Coconut Oil Deodorant

Deodorant has always been a commodity that I purchased at the store and never really thought twice about what chemicals were actually in it.  I read several articles about the ingredients found in deodorant.  One such article was this one: Deodorant.

I have been a fan of coconut oil for quite a while, and have used it for so many different things, but now it is going to shine as the main ingredient of homemade deodorant! After seeing recipes for deodorant made at home, I knew that making deodorant was next on my to-do list.  I gathered the ingredients - which were only 5 - and got busy!

The ingredients for making this recipe of homemade deodorant were very simple: coconut oil, arrowroot powder, baking soda, cocoa butter and an essential oil. (You can also use shea butter for this recipe).

The first step in making the deodorant was to melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter.  I heated up about 1 cup water in a saucepan and placed a quart sized jar in the water, and added the coconut oil and cocoa butter.

This was so simple to do that it seemed it should have taken longer to make, but it really didn't take long at all!  After melting the oil and butter together, I removed the jar from heat, and stirred in the baking soda and arrowroot powder.  After they were mixed together well, I added in the essential oil, which was the Tuber Rose essential oil I received in my Homegrown Collection kit (which smells heavenly!)....

... and poured the entire mixture into this small 4 ounce jar, which was just the perfect size for this recipe.  This will last a long time, and so I just made one batch for now.  

A couple of things that I have noticed from using this deodorant are this:
-  As it cools, it really hardens up.  Especially when temps are cooler in your home, you will want to use a little wooden popsicle stick or a small spoon to scoop out a small amount to use, and apply it to your underarms with your fingers.
- You may need to apply it twice a day, as it will not keep you from perspiring, but will absorb the odor your sweat makes.

It is comforting to know you can use this deodorant knowing that no unknown chemicals or toxins will be entering your skin.  That - to me - is worth the little bit of extra work of making and using this homemade deodorant!

Here is the recipe if you'd like to print it out and try it yourself!

Coconut Oil Deodorant 

3 tablespoons coconut oil

2 tablespoons cocoa butter (or shea butter)

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

3 tablespoons baking soda

5-10 drops essential oil of choice

Simmer about 1 cup water in a small saucepan.  Place quart jar in center of saucepan and add coconut oil and cocoa butter to jar. Simmer gently until oil and butter is melted.  Remove jar from heat and add baking soda and arrowroot powder.  Once completely mixed, stir in essential oil. Pour into sterilized jar of choice, seal and cool.  I found that the Kerr Jelly Jar 4 oz worked perfectly for this recipe.