Thursday, March 17, 2011

Homemade Natural Deodorant

With family history of Alzheimer's on both sides I have always tried to stay away from aluminum products. My husband's grandmother has the disease and so does my grandfather. :-( We don't use aluminum foil and I've been using natural deodorants for years. I just realized the tortillas I was buying had aluminum in them so now I'm going to be making them. :-/ (My hubby is happy!) I buy baking powder that is aluminum free too and read all the ingredient labels before buying things.

When my husband and I got married he switched over to natural deodorant as well but couldn't find a one that worked for him. He would either have flaming red underarms after a couple days of using it or find they didn't really do anything. We tried one after the other with no good results. I didn't want him to have to use the stuff that we all know is bad for us but we were running out of options, then I came across this recipe here and thought I'd give it a try. I thought it was pretty simple and if it didn't work I wouldn't be losing much! So far I'm very pleased with it and so is my husband. It didn't give him a bad rash either which is a great improvement too! It's such a simple recipe and easy to make!

Here you go:

6-8 Tbsp Coconut oil (solid state)
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch (arrowroot is preferred but I didn't have any on hand).

Directions

1. Combine equal portions of baking soda and arrowroot powder.
2. Slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon or hand blender until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should be about the same texture as commercial deodorant, solid but able to be applied easily. If it is too wet, add further arrowroot powder/cornstarch to thicken. I used a spoon and it took a little bit before the coconut oil was mixed in well.
3. Scoop this recipe into your old deodorant dispenser or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. I found it sets best if placed in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Makes about 1 cup. This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.

You can add your favorite essential oils to this recipe too if you want. I didn't have any on hand this time when I made it but I hope to add some next time I make it. I've read about them and there seems to be many favorites commonly used for deodorants. Tea Tree Oil sounds like it would be a great option and it has great antibacterial qualities.

Feel free to leave a comment if you've tried this recipe, how it works for you and if you have any suggestions!

Hope you all are having a blessed week!

10 comments:

Dawn said...

Thanks for this! And for stopping by my blog and commenting. Blessings to you!

Unknown said...

There is alluminum in tortillas? Which brand? I have never tried home made deoderant, not sure that I will but I did enjoy reading your blog about it.

Tiffany @ As For My House said...

I have been experimenting with this very thing.

During the winter, or if the a/c is set high enough, it is okay in the commercial dispenser, but store in the fridge if it gets too warm!

Also, the dispenser doesn't last forever... I think I'm giving that up and just going to applying with my fingers...

Becky Jane said...

I've had a difficult time finding a good natural deodorant. One recipe I like is just baking powder and baby powder mixed together and applied with a large makeup brush. My current deodorant is store bought and I love it...here's my review of it:
http://myelevenreasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/smelly-arm-pits-are-really-and-truly.html

I'm passing your recipe on to my daughter!
I am following, hope you can stop by for a visit!

Thanks, Becky Jane
Raising kids can be a lot like weeding the rose bed...well worth it, but...OUCH!
http://myelevenreasons.blogspot.com/

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

This is awesome! I simply have to try this. Where do you get the deodorant dispensers?

A Restful Place said...

Thanks for your comments everyone!

I used an old deodorant dispenser for the ones I made but you could purchase a cheap brand of "bad" deodorant and just scoop out the deodorant and refill it with your homemade stuff! : ) I've seen other people do this and if my container gets old and breaks that's what I plan to do!

I hope you enjoy using it and will let me know if you've got any questions or suggestions! : )

Blessings to all!

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Thanks, what a great way to reuse those old containers, too!

Mazzou said...

Thank you for sharing! I might try it sometime. But for now we are totally pleased with using....THE ROCK! :) It's amazing, and works better than deoderant. Here is a website explaining more about it!
We buy just a little chunk of it, and it lasts for a while.

http://www.thecrystal.com/crystal_story.cfm

WiJoyMom said...

I hadn't heard the thought not using aluminum foil because of Alzheimers.

What do you use for a recipe that is to be covered while baking?

Do you IF Arm & Hammer baking soda is or is not aluminium free?

When I called the company, they told me it was but it is NOT marked on their packaging (that I've seen). My concern is, I read a comment on someone's blog that it did have aluminum.

A Restful Place said...

@WiJoyMom ~ Thanks for commenting! :) I normally put a cookie sheet on top of a dish that requires covering during backing. You can also get dishes that have stainless steal lids.

I don't know if Arm & Hammer baking soda is aluminum free or not - I should look it up. :)

Tabitha

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