How to Make Natural Deodorant

Many folks, like myself, have tried natural deodorant because of all those nasty chemicals (aluminum, parabens, etc) found in general deodorants. However, if you're like me, you bought some and you didn’t really like it.

If you've tried natural deodorant before, or you’re just a DIY'er and you want to learn how to make natural deodorant yourself, check out this easy-to-make recipe for a natural deodorant that actually works.

Natural Deodorant Ingredients

You probably have most of the ingredients you need in your kitchen. You can get the rest easily and cheaply enough.

• A jar or container to put the deodorant in (old deodorant containers work well)
• ¼ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup arrowroot powder
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil
• Essential oils

Natural Deodorant Directions

1. Combine the baking soda and arrowroot powder in a small bowl.
2. Add coconut oil and mix with a fork until it’s fully incorporated into the powder mix.
3. Stir in a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
4. Put into small jar or container.

A couple notes: Coconut oil liquefies around 76° F. This is both good and bad. It’s bad because it means you’ll probably have to keep it in your refrigerator. It’s good because your body is much warmer than that, so it’ll apply easily. One to two swipes should do the trick.

It will take a little bit to get used to if you’ve never used natural deodorant before. There’s a slight melting sensation. Don’t worry though. The deodorant is fine and it’s not nearly as bad you think it is. I’ve checked my armpits multiple times to make sure of it before.

I’ve encountered quite a few more simple ideas and while I think they’re OK, I think this is the best recipe out there.

There are some people that suggest that rubbing a lemon slice is enough to dissuade the odor to remain around. I’ve only seen rubbing alcohol suggested. These both seem horrible to me as it would be incredibly painful if you just shaved.

The reason this deodorant works so well is because baking soda, arrowroot, and coconut oil are all anti-bacterial. Bacteria is what is largely responsible for body odor. The main ingredients are like bouncers that kick the bad guys out and leave the good guys in. By good guys, I mean sweat.

This is a deodorant and not an antiperspirant. That last part is very important. Sweating is your body’s way to get rid of toxins and helps cool you down.

How to Naturally Reduce Body Odor

Body odor is largely a product of what you ate and the health of your gut bacteria. The better you eat and the better your gut health, the less you’ll smell. Probiotics are incredibly helpful in the process of breaking down food, helping you absorb nutrients, and then moving the food through your system.

By eating a diet full of local, organic food that you can digest well (ex: if you have a lactose intolerance, you shouldn’t be eating or drinking milk products) and be drinking lots of water, you’ll be less likely to full of toxins and the foul smell will lessen.

Also, wash regularly. Regular washing can help to limit the bacteria present on your skin. Be sure to dry well because bacteria love to live in humid areas.