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DIY Lavender Coconut Deodorant
Posted on May 23, 2012 by Dawn Michelle in DIY, Skin
Body odor definitely isn’t chic, yet using antiperspirants to inhibit underarm sweating isn’t healthy. The aluminum in these antiperspirants that block sweat is toxic to the body and causes problems with the lymphatic system. There is also concern with aluminum ingredients being linked to breast cancer.“Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer.” ~National Cancer Institute
There are much better options and healthier alternatives to synthetic deodorants. A very common DIY recipe can be used to make a simple yet truly affective deodorant. The four ingredients that are used to create this deodorant are baking soda, cornstarch, coconut oil, and essential oils. Most recipes circulating online include equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch and enough coconut oil to create a thick paste. Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, or sandalwood are used for extra antibacterial properties. This simple recipe works! I’ve used this easy to make DIY deodorant daily and for my workouts and dance classes.
I did have one issue though with this recipe. The baking soda was too strong and irritated my sensitive skin. So with a little thought I tweaked the recipe to suit my needs. Here is my simple deodorant recipe that still works really well for me. This recipe also includes four ingredients.
What you will need:
Lavender Flower Powder
Arrowroot Powder
Coconut Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
Mix 1/4 cup of lavender flower powder with 1/4 cup arrowroot powder. Add 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender powder, coconut oil, and lavender essential oils all have antibacterial qualities that make this deodorant effective. The arrowroot powder absorbs moisture as well as helps to combine the ingredients.
I use arrowroot powder for this recipe instead of cornstarch because I have plenty of it. Arrowroot powder is also the main ingredient that I use for my oil absorbing DIY Translucent Face Powder. If you have cornstarch use that instead. They both work well.
If you do not have sensitive skin, here is another variation of this recipe using baking soda. Mix 1/8 cup of lavender flower powder, 1/8 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder with 4 tablespoons of coconut oils adding 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil. I prefer the gentleness of lavender flower powder to baking soda, yet both are extremely good at odor prevention. A combination of the two is even more powerful.
Once your deodorant is mixed well, place in a clean jar for use. I simply apply by scooping out enough to rub under my arms and I’m good to go. You can find lavender flower powder as well as the other ingredients for this recipe here.
If you aren’t that big on making your own products, two of my favorite deoderants are the Aubrey Organics E Plus High C Deodorant and Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant. You can also find an extremely large assortment of discounted natural deodorants here.
Have you tried making your own deodorant? What was your recipe?
(Image by lavender-flowers.com)
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Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.
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Plain coconut oil works for me on easygoing days
I also include castor oil and beeswax in mine to make a deodorant stick and it works better than the natural shop bought one I was using. I actually did a post on my blog about the effectiveness of using JBCO in my deodorant. I’m currently messing around with a liquid version roll on…..
Coconut oil alone can get you through a day if you forget your deodorant
Thanks for your comment!
Castor oil and beeswax would probably have helped with the irritation that I experienced with the baking soda. I’ll have to check out your article. Thanks for sharing fortheloveofkinks!
How much bees wax do you add to make it solid?
I just made my first batch over the weekend! I was frustrated with some of the store bought natural deodorants and decided to try to make my own. I used equal parts corn starch, baking soda & olive oil. Also added 6 drops each of tea tree oil and tangerine essential oil. The mix came out a little too liquidy for my taste so I’ll modify the recipe slightly next time. I think I’ll try the coconut oil instead too. But so far so good, no stinky swamp pits! lol
Hi Najeebah,
That’s awesome! Coconut oil has wonderful antibacterial properties and will make your DIY deoderant smell amazing if you like the smell of coconuts. If the DIY deodorant comes out too runny for your preference, just add a bit more of the powders you are using. Tea tree and tangerine essential oils sounds like a great combination.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
The Aubrey Organics deodorant you mentioned works well? I purchased thie desert essence tea tree oil scent deodorant and it does not work! I admire the idea of making my own but thats not for me.
Hi Takisha, I like the Crystal deodorant the best, but the one by Aubrey Organics did work well for me too. The Crystal lasts forever so that is a big bonus! I hope you find a natural deodorant that you really like.
My 8 year old son has armpits thst smell like onion. For the first time ever, he came back from school with no smell. I made a deodorant paste of 1 tbsp each baking soda and cornstarch and organic extra virgin coconut oil plus 4 drops of lavender essential oil. I tried it on myself and it worked as well as a storebought conditioner. I was amazed at myself. Lol. My very first DIY skin care product.
Of course i meant storebought deodorant not conditioner.
Regine, I’m so glad that this natural deodorant is working out so well for you and your son!
i really want to try this. do you have to melt the coconut oil to mix it in?
i read a comment from someone who added beeswax and castor oil to your recipe. do you have to melt the beeswax in order to sufficiently mix the ingredients?
Hi Dawn,
I love the idea of a natural deodorant. I currently live overseas, South Africa to be exact, and I don’t have the option of the having something shipped to me from mountain rose herbs. What kind of stores do you think would have lavender powderflower powder and arrowroot? Or do you know of alternative recipes that don’t use this? Thanks so much!
Marisa
Hi Marisa,
You can find arrowroot powder in grocery stores as well. Also if you can get your hands on dried lavender flowers you can grind them up in a coffee or spice grinder. There are variations online of creating a natural deodorant with only baking soda and coconut oil as well. I hope that helps some.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Thanks Dawn! Will try to find these and will let you know how it goes!