How to Make Your Own Deodorant
I've made a big step on my way to Crunchtown. I made my own deodorant. Yep, you read that right. Homemade deodorant. Sounds disgusting right? And why on Earth would someone even want to make their own in the first place? Here's why. And here, and here, and here, and here. And if you are not a scientist, check this out. Or this. And this too.
So if all that stuff in regular antiperspirant/deodorants is so bad, what's a modern hippie girl to do? Grow her pits out and just stink to high Heaven? That might be fine if you are, say, going to be on Survivor. Or doing an independent research study in the jungles of Brazil. But that's not going to cut it in civilized society. At least not in hyperosmic USA.
Mommypotamus posted a recipe on Facebook for an all-natural deodorant that really works. I mean really, really works. I was skeptical, but decided what the hey, I should at least give it a try. I mean she touts it as being a "Man-Smell Killer" even in Texas, which we all know is basically the equivalent of living on the sun.
So I made it.
Make Your Own Deodorant
Recipe adapted from Mommypotamus' "Man-Smell Killer Homemade Deodorant":
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You will need:
Baking Soda
Arrowroot powder or cornstarch
Coconut oil
Your favorite essential oils for fragrance (optional)
1. Mix equal amounts of aluminum-free baking soda and arrowroot powder or GMO-free cornstarch. For this batch I used an entire Arm & Hammer box (approximately 1.75 cups) and the same amount of arrowroot starch (Bob's Red Mill). I recommend using half as much of both.
2. Mix with coconut oil until moist and store in a jar. (I used an entire 14 oz jar of Spectrum Organic, Refined although next time I'll get one that's unrefined, cold-pressed, organic, and extra virgin- like Nutiva brand - that's the healthiest kind of coconut oil for any application (cosmetic or food).
Optional:Add a few drops of your favorite smelling essential oil. I used a few drops of geranium and a few drops of peppermint. Because that's what I had at home at the time. The combo is actually quite pleasant. I think I'll try orange or lemongrass next time; I love anything citrus smelling.
That's it! I put the finished product into an old deodorant applicator, and put the rest into the glass coconut jar, as well as one and 1/2 small mason jars. I certainly have enough to last me for a very long time.
So does it work? My homemade deodorant works insanely well. Like better than even the Secret Clinical Strength that I was previously using did. I'm still shocked. I can put it on early in the morning and it will last me the entire day. Through normal running around at work, through mowing the lawn after work, and even through my evening cardio workout. Not even a hint of man coming from these pits. And I'm not a girl who is afraid to sweat it out.
Let's hear it for modern crunch. And not smelling like a dude.
