Make Your Own Natural Deodorant With Essential Oils
There are many home remedies that can be created using essential oils, from toothpaste to insect repellent. The antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties in most essential oils make them perfect for killing a variety of germs. The best part about using essential oils for any hygiene product is knowing that they are free from the chemicals that can be found in common health and beauty products.
The range of potentially harmful ingredients found in many health and beauty products today is staggering. Some studies have even questioned a possible link between breast cancer and the aluminum found in most commercial antiperspirants. More research is needed to provide a direct correlation, but many people are refusing to take the chance by choosing natural deodorants instead.
Start With Essential Oils
Most of the natural deodorants found on the market today can be very expensive. Making your own natural deodorant, however, is not only more cost efficient–it’s easy to do. All you need are some essential oils and a few common household ingredients.
Essential oils that work best in natural deodorants are:
- Bergamot – balances pH levels on the skin
- Cypress – naturally deodorizes
- Juniper – antibacterial and antifungal
- Lavender – fights bacteria and soothes the skin
- Neroli – balances pH levels on the skin
- Peppermint – fights bacteria
- Rosemary – fights bacteria and deodorizes
- Tea Tree – kills bacteria
- Clary Sage – reduces perspiration
Six DIY Recipes for Natural Deodorant With Essential Oils
Simple Baking Soda Deodorant
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops clary sage essential oil
- 1 drop tea tree essential oil
Using the microwave, melt the coconut oil in a small glass container. Use 10-second intervals to ensure the oil does not get overheated. By heating the oil until it melts ensures that the fatty acids responsible for making coconut oil antibacterial remain intact. You can also melt in a double boiler on very low heat.
Stir the baking soda and cornstarch into the melted oil. Add the essential oils and stir.
The mixture can be stored in a small container as long as it is covered. You can also pour the mixture into a recycled deodorant dispenser. As the ingredients cool, the mixture will become solid. Keep it at room temperature to avoid melting.
Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
- 1/3 cup unrefined coconut oil
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons baking soda (can reduce to 1 tablespoon based on sensitivity)
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Using the microwave, melt the coconut oil in a small glass container using 10-second intervals to ensure the oil does not get overheated. Heat the oil just until it is melted so it ensures that the fatty acids responsible for making coconut oil antibacterial remain intact. You can also melt in a double boiler on very low heat.
Stir the baking soda and cornstarch into the melted oil. Add the essential oil and stir.
You can pour the mixture into a recycled deodorant dispenser. As the ingredients cool, the mixture will become solid. Keep it at room temperature to avoid melting.
Natural Melt-Free Deodorant
½ cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon beeswax pellets or shaved beeswax
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup cornstarch
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops Neroli essential oil
2 drops rosemary essential oil
Using the microwave, melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a small glass container. Use 10-second intervals to ensure the oil does not get overheated. You can also melt it in a double boiler on very low heat. Once the oil is melted and the beeswax is very soft, stir until the beeswax melts.
Then stir the baking soda and cornstarch into the melted oil. Add the essential oils and stir.
Pour the mixture into a jar or recycled deodorant dispenser. Thanks to the beeswax, the mixture should remain stable without the need to keep in the refrigerator. Perfect for summertime use.
Simple, Baking-Soda-Free Recipes for Natural Deodorant
Carrier Oil Solution
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as grapeseed or almond)
- 1 drop cypress essential oil
- 1 drop bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop tea tree essential oil
Mix the carrier oil and essential oils together in a small container. Apply to underarms with fingertips or a cotton ball. Keep covered, and store in a cool place.
Vinegar Solution
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider or white vinegar
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop juniper essential oil
Mix all ingredients together in a small container. Apply to underarms with a cotton ball. Keep covered and store in a cool place.
Tea Tree Solution
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz.) water
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
Mix all ingredients together in a small container. Apply to underarms with a cotton ball. Keep covered, and store in a cool place.