How to Make Natural Deodorant with Coconut Oil

Have you tried numerous natural deodorants but were underwhelmed by the results and not all that impressed? Did you find that formulas that contained baking soda as the main ingredient drying and that the delicate skin of your underarms were irritated by the end of the day? Baking soda, while amazing for stopping moisture from seeping through your shirts, can be irritating to those with sensitive skin and you may find yourself in worse shape than when you were using commercial brands.

Coconut oil is a wonder ingredient to add to any natural deodorant as it is a natural moisturizer and barrier protection against irritants, body odor and the like. Instead of shifting through multiple natural deodorants and wasting money trying brand after brand; why not just make your own?

Today we are going to detail exactly how to do that, so you are that much closer to making the full switch to natural deodorant and saving money by making it yourself.

Why Make the Switch to Natural Deodorant?

You may be asking yourself why you should make the switch to natural deodorant as your current brand bought at your local drugstore or department store seems to work fine. Well the main reason that people will switch to a natural deodorant is because they want to avoid blockages of the sweat glands. This blockage is mainly caused by aluminum which can be found in all anti-perspirants. These blockages can swell over time and cause painful itching, red spots and even chronic pain.

Natural deodorants feature all organic ingredients with no added chemicals or irritants such as perfumes or dye; leaving your skin feeling refreshed with what out are putting on your skin instead. To ensure moisture is found in the underarms, coconut or almond oil is definitely recommended.

Switching to Natural Deodorant

Whenever you switch a current product out for a new one, there is always an adjustment period as the body becomes used to the same product being applied day after day. Some people have reported finding that they are actually smellier than they were using commercial brands and that is because the sweat glands located in the underarms are becoming unplugged.

This can be eliminated by using a natural deodorant detox kit (available at your local whole health store or via online retailers) or by taking hot baths/showers on a daily basis to encourage the skin to sweat.

Some people also reported an increase in natural body odor, which is extremely common, as the glands are in overdrive while riding the body of any toxins. Essential oils can prevent this natural musk from becoming too strong and allow you to wear your natural deodorant with confidence.

What Will You Need to Make a Natural Deodorant with Coconut Oil?

Before starting to make your own natural deodorant, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, so you are not stuck trying to find a substitute. For this recipe, you will need the following amounts of:

• 1/3 cup of organic, pure coconut oil – available at your local health or beauty store or online
• 1/4 cup of baking soda – found at any grocery store or department store or online
• 1/4 of cornstarch – found at your local grocery store or department store or online
• 5 to 10 drops of essential oils – found at your local health store or online
  – Think peppermint, lavender, orange, or rose essence for a natural smelling deodorant
• Storage jar or container with a tightly sealed lid – found at your local grocery or craft store or online

To Make the Natural Deodorant:

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden stir spoon
• Silicone or metal spoon for scooping coconut oil
• Large workspace – think table or countertop
• Fork for mashing coconut oil into dry ingredients
• Measuring cups or spoons for accuracy

All of the above ingredients can be doubled to make a bigger batch of natural deodorant, but it is important to keep in mind that these does not have the shelf life that a commercial brand does.

What Does Each Ingredient Bring to the Recipe?

Coconut Oil

It is naturally anti-bacterial, stopping smelly germs from setting up shop under your arms. This will neutralize any bacteria that cause odor and leave the user feeling fresh.

It is also a natural and organic moisturizer without any added perfumes or dyes that can irritate skin. It will leave the underarms feeling silky and smooth. It can be used over the entire body as a moisturizer.

Baking Soda

Is a natural and effective moisture blocker; preventing sweat from seeping through your clothes and staining them. It is to be remembered that not all users can have baking soda directly on the skin; so, if there are any signs of irritation, rashes or swelling – stop using your natural deodorant and consult a medical professional.

Some people find that baking soda is too abrasive and strips the skin of natural moisture; so, if this is the case, look for other alternatives such as clay.

Cornstarch

A non-abrasive powder that absorbs moisture from the skin during sweating and helps prevent chafing.

Will also prevent sweat stains on your clothing and acts as a barrier between your skin and clothes.

Essential Oils

Depending on the type chosen, could have anti-bacterial properties; natural moistening properties; or simply be a source of natural perfume to mask body odor.

Step-by-Step Natural Deodorant with Coconut Oil

Step One

Measure out the baking soda and cornstarch. Combine these amounts in the mixing bowl and stir together with wooden spoon until blended.

Make sure to bring the ingredients from the bottom of the bowl to the top to prevent unwanted mixing levels.

Step Two

Measure out coconut oil and use a silicone or wet metal spoon to scoop it into the dry ingredients. It is a solid texture so it will want to stick to a spoon.

Step Three

Use a fork or non-stick masher to blend the coconut oil into the dry ingredients. Repeat this step until you have reached a complete blending of the ingredients. It should be slightly grainy to the touch, as the coconut oil does not break down the powders.

Keep in mind that coconut oil will liquefy if it reaches a temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit; so, you want to keep it below that to maintain the consistency for blending. Liquid coconut oil will just run over the top of the dry ingredients and create more of a mess then a natural deodorant.

Step Four

Add five to ten drops of essential oils for a natural perfume and stir vigorously together to ensure that the entire mixture has some essential oils found within it. You should be able to smell the essential oils, allowing you to find a scent that works best for your preference.

*essential oils are optional in a natural deodorant and it is entirely up to yourself if you want to add it.

Tip:

To add a thicker consistency to the recipe, you can increase the amount of both the coconut oil and baking soda; stirring constantly until you find the desired texture.

You don’t want the blend be too thick, as it could cause it to clump under the arms and stain your clothing throughout the day.

Step Five

Scoop out your natural deodorant and spoon it into a tightly sealed jar or container. Store it at room temperature to avoid liquidation and to use; simply warm it up on the fingertips and apply as a lotion to the underarm.

Coconut oil can stain clothing, so it is recommended that you allow five minutes or more of drying time before getting dressed.

Make a second smaller jar to keep in your bag or desk at work for touch ups throughout the day; especially those hot humid days of summer. This will allow you to feel refreshed and smell-free, regardless of the temperature or your current stress levels.

Conclusion

There is no need to be spending money each payday testing and trying new natural deodorants that just doesn’t work for your skin and body type. It can be very discouraging when you are trying to switch to a more organic lifestyle and it just seems like more of a hassle then a help to your body.

Making your own natural deodorant with coconut oil allows you to control the scent, the moisturizer levels, and the overall texture. All the ingredients should be available at your local whole health store or even the pharmacy/beauty section of your local department store. If in doubt, then head to an online retailer, where there are hundreds of products for sale.

Do you have a natural deodorant recipe with coconut oil that you swear by? Are there ingredients you would add or eliminate from the above recipe? Then let us know in the comments below or if you think that someone in your life would benefit from this tutorial; feel free to share amongst them all!

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