I told you Wednesday when we talked about hazards of antiperspirants that I considered making a baby step away from antiperspirant last December. I have used Degree for years, because many other name brands didn’t work for me. I’m not a dainty little lady who doesn’t sweat!
It was Christmas break, and I’m an at-home-mom, so I don’t have a lot of people around to offend with my body odor. I grabbed that baking soda from under my sink and stuck it in the bathroom. After my next shower, I remembered to put it on my still-moist underarms. I thought nothing of it that day. Pleased that I didn’t stink out the family, I tried the same thing again after the next shower. My baking soda was caked in little balls from being exposed to moisture as I used it as a cleaner, so it was actually really easy to apply it to my armpits by grabbing a chunk and (gently!) rubbing it in over the sink.
Added bonus: I could use the baking soda that drifted down into the sink as a scouring mini-clean for the sink-bowl the next time I washed my hands!
Testing the Baby Step: Baking Soda
You might be thinking that I didn’t sweat much because it was winter, and I live in Michigan. With the house at 64 degrees, this is probably true. That second day however, I thought the baking soda “deodorant” was doomed for sure. I went out shoveling after a massive snowfall, and I could feel the sweat dripping down my back under my work coat that totally doesn’t “breathe”. I could feel that nagging perception of wetness under my armpits, too, that I told you Wednesday we’re not accustomed to anymore. I could almost smell my B.O. in the ol’ imagination, certain that I had come to the end of an interesting experiment.
Much to my great surprise, I did not stink. Unpleasant wetness, sure, but no negative odor. The only time I really noticed body odor with plain baking soda was when I was due for a shower and wore synthetic silky PJs at nighttime. Most antiperspirant, in my experience, is wearing off by bedtime anyway, and from what I read, synthetic materials cause our B.O. to be worse. Weird, but definitely true.
Baby Step Number Two: Adding Cornstarch
I continued using baking soda exclusively for a month or two until my mom gave me this gorgeous powder puff container that she had sitting in her cupboard:
Then I decided I’d mix an equal part of cornstarch in with the baking soda, for dryness. This baby step took all of 2 minutes to complete, and again – no commitment, no up-front cost. Again, all was well. I began to worry about summer and sleeveless shirts, however.
The Final Step: Adding Coconut Oil
I had this post at Passionate Homemaking bookmarked since December, but I didn’t have bulk coconut oil until I found this deal at Soaper’s Choice. At that point, it was time to make a real mimicked deodorant by adding coconut oil to the baking soda and cornstarch mixture. I used a fork in a little plastic dish that I’m not using much for food anymore. It made enough that I’m still using the first batch 6 months later.
I was able to put it into an empty antiperspirant container, and it twists up and rolls on just like the real thing. (This made my husband slightly less embarrassed about my “weird” deodorant!) Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and a nice, light coconutty scent, so it’s really the ideal medium for the baking soda (for odor) and cornstarch (for dryness). It goes on easy and dries clear – sleeveless shirts, here I come!
How to: Dial your deodorant container down to make space.
Use a spoon or fork to press the coconut oil mixture down into the container. Looks wild, eh? 
Use the spoon to form a rounded top, like this. You may need to wait for it to solidify a bit before applying.
My Choice: Is it Working For Me?
Friends and family, here’s your chance! Please comment if I’m wrong about this, but I don’t think I’ve been stinking it up this summer at all! Even if the risks of aluminum/antiperspirant are overblown or minimal at best, I’m still going to stick with ingredients that are so safe I could eat them with no harm done. It’s a simple step to take, very frugal, and exceptionally safe. Besides all that, the natural solution is working. There are a lot of benefits I’ve found so far:
- No sting on newly-shaven pits!
- Pleasant smell
- Avoid risk of parabens, aluminum, and other unnatural stuff
- For nursing mothers, there’s a serious change in my peace of mind now that I don’t cringe when baby’s hand works its way up into my armpit. Well…I still cringe, but I’m not worrying about toxic chemicals finding their way into her mouth!
There have been just a few disadvantages:
- Coconut oil has a 76-degree melt-point, which means it turns to liquid in the summer. I store mine in the fridge, but it’s hard(er) to remember to go out there and put it on in the mornings! It is easy to apply, even when cold. Just touch your skin for a second and it already starts to soften.
- UPDATE: Many have asked “Does it stain your clothes?” I didn’t think so, but I did get a stain on a Christmas blouse made of synthetic silky material, the first one I’ve noticed. I would recommend taking care with such materials and maybe other bold, solid colors. I will now get in the habit of putting the deo on before the shirt and making sure it’s soaked in better before letting the shirt touch my skin.
- It takes 5 minutes or so to mix up a batch, although I’ve only done that once and just refill as needed. Of course, I bet I spent more than 5 minutes per stick of antiperspirant cutting and organizing coupons and matching with the best deals, then standing in my pharmacy trying to find the exact version on sale.
Tell me that doesn't look like the real thing!
For more step-by-step, see my eHow article on How to Make the Most Effective Homemade Deodorant.
Also visit Real Food, My Way for a recipe with essential oils included.
Lindsay has published a fabulous update on her deodorant recipe detailing some common FAQs.
Other Options:
My mother, who listens to my stories of all the things I’ve been trying, is on the walk to more natural living alongside me. She chose to find a natural deodorant (not antiperspirant) to avoid aluminum. There are some name brand ones out there (Arm and Hammer) and things like Tom’s of Maine. They’re working for her, but she also said she saw triclosan in the ingredients. You just can’t win! Others have luck with a crystal deodorant that you can find at health food stores.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
When I traveled to my parents’ for 10 days this August, I knew I had to pack my homemade deo in the cooler so it wouldn’t melt all over my toothbrush in the hot van. I had my conventional stuff with me, too, in case I forgot to pack it. I did, and was quite content with the fact that I’d get to do a real comparison. I figured I might find better results from the old antiperspirant on hot days, but I was also not looking forward to that old stinging sensation of antiperspirant on nicked-up underarms.
I was quite surprised to find that I stunk more with the “real” stuff.
My clothing had a more unpleasant scent after a long day. I can only imagine that it’s the chemicals in the antiperspirant mixing with the sweat and odor that does get through. I was quite happy to get back home and break out the cold coconut oil from my fridge. I have a theory, too: I think my body is used to its sweat glands being left alone, not bothered by chemicals fighting them closed. I’m guessing they just “work” better naturally and aren’t trying to overdo it. Plus, when I learn about how bacteria works, I probably have more natural body bacteria rather than the super-strong ones that would be left after chemical deodorants (sometimes containing triclosan!). They’re just milder.
In the comments at the Analyzing Aluminum in Antiperspirants post, Jen of Mommy’s Soapbox has another very intriguing theory. She says that when she started eating traditional foods, she noticed a decrease in her body odor. That’s one I’m going to ponder for a while!
I know forfeiting your deodorant or antiperspirant is not for everyone. That’s why this isn’t a Monday Mission. It’s something to think about, a little piece of my story that you may or may not want to try. (Just don’t tell my husband I told you, okay? 
)
I’d love to see more of you! Sign up for an email subscription or grab my reader feed.
If you missed the last Monday Mission, click here.
Kitchen Stewardship is dedicated to balancing God’s gifts of time, health, earth and money. If you feel called to such a mission, read more at Mission, Method, and Mary and Martha Moments.
Analyzing Aluminum in August:
- Introduction
- Use less aluminum foil
Baked Potatoes without Aluminum Foil - Why Analyze Aluminum?
- Avoid Aluminum in Bakeware and Cookware
- Aluminum in Antiperspirants: Hazard or Hoax?
- Still to come: baking powder and vaccines
This post is entered in:
- Fight Back Friday at Food Renegade
- Frugal Fridays at Life as MOM
- Hooked on Fridays at Hooked on Houses
- Make-it-from-Scratch Carnival
- All Things Eco Carnival
Hungry for more? Related posts:
You know how I feel about long posts, Katie.
So you will be happy to know that I read EVERY word. Fascinating! Change is hard for me… baby steps… so much to think about.
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Katie Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Tee hee hee…I’m tickled you took the time to read a long post in its entirety about my armpits! (Bad pun, Katie!) Change is hard for me, too. That’s why I have to think about big changes for a few weeks/months before jumping into them.
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Wow! My mom had a puff container just like yours for her baking soda and cornstarch mix! She used it for years more because she wanted to save a few pennies than anything–and this was easy for her to do. I love the coconut oil thing so that you can put it back in an old container! What a great idea!
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This is the latest recipe that I tried (several times). It still broke out my armpits in a rash. I wish it didn’t. I would really love to be able to find something natural that works for me and be able to stop using Degree.
P.S. I grew up in MI. All of my family is still there.
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Katie Reply:
September 4th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Pam,
Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking says that different brands of deodorant can make a difference with the irritation, too.
“I buy a natural baking soda from Azure Standard(my whole food co-op). Walgreens sells a brand called Deerfield Farms that claims to be all natural, but I have not tried it. Bob’s Red Mill would be another excellent choice.”
You can see all the comments at her post by clicking that link in my post above. There are a bunch of them! Some people also use LESS baking soda than cornstarch with better results.
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I also use the baking soda/cornstarch with a couple of drops of tea tree oil. I apply the coconut oil on first and then dab/sprinkle on the dry mixture. It works very well. I am eager to try your applicator method.
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Great post! I’ve been looking for this type of thing – so glad I found your blog.
I’ve been using the crystal deodorant with decent results, but I’m trying to do as much as I can DIY. I love coconut oil for skin care, and am planning to use a mix similar to this for toothpaste (coconut oil, baking soda and flavoring). It’s harvest time right now so there’s not much time for experimenting, but once the snow flies I’ll be trying more.
You wouldn’t happen to have a good recipe for a gentle face wash that can be stored unrefrigerated and used over time?
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Becky Reply:
February 11th, 2010 at 2:15 am
For natural face wash you might try the oil cleansing method. Combine olive oil (or other carrier oil of choice, but I find extra virgin olive oil to work well and I always have it around the house anyway) and castor oil. I have average skin and use approximately 20% castor oil to 80% EVOO, and I store it in a small tupperware container by the sink. Works wonderfully for me.
To use, just apply to DRY face, massage into your skin for a bit, then take a wash rag, run it under hot water and squeeze out what you can then cover your face in it until it cools to room temperature (the steam helps open pores and bring dirt to the surface). You might do this again if you feel you need to. Then wipe your face off with the wash rag, gently scrubbing away the dirt.
If you find it too drying, reduce the castor oil, and vice versa. You can also add EOs such as tea tree oil or lavender for acne.
Despite what your sense may tell you, it actually doesn’t clog your pore. It leaves my face clear and moisturized with no harsh chemicals or toxins
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Becky,
Katie
I’m getting lower on my natural-already face wash and may just try this! Thanks for the added info!
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Becky Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 12:48 am
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I can’t wait to try this, thanks for sharing it! I’m skeptical of most “natural” brands and use crystal salt which isn’t very effective. I’ve also tried going without any deodorant at all which I can usually get away with but occasionally proves to be a bad idea.
In regard to having less body odor after following a cleaner diet, I’ve experienced this too. I’ve read that body odor is a sign of toxicity, so perhaps it is a result of eating food that supports your detoxification system and contains fewer toxins itself.
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Katie Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Sounds like a workable theory – I’d love to hear how this works for guys, too.
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Twitter: Happylhomemaker
// Aug 28, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Interesting…I can’t wait to try it!
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First time here–LOVE this idea! I’ve been doing just baking soda but was no enjoying the wetness. I have coconut oil and cornstarch and a stick of deodorant I’m not using anymore–I am SO trying this! Thank you!!!
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WOW that is soooo cool!
I have been using coconut oil and cornstarch for months now. It works so well. I was surprised. I think it actually works better than regular deodorant to tell you the truth.
I’m not fond of baking soda though — I think it burns a little. I get good results w/ just the coconut oil and the cornstarch.
I love the idea of putting it in a stick. It gets too hot here for half of the year to leave it out — we don’t have A/C. But I like the idea of storing it in the fridge. That actually sounds sort of refreshing on a hot day.
Interestingly, I just bought my husband some Burts Bees deodorant to see if he will use it. Guess what the top 2 ingredients are? Yep! Coconut oil & cornstarch.
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I haven’t used real deodorant/antiperspirant in three years, and last year, I started using this very recipe for my deodorant. I LOVE it, and have only had a few problems with it. I have been planning to post on this for a while, and will definitely link back to your post!
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I’m going to have to try adding cornstarch to the coconut oil I’ve been using, with just lavender and tea tree oil. The only problem with that is I started putting the same stuff on my face, just a bit. Not sure that will work with the cornstarch, lol.
I live in Texas and mine is liquid half the time even with the a/c running, so I’m not going to try using the old container (not that I have one). Hmmm, DH uses a roll-on – wonder if that would work?
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Twitter Trackbacks for Effective Homemade Deodorant: My Baby Steps Story [kitchenstewardship.com] on Topsy.com // Aug 29, 2009 at 11:51 am
[...] Effective Homemade Deodorant: My Baby Steps Story http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/08/27/effective-homemade-deodorant-my-baby-steps-story – view page – cached ← Mental Mission: Baking Powder for Make-it-from-Scratch (and another EVOO — From the page [...]
I’ve used this idea, on and off, for the past few months. I apply a thin layer of coconut oil, first, then my mixture of cornstarch, baking soda and tea tree oil. I used it a lot at first, but now that I started my student teaching, I wasn’t sure if it would be enough. I’m going to give it another try, though. Hopefully it will work, even with trying to keep up with a class of 1st graders for 8 hours, each day!!
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Katie Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Ginny,
I bet you’ll be fine – just watch out for those synthetic silky dress shirts. That would be a stink problem for sure! I hope you enjoy your student teaching – it’s a GREAT time, and first graders are such a ball.
–Katie
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Hmm…I formulated another theory as I was working. Maybe some of our armpits need an adjustment period after making the switch, as they try to eliminate yuckies that have built up while the sweat glands were blocked. (Kind of like it takes a while for those who switch to non-shampoo methods for their hair take a while to strip all the old buildup off, and it’s ickier in the meantime.) So maybe I need to give the homemade options a couple of weeks.
Do I dare try? lol
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Katie Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Way to be thoughtful (and brave? Are you going to be brave?)! That would fit a bit with the whole “b.o. changed with eating style theory” too. Best of luck! Maybe wait for winter…
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Rachel R. Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Hahaha. Yeah, August might not be the best time to try that particular change.
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Jessica Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
I switched to full baking soda during a very hot season in spring 2008; I had wanted to do it for a while, but was using up the last of my regular deodorant and all-natural wasn’t working at all for me (it all made me stink worse!). I was prompted to a quick change due to an additional new lump in one breast. Once I dropped the deodorant, I sweat on that side profusely for a week and it stunk when I didn’t have the baking soda on. The new lump went away; and I’ve not had any problems since (it’s been almost 2 years). Definitely an adjustment period!
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Katie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 6:07 am
Jessica,
Katie
Wow! What a testimony! Welcome to KS; I sure hope to see more of you.
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I’ve been using this recipe for about a month now and I LOVE it! I experience very little sweating and no odor. I think it works better than commercial deodorant– with the store bought stuff, I could always smell something by the end of the day. With this recipe, I wake up the morning after applying (so we’re talking approx. 24 hours) and I still don’t smell anything! It’s just great stuff (I keep mine in a jar, in the bathroom so I don’t have to worry about refrigeration).
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I’m very intrigued by this! Just wanted to let you know I included it in my weekly roundup – link is under my name. Thanks!
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I was just reading my weekly e-mail from the World’s Healthiest Foods organization, and the question of the day was about the relationship between diet and body odor! Here is the article:
Is there a link between diet and body odor?
All bodies naturally have odors. A wide variety of factors contribute to these odors, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle, hygiene, and overall state of health. Additionally, several research studies suggest that overactive sweat glands may be responsible for unwanted body odors in some individuals. Diet is definitely an additional factor that can contribute to body odors. There are very few research studies, however, that have examined the impact of diet on body odor from a science-based perspective.
An area of research you’re sure to be reading more about in the future involves the role of high-methyl foods and body odor. High-methyl foods (those that support the metabolism of methyl-group containing compounds) can be broken down in the digestive tract to create a compound called TMA (trimethylamine). This compound can be excreted through the breath, urine, and sweat and is associated with a problem called “fish odor syndrome.” Soy foods, beets, and spinach would all be considered “high-methyl” foods since they are rich in methyl-containing nutrients like choline, betaine, and lecithin. I cannot imagine, however, trying to solve any body odor problems related to high-methyl foods by removing those foods from your diet! Methyl-containing foods are critical for your health and especially important in your body’s ability to detoxify unwanted substances like heavy metals, pesticide residues, or synthetic food additives. Instead, if you suspect that a potential connection between your consumption of high-methyl foods and any body odor issues (specifically those that may be described as having a “fish odor”), I recommend that you let a healthcare professional evaluate the health of your digestive tract and other body systems and try to determine whether you might benefit from dietary changes or other steps.
In principle, the most natural body odor should come from a body that is in its optimally healthy and most natural state. I believe that a whole, natural foods diet consisting of minimally processed, organically-grown foods produces optimal nourishment. I also believe that each person’s Healthiest Way of Eating should be individualized. A person’s health history and current health status are important considerations in this regard as is a way of eating that produces no adverse food reactions. If foods are not matched to a person’s metabolism, it’s unreasonable to expect those foods to support vitality and good health. Without vitality and good health, it seems equally unreasonable to expect natural body odor.
I’ve been asked about the possibility of body odor problems due to high dairy intake. If there was scientific research on dairy products and body odor (there isn’t any), I would not expect that research to show that dairy products produced unwanted body odor. Instead, I would expect a mixture of findings. For individuals well-matched to dairy products, with no allergic reactions or lactose intolerance, who consumed moderate dairy intake, I would expect perfectly acceptable body odor provided that the overall diet were balanced and nourishing. For individuals poorly matched to dairy products, including those who have lactose intolerance or allergic reactions (or those who have excessive dairy intake), I would expect a much more common finding of unwanted body odor. Individuals falling somewhere in between would be expected to have unwanted body odors some of the time, but in a less predictable way.
Remember that your body is always striving for optimal health and trying to eliminate all substances that might compromise your wellness. For this reason, unwanted body odors can sometimes be regarded as a natural process in your body’s elimination process, and not a reason for dietary, behavioral, or lifestyle change. However, routine body odors that seem offensive are most likely pointing in the direction of a needed change. If the needed change is dietary, I recommend consideration of your overall way of eating, with an emphasis on possible adverse food reactions, allergies, and intolerances. There should also be a focus on overall dietary balance, including food excesses, macronutrient excesses (such as too much fat or too many simple sugars), caloric excesses, and nutrient deficiencies
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Katie Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:51 am
Fascinating! I like the WHF updates; they seem fairly balanced. Thanks for sharing (I hadn’t read this one).
Katie
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Hooked on Tara’s Vintage Kitchen // Aug 31, 2009 at 10:35 am
[...] at This Lady Blogs (closet mini-makeover) 62. Emily@remodelingthislife (bathroom makeover) 63. Kitchen Stewardship (Homemade Natural Deodorant) 64. TidyMom (Blog Design Giveaway!) 65. Puna @ LifeSignatures 66. Erin’s Awesome Blog (Hooked [...]
All Things Eco Blog Carnival Volume Sixty Five | Focus Organic.com // Aug 31, 2009 at 12:47 pm
[...] presents Effective Homemade Deodorant: My Baby Steps Story posted at Kitchen [...]
This is my first time to your blog and I just have to comment…. I LOVE this post. I am going to try this myself. I make my own laundry detergent but never thought about this!!
My husband is going to roll his eyes at me. hehehe
Sara
http://www.ladybugsandlilypads.com
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I’m fascinated and intrigued. Definitely giving this a try!
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What is the cornstarch for, dryness? How did you come to that conclusion? I found another recipe for homemade deodorant that worked fairly well for me, just no cornstarch – http://www.marilynfarms.com/blog/my-favorite-deodorant.html
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Katie Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 am
Yes, dryness. I can’t even remember my source for that, I just know my mom and I were talking it over before I started mixing. The recipe I found uses both, but it’s so interesting that Cheeseslave uses only cornstarch and your recipe here only baking soda. Just goes to show that our make-ups are all unique, eh? Thanks for visiting!
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Just coming over from the MIFS carnival–amazing article and love the recipe. Couple of questions: where can a regular person get this coconut oil? You say you sweat–I just about drip!! None of the natural deodorants work for me. Have you had any other people try this? Finally, Florida heat. Any thoughts on that?
Again, loved this article. I finally broke down and bought a new stick of deodorant this week but I really want to try your recipe!
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Katie Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:30 am
You can often find coconut oil at a regular (large) grocery store like a Walmart or Publix, either with the oils in a jar like peanut butter or sometimes in the vitamins section. (?) Definitely would find it in a health foods store.
The site I got the recipe from has over 140 comments at the page, so definitely people are trying it!
re: Florida heat…Michigan’s weather hasn’t exactly been sweltering this summer, so I guess the only way to tell is to try it. Sorry I’m no help on that one!
Glad you stumbled on this post – thank you for the kind comments!
Katie
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This is to Becca– I’ve never had good luck with other natural deodorants; they really didn’t work at all for me, but this recipe really did; so far, without fail.
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Katie Reply:
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 am
Greta,
Awesome – thanks for the encouragement!
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Homemade Deodorant « A Green Spell // Sep 3, 2009 at 2:36 pm
[...] soda, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), and coconut oil. You can also find information on this here, at Kitchen Stewardship, where the Steward has experimented with this very [...]
Natural Deodorant « A Green Spell // Sep 3, 2009 at 2:37 pm
[...] soda, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), and coconut oil. You can also find information on this here, at Kitchen Stewardship, where the Steward has experimented with this very [...]
Sounds neat! How do you keep from getting an oil stain on your clothes?
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Katie Reply:
September 4th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Amy, I worried about that, too. I am famous for wrecking solid colored shirts by getting mysterious grease stains on them. The short of it is – it just doesn’t happen. I have no idea why (but I’m not complaining!). I am careful not to get the oil directly on a shirt, so maybe it just soaks into the skin quickly. Definitely no more risk of staining than regular antiperspirant, which does a fine job making white shirts yellow, you know?
Thanks for the question, Katie
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This is great, thanks!! My Soft & Dri seems to be giving out on me suddenly but I hadn’t embraced making my own because of time costs. This is easy enough, and I have the ingredients anyway! I guess in winter when my pits will be covered, I could even just powder on the baking soda/cornstarch.
Also, I know “real” deodorant can definitely make me smell worse! I used Secret Platinum for a while and the B.O. I had was awful and unlike odor I’d ever had at any other time.
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Thanks. Cornstarch/baking soda works for me. I also use baking soda to wash the squashed (yuk) bugs off the front grill of my car (also takes off tar, etc).
Any tips for itching scalp? I tried a vinager rinse but dosn’t work. Dr gave me strong shampoo which doesn’t work. Dr said it was “psoriasis” (he said he had it also … so much for modern medicine).
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Katie Reply:
September 25th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Roland,
My kids have really sensitive skin, too. I don’t know if this would work, but I think the first thing I would try without doing much research into the subject of psoriasis on the scalp would be a bit of coconut oil. Couldn’t hurt!
Best of luck, Katie
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I started using this bakingsoda/cornstarch mixture 2 months ago. I noticed that I also sweated less after about a week of use. I think its along the same thinking as the No-Poo theory. That if you leave your oil glands/sweat glands alone they work just fine on their own. I may try the coconut oil in the summer for extra anti-bacterial properties.
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How much coconut oil are you mixing in as compared to the equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch?
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Katie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
It ends up being about 5-6 Tbs w/ 1/4 cup or so each of bs and cs.
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Chris Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
So just to clarify:
5 to 6 tbsp of coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup corn starch
Is this correct?
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Hello! I’m reading some of your blog & have a few ideas to share. You can buy empty deodorant tubes then you don’t have to worry ‘bout the toxins from the original deod/antiperspirant. Another thing is the cornstarch. There’s now 5 items that are GM (genetically modified)- canola, soy, cotton, corn (CORNstarch), & now beet sugar. Best to get organic & be sure it says No GMO’s.
I’m on the Midwest side of Michigan btw.
ReinaRoelle
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A little update on the FAQ: “Does it stain your clothes?” I did get a stain on a Christmas blouse made of synthetic silky material, but that’s the first one I’ve noticed. I would recommend taking care with such materials and maybe other bold, solid colors. I will now get in the habit of putting the deo on before the shirt and making sure it’s soaked in better before letting the shirt touch my skin. Ultimately, it’s not much different than the yellow antiperspirant stains on white shirts or the powdery deo marks on black shirts!
Katie
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so, anyone had any luck converting their husbands to this??? Will it work for our men? Any men out there willing to try?
Trina´s last blog ..Buffet Display
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Katie Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Trina,
My source’s hubs uses it, and I think if you scan the comments, Vin @ Natural Bias tried it too!
Katie
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Becky Reply:
February 11th, 2010 at 2:41 am
Do you have any ideas for creating a more masculine scent? My boy thinks the coconut oil is too girly, but he’d like to try it. I wasn’t sure if there were any essential oils or other methods I could use to make it smell more manly?
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Sustainable Eats Reply:
February 11th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Becky – try lime or some conifer. Good post Katie, I’ve been making mine with vodka but I like the coconut oil idea. I’ll have to give it a try. One other thing that works but not local so I scrapped was rubbing with a cut lemon. Changing the ph manages everything amazingly enough.
Sustainable Eats´s last blog ..Do it Yourself Cleaners – for the house and for you
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I’ve been using deodorant like this for a while now — with the coconut oil and everything. Over this past summer, I stopped because I was living with a roommate who wasn’t into having my stick in the fridge and then it melted all over the place… I just went back to it and I forgot how much I missed it. I used Alba Botanica Lavender and Lichen and it worked ok, but the smell was not nearly as nice as the straight up coconut oil with some lavender essential oil in it.
My only complaint is that mine tends to shed little bits all over the floor, so now that my current stick is just about dead, I’m looking for a new recipe to try.
Keep it up– I love your site so far (just found it!). I’ve been trying for the past year or so to take my own small steps, and your site is inspiring me further!
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Katie Reply:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Allison,
Katie
Glad to have you here! Try different amounts of the baking soda/cornstarch, or maybe just let it sit on your ‘pit a moment before moving it to avoid the little sheds.
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I printed this recipe out and I’m gonna try it. For years I tried several “Natural Deo” on the market and none of them worked, except the ‘Crystal deodorant’, it comes in a stick form, wet it and apply. We really do like it, except that you do sweat (which is a good thing) but there is no odor when applied after each shower (clean pits only). Its inexpensive and lasts for 1-2 years.
I do like the idea of making things myself, so thank you for the recipe.
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Effective Natural Deodorant « The Simple Life « At Home With KARE // Feb 23, 2010 at 8:15 pm
[...] those of you who prefer, there is a link here with instructions on how to put it into an old deodorant [...]
Oooh, I’ve been looking for more ideas on deodorant. By the way, your idea of putting it into the used roll on is fantastic–I bet I could get my husband to use it if I did that. . .maybe.
Simple in France´s last blog ..6 ways to keep a job you hate from ruining your life!
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