A natural deodorant is an excellent way to cut down on plastic waste and reduce your exposure to synthetic chemicals used in many store-bought deodorant products.

Natural deodorants are free from Aluminium, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, sodium laurel sulphate and parabens that can be harsh on your skin.

Why Make Your Own Natural Deodorant?

Making your own at home is simple to do, and customisable to suit your skin type and scent preference. Other reasons are:

Healthier for Your Skin

As you are in control of the ingredients you know it is free from harsh chemicals.

A natural deodorant won't completely stop you from sweating, which is an important natural bodily function, and it will allow your skin to breathe while keeping odours at bay.

Making the switch to a homemade deodorant generally reduces perspiration as your body naturally adjusts from store bought deodorants.

Eco-Friendly

From this simple act you are reducing your plastic packaging waste, and reliance on mass-produced goods and the environmental waste and impact created from the manufacturing process.

Cost-Effective

Home made deodorant is made from common household ingredients making it affordable and longer-lasting. You can make the batches as large or as small as needed.

Customisable

A wonderful benefit of making your own deodorant is being able to adjust the ingredients to suit sensitive skin or preferred scents.

Natural Deodorant Ingredients

The majority of ingredients used to make natural deodorant are in your pantry.

Common Natural Deodorant Ingredients and Their Benefit

• Coconut Oil - for its moisturising and antibacterial properties
• Bicarbonate Soda - to neutralise odour
• Cornflour or Arrowroot flour - to absorb moisture
• Essential oils - to add a preferred scent

Popular Natural Deodorant Ingredients

Three Natural Deodorant Recipes To Try

Homemade Deodorant Recipe One

Ingredients

• 1 part bicarb soda
• 6 parts cornflour or arrowroot flour

Instructions

1. Mix bicarb and flour in a reusable and resealable container.
2. Close the container and shake vigorously for about one minute to thoroughly mix the two powders.

How to Use and Store

1. Moisten underarms or apply straight after a shower. 
2. Pat a small amount on the skin of your armpits with a soft cloth, or a reusable cotton pad.
3. Store the container in the bathroom.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe Two

Ingredients

• ½ cup bicarb soda
• ½ cup cornflour or arrowroot powder
• A few drops of tea tree oil
• 2 whole bay leaves

Instructions

1. Mix bicarb, flour and essential oils in a reusable and resealable container.
2. Add the bay leaves, close the container and shake vigorously for about one minute to thoroughly mix all ingredients.

How to Use and Store

1. Moisten underarms, apply straight after a shower. 
2. Pat on your underarm skin with a reusable wipe or sprinkle on a wet washcloth.
3. Store the container in the bathroom.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe Three

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup bicarb soda
• ¼ cup cornflour or arrowroot powder
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ tsp essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. If the coconut oil is solid melt it over low heat until it has liquified.
2. Remove the coconut oil from the heat and mix in the flour and baking soda until it has a smooth consistency.
   
3. If using add your essential oil(s) and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a small jar or an empty deodorant container.
5. It is ready for use when cool and solidified.

How to Use and Store

1. Apply a small amount with your fingers or a deodorant stick to your underarm skin.
2. Store in a cool, dry place. If your home is warm or it is too runny, refrigerate to keep it solid.

How to Customise Your DIY Natural Deodorant Tips

There are a few reasons why you would customise your deodorant recipe.

Sensitive Skin

Your skin has reacted to an ingredient. Some people can create a skin irritation if too much bicarbonate soda is used continuously. In this instance reduce the bicarb and increase the ratio of cornflour or arrowroot flour to the mix.

Extra Odour Protection

Some people find they need more protection against odour for many reasons. Add a teaspoon of bentonite clay or activated charcoal powder to the deodorant ingredients and mix in with the other dry ingredients.

Creamier Texture

To achieve a creamier texture with the third recipe mix a small amount of shea butter and increase the amount to your desired consistency and texture.

Transitioning to Natural Deodorant

Be prepared for your body to take a week or two to adjust to natural deodorant, as it detoxes from synthetic antiperspirants.

During this period, drink plenty of water and exfoliate your underarms to assist with the detoxification process.

What Ingredients and Recipes Do You use?

We would love you to sure your go to ingredients and inexperiences with using Natural Deodorant in the comments below.