Natural Beauty DIY: Make Your Own Deodorant

I've been waging an underarm battle for what seems like millennia, but it really it has only been a couple of years.  While underarm antiperspirants are still not well understood for their health risks, I've decided it's one worry that I can do without!  Natural deodorants have been de rigueur in the 'Teef household for quite some time now.

A little over 2 years ago, I did a Pit Juice Thunderdome where I tested a few popular "natural" deodorant brands.  I still stand by that review, but have to add a new favorite that I use regularly: Soapwalla Deodorant Cream.   At $14 a tub, it is on the more spendy side, but I've found it can tide me through about two months of daily use.  I like to use it on days where I know I won't even have time to eat lunch, muss less reapply my deodorant.

On days where I am not a stressy-sweaty-Betty (i.e. clinic days), I use a little homemade concoction.  It's inexpensive as can be, especially since you may have most of the ingredients already!  It's also almost mess-free to make.   

Click for the easiest recipe ever!

For your supplies you will need:


       ~ medium sized bowl
     ~ glass liquid measuring cup 
     ~ tablespoon to measure
     ~ 1/4 cup to measure
     ~ whisk 
     ~ metal spoon 
     ~ microwave
     ~ 4 ounce canning jar
     ~ 4 ounce lid and band
     ~ label if you like!


For your ingredients you will need:


      ~ 6 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil
     ~ 1/4 cup baking soda
     ~ 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
     ~ 5-10 drops tea tree oil
     ~ 5-10 drops essential lavender oil


Method:

Measure 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder and 1/4 cup of baking soda into the medium bowl.  Add the 5-10 drops of tea tree oil and lavender oil, if using.  Both have great antimicrobial properties and add a fresh scent to your deodorant, but they can irritate sensitive skin, so hold back if you are a sensitive gal (feelings not included;)).  Whisk together until well incorporated and put to the side.
 
Your coconut oil will probably be solid, so use a fork to wedge out some larger pieces and put them in the glass measuring cup.  Microwave at 30 second intervals until it has all liquified.  Be careful, since that oil can get pretty hot!  Measure out 6 tablespoons of the coconut oil into the baking soda and arrowroot mixture. 

Using your metal spoon mix the coconut oil into the dry mixture until uniform and incorporated.  Pour into your 4 ounce canning jar.  This should be filled almost to the tippy top of the jar...you may even have extra!  But don't overfill, please, leave about 1/8 inch room at the top for cooling.

 You can throw all of your mixing utensils, bowls, and measuring cups into the dishwasher and they will be coconut oil free after a cycle!

Leaving the lid off of your still liquid-y deodorant, carefully set the jar aside to cool overnight.  In the morning you should have a nice solid jar of pit juice! 

To use, just take your finger and scoop out a pea-sized lump and spread onto clean underarms!  Coconut oil will melt on contact with your skin, so it will easily spread once your body heats it up.  Wait 10-15 before putting a shirt on to allow for the coconut oil to absorb...and let's be real, if you are wearing silk, this deodorant is not gonna be a part of your day.  Coconut oil has great antimicrobial properties and this should hold up for most of the day of desk-sitting office stuff or through a tough workout!