Giving birth changed me a lot,… including that now I sweat more and smell more. Apart from the unpleasant changes, giving birth also motivated me to make more responsible choices for me and my family every day. The deodorant was one of the first things I changed in terms of personal care products. I started with a natural deodorant from Weleda – a very easy choice as I use the Weleda calendula series for my baby. As a DIY fan, however, I also decided to try the homemade deodorant. After a research, I found that the recipes of homemade deodorant can be divided into two major groups – with baking soda and without baking soda.
I tried them both and am equally happy with the results, though sometimes after shaving I get a rash
Homemade Deodorant Recipe with Baking Soda
Ingredients:
- 1/4 c. baking soda (anti-odor);
- 1/4 c. cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for dryness);
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil (antibacterial);
- a few drops of essential oil (for additional fragrance).
Directions:
1. Mix the baking soda with the cornstarch or arrowroot powder. If you have sensitive skin, adjust the proportions of baking soda to cornstarch as of 1:3.
2. Add the coconut oil 1 Tbsp at a time and mash it with a fork together with the baking soda and cornstarch. Use as much coconut oil as you achieve the consistency you like. Note that coconut oil becomes liquid in hot weather and it is better to be kept in the fridge.
3. You can add a few drops of essential oil (tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus or spearmint).
4. You may store your natural deodorant in an empty deodorant container or a glass jar.
When you apply this deodorant, do not press too much because your armpits may become too oily from the coconut and cause stains on clothes. It may also drop little balls on your floor.
Homemade Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Some of us have very sensitive skin and a natural deodorant made with baking soda or citrus oils may cause rashes and discomfort. Don’t be discouraged! You can still have your 100% homemade natural deodorant even without the baking soda. The recipe is as easy and simple as the above one.
Ingredients:
- 4 Tbsp. coconut oil (antibacterial)
- 1-1/2 Tbsp beeswax beads or grated beeswax (solidifies the mixture)
- 1 Tbsp Shea butter (relieves the after-shaving rashes)
- 4 tsp clay (for dryness)
- 20 drops essential oil ( lavender, tea tree, rosemary for fragrance)
- Empty and clean deodorant container.
Directions:
Put the coconut oil and the beeswax in a pot and melt them slowly. Don’t forget to whisk often. Once melted add the Shea butter and after whisking for 2 more minutes remove the pot from the heat. Then add the clay and continue whisking until you get a homogenous mixture. Finally, drop in the essential oil and stir well. Leave the pot to cool. If you want things faster, put the pot in cold water bath and leave until the mixture begins to harden. Spoon the mixture into the empty deodorant container and put it in the freezer for half an hour until it is completely hard. Keep your homemade deodorant in the refrigerator if the weather is hot.
Have you ever tried a homemade deodorant? Are you happy with it? Do you know or use other recipes? Do you prefer to buy your natural deodorants?