Homemade Deodorant

I’m not really the earth mother type, but there are a few things that I would rather make than buy. One of these is deodorant.

It actually started with my husband wanting to make his own shave oil. He likes to use an old fashioned straight razor and the process includes a pre-shave oil, which can be expensive. On the shaving forums (yes, there are shaving forums) he found a recipe for making your own, and he talked me into buying the ingredients and mixing some up.

Once you start down the DIY trail you start thinking of other things you can make to save money, or because the non-commercial version is safer. Several years ago I had a friend talk to me about aluminum in deodorant/anti-perspirant and the harmful effects it can have. I decided to do some research into making my own, mostly to avoid the aluminum.

We bought some empty deodorant tubes on amazon ( 5 for $10.95) and were ready to go. The oils and butters can be melted down in a double boiler or glass bowl in a microwave (the beeswax takes the longest to melt). Then add the clay and baking soda. Add drops of essential oil after the mixture cools somewhat, but while it is still liquid. Pour into tube and let harden.

So far we have made in three times:

1st Recipe–

• 2 T. Coconut oil
• 1 T. Beeswax
• 1 T. Shea butter
• 2 T. Bentonite clay
• 1 T. Baking soda
• 15 drops Tea tree or Lavender essential oil

My husband thought this recipe was fine, but I wasn’t sure. The clay gives it a greenish color and I thought it might stain my clothes since the consistency was pretty soft.

2nd Recipe–

• 1 T. Coconut oil
• 2 T. Beeswax
• 1 T. Bentonite clay
• 1 T. Cornstarch
• 5 drops Lemon essential oil

This recipe was for half a tube, as I was experimenting. I’m glad I didn’t make more, because this was ROCK HARD! Like, painfully so. I used cornstarch instead of baking soda, but I think the hardness was due to not using shea butter.

3rd Recipe–

• 2 T. Beeswax
• 1 1/4 T. Shea butter
• 1 1/4 T. Coconut Oil
• 1/2 T. Bentonite Clay
• 1/2 T. Baking soda
• 10 drops Lemongrass essential oil
• 6 drops Rosemary essential oil

So far, this recipe is the winner! The ingredients are the same as the first recipe, but the proportions are different. It’s not too hard, not too soft, but just right. I am not an essential oils guru, so for me the oils used are mostly for scent, but I do know tea tree oil is used by some for the antibacterial properties.

It lasts quite a long time and does not color your skin or clothes.