I can’t help but wonder what nasty chemicals go into the deodorant I slather onto my sweaty armpits every day.
Often packed in single use plastic, I’ve tried to use mostly deodorant in glass bottles – but that still creates recycling.
I’ve tried various other options – like deo sticks in cardboard from Zero Waste shops, but they are pricey!
I still come back to this recipe, even after I first published it on my first blog back in 2020!
A Tried and Tested Recipe
I’m republishing it as I still refer back to the recipe when I make a fresh batch, and want to share it with my audience.
Living more sustainably has always been important to me, but no more was it highlighted than during 2020 and the coronavirus crisis. The lack of availability of goods and services, the fracturing of lengthy supply chains, made me realise how dependent I’ve become on convenience.
In an ongoing cost of living crisis, with the lack of security over food and goods, rising prices, the more we can create ourselves and the more we can source locally the better.
As an experiment in not only reducing my plastic waste, but also reducing the number of noxious chemicals I put on my body, and are released into the environment as a result of the mass production of every day items like deodorant, I had a go at making my own.
Why DIY?
By making your own cosmetics you know exactly what ingredients have gone into what you’ve created. If you are concerned about what you put into your body through your mouth, you should be concerned about what you put into your body through absorption from your skin.
When you make it yourself, you can be sure that it’s all natural.
You minimise the supply chain – carbon footprint and ‘food miles’ – from manufacturing and shipping goods around the world.
Minimising the creation of unnecessary waste – Using as little single use plastic as possible is one thing that we can all do to combat climate change.
And when it’s homemade you have a freedom to get creative playing with your favourite combinations of scent.
It’s very satisfying, especially when it works. Honestly, I am such a sweaty-Betty and this recipe really works. Better than shop bought deodorants that claim to give 24 or even 48 hours worth of protection! And, no white powdery marks on your sleeves.
Repurpose and get creative
I let it set in a pot with a lid and apply with my fingers like I would with moisturiser.
Tins like these are ideal.
Or, because we all enjoy a little touch of loveliness in our lives, why not browse the shop for vintage find and other quirky containers. Perfect for and aesthetic dressing table, or gift giving.
Try storing your natural deodorant in a Clay and Timber Jar for a simple, eco-friendly solution
My family all get quirky pots and tins of homemade deodorant as gifts, I like to mix a scent personal to them.
To make them beautifully giftable, create labels for the tins using our Botanical Craft Stamping Set.
The Deodorant Recipe
I didn’t invent this recipe.
When I want to a recipe for something, I turn to Pinterest.
There are a few alternatives, but the recipe I found has 5 ingredients:
- Arrowroot powder (or cornflour)
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Baking soda
- Essential oils
Arrowroot is available in the baking aisle of most major supermarkets, as is baking soda and coconut oil, or you can order it bulk online which is better value and less packaging waste (better to have one piece of waste than lost of small ones).
Incidentally, arrowroot powder is also used as the base for homemade talcum powder or dry shampoo (recipes for another blog).
Essential oils and shea butter can be ordered online:
The Method
- Put 3 Tbsp shea butter and 2 Tbsp coconut oil into a mixing jug and zap in the microwave for 10 – 15 seconds, or until it has melted. Alternatively, melt in a bowl over a pan of simmering water.
- Add your favourite combination of essential oils, around 15 drops.
- Stir in 2 Tbsp baking soda and 3 Tbsp arrowroot until it’s well combined
- Pour the syrupy liquid into your beautiful or functional container
- Chill in the fridge for 2 hours
You don’t need to keep it in the fridge once it’s set, use it and store it as you would your regular deodorant. It has the consistency of a thick cream.
These quantities have worked well, and with a selection box of essential oils I’ve played around with some different scent combinations.
To experiment with different scents: I used Tea Tree which is fresh, cleansing and antibacterial and lavender.
For a more masculine or musky fragrance, use frankincense, leather, or woody combos.
For seasonal scents chose fresh scents for spring, heady florals for summer, spices for autumn and rich, mulled, spices for Christmas.
Why not give this a try?