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Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

DIY Lavender Coconut Deodorant

May 23, 2012 by Dawn Michelle

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.  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.

Have you tried making your own deodorant?  What was your recipe?

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

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  1. Pat Thomas says

    May 23, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Plain coconut oil works for me on easygoing days

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 24, 2012 at 12:26 pm

      Coconut oil alone can get you through a day if you forget your deodorant 🙂 Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  2. fortheloveofkinks says

    May 24, 2012 at 12:53 am

    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…..

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 24, 2012 at 12:28 pm

      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!

      Reply
  3. Nikole says

    May 29, 2012 at 8:37 am

    How much bees wax do you add to make it solid?

    Reply
  4. Najeebah Silvia says

    July 30, 2012 at 10:34 am

    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

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 30, 2012 at 10:41 am

      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

      Reply
  5. Takisha says

    August 1, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 1, 2012 at 9:12 pm

      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.

      Reply
  6. Regine says

    September 19, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
  7. Regine says

    September 19, 2012 at 8:15 pm

    Of course i meant storebought deodorant not conditioner.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 20, 2012 at 9:02 pm

      Regine, I’m so glad that this natural deodorant is working out so well for you and your son!

      Reply
  8. Khala says

    October 9, 2012 at 10:43 pm

    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?

    Reply
  9. Marisa says

    October 29, 2012 at 11:18 am

    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

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 29, 2012 at 5:03 pm

      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

      Reply
  10. Marisa says

    October 31, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    Thanks Dawn! Will try to find these and will let you know how it goes!

    Reply
  11. Makena says

    June 19, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Hi Dawn,

    I’ve been reading your website for several months now and it’s changed my life. Particularly coconut milk.

    I’ve been making my own toothpaste for a couple months (baking soda, fine sea salt, and essential oil, but my husband has been saying that it irritates his gums. I can’t pinpoint an article here about toothpaste. Do you make your own? What do you use?

    Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!
    Makena

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      June 20, 2013 at 10:29 pm

      Hi Makena,

      Baking soda is a simple and inexpensive solution for natural dental care yet it can feel abrasive if used in powder form. I create a simple solution with purified water, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda for a mouthwash. I use equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and half the amount of baking soda. I also use the Ora Wellness Brushing Blend instead of toothpaste.

      After your comment I’m thinking I should probably do a product review on it so others know about it too. It’s a really great product especially since it is filled with natural ingredients that kill germs and bacteria in the mouth and gums. It is also glycerin free which is very very important because glycerin in toothpaste does not allow your teeth to remineralize.

      Hope this helps some!

      Reply
  12. Candice says

    October 31, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Hi Dawn,
    First off, love your articles, it has definitely changed my life for the greener 🙂
    I have a question about your Ora wellness blend, do you just add a few drops to your toothbrush and use that in place of a toothpaste? Wondering because I want something natural to use for oral care. I currently use a baking soda/coconut oil mix but I find that it is becoming too harsh for my teeth/gums. Thank you in advance!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 31, 2013 at 1:45 pm

      Hi Candice,
      Yes you can just apply a few drops of the Ora Wellness blend to your toothbrush as tooth paste. There is a ton of information on dental care on the Ora Wellness site as well.
      Best,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  13. Pat says

    December 25, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    Thanks so much for this. I am trying your recipe with cornstarch instead of arrowroot..because it’s around the house. Loving it so far. I have to stop myself from smelling my armpit…cause I suppose that would just be perceived as weird…lol

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 26, 2013 at 5:36 pm

      You are so welcome Pat! I’m glad that you like this recipe. Best wishes!

      Reply
  14. Sheila says

    March 8, 2014 at 11:04 am

    Just made some of the deodorant but used cornstarch in the recipe since I had that. My question is does this stain or leave an oily residue on your clothing. Since the lavendar flower powder is green and the lavendar oil is just that. Wanted to make sure before using it.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 11, 2014 at 10:16 am

      Hi Shelia,
      I haven’t had a problem with this DIY Deodorant staining my clothing. I don’t use a lot though. I also wear a lot of cottons. If this is something that concerns you please use sparingly and with care.
      Best wishes!

      Reply
  15. Kayla says

    March 28, 2014 at 7:31 am

    Hey thanks for this! Just curious how you store your deodorant? Any container suggestions?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 28, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      Hi Kayla,
      I like to use clean glass jars to store my DIY beauty products. Tiny glass jars are great for this recipe. Some grocery stores carry these types of jars in the beauty section and you can also find some online here too.

      Reply
  16. Jen says

    May 22, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    Hi Dawn,

    I’m excited to try this recipe. Do you know of another oil or butter that might work just as well as coconut oil, but is non comedogenic. Coconut oil makes me break out.

    On a separate note. What do you use for shaving cream?

    Kind wishes,
    Jen

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 23, 2014 at 1:27 pm

      Hi Jen,

      I share a list of oils for acne prone skin here. You can try grapeseed oil for this recipe if you like. Also I don’t use a shaving cream. I just use an unscented vegetable glycerin soap to shave with. You can see the products that I use for my beauty regimen here.

      Best wishes!

      Reply
  17. Dianna Kouns says

    November 5, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    While searching the net for natural health & beauty products, I found a website with homemade recipes and lots of comments and shared recipes. One ingredient that kept showing up, to add to your deodorant that helps stop perspiration is Milk of Magnesia. Sounded crazy. Bought some for only $3.99. Just put some on a cotton square, the ones you buy to remove makeup. One little dap–keeps you dry all day. I was thinking, you could also add some of you favorite essence oil since the milk of magnesia has no smell, and walla!

    Reply
  18. Dawn Michelle says

    November 6, 2014 at 6:26 pm

    Hi Dianna Kouns,
    I love keeping it simple so thanks for sharing this! <3

    Reply
  19. Monique says

    July 11, 2015 at 4:30 pm

    Lemon juice is also a good deodorant. Squeeze a little juice in your hand and rub on armpits. Do not use after shaving because it may sting. Even on hot sticky days the lemon juice keeps me odor free.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 13, 2015 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Monique,
      I had another reader rave about this simple remedy too. I’m curious though how it will effect the skin over time since lemon juice is extremely acidic. Baking soda is also alkaline though. More to think about I guess. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  20. Olympia Alvarez says

    August 17, 2016 at 6:35 am

    Hi Dawn! I just found your website and I have to say I LOVE IT! You are so adorable and I’m interested in all of these topics. Thank you for being you and taking the time to create something passion-filled, meaningful and beautiful. Keep it up!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 17, 2016 at 4:59 pm

      Hi Olympia Alvarez,
      Oh my God thank you so much! It means so much to me to know that others enjoy my work. Please share it with anyone who you think may like it as well. Wishing you the best of everything!

      Reply
  21. Zulema says

    November 16, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Hello Dawn,

    This recipe does not work for me and even aluminum deodorants only work up until evening time. I detox with drinking ACV/water every morning and green smoothie. Is there a stronger product you can recommend? (Crystal/salt deo’s are even less effective) I’ve only struggled with this when I reached my mid 20’s thanks.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 16, 2016 at 11:09 am

      Hi Zulema,

      Everyone’s body chemistry is so unique. I have read that some do well with using just lemon juice yet once again that is a preference some have loved but I haven’t tried myself. I’m sorry that I don’t have a bunch of other options off hand.

      I do think it is awesome that you mentioned detoxing. I have noticed for myself that the more ease my body has experienced on the inside that there has been less of a need for stronger deodorants. If I do come across something else I will share it.

      Reply
  22. Maryam says

    March 13, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    Hey Dawn! I fill a 10 ml oil roller with mostly coconut oil and then just a few drops of lavender oil. Since the concentration of the lavender oil is pure, I basically use the coconut oil to dilute the lavender. The roller makes application easy and small enough to throw in a purse just in case I need to freshen up while out and about.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 18, 2017 at 2:02 pm

      Hi Maryam,
      I love the roller bottle idea! Thanks so much for sharing this!

      Reply
  23. Wendy dodd says

    September 25, 2017 at 4:57 am

    So glad I found your site!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 25, 2017 at 11:33 am

      Hi Wendy,
      Welcome! I’m glad you found it too. Have a beautiful day!

      Reply
  24. Dee says

    April 15, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    Hi there! I just discovered your blog and totally fell in love with it. I love your style and DIY attitude 🙂 I just started making my own deodorant and I was wondering, do you still use this recipe?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 2, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Hi Dee,
      I haven’t had much time to make all of the DIY’s I would like so I haven’t made this one in awhile. I often just use lavender essential oil by itself right now instead. So glad you found the blog and are enjoying it.

      Reply
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