I was so excited when my friend Crystal showed me this post over at Passionate Homemaking on how to make coconut oil deodorant!! I’ve been using Tom’s of Maine for a while now, but that stuff is seriously expensive. I definitely think Tom’s of Maine is one of the best options out there for store-bought deodorant, but if I can make it myself for practically nothing…. well, I’d rather do that! 🙂
I know a lot of you guys are concerned (like I am) with the aluminum that’s in most underarm products on the market today. While there are conflicting viewpoints on the research, the concern remains the same and honestly I’d just rather not take any chances.
In my opinion, the coconut oil deodorant has worked great since I’ve been using it and I plan on continuing to use it from now on. And the best part? It’s SUPER easy to make!
(NOTE: Keep in mind that the following recipe is NOT an anti-perspirant.)
You can put the finished product into a jar and apply it with your fingers, but I had tons of deodorant in my linen closet (only bought because they were money-makers) so I took the aluminum-filled stuff out and put the coconut oil deodorant in instead. 🙂
Here’s what you need: (modified from Passionate Homemaking’s recipe)
5 Tbsp. of Coconut Oil (I used the Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)
1/4 – 3/8 cup of Baking Soda (the original recipe calls for 1/4 cup but I ended up needing 3/8 cup to get it to the right consistency)
1/4 – 3/8 cup of Cornstarch (you can also use Arrowroot powder, but I didn’t have any on hand)
Essential oils
Here’s what you do:
1. Empty out your deodorant containers (if this is the way you want to store it). I twisted the deodorant all the way to the top and then scraped it off with a knife. It came off very easily. Then screw the plastic part back down.
2. Put the Baking Soda and Cornstarch (or Arrowroot) in a bowl and mix. Then add the coconut oil and any essential oils that you want to go in there.
3. Mix thoroughly until it becomes a paste. You can add more baking soda and cornstarch in equal amounts if it doesn’t seem thick enough to you.
4. Using a spoon or spatula, put the coconut oil mixture into the empty deodorant cases. Clean off the rims (they will get messy as you can see in the picture below) and then put the lids back on to store. I totally expected it to only make enough for those two travel size cases, but I ended up having to get another trial sized container and two full-size containers to hold it all! This should last us for a LONG time!
5. Apply like you would any deodorant.
Since I live in Texas and it gets MEGA hot here in the summer, I decided to store my containers in the refrigerator. Coconut oil turns to liquid when it gets above 76 degrees, and our house easily reaches that during the summer. If you live in a different area of the country where it doesn’t get as hot then you might be able to just store it in a cabinet.
So, what do you think? Do you think I’m completely nuts? Have any of you guys made homemade deodorant before? Feel free to post any different recipes or tips in the comment section below!
Coconut oil is a staple ingredient in our house. I use it for deodorant, dry skin, and homemade tortillas (works much better than Olive Oil for a shortening-free option)! Plus, it regularly goes on sale on Amazon with the subscribe & save option!
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I have made it for my husband, in fact that is on my to-do list today! (Maybe I will still get that done…?) I use basically the same recipe as yours. I used a few drops of clove essential oil and tea tree or cajuput. Thanks for sharing this!
.-= Nichola´s last blog .. =-.
@Nichola, Oh I bet the Clove oil smells awesome! I love the smell of cloves. I have some tea tree oil for cleaning, but I figured it would be too strong for the deodorant… how many drops do you use?
@Surviving The Stores, The recipe I used called for 10+ drops. I think I used about 7 or 8 and used 2 or 3 drops clove along with it. Desert Essence sells a Tea Tree deodorant. You can also use lavender, which btw is the safest essential oil for pregnant moms.
.-= Nichola´s last blog .. =-.
How well does it help with odor and perspiration?
@Marne, Perspiration, not so much. But it definitely keeps away odor (at least for me!)
@Marne, perspiration is actually good for you, and esp in that area of your body. =) I know that’s not what the commercials say, but…..=D
@Nichola, Wait… the commercials are wrong??? 😉
@Nichola, I am just one of those people who has a really bad problem with perspiration. I have been looking into homemade deodorant but if it doesn’t help I probably won’t go that route. I have to use Certain Dri most of the time to help my problem.
@Marne,
I also have bad smelly pits… but as one comment said, it was worse using the commercial deodorants. With this natural homemade one the only time that I need to re-apply is if it is REALLY hot or that time of the month. And after all the trying of commercial deodorants, and money spent this is awesome. And you can make small batches and try different essential oils for the odor. I find that the coconut smell with peppermint is pretty safe as not too smelly but enough not to “mix” with my own body odor and create a really gross smell! Iknow when I first started using this my pits (in really hot weather or that time of the month) would get wet. But it was strange, it wasn’t the type of wet that occured using the commercial deodorants. I could live w/it : )) And too now it doesn’t seem to get wet like it use too?
Julie, I found the same thing! As time goes by, my body detoxes more and more and there is less sweat, even when working out, than what there was when I first started using the homemade deoderant.
I used to not have BO, but then started having it despite good diet etc. I tried EVERYTHING natural and some things worked ok, but would never get rid of it. I could take 3 showers a day and wash under my arms repeatedly to NO avail. VERY frustrating and demoralizing and EMBARASSING! I learned from a google search that it is the BACTERIA and NOT the sweat which causes the odor! Then I tried RUBBING ALCOHOL and DISINFECTING my clothes which could be harboring the bad bacteria (which I may have “caught” from a thrift store clothing item), and after several years of this frustrating problem have pretty much eliminated it!
I have severe hyperhydrosis and with the really intense deoderants, I still sweat a TON, even the prescription ones. I also take on the metal in them and smell like really strong metal smell. Since I Started using this, my sweating has diminished greatly, and of course I no longer smell like metal b/c there isn’t any in it. It’s amazing! Give it a try.
Bekah, I also have hyperhidrosis. Glad to hear this is a good solution! I’m tired of spending so much money on convential products. Will have to give this a try as I have some empty deodorant bottles around…
Thanks for sharing, my son has hyperhydrosis and NOW lives in S. Korea. I will send him this ASAP. Thank you so much. We are using CO for everything now a days! ( I am 51, but people who meet me say ‘ you look 35’. NICE way to live!
Try sage oil as your essential oil; sage reduces sweat production.
Oh, that’s great to know!! Thanks for the tip!
Yes! I added sage oil to mine and I love it. I went from considering the mega-strength stuff to loving this recipe. And I live in Phoenix!!
I have this recipe and have been using it for a couple of months. However, it started irritating my skin. My skin would sting, I think from the baking soda. Anybody else have this happen?
I’ve had this problem too. I’m still trying to figure out what is causing it. It seems to happen after I’ve been wearing it for a few days. It works great as far as smell goes….and for me that’s saying a lot because I haven’t found many at all that work for me….so I’d love to be able to use it all the time if I can figure out how to keep it from stinging/burning after a few days.
.-= Stacy Sawyer´s last blog ..The Father’s Song – Worship Dance =-.
@Sharon,
Don’t rub the deodorant in if it is stinging, press it in and then hold your fingers over long enough to be sure it is all dissoloved. Another thing you can do is splash cool water over your pits before you apply and gently pat dry. This works well too after shaving. If you’re in the shower at the very end just turn the water down, put it back to coming out of the faucet, squat down and then splash the pits. I do it this way in the Winter because I don’t want to get cold after a warm shower : ))
The stinging can be from shaving irritation…ensure you are shaving with an aloe based product (or even the coconut oil – found in shaving products) and use a 5-bladed shaver cartridge and NONE LESS! Those cheap disposables with typically one or two blades can cause havoc.
Tea tree oils are good for healing the irritation and get you back on track as well as zinc based creams (typically for baby bottoms). The zinc kills the bacteria (and infection) to reduce inflammation and the subsequent “stinging” after you shave.
Heavily chlorinated water can also contribute to irritation…use chilled bottled water and a soft cotton cloth in a plastic bowl in the shower to rinse after the shave. Recycled one quart yogurt containers are perfect to keep in a shower.
It is the baking soda. I lessened the ratio of baking soda and kept the same amount of cornstarch and added a drop or two of vitamin E oil; you can also try dabbing a little oil or water under your armpits to act as a barrier prior to putting on the deodorant.
I get emails from the Peoples Pharmacy and they had a suggestion of using Milk of Magnesia. I use the dollar store kind and I have yet to have body odor. I live in Dallas and I know about hot weather. I’m allergic to aluminum so antiperspirants are out of the question for me. I started out using medicated powder, discovered Toms of Maine and tried some dollar store deodorants. MOM lasts forever and works so well. It also works on athlete’s foot and other fungal rashes.
Sandy,
Milk of Magnesium (Magnesia) HAS Aluminum in it! The same stuff that is in regular deodorants. Of which is bad enough, but even worse if you are allergic to it, as you mentioned. Look up the following on the internet: Aluminium hydroxide along with the words Milk of Magnesium, and along with the word deodorant. It will pull up more than enough articles and facts for you do read more details about it. Best wishes!
There is no aluminum in milk of magnesia.
Agreed. I did some quick research, and it seems that some antacid formulations that contain MoM will also contain aluminum hydroxide, but the standard laxative contains only water and magnesium hydroxide.
Rachel – no I don’t think you’re crazy, maybe just a hippie, lol. As I was reading I just thought, “Yep! that’s the Rachel I know and love!” Then I thought back to your old post about no-poo balls. how did you make those again?? I did think slightly crazy thoughts then… but I may come around 😉
By the way, I had been wanting come coconut oil for a few months. I’m so glad you posted the Nutiva deal. When I went to check out, I ended up getting the two bottles for $5.40 because I forgot that I’d registered a $5 gift card from Swagbucks in there already… even better! and it shipped the next day. Time for some coconut oil recipe scheming… first up… Ashley’s blueberry oatmeal dark chocolate cookies… yum… http://thecartercasa.blogspot.com/2010/04/blueberry-oatmeal-dark-chocolate.html
so thanks for posting that! now you have me curious about this deodorant… 😉
@Holly, Blueberry Oat Dark Chocolate!!!??? Oh, I must try that!!
Actually, that was Maryanne who did the whole no-poo thing… maybe I could get her to guest post here about it. I did it for a while, but I couldn’t get past the 2 months of super gross hair! I did do it with my kids though for a while and it was awesome. Maybe I’ll try it again and just get lots of cute hats? 🙂
@Surviving The Stores, hats are a must.
tell me again what the no-poo recipe is.
and hope you enjoy the cookies.
The basic no-poo recipe is washing your hair with baking soda, and then doing an apple cider vinegar rinse.
Some people use absolutely nothing except water and your hair just takes a little longer to adjust.
Gosh I think am going to try this. I unfortunately have the opposite problem of some of the people above – I do not sweat. Just odor if it gets to hot.
Actually while the commercials have convinced us it is not good to sweat I really wish I did. Heat makes me feel so ill.
Can not wait to try the recipe – thanks for posting.
From what I’ve been reading, the rash issue could be a pH issue. One of the recommendations is to put apple cider vinegar under your arms every few days (or take it internally) to change the pH under your arms.
Science wasn’t my strongest subject, so I’m not exactly sure how it works…. just a possibility to try.
Just hopping over from Amy Loves It! Just had to thrown in that apparently, taking apple cider vinegar daily is a cure-all for a whole mess of things! I’m still doing research on it. My husband was having stomach pains, very IBS like, and the doc wanted to do all kinds of expensive tests we don’t have money for. And he may still need those expensive tests but in the mean time, he’s no longer in pain.. Taking the apple cider vinegar daily cleared up the pain he’d been having for 6 months to a year.. in about TWO DAYS. Have you found any additional info about the ACV since you’ve posted this? Just curious. Thanks! =)
I’m willing to try but even most of the natural deodrants that I buy don’t work for me. I find that for special occasions I HAVE to use commercial deodorants. I was lucky to find some Toms of Maine long lasting care on clearance at Walmart for only $2.00. This has been the only natural deodorant I have used so far that seems to work at all for me.
Has anyone ever tried Thai or Crystal deodorants? They are made from mineral salt which is all natural and free of aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium. Oncologists recommend it, and it has absolutely no smell at all – and neither will you once you begin using it!
Instead of covering or trying to mask odor like typical deodorants, it does not allow the bacteria to grow that causes the odor. It is not an anti-perspirant because we do need to perspire. I live in MO and it gets pretty hot, humid, and sticky in the summer/fall, and I have noticed a decrease in perspiration.
Here is the kind I am using right now: http://www.thecrystal.com/ This website is very informative.
It is costly to buy at around $5-$7, but it lasts f-o-r-e-v-e-r. The Thai I bought first lasted 23 months Yes, twenty-three months. Almost two years. Not a typo. The only reason I threw it out was it got too small. DO NOT DROP or it will shatter, which is why I replaced the second one after about a year or so.
I am now on my third ‘stick’ and will never go back to regular brands, no matter how free they are! In fact, I was sent a free sample of one to try for a review, and I could actually TASTE metal in my mouth after two days – and I don’t wear braces.
@Rachel in KCMO,
i have the crystal and it doent last through out the day on the smell i am trying this recipe for the cocnut one does any one else have ideas for deodorant homemade
@angela, I guess everyone’s body is different and reacts to things differently. I am glad there is something we can make at home that is healthier, greener and more frugal than the stuff than the stuff in stores. I have never heard of this before now. I have heard of home made laundry soap, but that’s about it.
@Rachel in KCMO, i also made homemade dish soap and homemade fabric softener the softener works and its cheap and easy to make
I am having trouble with finding you link..I would love to view it and wanted to know if you will repost it? Thank you .. coupon freak (@) y mail dot com
Actually the Crystal deodorant stick does contain aluminum: ammonium alum. It says it’s all natural but it’s still a type of metal. No point in buying this one if you are trying to avoid aluminum! You’re better off making your own deodorant or sticking with a truly aluminum free store brand. I just found this out today and tossed my Crystal deodorant in the trash after! I mixed baking soda and water to use until I can make some and it worked just fine.
Wow! I had no idea! Thank you for letting us know! That’s crazy that it’s marketed as natural and safe.
I didn’t either, I’ve been using it daily! I felt a little stick when I discovered it today because the whole reason I switched was to avoid aluminum of any kind. It’s unfortunate companies market things as “natural” and “safe” when they really aren’t. I’m glad I found out though!
it sounds like a good idea but id be afraid of clogged pores! and maybe acne formation and stuff, since its basically oil! and i can imagine it increasing your body temp, since i feel that way after slathering baby oil on myself after a shower. and id be worried about the perspiration issue lol. de not something for the gym lol. but a great idea nonetheless!
It definitely doesn’t feel anything like baby oil… it feels very similar to my Tom’s of Maine deodorant. As far as getting hot more easily, I know what you are talking about in regards to baby oil, but I haven’t had an issue with that at all with the coconut oil.
coconut oil is a natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial… so it shouldn’t cause acne or clogging pores.
Not to mention ‘Baby Oil’ is derived from Petroleum!!! I would Never use it on anyone’s skin!
Thanks for this! For a while now I have been looking for alternatives to store-bought, commercial-brand products, and have snuck back many times. However, earlier this evening, I bought some coconut oil–just for my skin, and scalp, but have stumbled upon a wealth of information on its many, other uses. Amazing. I’m trying the coconut oil alone tonight as deodorant, and will use it again tomorrow morning. Thanks!!! T.
Homemade deoderant – another great idea of something I can make at home and save tons of money. Thanks!
The deodorant idea sounds interesting, however, doesn’t the oil stain the underarms of your clothes as the body heats up. Once your body heat rises, I would assume that the oil would begin to melt and therefore leave a residue behind. Does anyone have any comments as to this?
thanks
No stains. In fact, I bought some new shirts shortly after starting with this deodorant. A year later (and I wear the shirts 1-2 times per week), no stains. My other shirts are stained from conventional deod.
i found something else that works for those that cant use deodorant and the baking soda in the deodorant irritates your underarms i was told by a friend to use cornstarch and vagisil feminine powder it really helps the cornstarch helps with wetness and the other with odor
I’ve been using a variation of this recipe for several months, and I love it. I find it totally controls odor, and restrains the wetness.
However, just yesterday I washed a cotton shirtdress, and dried it, and noticed… the armpits are darker. The last time I wore it, I did get very warm, and sweaty (heavy physical labor over several hours was involved, so it’s no slur on the deodorant).
Any suggestions as to how to go about mitigating this?
Coconut oil usually doesn’t stain but once in a while it does seem to stay in the clothes for some reason. I would try to check the sleeves of your shirts before washing them. If you notice coconut oil, wash the area with dish soap and it should come right off. If you’ve already washed and dried it you could still try the dish soap and then if that doesn’t work, oxi-clean stain remover should work. HTH
.-= Stacy Sawyer´s last blog ..CVS – Deals for the Week of 6/6 – 6/12 =-.
Hey I tried a recipe similar to that once and liked how it worked but didn’t like how soft it was especially in the Summer. I would use too much and I would use it up fast. I just happened across this post and just thought I would share with you my recipe in case you might like to try it. Fun site by the way I’m excited to look around!
http://simplehealthytasty.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-no-secret-you-can-make-your-own.html
I massage coconut oil under my arm in the mornings. When I take a whiff at 9pm, there is no smell. Mind you, I am in Djibouti, Africa and it gets hot as hell here. It does work. I also drink a tablespoon 3 times a day and moisturize my skin with it.
I’ve read that coconut oil helps in keeping the mosquitos away. Have you noticed that effect? I’m would love to know if so!!
You know what, I read that too so I have been paying attention to see if I notice a difference. Mosquitoes in Africa is no joke with the Malaria thing. The time I am most affected is when I teach my Yoga classes in the evening and since I started using Coconut oil as a moisturizer, I am left alone. One night I was bitten on my foot….I didn’t use coconut oil on my foot that morning, I used regular lotion. Needless to say, I use coconut oil on my feet now.
I usually just use a little baking soda for deodorant. Just a little sprinkle rubbed into my armpits. I don’t even need to do it every day, it lasts for a couple. I have tried everything and have very odorous armpits. This is very effective, natural, and cheap.
I only use baking soda too. I have not been able to use commercial deodorant for at least 10 years. It clogs my pores and cause me to break out.
I agree it is very effective natural and cheap.
What a great idea! I’m going to try this out tomorrow. Thanks!
Yay! Let us know how it goes!
I have never tried to make my own deoderant, but I do plan on trying. Thank you for the info and tips.
You’re welcome! I love that it’s SO easy and it really works!
I just couldn’t pass up those “money-maker” deodorant deals… but I didn’t want to use them so this worked out perfectly. 🙂
Let us know how it goes!
Adding tea tree should help with smell. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. I’d probably go for tea tree and lavender, but I can’t STAND the smell of anything coconut, so I’ll probably skip this one. 🙁
You can barely smell the coconut.
And it is not what you would think either…. It is pure & natural so Its not that Fake-Tanning lotion scent that you would think That’s for sure!
with essential oils in it, you don’t smell the “coconut” smell & it’s not that strong even without them.
I have always had a problem w/body odor. But I didn’t want to continue using commercial deodorants. I started dusting baking soda under my arms and my sensitive skin got really irritated.
Now I mix baking soda with water and a few drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle and it works great! and better at controlling odor than the commercial stuff.
Darci, how much baking soda and water do you use for your deodorant recipe? I just tried using a mix of coconut oil, baking soda and lemongrass essential oil (just made in palm of my hand!) as an experiment and so far, very good, no odor today. But, your recipe is simpler, and less expensive so would like to try it also. Thanks
I eyeball it. In a large spray bottle I fill it w/filtered water then add apx. 1 1/2 to 2 Tbs. of bkg. powder, then essential oil to your liking. Before adding the essential oil, shake and spray some in your hand. It should spray easily but feel kind of slippery. That’s how I tell if I’ve added enough baking powder.
Good Luck!
Thank you for posting this! I know you posted it a while ago but I just discovered today that my Crystal deodorant is not free of aluminum after all 🙁 Thankfully I stumbled across your posting and I am going to be making a batch of this deodorant this weekend! Until then I am just using baking soda and water because I tossed my Crystal one in the trash. Natural aluminum or non-natural aluminum does not matter – it’s still aluminum.
Oh, btw, I am SO going to have to try your Couscous and Kale recipe that you posted! We love Couscous, but I need more recipes… your post was perfect! 🙂
Oh yay I think you’re going to be the first one to have tried it besides us! 🙂 We’ve been adding lots of stuff to our cous cous lately: cabbage, dino kale, and we picked up some collard greens to try with it too. I hope you like it! 🙂
Rachel, I have been reading about the benefits of virgin coconut oil for the past few months. Thought I have exhausted the long list…I don’t have smell problems with my pits but there are a few family members who would appreciated this super easy, healthy deodorant.
thanks for posting this… i know i’m a little late (like a year)… but i’m glad this came up in my search! i am definitely going to be using this recipe!!
Great Recipe Thanks for sharing!
I had used coconut oil & essential oils for deoderant before, but like this recipe better. Pick oils that are antibacterial. Really liked the batch I made with tea tree oil & lemograss oils.
Coconut oil is great for bug bites! Got a bunch of chigger bites one summer in my arm pits-then sweated-yeeow! Put coconut oil in armpits-took a few minutes, but burning,itching & stinging went away & never came back! Now I keep some made up & put lavender in it,too for bites.
I have been using this recipe for quite some time now and LOVE it. It has diminished my sweating and I don’t ever get a metallic smell anymore, plus it washes off nicely, unlike store-bought deoderant. As we get closer to summer though, I’m noticing oil marks on my shirts during the day. It doesn’t stain, but it looks terrible! It’s so embarassing. Is there anything I can do?
I LOVE COCONUT OIL! So versatile. I too live in Texas and I too have been using a bank-breaking natural deo (Crystal brand, love it). I’ll have to try this out to save some bucks! Thanks for the tip girlfriend.
xo
I thought about using the Crystal too, but when I saw this recipe I decided to try it instead!
I STILL have deodorant left from this experiment, but next time I’m going to try adding a good amount of lavender and vanilla and see if I can get it to smell like Tom’s of Maine’s Lavender Deodorant. 🙂
I LOVE homemade deodorant!! I’ve been making it for a few years now and oh my goodness it is terrific! I think it works much better than store brand deodorants and it’s so easy to make! 😀
I have to tell I’ve been using this for MONTHS and it is fabulous! Absolutely zero smell. The ONLY time I’ve had a natural one without needing to reapply or smelling funny. I use 5 drops each of orange and peppermint essential oils in mine. LOVE IT!
This absolutely works, cut a lime or a lemon in half and after you shower, squeeze the meat side along the armpit , then turn over the citrus fruit and rub the rind side along the armpit. Rinse the area after this application, towel dry. This will prevent smelly perspiration and after using a while you will no longer need deodorant at all. This also works for the foots as well as any smelly area of the body. You may need to apply the baking soda deodorant directly after the citrus rub until you are confident you no longer need deodorant. This a simple natural approach to combatting odor.
I mixed up some of this deo a couple of days ago just to try it… I used it twice since with great results. Today I used it right before mowing my lawn which is quite large and takes about two hours to mow…In the 99-degree sun. I don’t smell at all (where I applied the deo) and was very impressed. I had been using clinical strength deodorant which costs about $5+ for one container and sometimes even clinical strength fails to work for me. Will try your idea with using the deo containers. Thanks!
I tried this, and it didn’t work at all. Embarrassing smells aplenty. I think the problem is that the oil separates from the baking soda + corn starch and I end up rubbing only coconut oil on my arm pits. I can’t be sure of this, though, since I can’t see what’s going underneath the ball on my roll on deodorant stick. Baking soda + corn starch by themselves worked quite well with me, so I’m convinced that it’s the mixture/recipe that’s at the heart of it not working.
I read somewhere else that it can take up to a week of daily applying for really smelly problems to go away. Maybe try a little more powders to the mix…and a different application than a roll on…maybe nothing got applied?
I tried this and decided that since you had some consistency problems I’d just make into a lotion and keep it in a lotion jar. However, when I try to apply it- I end up with globs of white on me. I’ve tried rubbing it in, to no avail. Anyone else with whiteness when they apply? Help?
I apply mine with a popsicle stick. Stir well, smooth on thin. I keep it stored in a jar in my bathroom. Yes, I have white. But it goes away within an hour. I also have a lower amount of oil in mine since I live in Phoenix and it never turns solid in my house!
The Coco. oil I have is liquiduified at our room temp here in FL. What can I do since the entire mixture is in liquid form? Thanks, GB
I’m in Texas so I have the same issue. I store them in the fridge in the summer and it helps to harden it up.
I love this stuff, and this recipe is my favorite. I used to sweat like crazy and have stains on my shirts from deoderants, but I have none of those issues now. And we’ve had the worst drought and high-heat EVER this summer.
I have been looking all over for an alternative to deodorant. I am a huge coconut oil fan and I cannot wait to try this out!!! I used coconut oil, baking soda and peppermint oil to make my own toothpaste when I found out all of the horrible things in toothpaste…so I can’t wait to try this one out!
Me, I just discovered unrefined-organic coconut oil as an anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-biotic, a few years back–I’d been sick, sick, SICK for years and the conventional treatments were just… useless (unless the goal was to harm my liver and kidneys–it worked great for THAT!).
Anyways, the unrefined coconut oil not only helped my internal organs (weight loss–improved memory–all that kind of stuff, cos eating coconut oil lets our brains & cell-membranes be made of good stuff, instead of fake or hydrogenated crap where ya can’t think or metabolize crapoli!), but…
Right Out Of The Jar, it got entirely rid of this “psoriasis” I apparently “had” (my scalp was *bleeding*… and the sides of my nose were flaky :(…) along with any trace of dandruff.
–AND, it murdalized a 12-year-old case of Athletes’ Foot (that even M*yo Clinic’s strongest medicines failed to help; in fact, it hurt) in a week or two–plus an old boyfriend-person-type’s ringworm, on his arm!
So, seeing alla *that*, I just followed the logic along and practically marinated myself in the unrefined coconut oils… and yeah, I haven’t used any sorts of deodorants SINCE (hm, four years?–yes, four!).
I just touch a little bit under each wing each day and I don’t ever smell at-all. Anyone I ask agrees–even a couple I didn’t particularly ask, lol.
Like, boyfriends have thought (and said… hey, now) that I was some sort of alien from outer-space! =D
One saw me not shower *or* use deodorant for a few days, when we were in super-dooper close-quarters… he’d sniff me and say, “Okay, why don’t you smell like anything?!” haha… how glorious is this?
So, no fancy recipes are in fact needed… nothing that will sting or burn you (poor boos).
…Though, now, you guys’ve done it. Omgosh, how I would love to try some beautiful Rose Oil… it sounds sooo delish!
But yeah, just, do know that you don’t *need* to concoct something every time (or any time, if you’re me) to get the wonderful deodorizing (and HEALING–my old boils and abscesses [with TERRIBLE ‘MRSA’–I’m talking gangrene-causing, life-endangering MRSA] are ***gone!***) effects of (always use unrefined~<3!) coconut oil!
Thank you for getting the word out, ladies (and gents, if there be some, here)–this is *such* an encouragingly long thread of conversation.
…And this kind of conversation will change the world. It opens the mind to "one little thing" which makes us think about the rest… at least, that's what's happened for me, and my life has been saved.
Just In Case & In A Pinch,
"Birdy"…=)!.
P.S.~ Unrefined, Organic Coconut Oil is safe absolutely anywhere on the body (I don’t know if I’d put it in my ears or eyes, but… lol)… ;). It has the same deodorizing, healing effects anywhere–at least for my super-sensitive, super-pale skin.
I think that’s the hardest kind to treat…!,
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3…!
I LOVE this recipe, I found it a few months ago and had to re google the recipe for measurements bc I just ran out. I nuke the oil in the microwave for a bit so its more liquidy that way it will pour into the empty containers better. Just make sure to put the oil in the microwave before mixing it with the soda/starch or it will get kinda funky. Hehe, I have lots of money maker deoderant in my cupboard too and am now wondering what the heck to do with it all.
hey i LOVE this idea and recipe!! i havent tried it out yet BUT i was wondering, i dont have essestnal oils but i do have fragrance oils for like candles and most of them same that they can be used with bath and body products…i know this would be considers a bath and body product would they be ok with this recipe?
I wouldn’t suggest using fragrance oils, they’re not pure and are likely adulterated with undesirable ingredients. The problem with the fragrance (perfume) industry is they use all kinds of toxins, petrochemicals and the like in their products and don’t have to disclose the ingredients to the public. Look for essential oils that offer gas chromatography to prove purity. I buy mine from a local source (to me): http://www.av-at.com/ but another good place would be http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/.
If you google Coconut oil and read all about it you will be blown away by all the things it is good for! From skin and hair care all the way to cavity prevention and kidney pebble dissolving! It is a pretty amazing product!
i have been meaning to email you and tell you how great this recipe is! ihave been using it for over 2 months and i love it! i sweat A LOT and sometimes i can go 2 days without putting anymore on! my husband loves it too. also, i feel so much more energized after using this deodorant! that is the only thing i have changed in my daily routine and i have read that if you eliminate aluminum in your diet or health products, it increases your energy! as soon as i stopped using commercial deodorant with aluminum and started using this, i feel great. thank you again!
Baking soda contains aluminum as an anti caking ingredient. I buy baking soda at the health food store guaranteed to be aluminum free. So even though you are making your own, it still has aluminum in it.
Smannel, Even though there are companies (like Bobs Red Mill) that sell Aluminum Free Baking Soda, from what I understand it’s only with Baking Powder that aluminum is a concern.
I was of the understanding that Baking Powder is made from 1part Cream of Tartar and 1 part Baking Soda.
It’s my first day of coconut oil and baking soda pits and so far I love it!
I don’t use deodorant on my underarm because it can cost black under arm. I wipe alcohol after bathing.
I am making this for my husband who has psoriasis. He gets red rashes under his arms, he says it’s from the psoriasis, but I’m wondering if it’s from the aluminum. I didn’t know what essential oil to use for the smell of the deodorant so I used about 1 tsp of his old stuff to mix in. (I know it doesn’t get rid of all the aluminum since I mixed some in but it’s a start for me.) What oils should I use for that man smell, he typically likes the mountain rain and surf smells.
That’s a great question! I’m FAR from an expert here, but I’ve heard great things about Sandlewood for men. Here’s a really good list of some of the recommended ones: http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/essentialoilsformen.asp
I don’t mix anything up, even. Just put coconut oil in a little dish, put some baking soda in another little dish, and I leave those on my bathroom counter. Every morning or so I tap my fingers on the oil, rub a little into each underarm, them tap my fingers on the baking soda, pat over the oil and voila! Even easier than mixing up something. It’s by far the best deodorant I’ve ever used. When I travel, I just put coconut oil and baking soda into two little screw-top jars to avoid spills if the oil gets over room temp and liquifies.
I LOVE the homemade deodorant!!! I was sweating pretty bad the other day and was worried, but NO smell!!!!!! How cool is that!!!
Hello all, I’m new here and I see that this is an old post . . . but I’m still going to comment, lol 🙂 I am so sick of putting on deodorant and then having seriously wet pits in the next 15 minutes – it is sooooo embarrasing! I’ve tried all the natural store bought stuff and nothing works for me. So! Thanks for this recipe – I use coconut oil to make face & body scrubs and do hot oil hair treatments (with rosemary oil to help camoflauge my 7 gray hairs 🙂 and I’m stoked to find yet another use for this amazing stuff! To the folks posting about ACV, please use the Bragg’s brand! It’s the best. I drink it every morning with green tea and honey and it has done wonders for me. I was having chronic yeast infections for some reason and my doc jst wanted to keep giving me crap; I started this regimen and have not had one for over a year (knock on wood!!!!); I also had really bad keratosis pilaris on the backs of my arms (small red bumps) and it totally made a huge difference – now it is working onthe scarring and it is fading more and more each day. This stuff is awesome. It makes your body more alakaline, although it is a vinegar and acidic, it turns alkaline when ingested and balances your body. This modern day diet wreaks havoc on our ph levels and creates all sorts of problems, ACV is a simple fix. I’m sorry this is so long, I jst wanted to share 🙂 Thanks for the conversation ladies!
Coconut oil, which had taken a backseat owing to the aggressive campaign towards saturated fats for the duration of the very last fifty years or so, is now back again in the limelight. This renewed fascination in coconut oil has arisen merely because of the new revelations scientific analysis has done about its therapeutic attributes and wellbeing gains, busting some myths about the popularly put to use polyunsaturated vegetable oils.
You are not nuts. I’ve been using coconut oil (which is an antifungal and antibacterial), arrowroot powder and baking soda as a deodorant for years. I tried Crystal (rock salt) but developed a horrible allergic reaction. I also make my own toothpaste (equal amounts of baking soda and coconut oil with a pinch of sea salt. I no longer use soap in the shower or shampoo either. I mix one cup of warm water with one tbsp of baking soda in a squeeze bottle, shake until dissolved and use that as an all over body wash and shampoo. To rinse my hair, I use a mixture of either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) with one cup of water. NOTE: since coconut oil is antifungal/antibacterial it works really well to control my athletes foot problem.
sounds gross, but the best cure for athletes foot is peeing on it.
You are not nuts. I’ve been using coconut oil (which is an antifungal and antibacterial), arrowroot powder and baking soda as a deodorant for years. I tried Crystal (rock salt) but developed a horrible allergic reaction. I also make my own toothpaste (equal amounts of baking soda and coconut oil with a pinch of sea salt. I no longer use soap in the shower or shampoo either. I mix one cup of warm water with one tbsp of baking soda in a squeeze bottle, shake until dissolved and use that as an all over body wash and shampoo. To rinse my hair, I use a mixture of either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) with one cup of water. NOTE: since coconut oil is antifungal/antibacterial it works really well to control my athletes foot problem.
This is the only stuff I use now! I went looking online when my old favorite brand stopped working for me…and I’m so sensitive to so many things that I decided to try making my own deodorant! I’ll never go back! When I switched, I live in the Pacific Northwest and just stored it on the shelf. It lasted me 13 months for one batch. I think I’m now working on my 3rd batch. I do not store mine as deodorant sticks; it is easier for me to place in a 4 oz. container and then just scoop a bit out at a time to use. The little bit of oil on my hands in excess of what I use, I just wipe off, usually right onto whatever I am wearing…no worries of it staining my clothes…quite pleasing. 🙂
I need help guys! I’ve been using a mixture like this and am SO torn! I love that I NEVER feel like I’m smelling badly (like I ALWAYS felt with regular store deodorant) and it leaves NO ugly stains on my clothes….BUT! It causes me some serious breakouts in and around my armpits. I used to never wear sleeveless shirts because without a shirt in my arms, I smelled so much worse (I’ve been told it was just me, but oh well)–now I don’t smell at all—but my arms have unsightly red and dark bumps! I’m suspecting the coconut oil as cornstarch, baking soda, and tea tree oil (my preferred EO) don’t cause this reaction on any other part of my body–is there a DIFFERENT oil I can use that will produce similar effects (no smell and no staining clothes?) Thanks for any help!!!
More research hints it might be the baking soda–maybe it just reacts differently depending what part of my skin it is applied too… but additional insight is still welcome 🙂
It might be the tea tree oil. The skin in your armpits is very sensitive, and tea tree oil is an irritant.
Try making it without tea tree oil and see how that works. It really is an irritant and you have to be very careful using it on your skin.
I have been using this deodorant for several weeks now, and I love it but I have also been breaking out in one armpit – not the other though. I haven’t put tea tree oil in mine, just the coconut oil, baking soda and corn starch. I’m at a loss as to what would cause this!
I LOVE the idea of you marinating yourself in coconut oil!!! 🙂
I’m wondering, does this act as an antiperspirant/deodorant? Does it stop the sweating?
Be sure to get aluminum free baking soda! Arm and Hammer has aluminum!
Wow this actually works. Just used coconut oil, baking soda, and corn starch. Major problem however is that in the one week that i have used it, my armpit hair is now brown. Used to be black. Can anyone explain which ingredient would cause this. I would like to continue using this but hopefully just susbstitute , the offending ingredient with something else if possible.
My husband and I have been using equal parts coconut oil/baking soda/cornstarch for a few months now. His armpits have been turing black and he is very self conscious about that. I have had no problems myself.
Are there any tips to get rid of his back armpits and occasional sting/burn when applied?
Thanks,
Laura
i’ve used this exact recipe for around 3 yrs and did find that it discolored the armpit area of some of my shirts. Since it’s an oil, it also caused my pits to sweat more than normal. it does control odor better than any other natural alternative I’ve tried, but on the warmest days, I usually use raw apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball or a dab of lavender essential oil. During the winter, I go back to this recipe.
I never heard of using Raw Apple Cider as deodrant. I do wash all my furniture with it to clear stale odors from our home. I also use it in a spray bottle on counter tops, sinks, drapes and furniture with fabric on for the same reason.
Does it act as an odor reducer under your arms and aid with sweating? Or just an odor reducer? And does it dry out your skin?
Would love a little more info, my friends and I are getting more into the natural stuff. We LOVE the homemade detergent for washing clothes. Works so much better. Even the kids request it. They like it better too.
Baking Soda naturally neutralizes odor. I think it might take a lot. Might leave the stuff sit a bit before packaging to see if it has a good aroma then package it.
Many of you apparantly are unaware that most baking soda you buy contains ALUMINUM. There is aluminum-free baking soda that can be purchased in health food stores, online, etc. such as swansonvitamins.com. I use coconut oil under my arms after washing. It’s also a good thing to slather under your arms after shaving–minus the baking soda–cuz B.S. would H.L.H. when applied to newly-shaved A.P.’s!!!
If you sweat a lot and are larger or if your shirt rubs your skin causing irritation. This may make a yeast infection occur. Just fyi cornstarch allows yeast to flourish. So be ware if you should notice a yeast like infection.
If you don’t have any empty containers to fill, use a empty Toilet Paper tube. Pack it in, tear down as you use it.
Great idea!!
I finally tried this, and I’m sold on it! Been using a roll-on mineral deodorant for over a year, but hormonal changes and the heat of summer have overpowered it. Finally gave in and tried this (sans cornstarch, as I didn’t have any on hand that day), and I’m totally hooked! Now, I just need to acquire some used stick deodorant tubes, so it’s not in a bowl. And the fridge will be entirely necessary here, too!
I made the homemade deodorant with coconut oil, Shea butter, starch, baking soda and grapefruit essential oil. I am thrilled with the result. I placed mine in a small container and use as a cream. I am done with store bought natural deodorants.
Hi, I just had to write a quick comment about this homemade deodorant. I have made this and I LOVE, LOVE it. It works so amazingly well for me. I have been using it all summer with great results. I’m planning on making some for gifts for Christmas.
So what kinds of essential oils are best to use?
All the oils have their benefits, Emmy. Just Google them and pick what’s best for you (: That’s how I got to choosing mine!
I started using my coconut oil face goo in my pits post shaving but pre deodorant to help ease my razor burn. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but my pits feel a billion times better and I’m actually sweating less (I sweat like a pig. It’s gross to admit but tis the truth) Going to try this ditty out and see how it compares to my face goo! Thanks for posting!!
Kae