Welcome to the blog post dedicated to arm pit odour… because well it’s there… and someone has to talk about it. Some people slather on commercial deodorant and don’t give it another thought. But do you wonder… what’s really in that strange plastic container? I wondered. I researched. Then came the day I quit commercial deodorant, and felt like a huge piece of crunchy granola, in the best way possible.

Commercial Deodorants and Anti-Perspirants contain…

Parabens (Hormone disruptors)

Phthalates (More hormone disruptors)

Triclosan (Guess what? Even more hormone disruptors, a carcinogen, and a superbug on the horizon)

Aluminum (Which is essentially “the plug” in your armpits to prevent sweat glands from working properly. Also there is research about a correlation between aluminum build up in the body and breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and kidney problems.)

Fragrance (Which really is a loophole for companies to add anything…)

So now that you are exhausted from all my scientific talk and wondering if you will have to give up deodorant and move to Mars so nobody can smell you… fear not! Step in: Natural Homemade Deodorant. PS: My deodorant is no longer a “S*cret” [insert horrible pun]!

How to Make Natural Homemade Deodorant

This recipe uses small amounts of ingredients, so you are able to try it out and adjust ingredients as necessary for your own body. We are all different… and beautiful 🙂

If you want to make a full little jar, go ahead and double or triple this recipe.

Start by melting 1 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a double boiler or by putting a small jar of it into hot water. Put into the container you will use to store the deodorant. I recommend a small glass jar with a good seal.

Next add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder/non-GMO cornstarch into the container.

Also add 1/2 teaspoon of bentonite clay.

Put in 18-24 drops of essential oils for added odour protection and scent. [This will make a 1.5-2% dilution for adults.]

For odour protection try:

• Purification EO Blend (Young Living)
• Deodorizing EO Blend (Plant Therapy)
• Lemon EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Cypress EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Tea Tree EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)

Floral scented deodorant:

• Lavender EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Bergamot EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Ylang Ylang EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy) *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas*
• Patchouli EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Roman Chamomile EO (Plant Therapy)
• Geranium EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Jasmine EO (Young Living)
• Joy EO blend (Young Living)

Herbal or woodsy scented deodorant:

• Cedarwood EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Rosemary EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy) *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas*
• Sandalwood EO (Plant Therapy)
• Sage EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy) *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas*
• Pine EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Balsam Fir EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Lemongrass EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)
• Juniper EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy)

{I use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils and Plant Therapy Essential Oils because they are 100% pure quality essential oils. There are other reputable essential oil companies to purchase from. Your local drug store’s cheap essential oil can give you a rash and not have the same positive effects because most only contain about 10% of the pure oil and the rest is filled with synthetics. Do your research and find a company you feel comfortable purchasing from.}

Finally mix all ingredients together and put into the fridge to quickly solidify the coconut oil. I recommend this because when it solidifies at room temperature, the baking soda and arrowroot powder like to sink to the bottom of the container creating an uneven blend. It does not need to be stored in the fridge unless you live in a hot climate where coconut oil stays liquid at room temperature.

To apply, dip a finger into the jar and spread evenly onto underarms. Let it absorb for a few minutes before putting on clothing. I only use a pea sized amount per armpit. It may take some trial and error to find how much is right for your body.

Commercial Deodorant Detox

There is a transition period (as expected), in which the pores in your armpits unclog and sweat glands are learning to function properly again. The deodorant detox has begun and there will be more sweat and odour as the body is eliminating toxins. This is the part where I apologize to anyone who had to come within a few feet of me during my deo detox. Love you. It’s safe now, I smell great!

To help those poor pits through the transition

• Wash them often and reapply natural deodorant
• Apply apple cider vinegar or witch hazel to cleanse and also reapply natural deodorant
• Take up a sweaty hobby like exercise (running, cycling, aerobics, dancing) to get those sweat glands really working
• Begin hanging out in saunas (which have many other added benefits)
• Use a detox mask on your armpits every few days at the beginning of transition (like a Bentonite Clay Mask)
• Eat healthy. If processed food goes in… processed smells come out
• Dry brush to help the lymphatic system eliminate toxins
• Hold on for dear life because the end of the transition period is near
• Don’t go back to the dark side of commercial deodorant

Psst… some extra tips

Do not apply right after shaving armpits! OUCH! Wait at least 10-30 minutes before applying deodorant, because it will sting.

Oh no… you may have discovered a rash! Everyone’s body will react differently to the baking soda in this recipe. If you notice a rash, reduce or eliminate the baking soda in this recipe and replace with more arrowroot powder.

Still sweating? Good. You should be. Sweating is healthy. It helps the body stay cool while the lymphatic system is working to eliminate toxins through sweat in your armpits. However, after a few months of using natural deodorant I began to notice less sweat.

Not a DIYer? Here are some natural alternatives to purchase

• Honestly pHresh Deodorant Cream
• Qet Botanicals Deodorant
• Primal Pit Paste
• Pronounce Skincare Deodorant
• Tom’s Deodorant
• Schmidt’s Deodorant

Happy Deodorizing! 🙂

Do you make your own deodorant? What recipe do you love to use?