Using a deodorant stick bought at the supermarket may be the easiest approach to minimizing sweat and underarm odor, but some people aren't convinced it's the safest. That's because most deodorants feature aluminum compounds -- the active ingredients that absorb sweat and suppress odor -- which some people believe can increase their risk for certain diseases, although the National Cancer Institute and the FDA say otherwise. It's possible to make deodorant out of a few simple ingredients. Created in the right proportions, a homemade natural deodorant can be just as effective as a store-bought one.
Step 1
Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
Step 2
Continue mixing the baking soda and cornstarch as you slowly add 5 to 6 tbsp. of coconut oil in liquid form. Coconut oil has a melting point of 76 degrees, so it doesn't take much heat to turn any solid coconut oil to liquid. You could heat it over a stove burner or hot plate, set it in the sunlight or set the closed container under warm running water for a few minutes. Continue mixing these ingredients with a spoon until all the coconut oil is fully mixed in and evenly dispersed.
Step 3
Fill an empty deodorant stick with the natural deodorant mixture, or store your new deodorant in a small container and apply it with your hands. If filling an empty stick, wind the deodorant stick platform back into the bottom of the container and fill the container from the bottom up, using a spoon to compress the deodorant to the bottom. This recipe will make about 5 oz. of natural deodorant.
Tips and Warnings
- Store your deodorant in a cool, dry place so that the coconut oil doesn't melt. Although the cornstarch and baking soda will help hold it together, coconut oil that has been melted for long periods of time could separate from the rest of the mixture. You can safely store your deodorant in the fridge -- as long as you remember to use it. The deodorant will still roll onto your skin evenly when applied.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
- Coconut oil
- Empty deodorant stick (optional)
- Spoon
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