Homemade Deodorant Recipe

I know to most out there this sounds weird, but to my fellow frugal/prepping/getting back to nature/tired of chemicals friends, this may interest you.

This coincides with my reasons for making my own laundry detergent (which by the way the Orange oil in this batch I made the other day smells wonderful still)

The main reason for trying this is because of the skin sensitivity of my daughter and I. She is getting to the age young girls get too when it is time to wear some deodorant. A friend of a friend posted this recipe a few days ago and I just so happened to be running out of my own deodorant, so I decided to make this today.

The ingredients are:

6-8 Tablespoons Coconut Oil (I was able to find this at the grocery store next to the Olive Oil)

1/4 cup Baking Soda

1/4 cup Arrowroot powder or Cornstarch

Essential Oil (optional)

I did a little reading up and arrowroot powder is preferred because some people get irritated by the cornstarch. I am using cornstarch in this batch because that is what I have on hand. I will let you know if I find it irritating to our skin or not.

Also, I have read that Tea Tree Oil is one of the best to use in this recipe. I cannot say enough about Tea Tree Oil. I have used it for the last 3 years in my Homemade Laundry Soap and it has done wonders for my daughter's and son's eczema. I will be using the Tea Tree Oil in this recipe too.

So it takes about 5-10 minutes to whip this up and the directions are as follows: (Once I gathered ingredients it literally took 4 minutes to whip together.)

1. Combine equal parts baking soda and arrowroot/cornstarch.

baking soda and cornstarch

2. Add coconut oil 1 tablespoon at a time with a spoon or hand blender. (I actually recommend about 4 Tablespoons. When I put 6 it was too wet and I had to add a little extra cornstarch.)

Add Coconut oil

3. If using essential oils add a few drops and mix together.

Just a few drops is all that is needed.

4. You can either store in a Tupperware type container or reuse your old deodorant container and scoop the mixture into the container. (I put some in the deodorant container and then in a baggie and put in freezer for a few minutes to solidify it quicker)

**I read that coconut oil has a melting point of 76 degrees. So if you store it higher than that it will liquefy. You can avoid this by storing in a cool location or even your fridge...remember all the ingredients are food grade materials so there is no worry about contamination.

For those on the fence, give it a try. If you end up not liking it you did not spend an arm and a leg trying it. I only had to purchase the coconut oil and I found a jar for about $4. If you end up liking it and using it often this batch can last you around 3 months and you will have enough from your jar to make another batch or 2, or 3 :)

I have some gardening work today, using the recycled jean apron,  so I will definitely be putting this to the test.

Have a great Friday!