Making My Own Deodorant

Making My Own Deodorant

I make my own deodorant. I enjoy the science of the process.  I prefer the product I make over the deodorant I can buy. Lastly, it is highly cost effective.

Supply list:

•  (2) Clean solid deodorant containers (new or recycled)
• Coconut oil, food grade*
• Arrow root powder, food grade*
• Baking soda
• Essential oils, also food grade*.  I use melaleuca, Whisper** and lavender. 

Please use the brands you prefer. For those of you unfamiliar with arrowroot powder, I bought the container in the picture at WalMart. 

*Soap box symbol* Thoughts on food grade for cleaning and hygiene products:  Anything you breath or put on your skin is absorbed by the body. So . . . if I can't eat it, I shouldn't wear it or breath it.  There are many bargain oils and bulk cosmetic oils. I do not feel like the savings is worth the inferior product. Now off my box and onto the recipe.

Recipe for Deodorant:

• 1/4 c. baking soda
• 1/4 c. arrow root powder
• 5-6 Tbs coconut oil
• 5-20 drops of each EO of your choice

1.  Combine the baking soda and arrow root powder in a bowl.  With a sturdy spoon give it a stir. I like this little rubber scraper because it is easier to transfer the deodorant to the containers.

2.  Add the coconut oil to the center of the bowl and stir.

3.  Once the ingredients are well combined, add EO drops.  I use the maximum, 20 melaleuca, 20 lavender, and 10 Whisper** Stir again to combine, being sure to clean the sides of the bowl.

4.  With the solid deodorant container open near the bowl, begin to transfer the deodorant to the clean container.  Be sure you have the riser (the shelf that pushes the deodorant to the top) lowered to the bottom of the container. I usually scoop some deodorant in the container and then tap the bottom on the counter to settle each scoop.  If the temperature in your work area is over 70 degrees, this will go quite quickly as the deodorant has the consistency of paste. (The day I made this batch it was warmer than 75 degrees in my kitchen.  My new deodorant was runny. I set the mixture in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to stiffen before I began transferring to the containers.) At temperatures cooler than 70 and low humidity, it is more challenging to get the thicker material into the deodorant containers. 

5.  This recipe usually fills two full size solid deodorant containers.  As you can see from the picture, one of my containers is new and the other is a recycled container. 

6.  It is wise to let your new deodorant cure overnight.  I set mine in the refrigerator.  If fact, I store the extra container in the refrigerator until I need it. After curing, I take my container to the bathroom and put it on the shelf, where I use it each morning after my shower.

7. Special notes:  #1 If your home warms above 75 degrees, I would keep the deodorant in the refrigerator at all times. This recipe is sensitive to heat. If you are traveling and it will be warmer than 75 degrees in your luggage, put the deodorant in your cooler with the snacks and water bottles (in a zip top baggie if that grosses you out) or with your carry on luggage. #2 **Whisper is a blend of essential oils created by doTERRA.  It can be purchased through any doTERRA Wellness Advocate. Whisper is advertised to benefit and compliment female body chemistry.