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DIY Natural Deodorant
Posted in DIYs by Rocky Mountain Oils

DIY Natural Deodorant

When you use your deodorant, do you know exactly what you’re rubbing into your skin? Conventional deodorants contain a variety of harsh ingredients, including  parabens, aluminum, triclosan, phthalates, and artificial fragrance. Applying ingredients like these to your skin can cause damage over time, and many people are worried about the effects that conventional deodorants may have on their health. Here's just a quick look at some of the effects these unnatural ingredients can have: 
  • Parabens: Some research indicates that parabens may be to blame for hormone disruptions.
  • Aluminum: The metal can cause “gene instability” in breast tissue, according to a UK study.
  • Triclosan: This antibacterial, which is found in many soaps, has been shown to disrupt hormone function in animals.
  • Phthalates: Phthalates cause your deodorant to stick to your skin. In addition to potential skin irritation, some research suggests that phthalates can cause greater health issues such as higher rates of asthma.
With ingredients like these in just about every deodorant you can find, how can we avoid not only the ingredients but the negative effects they could have? That's where natural deodorant comes in.

Why Choose Natural Deodorant

Everyone sweats. It's your body's natural way of cooling off and releasing toxins. But for many people, sweating often involves an odor. This odor is a result of bacteria on your skin eating your sweat and releasing stinky chemicals. While conventional deodorants can be effective in reducing sweat and body odor, they do not contain natural ingredients that work with your body. Instead, they sort of just mask the sweat and odor instead of actually combating it. If you make your own deodorant or buy some that is made of all-natural ingredients, you can control body odor and sweat while feeling good that the stuff you are rubbing on your skin will not harm your body. Essential oils are a natural fit for deodorant because their properties help control odor. While your antiperspirant stops you from sweating completely by blocking your pores, essential oils open up your pores, allowing you to release those toxins and cool off. When you blend the oils with baking soda and a few other safe ingredients, you can banish any smell, too.

Tips For Fresh-Smelling Pits

In addition to making your own natural and safe deodorant, here are a few more tips that can help keep your pits dry and odor-free:
  • To minimize odors, keep your armpits clean. Use an astringent like witch hazel to help clean your pores before applying deodorant.
  • Avoid wearing synthetic fibers. Fabrics such as polyester and Lycra (spandex) don’t usually breathe well, so it’s harder for moisture to evaporate. Choose natural fiber-based clothing, such as cotton, wool, bamboo, or hemp.
  • Keep in mind that it might take a bit of time for your body to adjust to non-chemical deodorant. You may notice a temporary increase in sweating, odor, and underarm sensitivity during that time.

Essential Oils to Use In Your Deodorant

To use essential oils in your deodorant, you can simply apply five to 10 drops of essential oil diluted with a carrier oil directly to your underarms, or you can make one of the recipes below. Here are a few of our favorite deodorizing oils:

Natural Deodorant Recipes

Always test the final mixture on a small part of your skin first before using on your body.

Deodorant Body Splash

Blend the essential oils together in a glass spray bottle. Add the vodka or witch hazel, and shake well for as long as you can. Let the ingredients settle, then add the vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour. Add the water to the spray bottle, and shake well again. Pour the mixture through a paper coffee filter, and then pour it back into the spray bottle. Shake well before every use. For a stronger scent, allow the oil and vinegar mix to sit longer before adding to the water. For more scent options, try making this recipe with the following ingredients:

Invigorating Splash

Fruity Splash

Delightfully Cooling Deodorant

  • 1 teaspoon Vegetable Glycerin
  • 1/2 cup Witch Hazel
  • 1/2 cup Aloe Vera Juice
  • 3 teaspoons Deodorant Zinc Oxide
  • 20 drops Bergamot FCF
  • 10 drops Grapefruit

In a big measuring cup, combine the glycerin and witch hazel. Add the rest of the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a 4-ounce, dark-colored glass spray bottle. Use daily in the mornings and before you go out in the evening. Discard after 1 month.

Spring Forest Deodorant

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle or roller ball container. Shake well before every use. Apply to the underarms daily, and as needed.

Antiperspirant Spray

  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Alum powder
  • 1/4 cup Vodka or Witch Hazel
  • 15 drops essential oil of choice
Mix all ingredients together and stir well until the alum is dissolved. Pour into a spray bottle. To apply, spray on the underarms. Makes 10 ounces.

Botanical Deodorant

  • 1 tablespoon Glycerin
  • 2 tablespoons Vodka or Witch Hazel
  • 1/2 cup Witch Hazel
  • 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Chlorophyll
  • 10 drops essential oil of choice
Mix all ingredients together and stir well. Pour into a spray bottle or clean container with a tight-fitting lid. To apply, spray underarms or use a clean cotton pad. Makes 6 ounces.

Citrus Deodorant

  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1/4 cup Vodka or Witch Hazel
  • 1 teaspoon Liquid Chlorophyll
  • 3 drops Bergamot FCF 
Mix all ingredients together in a ceramic bowl or glass jar. Let the mixture sit for one day, then strain off the liquid and discard the lemon zest. Pour the mixture into a clean container or spray bottle. To apply, spray on the underarms or use a clean cotton pad. Makes 4 ounces.

Coconut Oil Stick Deodorant

  • 2 tablespoons Beeswax granules
  • 1 1/4 tablespoons Shea Butter
  • 1 1/4 tablespoons Virgin Coconut oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon Bentonite clay
  • 1/2 tablespoon Baking Soda
  • 10 drops Lemongrass
  • 6 drops Rosemary
  • Empty, clean deodorant container
In a double boiler or a small saucepan over very low heat, combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are completely melted and mixed well. Whisk in the baking soda and bentonite clay until well combined. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes; then stir in your essential oils. Take a clean, empty deodorant stick and make sure the platform is twisted all the way down. Carefully pour your warm mixture into the container, and let it sit until it is completely cool. Then use as normal.

Stick Deodorant

  • 4 ounces Cornstarch
  • 2 ounces Baking Soda
  • 1 ounce Liquid Chlorophyll
  • 2 ounces Organic Vodka
  • 2 ounces Distilled water
  • 8 ounces Beeswax
  • 10 – 15 drops Coriander
  • Empty, clean deodorant container
Mix the cornstarch, baking soda, vodka, and distilled water in a bowl, stirring thoroughly. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler over very low heat. When it is completely melted, remove from heat. Add the melted beeswax to the cornstarch mixture, and blend well. If the wax thickens too much to be workable, heat again. As the mixture begins to cool, but before it hardens, add the chlorophyll and essential oil. Pour the mixture into your empty deodorant container, and allow it to harden before use.