Chemical-free deodorants use baking soda and coconut oil.
Tired of wasting money on store-bought deodorants and antiperspirants that don’t work and stain your clothes? There are a few simple – and ridiculously cheap – alternatives.
Easy Baking Soda Deodorant
Baking soda is a simple way to replace store-bought deodorants. It works perfectly and is both simple and effective. This trick may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with sensitive skin. Straight baking soda can irritate or discolor your skin. If this persists after a week or two, try one of the other DIY deodorants listed below.
You only need a washcloth and baking soda.
What to Do
Apply a small amount of baking soda to your underarms using a damp washcloth. It will keep you energized throughout the day! If a dry application is preferred, apply with a duster or brush.
Tip: Applying baking soda right after shaving may cause irritation. To combat this, many people have found that applying a small amount of coconut oil before baking soda works perfectly.
Why This Works
Baking soda absorbs perspiration and neutralizes odors.
Simple Scented Baking Soda Deodorant
Mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch (for shelf stability) and add a few drops of essential oil or a handful of dried flowers to make a scented deodorant (lavender is nice). Keep it in an airtight container.
Coconut Oil Deodorant
If a powdered deodorant does not appeal to you, or if baking soda causes you to break out, this coconut oil deodorant is an excellent alternative. It takes a little more planning, but it works! This homemade deodorant will yield a soft bar that can be applied to your underarms on a daily basis. For easy application, fill a small jar or refill an empty deodorant container.
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 4 Tablespoons baking soda
- 4 Tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch
- Essential oils (optional)
Directions
- Use an old bowl and a fork or spoon to mix baking soda and cornstarch (or arrowroot).
- Add coconut oil and mash until mixed well.
- Add essential oils a drop at a time until you have a fragrance you enjoy.
- Place in a small jar or deodorant container and refrigerate for a few hours until set.
How to ‘Fix’ Store-Bought “Natural” Deodorants
Natural deodorants are a fantastic idea. Because of health concerns, many people are attempting to avoid the chemicals found in antiperspirants. Add to that the fact that aluminum can turn the armpits of light-colored shirts a nasty yellow, and you have to question your deodorant choice!
However, the vast majority of “all-natural” deodorants on the market are disappointing. Many consumers have tried a variety of natural deodorants only to discover that they do not work! When embarrassing body odor begins to creep in after lunch, those promises of “24-hour protection” become meaningless.
Finding that one chemical-free deodorant that works with your body chemistry can be expensive (and time-consuming). What can you do with those half-used natural deodorants that have accumulated on your bathroom shelf? Baking soda is frequently used to repair them!
Adding baking soda to a ready-made deodorant can make a significant difference. It’s very simple and can save you from throwing away something useful (which you paid good money for). The procedure is similar to that of the coconut oil deodorant above, except that you will start with a lump of ‘deodorant’ as the base.
- Roll out and remove the remaining deodorant you purchased.
- Mash the deodorant in a bowl with an old fork or spoon.
- Add at least 3 tablespoons of baking soda and mix well.
- If you like, add 1-2 tablespoons each of coconut oil and cornstarch to enhance the deodorant even more.
- Adding fragrance via essential oils is also an option.
- When everything is mixed and you have a good consistency – not too hard or too soft – pack your improved deodorant back into the container.
- Refrigerate for a few hours so it hardens. Apply as usual.
The Benefits of Using Baking Soda Deodorant
- Inexpensive.
- No harsh chemicals.
- Fragrance- and alcohol-free.
- Neutralizes odors, rather than covering them up.