As some of you may know, I’ve been venturing into some fun little crafty projects in my nesting phase.
Some of these have just been fun crafts {which I hope to post to the blog soon…}
But others have been really practical. Like this one.
I’ve been putting it off for about 4 months, but this weekend, after an almost 3 mile long walk that we hoped would encourage this “overdue” baby to make her way out of my belly & into our arms…
There was just something in the air that reminded me that I really ought to get around to this project. 😉
Homemade Deodorant: The Story
{The “Why?”}
When I first came across recipes for homemade deodorant & decided I wanted to do it, I knew that we aren’t the type to rub our fingers in a jar & then onto our armpits. I knew there would HAVE to be a “stick” solution for us.
Part of my procrastination is that I’ve been waiting for a deodorant container to become available in our house… Which, I realized this weekend, would never happen since we haven’t been using any of the ones we have for quite some time because of all the chemicals. SO, I just emptied out one that had been partially used {a Dove container} & thoroughly cleaned it.
Unfortunately, I didn’t pay close attention. So I went through the process of making it & came back to use it the next day only to discover that it wouldn’t roll/slide up because I’d thrown away the very instrumental plastic portion that serves as a push-up for the bar.
To make matters worse, after throwing the deodorant bar away, I’d noticed how full our trash was getting so I *politely asked* my husband to empty the garbage cans.
I was incredibly disappointed to discover that my first attempt was unsuccessful, and started thinking about how I’d waited so many months to FINALLY empty that one container, & now what? I was to go & buy one just to empty it???
THEN… We had an out of town guest this weekend {who had planned to come & meet our little one} who just happened to finish his deodorant container & leave it in our bathroom this morning.
{One man’s trash is another man’s.. or rather, pregnant nesting woman’s… treasure. Right?}
So I set to work once more.
This time I took photos as I went.
Homemade Deodorant: The Recipe
{The “How”}
I must give props: the “recipe” comes from my friend Jillian.
Please note: this is not an antiperspirant, merely deodorant.
You will sweat if you’re a sweater.
BUT… You will not stink.
Ingredients:
+ 6 {ish} tablespoons of Coconut Oil
+ 1/4 cup of Baking Soda
+ 1/4 cup of Arrowroot Powder
{I have been told you don’t necessarily need the Arrowroot,
in which case I would use more baking soda, for thickness.}
+ A container for storing the deodorant
Step 1:
Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot.
Step 2:
Slowly add coconut oil.
{Mine was pretty solid, so I warmed it a little before mixing.}
It should maintain a firm but pliable texture & should be able to spread easily.
If it is too wet/thin, add further arrowroot to thicken.
{Optionally, if you’re feeling EXTRA crafty, or if you’re doing this project with children, decorate your container.. Make it your own. I do recommend doing this BEFORE you fill the container, or once it’s completely hardened in the fridge.}
Step 3:
Scoop it into an EMPTY, CLEAN, DRY container.
NOTE: If you’re using an old deodorant container, make sure it can be refilled & reused easily: keep the plastic piece to pour the mixture over so it will roll back up, & make sure to roll it all the way down before pouring/scooping in your mixture.
{Optional: Step 4:}
Once container is filled, refrigerate to solidify & then remove for use after a few hours.
If it gets too warm in your home in different seasons, you may store the container in the fridge, or refrigerate as necessary to harden it.
How much?
This recipe makes about 1 cup.
It fit perfectly into my empty deodorant container with a little bit leftover that I refrigerated for refilling later.
How long does it last?
One recipe should last one person several months.
One dose of deodorant should vary by person.
Scent?
It’s got a VERY mild coconut scent from our coconut oil – our coconut oil smells strongly of coconut, some do not. You can, of course, add essential oils for scent if you want more scent: a few drops of Tea Tree Oil, Grapefruit, Lavender, etc.
I have gotten a chance to test out the deodorant & it’s 2 days strong with no stinking, whatsoever!
Happy homemaking!
Added tip: I keep mine in the refrigerator, that way it’s cool when I put it on, and it stays solid like the deodorant I’m used to using.
*** 4 months later, John & I have used this deodorant daily. We just finished our first batch & I’m making another. We love it. Sticking to the same recipe. ***
