Homemade Deodorant

I have read about making homemade deodorant in many of my eco books that I love but for some reason never really buckled down and made my own.  There are so many tutorials out there for deodorant that it was hard to pick one.  To make it easier I just found one that was simple and easy to make and had the least number of ingredients in it.

I think the biggest push for me to make my own deodorant was the couple articles I have read in the past month about what is in deodorant...the aluminum that can be found in so many and the fact that I have not found an organic deodorant that I like that was not super pricey.

I'm not going to preach to you about eco this and nasty chemicals that.  I'm not too keen on people preaching to me....if you want to know more about what is in deodorant you can type it into google search and a ton of info and articles will pop up.

Next month we are going to be transitioning to another chapter of our family's lifestyle change.  Its part of our 2012 New Year resolutions that we made.  I plan on doing a post on that and some of my favorite reads.  I'm super excited about this next chapter and what it will bring for our family in a way of being healthier.  :)

I decided to use a glass jar for mine... I wanted to be able to run it through the dishwasher or hand wash the jar to keep it clean and I am not a fan of plastic.  I found this super cute jar {made in Italy} while out shopping one day and thought it would be perfect! 

Homemade Deodorant 

This recipe can be found all over blog world so I am not sure who to give the credit too.  It's not my own version, just one I saw a bunch of times while searching for the perfect one.  That being said, I plan on tweaking this one a bit with different scents. :)

1/4 cup baking soda {I got an organic aluminum free version from Whole Foods}

1/4 cup cornstarch {organic version from whole foods}

5.5 Tablespoons of coconut oil {I used an organic one}

First things first, make sure your coconut oil is soft and in a state that is easy to mix.  I heated mine up a tad just so it was easier to work with.  I just put the 5.5 tablespoons in a glass dish and heated it on top of a saucepan of boiling water.  You can zap in in the microwave if you want, I just don't trust ours lol :P 

After your coconut oil is nice and soft put that and your baking soda and cornstarch in the bowl of your stand mixer and mix until well blended.  You could mix by hand but I just threw my ingredients in my mixer to make it easier on me. 

After it was all blended I poured it into my glass bowl and stuck it in the fridge for an hour so it would speed up the setting process.  

To use:

Just use your finger to pull out a small amount, rub it in between your fingers to warm if up if its too hard and then apply under your arms.  

If its too cold it will harden up a bit.  I keep mine in my kitchen because my bathroom is really cold in the winter.  That way it stays a nice warm temp and is easy to use.  Once it warms up a bit here I will be able to move it back into my bathroom.  By warm temp I mean around 69 -70 degrees.  If its too warm it will get too soft and the oil will start to turn into liquid, too cold and its hard.  I have found that the 69- 70 degree temp works best. 

You can add tea tree oil or another essential oil if you would like.  Just a few drops will work.  

I am in love with this deodorant, it works great and does not leave white marks on my clothes.  I have been using it on days where I am in Physical Therapy and doing work in the gym and on the treadmill and have not had an issue with smelling one bit.  I kinda like the coconut smell of it but I do plan on making a citrus or lavender blend one as well.  This recipe makes a small amount which is perfect for trying it out.  Next time I will make a double batch. :)

Organic deodorant that does not cost an arm and a leg and is free of nasty chemicals/ingredients: check ;)