the wax in the microwave?
HUGE thank you, <
I pour boiling water over everything and use a bit extra dish soap, that seems to work well for me. You could put them in the dish washer after you rinse most of the wax off.
It does melt which is why I add bee’s wax. I am in California as well. If my AC isn’t on it can get soft on a hot day. You can always add extra wax if you are worried.
I use whatever wax I can get my hands on. 😉 I prefer it to be yellow bee’s wax.
The only time I have had problems with it staining is when I used too much while wearing a white shirt.
You could heat it in the microwave but it is better for the oils and wax to do it on the stove top.
I hope this helps!
Hello; just came across the site.
Make sure that when you’re purchasing baking soda that it is aluminum free. All baking soda has aluminum in it unless you see aluminum free on package. Also, the microwave is as bad as it gets. It’s technology is actually deadly for our health and “nukes” all nutrition right out of the food. Take care
Hi Katherine, thank you for your concern. All baking soda is aluminum free, it’s a common misconception. I was confused about it for a time as well. When you see “aluminum free” on a label it’s purely a smart marketing ploy. Baking powder does contain alluminum which is why I encourage people to use the alluminum free version.
The recipe is heated over the stove so I am not sure what gave you the impression that I suggest using one. I tend to avoid using one when at all possible. 🙂
I am not able to use anything with baking soda in it under my arms. Any suggestions how to adjust the recipe to exclude it. Thanks.
you can try leaving it out and adding tea tree oil which helps kill bacteria and the oders causes by them.
Can I add more arrowroot and how much tea tree?
Yes, you can. It would depend on the type of tea tree oil. Are you using an oil or an essential oil?
I am using an essential oil.
Thank you for the recipe … i have tried home made and natural deodorants without luck … and two months ago i was back to regular (aluminum containing) deodorant … ever since turning into a more green healthy living i was able to put up with all but after a year of suffering with body odor i had to give up natural deodrannts …
I just have a few questions … is there a substitute for coconut oil as i cannot find it where i live .. and what is the significance of arrowroot powder … thanks again
Sasha, were do you live? Coconut oil can also be bought on line. There isn’t really a good subsutite for it. The arrowroot powder helps thicken the deoderant, you can also use corn startch. If you are interested I will be selling this deoderant on etsy starting in January.