Of most anything you could make yourself and go organic with your skincare routine, deodorant was high on my “no way, Jose” list. But…since I’ve had so much fun messing around in the kitchen trying other skincare recipes and remedies, I decided to give it a try. I tested this on a Saturday when I didn’t have to go anywhere, and figured if it didn’t work, I could always take a shower!

Making it was very easy: I used a mashup of a couple different recipes I’d found for homemade deodorant, and I’ll include my recipe below. Using a Pyrex glass measuring cup, I made a makeshift double boiler to melt my ingredients in and when I was done mixing, poured the concoction into a cleaned out deodorant container (the picture on this post is my actual final product). I also added a few drops of essential oils for fragrance and added deodorizing properties.

Why I chose the ingredients in my recipe:

• Coconut Oil: antibacterial protection. I’ve heard some people use just coconut oil as deodorant–it’s that good.
• Shea Butter: ulta-moisturizing.
• Baking Soda: odor-protection.
• Cornstarch: dryness.
• Essential Oil: antibacterial, antifungal, odor-stopping.

The only downside I’ve found has been that the deodorant melts easily, so I keep mine in the refrigerator to keep it solid, as it softens with body heat (I think next time I’ll use more beeswax). Amazingly, it lasts all day, and I have not had any issues with body odor or sweating! I even took it with me on vacation to Florida this week, and it held up against the heat and humidity (and through swimming) perfectly! (I carried it in the cooler during the drive down and kept it in the mini-fridge in the hotel room.)

I rate this recipe for odor protection 10 out of 10, and for wetness protection 8.5 out of 10. I challenge you guys to try it (or your own version of a deodorant recipe) and give those aluminum-based deodorants the boot!

With Good Things’ Homemade Deodorant Recipe

- 1 1/2 Tbsp. beeswax beads
- 4 Tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp. shea butter
- 4 tsp. cornstarch
- 4 tsp. baking soda
- 20 drops of essential oil (I used tea tree, lavender, and peppermint)
- 1 empty deodorant container

Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in your “double boiler” on low heat or in a saucepan on very low heat, stirring often. Add in shea butter and keep stirring until all is melted. Remove from heat and sprinkle in cornstarch and baking soda, stirring until smooth. Add drops of essential oil and allow mixture to cool slightly (you may place it in a cold water bath to speed up cooling process). Pour/spoon mixture into empty deodorant container and place in freezer for 20-30 minutes (or overnight in refrigerator) until completely solid.

Who out there is willing to give this a try?