After all, I live in Central Florida and the heat here is insane. I absolutely can't stand carrying sticks of deodorant in my purse so I can reapply. Nope. Not cool
So, I decided to make my own, but I polled a few friends first. One of my old Navy buddies swears by baking soda and cornstarch. It works well-- I tried it a few years ago, but I can't get past the gritty feeling in my pits!
After much research I read that you can substitute the cornstarch for arrowroot flour-- sounds so much more gentler and healthier (most cornstarch is GMO)! It's so fluffy that it reminds me of condensed sugar.
What's the most important thing about a deodorant? You don't stink. So that's my priority.
What causes smell? Bacteria. That's where Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil come in! They are anti-bacterial and help control odors.
What You Will Need:
A Pint size Jar (I use Ball brand. You can get quilted (the fancy pattern): Ball 8-Ounce Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12
Or regular: Ball Wide Mouth Pint Jars with Lids, Set of 12
You may also be able to find them at your local grocery store)4 TBSP Baking soda
4 TBSP Arrowroot flour (I bought mine on Amazon.com: Bob's Red Mill All Natural Arrowroot Starch/Flour -- 20 oz
)6 TBSP Coconut Oil--Organic: I recommend Trader Joe's (cheap and better quality) Trader Joe's Organic Coconut Oil (2-Pack)
I simply put the dry ingredients into a jar, added the coconut oil, then shook it until mixed and I was done.
Simple. I love simple.
I wanted it to have natural fragrance so I added essential oils, plus I love the bacterial fighting properties of tea tree oil.
I added tea tree oil, grapefruit and lavender essential oils. You can add one or a couple of essential oils for fragrance or for their health properties. If you've never used essential oils make sure you try some out on your skin (diluted with a carrier oil) before you put them in your deodorant because some people have be irritated by certain types. They are pretty concentrated! You only need a few drops!
Update: Essential oils that are not 100% Therapeutic Grade should not be ingested and probably should be avoided topically. I have had several complaints of rashes, eczema like symptoms, GI distress and other symptoms from using oils that are not therapeutic grade. I recommend Young Living essential oils.
So far it's been a good experience and it stands up to a Florida summer! I haven't had to switch to a different brand and it still works 4 months later.
The deodorant goes on white, but dries quickly to clear and it hasn't stained my clothes. It does feel a little gritty when you first apply it, but it's more noticeable on your fingers than your armpits. If it's summer the coconut oil will melt and you do have to shake the bottle before applications because they separate a bit.
I will become a solid when it's below 75 degrees and in that case you just have to dip your fingers in and get a little piece of solid and then as you rub it against your body it will turn back to liquid.
The odor control has been awesome for around the house things and quick trips out. I haven't noticed much of a sweaty feelings either, but I am not a really sweaty person. But this is the perfect time to test this deodorant out because It a hot Florida summer and I plan on doing some yard work this weekend. Hopefully it works! I'll let you know!
UPDATE #2: I updated the recipe with some clay for better sweat control. You can check that post out here: Clay Deodorant
I was inspired by Crunchy Betty for this recipe and I just tweaked it a bit, but she's a genius. She also wrote a great article on trouble shooting problems with natural deodorants so check it: The CrunchyBetty way to Trouble Shoot Natural Deodorant Issues. Thankfully, I haven't had any issues, but I will probably implement her tip on doing a apple cider vinegar and water application to restore the pH in the pits.
UPDATE: Read the full Review Here
where do you get the jar from?
ReplyDeleteI either get my mason jars on Amazon or at my local grocery store (Publix). I believe Target sells Mason jars as well. I added a couple of links on the website (by the ingredients) if you wanted to look at the ones on Amazon.com. I hope this held!
DeleteIs it possible to use tapioca starch/flour instead of arrowroot?
ReplyDeleteDiana, yes! You can use tapioca in place of arrowroot. :)
DeleteI made this deodorant about a month ago and I LOVE it! I brought it with me on my recent trip to South Carolina, where I tested it out by walking around Charleston and sweating it up.. at least everywhere but my armpits! No sweat and stink there :)
ReplyDeleteI had a little trouble with the consistency of the deodorant. First it went on nicely; then it melted, which made it even easier to apply; but when it re-hardened, all the coconut oil floated to the top and the remaining product was basically just a solid lump of clay (I should have mixed it up before it re-hardened).
My solution: I made another batch last night only I used almond oil instead of coconut. This actually made the production process faster because almond is already liquid. I was a little concerned that it could stain my clothes, but I rubbed it into my armpits this morning and there was no greasy residue. Looks like we're good to go :)
Alright, I just figured out this was YOU! Took me long enough, right? Hahaha! :) {hugs} I'm glad you got it all figured out girl!
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