February 2, 2009
By Jessica Forbes MS, CCNI tend to travel a lot for conferences and have gradually realized that nothing makes me thankful for deodorant like running through the airport at top speed while dragging a carry-on behind me in order to make a connecting flight, and then having to catch my breath on a plane while sitting in a seat that is way too close to my fellow passenger.
Most “normal” deodorants contain aluminum and other scary ingredients, so over the years I have weaned myself from them and opted for more natural deodorants to help lower my overall lifetime exposure to chemicals. One of my favorites has been the liquid spray deodorant made by Weleda. The recipe for my knock-off homemade version is below:
2/3 cup rubbing alcohol
1/3 cup purified water
10 drops essential oil, whichever scent you prefer. I usually use a combination of jasmine, citrus, and peppermint.
Combine all ingredients in a glass jar, cover, and shake well. Pour into small spray pump bottles for use (these can be purchased at most drug stores). Will keep indefinitely if stored at room temp or cooler.
Please note that you may go through a “stinky” period while transitioning from normal to natural deodorant, but trust me – this too shall pass. If any of you out there have found recipes for homemade deodorants that you like please post them in the comments section!
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This is great! We had talked about this – I will have to try it out!
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Comment by Saralyn — February 3, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
Here’s another great deodorant that works like a charm. Use just a very small amount of coconut oil (about half the size of a pea or less) under your arm and dust with baking soda this will (no kidding ) last all day! Also if you already have body odor and you need a quick fix this will eliminate the odor completely until you are able to shower.
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Jessica Forbes Reply:
February 27th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Thanks for the info! I sometimes order the cream deodorant from Lush, which is very expensive but very effective – when I read the ingredients after reading your post I realized it is basically shea butter and baking soda! Your recipe may be a cheaper version of this! Thanks again!
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PhitZone Reply:
March 27th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Oh I like this one. I just found out that the commercial stuff that I’ve been buying is pretty toxic. This natural version should do just the trick. Thank you!
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Comment by Annie — February 23, 2009 @ 9:35 am
Hi Diana,
Thanks for your question! Rubbing alcohol is definitely toxic if ingested, but when applied to the skin only a small amount would be absorbed. When compared to regular deodorant, the toxicity involved would minimal.
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Comment by Jessica Forbes — February 27, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
I mix equal parts baking soda and corn starch, add three or four drops of tea tree oil, a couple of drops of lavender or peppermint oil (not much) and then mix in just enough olive oil to make a paste. It needs to be stiff but spreadable. It works surprisingly well. I did experience a little sensitivity maybe a month into using this, but it went away. I store it in a small covered pyrex container in my bathroom.
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Comment by Kelly — March 6, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Is it possible to make this into a spray somehow? Seems like it would be easier to apply if it was in some sort of spray bottle.
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Comment by Jeremy — August 31, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
I recently discovered a recipe similar to what Kelly mentions but with arrowroot powder and aluminum free baking soda. I found this online on a homemaking site. I used tea tree and peppermint (a little of both) lavender would be great to. I had some sensitivity after the first day that lasted almost a week. A red rash too. only about one stinky day. But I was SICK of other deodorants. and wanted to get cleaner, healthier. I had been using Dove for a long time and that was not working effectively anymore. others give me rashes too. and never cared for crystal . I LOVE this deodorant i made. equal parts arrowroot powder and baking soda. few drops of EO’s. mixed with COCONUT OIL. when oil is more solid but maleable with spoon. kept in a short wide mason jar with a plastic lid. it looks like deodorant and will melt into your underarms. it’s pretty awesome! LO
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Comment by Jessie — July 11, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
I spent a lot of time sailing, and found that common salt water worked as well as any deodorant…I know that health food stores sell rock salt for that purpose.
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Comment by Charley Dole — December 16, 2010 @ 10:43 pm