Homemade Natural Deodorant That Actually Works!

Did you know that it’s healthy to sweat it out? Okay, great, but that doesn’t mean you have to smell your BO either. Natural deodorant allows you to still sweat (which is actually healthy and necessary for your body to flush out toxins) while killing the nasty bacteria that produces odor at the same time. Are you looking for a natural, homemade deodorant that actually works? If so, then this simple recipe is for you!

Why Is Store-Bought Deodorant Bad For Me?

Firstly, store bought deodorant isn’t BAD for you–it just depends on what kind you buy and the brand that makes it. When I am not using my homemade natural deodorant, I personally use this natural deodorant alternative. Not only does it smell amazing, but they promise to be free of “aluminum salts, artificial fragrance, filler ingredients, propylene glycol, phthalates, or parabens.”

Most stores carry antiperspirants or deodorants, some made from naturally derived and others not. Unfortunately, many of these products contain harmful ingredients that are not good for your health.

Antiperspirant blocks your body from sweating. We actually have to sweat in order to get rid of toxins. Some of the ingredients inside store antiperspirants, such as a metal called aluminum, is for blocking perspiration. The problem with this (and many other unsafe ingredients), is that it may cause gene instability in breast cancer.

Does Antipersperant Really Cause Cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute:

“Because underarm antiperspirants or deodorants are applied near the breast and contain potentially harmful ingredients, several scientists and others have suggested a possible connection between their use and breast cancer. However, no scientific evidence links the use of these products to the development of breast cancer.”

Although there is no clear link to cancer, many institutions are declaring that more research is needed to find more solid answers. If you are wanting to not take that risk, a natural deodorant helps eliminate that threat.

Ingredients In Antiperspirants

Parabens, Aluminum, Phthalates, Triclosan, artificial colors and fragrances, are some of the ingredients you can find in antiperspirants, just to name a few. These are preservatives, metals, and chemicals that can cause symptoms such as allergic reactions, gene instabilities, unusual hormone activities and skin irritation.

How Long Will It Take For My Body To Get Used to Natural Deodorant?

A reason why many people quit a natural deodorant, is because they don’t give their body enough time to adjust to a natural deodorant. It can take as little as a few days to a few weeks for someone’s body to reset its ecosystem.

For example, if you are hoping to transition into using a natural deodorant, something you can try first is doing an armpit detox. The gist of it is to reset your body by removing any build up from previous antiperspirants and to flush out previous toxins in your body to give you a fresh start.

Ingredients in Homemade Natural Deodorant

The ingredients in natural deodorant are not only safer for you, but also contain antibacterial ingredients. Coconut oil and tea tree oil acts as a natural disinfectant, since both contain antibacterial properties. Baking soda is a popular option for natural deodorant due its well-known ability to absorb odors. Arrowroot powder or cornstarch helps to combat moisture, while essential oils (such as lavender or sandalwood for a more earthy tone) provides a pleasant scent.

Please Note: When it comes to using citrus oils (such as orange, lime, or lemon), please be aware that citrus oils are among the most common essential oils to cause photosensitivity. These oils greatly increase UV sensitivity. Be safe in the sun by either omitting citrus oils in your DIY recipe, or make sure you are using sunblock and protecting yourself from any negative reactions.

Deodorant Recipe #1

Homemade Deodorant (Regular Version)

I have been using this recipe for homemade deodorant for years. You can use either arrowroot powder or corn starch (whatever is in your kitchen!)

• Coconut Oil (4 Tablespoons)
• Arrowroot Powder or Corn Starch (4 Tablespoons)
• Baking Soda (4 Tablespoons)
• Optional – Essential Oil (1/4 teaspoon)

Mix all the ingredients together, and store in an air-tight container. I use a mason jar 🙂

Deodorant Recipe #2

Homemade Deodorant (For Sensitive Skin)

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks for using baking soda in your deodorant. According to an article in Healthline.com:

“Baking soda isn’t designed for the skin. It’s much more alkaline than your skin, which could disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance.”

If you find yourself having some kind of reaction to this formula–such as itchiness, redness, scaly skin or a rash–you can try the recipe below with less baking soda and more arrowroot powder or cornstarch.

• Coconut Oil (4 Tablespoons)
• Arrowroot Powder or Corn Starch (6 Tablespoons)
• Baking Soda (2 Tablespoons)
• Optional – Essential Oil (1/4 teaspoon)

Regardless of which recipe you choose, it’s important to do a patch test first. This will help you see if you experience any discomfort with natural deodorant. Remember you can adjust the recipe accordingly so that it suits you!

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