How to Make Your Own Deodorant
The main tasks of any deodorant are to kill odor-causing bacteria, reduce sweating and mask body odor. Ideally, a homemade deodorant should also nourish, moisturize and soothe the skin. Therefore DIY deodorants usually contain the following types of ingredients:
carrier oils and waxes that form the base of the product and produce a moisturizing and soothing effect;
absorbents (baking soda, cornstarch, arrowroot) that absorb sweat and help to keep the armpits, feet and groin dry;
essential oils that kill bacteria, soothe the skin, prevent razor burn and give the deodorant its fragrance.
By picking different ingredients from each of these types and combining them in different proportions you can create DIY deodorants with different properties. Here are several recipes for your to try.
Simple Coconut Oil Deodorant
This deodorant is based on coconut oil that gives it a very soft, creamy texture. It is practically odorless, which is great for people with sensitive skin, but if you want to make it scented, you can add several drops of your favorite essential oil.
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup arrowroot powder, ¼ cup baking soda and 4 tbsp cornstarch. Add 1/3 cup melted coconut oil and mix all the ingredients together until well-blended. If you’ve decided to use essential oil, add 5–10 drops and stir again. If you want a thicker consistency, you can add more baking soda. Transfer the mixture into a jar and close the lid.
To apply, take a small amount of deodorant and rub it into the clean skin of your underarms like a lotion.
Check this out: Deodorant Creams: A Safe and Natural Alternative to Your Regular Deodorant
Grapefruit & Lavender Deodorant
This deodorant is based on coconut oil and shea butter (for a thicker texture) and infused with lavender and grapefruit essential oils, which give it an amazing smell, relaxing and energizing at the same time.
Melt 2 ½ tbsp unrefined shea butter and 2 ½ tbsp unrefined coconut oil in a double boiler. Stir until the oils are well-blended. Add ¼ cup arrowroot starch, 1 ½ tbsp baking soda, 6 drops of lavender oil, 6 drops of grapefruit oil and 1 drop of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil increases the deodorant’s antibacterial effect, but if you’re sensitive to it, you can forego this ingredient. Mix all the ingredients together and pour the mixture into a sterilized mason jar. Let the deodorant solidify and screw the lid onto the jar.
To use the deodorant, scoop some and rub between your fingers, then apply to slightly wet underarms and distribute evenly. Reapply as often as needed.
Check this out: 5 Benefits of Lavender Oil for Your Skin, Hair and Overall Health
Homemade Deodorant Stick
If you don’t want to apply deodorant with your fingers, you can try to make a deodorant stick. To give it a more solid texture, you need to add beeswax to the mix. It will stabilize the oils and keep deodorant from melting.
Melt ¼ cup shea butter, ¼ cup coconut oil and ¼ cup beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax) in a microwave or a double boiler. Once melted, add 2 tbsp baking soda, 2 tbsp bentonite clay, 2 tbsp arrowroot starch and 8 drops of tea tree essential oil. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth (you need to do it fast before the mixture starts to solidify). Pour the mixture into an empty deodorant container. Once it solidifies, you can use it just like any other deodorant stick.
Check this out: 5 Essential Oils to Use in DIY Deodorants
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