Even before I started to go zero waste, I tried switching around my deodorants. First I changed to more natural brands because I didn't want to be using the antiperspirants and found I was sensitive to the heavy perfumes. Then, I discovered the natural brand deodorants were not working as well as they should have been, especially during workouts. So I decided to go the homemade route.
First I started using just baking soda, right out of the box. This worked fairly well, but was slightly irritating to my skin. Then I stumbled upon a few recipes that really worked well for me personally. This one is my favorite, it's super simple and inexpensive to make. I also think if you haven't ever tried homemade beauty/personal products this is a great place to start!
Ingredients
- Cornstarch, non-GMO if possible.
- Baking soda
- Coconut oil
- Your preferred essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda together
- I use 1/3 cup of each
- Blend in coconut oil until the mixture reaches your preferred consistency
- I use about 1/2 cup
- Optional: Add your preferred essential oils
- I use tea tree and jasmine oil
- Place your newly made deodorant in small jar for use
- To use just add a small dab under each arm with your fingertips!
Variations
- Cornstarch can be replaced with arrowroot powder
- Vitamin E oil can be replace or used with coconut oil
And there you have it! This takes about 5 min to make, and a jar can last me about 2-3 months easily. This stuff works great for both men and women.
The only problem I ever encountered with this recipe was one time it got warm enough for the oil to melt and then the ingredients separated. To resolve this, I moved the jar to a cooler area, waited for it to re-congeal, and remixed it with a fork.
My DIY deodorant recipe is adapted from the "Man Stink Killer" deodorant originally created by Mommypotamus