Instant Homemade Deodorant

This recipe is an instant version of my previous homemade deodorant post and is now my preferred method. After all, my mission is "keeping it simple."

I had run out of homemade deodorant and hadn't found the chance to whip up a new batch, so I mixed up a small batch of equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda with a few drops of tea tree oil.....I don't really like using the deodorant this way because I would prefer not to stick my fingers or some other utensil in it to apply; I would just prefer to roll it on from a push up container....For some reason as I was showering, it dawned on me....Coconut oil is solid below 76 degrees....DUH! I was adding shea butter and beeswax to stiffen up a deodorant stick when my base ingredients were all I needed and the deodorant stick would be just fine. So here goes....

Yield: 1 deodorant stick (approx. 1 oz)

Cost per stick: $0.50 (Cost may vary. This is an approximation.)

Shelf Life: Indefinite, refrigeration is recommended in warm climate areas

Time: Less than a minute (about an hour or so before product stiffens)

Benefits: Cost effective, most or all ingredients are on-hand, safe for children (when necessary of course...and sometimes...it's necessary...LOL), safe & soothing to use after removing underarm hair using the sugar hair remover application

Materials:

2 tbsp baking soda (optionally substitute 1 tbsp for arrowroot but I prefer not to)

2 tbsp virgin coconut oil

5-10 drops of tea tree 100% essential oil (optional, but highly recommended for anti-bacterial properties)

Old deodorant mold, cleaned and thoroughly dried  OR small jar (see comments below)

Small stirring bowl (optional)

Measuring spoon (tbsp)

Pan (used only if your coconut oil is solid and needs melting)

Instructions:

1. Prep your mold by twisting the insert back down into the bottom of the container. 
2. Melt your coconut oil if solid. 
3. Depending on the shape of your mold you may pour the ingredients in and stir with the handle part of your measuring spoon, else use a small stirring bowl so that you can thoroughly mix the ingredients, then pour them into the mold.
4. Use immediately if necessary or cap it and refrigerate until solid.

Where to Buy:

Arrowroot Powder (also referred to as arrowroot flour/starch and can be used in cooking instead of cornstarch; much healthier alternative)

• Local grocer (near cornstarch and/or flour) - Usually Bob's Red Mill is the brand
• Bulk Herb Store
• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Amazon

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda or Bob Mills Baking Soda

• Any brand, any local grocer

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (any brand of virgin oil is fine)

• Most local grocers
• Walmart
• Amazon

Tea tree 100% essential oil (Any brand as long as it's 100% essential oil)

• Local whole food / health food stores
• Puritan's Pride
• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Many other online and local stores, tea tree essential oil is fairly easy to find

Deodorant mold:

• An used commercial deodorant mold works perfectly fine. A push-up mold may be easier to clean and can be found at one of the following places:
• Elements Bath & Body (twist up)

Comments:

If you prefer not to keep cosmetics in the refrigerator, you should ideally store the product in a small jar in scoop and apply as necessary. Be sure not to get any water in the jar.

CAUTION:

Coconut oil liquifies at temperatures higher than 76 degrees. If you travel with this product, I recommend putting it in its own baggie to ensure it does not leak onto other items in the event it exposed to high temperatures such as when left in a car.

Check out my list of products on my Products page here.