Hellooooo,
It is gettin’ hot-hot-hot outside! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been feeling a little less than fresh lately. I’ll be honest… I feel like a sweaty grease ball. I need to load up on the deodorant, but over the years, I’ve discovered the hard way that I do NOT react well to standard deodorants. I always break out with horrible rashes and get some not-so fun bumps (I’ll spare you the gruesome details). I’ve tried making the switch to natural brands, but they either don’t give me the sweat-wicking and odor protection that I need, or they’re way too expensive.
I recently started using a homemade deodorant paste and it’s been so great! After testing a recipe, I decided to mix up another batch to share with you all! This deodorant paste is free from parabens, aluminum, artificial fragrances, and other harmful or irritating chemicals in traditional deodorant. After using it for a few months, I haven’t had any sensitivities!
This recipe is for a lavender-grapefruit natural deodorant, although you can choose whichever scent you want! I’ve been on a lavender and grapefruit kick lately, so that’s what I chose to go with.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 c. coconut oil
- 1/4 c. corn starch
- 2 tbsp. baking soda
- 1 tbsp. bentonite clay
- 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Melt the coconut oil either over a double boiler or in the microwave. Once it’s melted, add in the corn starch, baking soda, and bentonite clay. Mix until everything is evenly combined, being sure to get ride of any clumps. You should be left with a light gray liquid.
Add in your preferred essential oils and stir again. As I mentioned earlier, I chose to use a combination of lavender and grapefruit, but you can use whatever scent combo that you like! Just be sure to add about 30 drops of essential oil.
Once the oil is mixed with the gray paste mixture, carefully pour the deodorant into a small jar. I used this 4 oz. amber pot, but had enough left over to fill a 2 oz. amber pot, and 3 small lip balm tubes (travel size deodorant, anyone?). Allow the deodorant to cool in the jar until it’s solid. To use, you can use a mini spatula, a spoon, or your finger to scoop out a little bit of paste to rub on your underarms.
Transitioning to a paste deodorant was a little strange at first, but it’s definitely a much better alternative to traditional deodorants, and natural deodorants that just don’t work.
Do you use a natural deodorant brand that works really well for you? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Naturally,
Ari
**This post does contain affiliate links that I may financially benefit from. The recipe, images, and thoughts are all my own.**
