Ok guys, this is not going to be a post about WHY you should stop using commercial, toxin-laden deodorants.

 

Hopefully you are here because you already know those are horrible for you, and you want to try something else! If this is news to you, just do a search and you will find a wealth of information.

Anyway, now that you know those deodorants and antiperspirants are awful, you need something to use that is actually good for you! There are quite a few options out there, but what I prefer is a homemade deodorant, and I'll show you how to make it.

I have tried several different natural deodorants, and this one works the best for me. You may need to tweak the recipe, since all our bodies are different and what works for one person, may not work for another.

Disclaimer: I am not known for my accurate measuring skills, and for making things the same every time. This is how I made it yesterday, but it tends to vary depending on what ingredients I have available, and how distracted I am...
 

So let's start off with our beeswax. Now, most recipes recommend doing this all in a double boiler, and if you have one, great! Feel free to use it! I do NOT have one, so I just use low heat on the stovetop.

Place beeswax into the pan over low heat and melt it. Now, we live in the south, and it gets hot here! Our house temperature is pretty warm on a regular basis, so even though the recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons, I usually round it up to 2 to make sure the stick stays firm enough to apply, even on really hot days.

I use beeswax pastilles that I find on Amazon for a good price. I buy them by the pound, since I use these in lotions and salves also.

After you have melted the wax, you need to add the oils. You basically need a half cup of whatever you choose. This time, I used half lard and half coconut oil. I like lard as a lotion because it seems to work better. I read that since the fatty acids in lard and tallow are closer to the oils produced in your skin, they are easier for your body to use than plant-based oils. You can use whatever mixture of oil you like, lard and coconut, like I mentioned, or others, like olive, tallow, avocado, grapeseed, almond, and any others that you like. Things like cocoa butter and shea butter can also be used as part of the oil mixture. Keep in mind the solidity of the oils you use. If you use coconut oil, (which solidifies at 70 degrees), and the butters, your end result will likely be thicker and you may need less wax. Likewise if you choose all liquid oils, you may want to add a little more beeswax to make sure it is solid enough to apply. Use your common sense! I'm sure you have plenty!

Once you have your 1/2 cup of oil mixture, add it to the beeswax and allow to melt. If not already liquid...

It doesn't have to be hot, just liquidy.

While the oils are melting, measure out 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of whichever powder you choose.
Some people like cornstarch because it is inexpensive and easy to find. Some people insist arrowroot powder is the best. Personally, I prefer the zinc oxide powder. I happen to have a big bag of it on hand anyway, to make sunscreen. Zinc is used in diaper ointment because it is soothing, so I figured it would be soothing on sweaty pits, and I was right.

Now comes the smelly-good part! You can add whichever essential oils you like!
There are different uses for different oils. I would suggest using some that are known for antibacterial purposes, (since odor is caused by bacteria), some that are soothing, and some that just smell lovely! (Or manly, whatever you're going for!)

Go ahead and add the oils to your powder mix. By the way, rose geranium smells AWESOME, and is a great insect repellent. Not that you have bugs in your armpits or anything, but, you know, for future reference...

Most recipes call for about 20 drops of EO's, but I don't really count. To be honest, I like my deodorant to smell NICE so I am probably adding in 30 or so...

Now it is time to whisk the powder into the liquefied oils! (You don't want the melted oil to be too hot, since heat can damage the properties of your essential oils.) Whisk it in there very well; you do not want lumpy deodorant!

Whisk it well! Don't be shy!

All that's left is to pour it into the desired containers!

You can put it into used deodorant containers, empty deodorant containers which you can buy online, or any old tub if you don't mind applying by hand. I like to pop it in the fridge when I am done so it can harden quickly, but if left at room temperature, it will harden on its own. That's it! This can be kept in the cabinet in the bathroom. Some people like keeping it in the refrigerator to keep it harder, but I feel that if it is not hard enough, why not just add some more beeswax? Although, I have to admit, putting on cold deodorant CAN be refreshing on a hot day... Haha!

I had three 2oz containers empty and ready to fill. This batch made enough for two and a half containers full, so approximately 5 oz.