3 Affordable and Natural Homemade Deodorant Recipes

Giving birth changed me a lot and in many ways,… including that now I sweat more and smell more. Apart from the unpleasant changes, giving birth also motivated me to make more responsible choices for me and my family every day.
The deodorant was one of the first things I changed in terms of personal care products. I started with a natural and aluminum free deodorant from Weleda – a very easy choice as I use the Weleda calendula series for my baby. As a DIY fan, however, I also decided to try a homemade deodorant.
At first I made a recipe with a baking soda which is very popular and widely used by crunchy moms. I loved it! And I was very disappointed to find out that after shaving I get a little rash from this deodorant. So, I made one without the baking soda and the rash was gone. Here I include both homemade deodorant recipes, because they both give great results. At the end, you will find a very easy and effective recipe for a homemade deodorant spray with herbs and essential oils.
Suit yourself and choose the one that works for you!

Recipe 1: Homemade Deodorant with Baking Soda

Ingredients:

1/4 c. baking soda (anti-odor);
1/4 c. cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for dryness);
5 Tbsp coconut oil (antibacterial);
a few drops of essential oil (for additional fragrance).

Directions:
1. Mix the baking soda with the cornstarch or arrowroot powder. If you have sensitive skin, adjust the proportions of baking soda to cornstarch/arrowroot powder a as of 1:3.
2. Add the coconut oil 1 Tbsp at a time and mash it with a fork together with the baking soda and cornstarch. Use as much coconut oil as you achieve the consistency you like. Note that coconut oil becomes liquid in hot weather and it is better to be kept in the fridge.
3. You can add a few drops of essential oil (tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus or spearmint).
4. You may store your homemade deodorant in an empty deodorant container or a glass jar.
Tip: Apply a single layer to avoid coconut oil stains on clothes.

Recipe 2: Homemade Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

Some of us have very sensitive skin and a natural homemade deodorant with baking soda and/or citrus oils may cause rashes and discomfort. Don’t be discouraged! You can still have your 100% aluminum free homemade deodorant even without the baking soda. The recipe is taken from Crunchybetty and is as easy and simple as the first one.

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp. coconut oil (antibacterial)
1-1/2 Tbsp beeswax beads or grated beeswax (solidifies the mixture)
1 Tbsp Shea butter (relieves the after-shaving rashes)
4 tsp clay (for dryness)
20 drops essential oil ( lavender, tea tree, rosemary for fragrance)
Empty and clean deodorant container.

Directions:
1. Put the coconut oil and the beeswax in a pot and melt them slowly. Don’t forget to whisk often.
2. Once melted add the Shea butter and after whisking for 2 more minutes remove the pot from the heat.
3. Then add the clay and continue whisking until you get a homogenous mixture.
4. Finally, drop in the essential oil and stir well. Leave the pot to cool. If you want things faster, put the pot in cold water bath and leave until the mixture begins to harden.
5. Spoon the mixture into the empty deodorant container and put it in the freezer for half an hour until it is completely hard.
6. Keep your homemade deodorant in the refrigerator if the weather is hot.

Recipe 3: Homemade Deodorant Spray

If you have a sensitive skin and don’t want to use baking soda, or want to avoid the stains on your clothes from the coconut oil, here is another homemade deodorant recipe:
Ingredients:

2 Tbsp chamomile (disinfection, anti-skin irritations)

essential oils: 5 – 6 drops of coriander (antibacterial, anti-fungi), 5 – 6 drops of lavender (anti-stress) and 5 – 6 drops grapefruit seed (preservative in water based cosmetics).

Directions:
2 Tbsp chamomile are brewed in 2 cups water. Once cool, filter the potion and add the coriander, lavender and grapefruit seed. Everything is placed in a spray bottle. Shake it before use.
Have you ever tried a homemade deodorant? What is your recipe? Do you prefer your homemade deodorant over the commercial natural deodorant brands?