Natural Deodorant Recipe –That Works Like Magic!

One of the first things I created when I started learning how to make natural cosmetics was deodorant.

I was so excited when I discovered how simple it is to create a basic daily product that usually at the pharms contains a lot of toxins in its common version.

Since then, about 5 years have passed, and I always, always use this one deodorant—effective, pleasant to use, and toxin-free. And more than it's effectivness, it also nourishes and renews the skin.

So let’s start from the beginning: why is it not advisable to use non-natural deodorant?

Let’s talk about the ingredients.

A standard deodorant, which is an antiperspirant, works by preventing sweating. And what's wrong with that?

Sweating is meant for detoxifying and releasing toxins that accumulate in our bodies constantly. Toxins come from many sources, and not all can be completely avoided. The body, through sweating, cleanses them. The same goes for all other bodily fluids—they are meant to detoxify the body, and their role is crucial for healthy bodily function!

The primary ingredient in deodorants that prevents sweating is Aluminium Zirconium—aluminum.

Aluminum is considered toxic to the nervous system and can cause inflammatory reactions and skin irritation due to pore closure and its impact on the body.

These aluminum compounds are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream (like any ingredient applied to our skin) and can even cause changes in estrogen receptors in breast cells—potentially leading to breast cancer.

Moreover, most deodorants also contain chemical and artificial fragrances that harm the hormonal system, alcohol, and strong preservatives—parabens and formaldehydes, which are also toxic and potentially carcinogenic at certain concentrations.

So, after understanding how harmful and toxic deodorant can be for our body—what can we do now?

We can switch to using deodorants made from only natural ingredients—they are affordable, accessible, and best of all, we can learn how to make them ourselves :)

Natural deodorants are usually composed of shea butter and coconut oil as a base, with baking soda as the active ingredient.

Its effect is to balance the acidity in the armpit. By making the environment more alkaline, it prevents the growth of bacteria (which thrive in acidic environments)—bacteria that are actually responsible for the smell of sweat.

Cornstarch is also added to the mixture to create a more uniform and less greasy texture for the deodorant.

So, in my approach, and the way I go about most aspects of my life—I always strive to create things myself.

This empowers us to be authorities for ourselves and learn to be the creators of our lives.

Additionally, by doing things with our own hands, we learn to live a slower pace... and get to know the production processes of what we use—connecting more deeply to the things present in our lives.

So let’s understand the qualities of the ingredients we use and why they are so great for our bodies.

Organic Raw Shea Butter

Organic raw shea butter has healing and renewing qualities for the skin. It soothes irritated and sensitive skin, provides deep moisture, and renews skin cells.

It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties due to its components.

It contains various fatty acids:

• Linoleic

• Palmitic

• Stearic

• Oleic

All these fatty acids balance the skin’s natural oil production.

Vitamins A and E—antioxidants that encourage blood flow and healthy skin cell growth.

Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another key ingredient in our deodorant and has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The fatty acids in it nourish the skin and support cell renewal.

Cornstarch

Absorbs moisture and solidifies our deodorant effectively and naturally.

Baking Soda

It is the active ingredient, creating an alkaline environment and preventing odor.

Essential Oils

I generally like to add lavender, lemon & Tea tree, sometimes also Patchuli and Cedarwood. They have antibacterial qualities, theyr'e refreshing, soothe the skin, and have a wonderful scent.

Of course, you can swap in other scents you prefer :)

Ingredients for a Family-Sized Batch:

• 50g Organic Shea Butter

• 50g Organic Coconut Oil

• 50g Baking Soda

• 50g Cornstarch

• 7g Beeswax

• 20 drops Lavender Essential Oil

• 20 drops Lemon Essential Oil

• 10 drops Tea Tree Oil

Instructions:

1. Melt the Base:

• Heat the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler (water bath). Stir constantly until fully melted and combined.

• Be careful not to overheat to preserve the quality of the oils.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Once melted, remove from heat and add the baking soda. Stir until fully combined.

• Add the cornstarch and continue stirring for a few minutes until the mixture is uniform.

1. Blend Smoothly:

• Ensure that the baking soda is finely powdered to avoid a gritty texture. If needed, grind it in a blender or spice grinder.

1. Add Essential Oils:

• Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, add the essential oils and stir well.

1. Pour and Set:

• Pour the mixture into a medium glass jar and let it harden for a few hours.

Usage:

• Apply a small amount to your underarms. It effectively prevents odor without stopping the natural sweating process.

Storage:

• The deodorant lasts a long time (up to a year) and, as it contains no water, no preservatives are needed.

Tips:

• Customize your scent by adjusting the essential oils to your preference.

• If the mixture is too soft or hard, adjust the beeswax or coconut oil quantities as needed.

Enjoy your natural, effective deodorant! Let me know if you have any questions or if you've tried this recipe!

With love,

Yarden