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{quick back story: several years ago I remember this controversial story about Beyonce and her skin color.  Along with the article’s argument came the mention that her armpits were white.  Someone came to her aid by explaining that deodorant has BLEACHING agents in it.  This is what kills the bacteria so you don’t stink, which is why deodorants work… I remember thinking- oh my gosh, I’m putting bleach directly on my arm pits?!  Thus began the beginning of my “what’s in this?!” journey}
OK- I know what you’re thinking.  You are probably planning to skip this post completely because your mind is saying, “Meghan.  I am NOT making my own deodorant.  There is no way that stuff keeps you from sweating or stinking.”  I will tell you I thought the same thing.

The only reason I tried making this was because I happen to have all the ingredients needed, and it didn’t make a huge amount, so if I didn’t like it there wouldn’t be much wasted.

I have looked at several different recipes, and I liked this one mainly because the mama who made it (over at Just Making Noise) says even her husband likes it!  And they have tried several different commercial deodorants that were natural and chemical free with not so great results.  But they really like this homemade recipe.

Here are the ingredients I used (you can see the original recipe here):

• 6 TBbsp coconut oil (add in more as needed.  I needed to add 2 more Tbsp)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch or arrow root (i used cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 10-15 drops of your fav essential oils. I used tea tree oil and oregano oil.  Both are antibacterial and wonderful for health and skin; I wasn’t sure how they would smell together, but it turns out they smell good.  (really all you can smell is the tea tree oil, and it is a fresh clean smell.)
• 2 TBSP of cocoa butter (the lotion)
• You can also add probiotics; your skin needs good bacteria to kill bad bacteria and protect itself.  I added three tsp of probiotics (the ones i used for Lexie’s thrush and Max’s reflux)

After I made it and told my mom about it, she asked a great question.  Was it greasy?  The answer … Nope!  Not at all.  I guess the baking soda and cornstarch absorb the oil from the coconut oil and essential oils?  I really have no idea how it works- but I’m telling you it works!

Here’s what you do:
Mix cornstarch and baking soda. (And probiotics if you want)
Mash in coconut oil, it should create a slightly gritty texture. If u need more, add a TBSP at a time, I added one or two tablespoons extra. That’s all you need because once you add the oil it really smooths out.

Add essential oils (10/15 drops each) of your choice

Mix it all well, then add cocoa butter. I used a spatula and it was perfect. You don’t have to have the probiotics, they’re optional but introducing good bacteria to your skin is essential for good skin health and preventing stinky armpits. However, you do need the essential oils (preferably tea tree oil!) for antibacterial power to make this work.  Here is what Marillyn from Just Making Noise says:

“I highly recommend that you use a little bit of tea tree along with your favorite essential oil(s). The tea tree is anti-bacterial and paired up with coconut oil makes a nice double kick against the stinky odor-causing bacteria.”

She also mentions that the first few weeks after you kick the chemical, carcinogen deodorant habit, you may sweat more.  This is because your body is unclogging its pores and detoxing from the aluminum and other harmful chemicals.

*note, this has not been the case for me; maybe its because I am drinking more water, or because I added the probiotics to my recipe?  I’m not sure, but I am not sweating more.  Although, I imagine while your body detoxes you would sweat more.  So keep that in mind; give this recipe a full month for best results

If you don’t already have these ingredients, this recipe may seem pricey at first.  But after you start using the essential oils, you realize just how many things they are good for!
All of the “expensive” ingredients are great investments.  And you can make TONS of this deodorant with those ingredients.

Essential oils are good for natural care and home remedies; I rub (diluted) thieves on my babies’ feet during cold and flu season.  We put tea tree oil in a spray bottle to use on Lexie’ beautiful, tight, ringlet curls; also lice don’t like tea tree oil.  JTom and I gargle with Oregano oil when we feel a cold coming on.  I have used both thieves and oreganol to numb Max’s teething gums.  There are so many uses!

Coconut oil can be used for cooking (buy “expeller pressed” oil if you don’t want the coconut flavor, or “virgin” oil if you don’t mind it.  I use “virgin” for my skin, and expeller pressed for cooking).  It has a high smoke temperature, which means it is better for cooking than many other oils.  It is also good for metabolism and regulating insulin levels.  I give the kids a teaspoon of it a day, but they could probably take more just fine; coconut oil is full of healthy fats for brain, skin, and hair health.  It makes a great lotion and moisturizer.  I used it to kill Lexie’s thrush when she was 16 months old … really the possibilities are endless.

Coconut Oil, Organic, Expeller-Pressed, 2-jar pack – 1 quart each

Not all coconut oils are created equally; I get my coconut oil from Tropical Traditions.

Probiotics are wonderful for everyone- especially if you have reflux, or any form of IBS.  Try powdered probiotics and see if they help before trying a prescription.  They can be added into coffee, smoothies, food, a glass of water .. or just take them from a spoon!  Good gut bacteria is imperative for good health.

***I’ve been using the deodorant for about 5 days now.  AMAZING.  I still have the post-pregnancy hormones attacking me, and this deodorant is working.  That’s saying something!  A few different days, I have done my workout in the morning not followed by a shower to see how I smelled/sweated during the day after using my homemade deodorant.  By the end of the day this deodorant has been just as effective, maybe more so, than the Secret brand I was using before.***

Try it out, see what you think and let me know!  Leave a comment if you think you will try it, have questions, or have made your own version!