Homemade Deodorant

Previously, I alluded to the fact that I keep my deodorant in the refrigerator.  Today, all mysteries will be revealed.  Today’s experiment: Homemade Deodorant.

First of all, I need to point out that this is deodorant only.  The majority of Americans use antiperspirant and deodorant, which eliminates smell and also prevents sweaty pits.  This concoction will only help you out with the smell and will not prevent sweating.

Let me give you the recipe, then I will share a little personal experience.

Deodorant

(I originally read about this on SimpleMom.net, but snagged the recipe from PassionateHomemaking.com.)

• 6-8 tbsp coconut oil (in its solid state)
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• One or two drops of an essential oil that is safe to apply to your skin, optional

1.  Mix the baking soda and cornstarch together.  Easy.

2.  Add coconut oil until the texture reminds you of regular deodorant.  You’ll just know.  It won’t be too crumbly or too sticky, though the coconut oil will soften a bit with the heat from the friction of your combining.

3.  Scoop the mixture into an empty used deodorant container (make sure you unscrew it so that you can fill it completely).

Okay, personal experience.  This deodorant is AWESOME.  For the first two weeks of using this, my pits smelled musty, like a basement.  I think that was all the antiperspirant leaving my system and letting my pits cleanse themselves.  After those two weeks, the smell went away and I have been fresh since that time, even in 100+ degree weather this past summer.

I am a huge fan of this deodorant.

A of all, because it is cheaper if, big IF, you buy the coconut oil in bulk.  The cheapest way is to find companies that are selling it online.  You pay a big chunk all at once, but it is cheaper in the long run.  (And coconut oil can be used for many homemade personal products as we will continue to learn.)  Buying bulk, cheap coconut oil made this deodorant come out to about 50 cents a stick.

B of all, I am a fan of this stuff because I believe it is healthier.  I am no expert, but I do know there are many questions about the healthiness of the aluminum in antiperspirants.  Also, I believe that sweating is one of the ways that the body gets rid of unnecessary junk in my body, so I’m okay with letting it happen.  And, seriously, I do not stink.  Not kidding.

One drawback to this deodorant is that the coconut oil has stained a couple of my shirts.  But quite a few of my shirts have white antiperspirant/deodorant stains caked on the armholes, so I figure it is just a tradeoff.

And why do I keep it in the refrigerator?  Because coconut oil melts at 75 degrees.  In the fridge, it stays solid and I just hold it against my skin for a second.  The heat melts it so that it becomes easy to smooth on.  I have a free sample of antiperspirant, thanks to this website, that I keep in my toiletries bag for overnights away from home.

Give it two weeks, and you’ll become a believer too!

PS When I was pregnant, my crazy hormones made even using my husband’s strong and manly antiperspirant/deodorant ineffective against sweat and smell.  I’ll be interested to see if there are any preggos out there that have used (or will try) this with success.