The Best Natural Deodorant Recipe for All Seasons

The season of potent tanning, sun rays, and sweating is fast nearing. The season of heat brings with it many skincare issues. Out of many of the skin woes we face in this season, body odour and sweating are one of the major concerns.

Of course, drinking lots of fluids and having a nutritious diet can help completely eliminate or reduce body odour. Still, most of us also end up relying on fragrances and deodorants bought from the store to combat it. 

These antiperspirants may do more disservice than good. The store-bought deodorants may contain aluminium which has been linked to deadly diseases like Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. They may also contain a petroleum-based substance called propylene glycol.

It is known to harm the heart, central nervous system,  and liver. Some fragrances may also have Phthalates and Parabens that are synthetic preservatives, and they have adverse effects on the hormonal system. 

A simple DIY Natural Deodorant recipe that works well and smells fantastic too! Made with all-natural, clean, ingredients and ready in under 15 minutes, these natural deodorant recipes will quickly become a regular in your body routine.

Ingredients for Natural Deodorant

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil (1) has been used externally for many years for its healing capabilities for both the hair and skin. Coconut oil can be useful as a deodorant because it is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hydrates the skin.

[Also Read: Benefits of Coconut Oil ]

2. Shea Butter

Shea butter is known to hydrate and soothe dry skin, increase circulation to the skin, and chapped skin, revitalizing skin, without leaving a greasy residue.

3. Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a natural healer for small irritations and is majorly reputed for its soothing properties. It helps with the drying out of wounds, blemishes or rashes. Because of its natural properties, arrowroot flour will not hurt the skin further, allowing it to rest without further irritation.

4. Baking Soda

It is known for its antimicrobial properties, and is confirmed by a study published in the US NLM (National Library of Medicine) NIH (National Institutes of Health). This could mean that it can potentially combat the odour causing bacteria in the underarms.

[Also Read: Benefits of Baking Soda ]

5. Lavender Essential Oil

It helps prevent and eliminate the growth of bacteria under the arms, imparts pleasant scents, neutralizes body odour, cleanses the skin, reduces excess oil on the skin’s surface, cools and invigorates the skin, and tightens the skin.

6. Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit seed extract has excellent properties for fighting fungus and candida overgrowth. It is also an excellent carrier for EO (essential oils).

7. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Several preliminary studies suggest that grapefruit essential oil may act as an antimicrobial (a substance that suppresses or destroys the growth of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria).

[Also Read: Benefits of Tea Tree Oil ]

DIY Natural Deodorant Recipes 

1. Calming DIY Natural Deodorant Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tbsp unrefined coconut oil
• 2 1/2 tbsp unrefined shea butter
• 1/4 cup arrowroot starch/flour
• 1 1/2 tbsp baking soda
• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 6 drops grapefruit essential oil
• One drop tea tree essential oil (optional)*

How to make it?

1. Add 2 1/2 tbsp unrefined shea butter and 2 1/2 tbsp unrefined coconut oil in a jar or glass bowl and place the jar/bowl inside a medium saucepan.
2. Add enough water to the saucepan to surround the jar/bowl but not to overflow it and boil it.
3. As the water heats up, ensure to stir shea butter and coconut oil and continue to do so till it melts.
4. Once melted, add in baking soda, arrowroot starch, and essential oils.
5. Place in a 3-ounce jar and allow to cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator (will harden faster in the refrigerator) until it reaches a solid-state.
6. Cover with lid until used.

Directions for use:

• Wet underarms slightly for even application
• Spoon out a pea-sized amount with fingers or a wooden scoop and rub between fingers before applying directly to underarms.
• For a normal day,  applying once in the morning will be fine. For workouts, sultry days,  or if you’re specifically sweaty, reapply when required.

Some people are sensitive/ allergic to tea tree oil so be sure to test your skin with a drop before adding it. It is not necessary to include, but due to the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil,  it is an excellent addition if you are not sensitive.

[Also Read: Powerful Natural Deodorants]

2. Easy, Cost-Effective DIY Natural Deodorant

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, simple, option, this DIY natural deodorant recipe only uses 3 ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 45-65 drops of essential oils

How to make it?

1. To prepare the deodorant, place the coconut oil in a mixing bowl. Then, mix it with the baking soda. 
2. Lastly, add the essential oils you’ve selected. You can store this hand-made deodorant in a small glass container and apply it using your fingers.

3. Natural Deodorant Recipe for People Concerned About Excess Body Odor

If you’re concerned about having a strong body odour, this recipe helps remove even the musky, manliest, scents:

• 5 tablespoons of non-GMO cornstarch or arrowroot powder 
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 6 tablespoons of shea butter
• 35-65 drops of essential oils

How to make it?

1. To prepare this natural deodorant, put the baking soda, non-GMO cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and shea butter in a large mixing bowl and use your hands to mix the ingredients well.
2.  It might appear like the deodorant is somewhat powdery at first — that’s fine. Add the essential oils, and then, use a portable(hand) mixer to whip the paste together till it becomes creamy. 
3. Store the deodorant in a four-ounce container and apply in moderation with your fingertips.
4. If this recipe is too harsh for your skin, you can replace the shea butter with 4 tbs of melted coconut oil and do away the essential oils. 

This is an excellent option for someone with susceptible skin because it shouldn’t cause a pH imbalance.

Bottom Line

It’s good to sweat, yes, you heard it right! It is the process to get yourself detoxified naturally. Wearing deodorants clogs the pores of your skin, which blocks the toxins to get removed. Despite that, the body still tries to detox or eliminate toxins through excessive sweating which often leaves embarrassing sweat patches on your clothes.

So, to keep your skin healthy and happy, we suggest you make your own deodorant at home.