I love that I could be having the worst hair day, wearing a holey sweater with a fresh coffee spill, and have yesterday’s mascara generously smudged under my eyes and yet my redeeming quality, without fail, is that I still smell INCREDIBLE.
Why?
Because I’ve become a mad scientist when it comes to making my own homemade deodorant. Once I got the hang of it, I had one in every handbag, an emergency stash in my car, and enough in the cupboard for each loved one’s next birthday gift.
While there are many tried and true ways to make your own natural homemade deodorant, the inclusion of beeswax is the common factor. With a quick glance at this miracle ingredient's health and skincare accolades, there's no mystery as to why.
Natural wax is a bee byproduct that soothes, moisturizes, and heals the skin. The naturally anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and hypoallergenic wax keeps irritation and odor at bay by creating a protective layer on the skin that guards against sweat and environmental stresses.
I spoke about this when I was reviewing my favorite natural deodorants but natural deodorant newbies need to brace for an acclimation process whereby the body detoxes from toxins (such as the aluminum you find in commercial, store-bought deodorants). While it's a bit of an awkward phase, it's manageable not to mention well worth switching over to natural ingredients that are good for you and our dear planet.
I couldn't help but notice that, when researching homemade deodorant methods, a lot of recipe ratings complained about the inclusion of baking soda. While the powder's texture can be annoying, it's essential for the odor-busting element of the recipe. I found that making sure to carefully stir in and combine my ingredients made for a smoother, grit-free consistency.
I've put together my go-to natural homemade deodorant recipe and left room for you to personalize it with your favorite scents through your choice of essential oils.
Before I get stuck into this natural deodorant recipe, I'd like to remind dear readers that essential oils are intended to create a wonderful scent but can also be used to boost mental and physical health. I suggest researching various oils and finding an oil/combination that will have you smelling as good as you feel!
Turn your boiler onto a low setting and add the solid ingredients (beeswax, coconut oil, hydrating butter/oil, essential oil) to your pot. Be sure to stir occasionally and melt until well combined and the scent is heavily clouding the air.
N.B. When you add essential oils, do a drip test first. Some essential oils drip really quickly and you might end up adding 20 drops instead of two in the blink of an eye- been there, done that, smelt like a patchouli factory for two months straight.
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ingredient making sure to stir briskly until everything is completely melted. We're looking to have the cornstarch/arrowroot act as a thickening while the baking soda is evenly distributed to avoid a scratchy/powdery end result.
Allow the mixture to cool but not for so long that it sets. Set a timer for fifteen minutes and then return to fill your storage device of choice with your new DIY deodorant.
Keep the lid off and allow the mixture to set completely until it is solid (but still malleable) to the touch. Once it has completely cooled, you can add the lid, and voila: your homemade deodorant is ready for action.
Beeswax is an excellent addition to your natural deodorant recipe because of its many skin benefits. The naturally hypoallergenic, antifungal, and antibacterial ingredient also works to moisturize the skin while creating a protective barrier. It is an excellent substitute for the more harmful, toxic ingredients found in commercial deodorants
Though beeswax is a crucial ingredient in making natural homemade deodorant, a little goes a long way. The wax is very thick and you only need two tablespoons to make a single deodorant serving.
Making my own deodorant has become a therapeutic practice that I look forward to. I love that you just need a few natural, simple ingredients, little prep time, and imagination when it comes to deodorant containers and there you have it, an odor-busting, planet-loving natural homemade deodorant.
Recipes like this can help you level up your zero-waste game and, fair warning, can become wildly addictive. DIY experiments don't always work - and everyone's body is different - but there's no harm in trying! If it isn't a wild success, at least you have my eco-friendly deodorant picks to fall back on.
While homemade deodorant is an excellent starting point, I encourage you to explore the wonderful world of tutorials and courses that can help you reduce waste, upskill, and create natural products tailored to your preferences from the comforts of your own home.
For example, you might enjoy my guide to creating a natural shampoo and conditioner.
Smell you later! (I did not just say that...)