DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant (i.e. “The Anti-Antiperspirant”)
Body DIY Natural DIY
Looking for a safe, natural deodorant that works? This DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant is a tried-and-true favorite among Body Unburdened readers. Not only does it stop odor naturally, but it contains an ingredient that actually helps to draw impurities from the skin. Plus, it’s so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
I’m a multitasker…
A check-my-email-while-brushing-my-teeth, cook-dinner-while-catching-up-on-Downton-Abbey type of gal.
Which is why when I finally bit the bullet and made a homemade deodorant, I decided to take it beyond all-natural and add a powerful detoxifying ingredient that actually pulls toxins from the skin.
Yes, it’s the anti-antiperspirant.
Oh, and it works. As in no odor and reduced sweat (no natural deodorants completely stop sweat).
Here’s what some Body Unburdened readers have had to say about the DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant over the years!
“I just wanted to tell you that my whole family loves this recipe. We live in Texas so it has gotten a thorough trial and works wonderfully not only on us gals but also my husband and boys.”
“I have tried many homemade deodorants and this is my favorite so far. I didn’t even have to reapply after working out!”
“I have a hard time using commercial deodorants because they irritate my skin, and the natural ones just don’t keep me smelling sweet. I mixed up some of this and love it. It works! Feels great on my skin, no irritation at all, and keeps me smelling sweet in our hot Missouri summers.”
Bentonite clay is the all-star of this homemade deodorant recipe.
It’s one of the most effective and powerful healing clays.
It has the amazing ability to attract and bind toxins and impurities.
For this reason, it’s popularly used as a detoxification agent
Bentonite clay also has a very fine velvet-like texture, is odorless and non-staining… which are all very important qualities for a deodorant! Clays also quickly and easily absorb moisture.
So let’s get to it!
DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant
DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant (i.e. “The Anti-Antiperspirant”)
Looking for a safe, natural deodorant that works? This DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant is a tried-and-true favorite among Body Unburdened readers. Not only does it stop odor naturally, but it contains an ingredient that actually helps to draw impurities from the skin.
Ingredients
- 6 tbs or 3 oz organic virgin coconut oil — a great natural antibacterial (If you notice the deodorant is at all flaky on the skin, you may add more coconut oil as needed.)
- 2 tbs baking soda — neutralizes pH and body odor
- 3 tbs arrowroot or organic cornstarch — absorbs perspiration
- 2 tbs bentonite clay — adds extra wetness protection by whisking away sweat, and pulls toxins from skin
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil (optional but highly suggested) — a potent antibacterial
Instructions
- Put the coconut oil in a large mixing bowl. If the oil is hard (since coconut oil has a melting point of 74°F, it may be solid or liquid depending on how warm or cool you keep your home), mash it with a fork to soften it a bit. Then add all of the other ingredients. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, consistent paste. Lastly, simply transfer your deodorant into a small jar.
- To apply, simply rub your finger on the top of the paste to warm it a little, and scoop out a small amount to rub on your underarm. The paste will “melt” (as coconut oil does) right into your skin and absorb rather quickly.
- The tea tree essential oil may be a bit overpowering while mixing everything, but has just the right amount of scent when applied to the underarms. Rosemary and lavender essential oils also have antibacterial properties and so could be used with or instead of tea tree oil.
Keywords: homemade deodorant recipe, DIY deodorant
Troubleshooting: Skin irritation from natural deodorants.
Baking soda can irritate the skin by throwing off its pH.
Baking soda has a more alkaline pH (8) while the skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic (5.5-6).
So if you experience irritation this DIY deodorant recipe or from any natural deodorant that contains baking soda, that’s the likely culprit.
You have a couple options:
- Rebalance your skin’s pH with apple cider vinegar. Make a mixture of 1 part ACV to 2 parts water, and dab it on your underarms with a cotton ball.
- Reduce or remove the baking soda from the recipe. While this may affect the effectiveness, you can certainly give it a go and see if the recipe works for you even without the baking soda.
Nadia, yes I am also irritated by cornstarch and arrowroot under the arms. I found a recipe for a deodorant without any starches or baking soda, but it doesn’t work for odor. I had made the baking soda recipe, and it is so effective except for the rash and irritation that lasts for 2-3 days after using. I am wanting to find out if there is any type of purified baking soda out there somewhere to try. I am getting desperate!!!
Hi, Wendi! No, I have never had a problem with this recipe leaving any residue. Just be sure to rub into well into the skin and let it dry for a minute or so before dressing.
I make my son’s deodorant (I don’t use deodorant, I just spray magnesium oil in my pits) and I thought of putting some clay in the recipe, but I thought it would leave a chalky residue in the pit or on the clothes. Have you experienced this at all?
Love this recipe. Works for me. 🙂
Hi, Trudy! I buy mine at a local store, but you can buy it online at Mountain Rose Herbs (http://bit.ly/11129d9) which distributes great quality products. And I totally know what you mean about vinegar triggering memories of dying Easter eggs LOL… I can’t clean my bathroom without thinking of it since I use a vinegar cleaner!
Hi, Kelli! I buy mine at a local store, but you can buy it online at Mountain Rose Herbs (http://bit.ly/11129d9) which distributes great quality products (I buy their loose teas in bulk!).
Where do you purchase your bentonite clay?
Where do you get your clay from? I’d LOVE to try this. Been using raw organic apple cider vinegar, which neutralizes the odor, but often leaves me smelling like freshly decorated Easter eggs—lol. So I’d love to have an alternative.
I’m currently using microbial silver deodorant. Might try looking into that.
I’ve been using a spray of filtered water and tea tree oil followed by coconut oil…I happen to have all of the ingredients for this-I will have to try it!
Sandy, I know what you mean! I gave this to my boyfriend but the baking soda gave him a huge red rash. I am going to try to make one without the baking soda. Now you have inspired me to get on it!! The cornstarch and arrowroot irritate you as well?
I was using just plain baking soda for years and suddenly it burns my skin. I can’t even use cornstarch now. I am desperate for a homemade deodorant that will work but not burn me. Every homemade recipe I have found calls for the baking soda and/or cornstarch or arrowroot.
Awesome! Do you use a coconut oil base as well or other ingredients? Bentonite clay is amazing. Please let me know how it goes!
i already make my own but the clay makes sense will try this mixture thanks