Deodorant Recipe

Recently, there was some press about parabens being found in breast tissue of people with breast cancer. While they did not include results of tissue samples of cancer-free people, the fact that parabens were found at all is another reason to avoid commercial deodorants.

I tried several different types of natural deodorants from Tom’s of Maine, to crystal deodorant sticks, but I still felt sticky and stinky. I then tried a product made by a woman out of her home, and I LOVED it. It was the first thing that worked. While I loved it, I didn’t like the high price, and decided to make my own.

Here is my current recipe for deodorant. I buy either deodorant tubes or glass containers to keep the deodorant, and make batches as needed. I am still perfecting the recipe. My first had to much baking soda and was scratchy. The second was a great texture, but a little too hard, so I need to cut back on the beeswax next time. There are many great recipes out there on the web, so you just have to play around and until you find a recipe that works for you.

• • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1-2 tbsp beeswax
  • 2 tbsp shea butter
  • a little less than 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
  • 10 drops tea tree oil
  • 20 drops essential oil of choice (for scent)
  • Vitamin E (a squirt or 2 capsules pierced and squeezed)

Makes 2 large deodorant sticks or several small ounce containers.

Directions: Melt beeswax in a double boiler. I use 1 tbsp if I am making containers that you will have to apply with your fingers, and 2 tbsp for a deodorant stick. If your climate is cold, use less beeswax, warm, more beeswax. I am in Ohio, so the temperature in my home fluctuates by season, and I adjust the beeswax content accordingly.

Once beeswax is nearly melted, add shea butter and coconut oil and melt. Once melted, remove from heat and quickly whisk in arrowroot powder and baking soda. When smooth, mix in Vitamin E and essential oils.

Immediately pour in containers and allow to cool before putting the tops on.