DIY Deodorant - Your pits will thank you!

I'm beginning to think I have a social anxiety thing going on. When I run out of things, I just make more instead of going to the store. I'm beginning to loathe even the idea of going to town to buy something...but that's not what this is all about. A few years ago I started making my own deodorant because my children were to that age where they wanted to start wearing it and I didn't trust all the ingredients in store bought, mass produced versions. I've tried many recipes over the years and this is what I feel works best without irritating tender skin. I highly encourage you to try this recipe for your children and yourself, but ESPECIALLY if you are breast feeding because you don't need extra chemicals getting close to baby's food supply or your lymph nodes for that matter).


Here's what you need:

**A small mason jar or several small plastic containers with lids (example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GNOHBLM?psc=1 )

**tablespoon for measuring (needs to be plastic or silicone - do not use metal)

**a plastic spoon and/or a chopstick

**2T Bentonite Clay

**5T Arrowroot Powder

**1T Baking Soda

**6T Coconut Oil

optional: 12 drop essential oils


Please note: some people use more baking soda and less arrowroot powder. I have sensitive skin and prefer no baking soda or very little baking soda which is why I use this particular ratio.


Here's what you do:

1) Melt your coconut oil (not in the microwave)
**I use a double boiler, but in the summer I can just use hot tap water and stir the coconut oil until it's liquefied

2) Measure all your dry ingredients into your jar (if using several smaller containers, do your mixing in a bowl with a pour spout - again, not metal) and mix mix mix using your plastic spoon or chopstick

3) Add the liquid coconut oil and stir until it's thoroughly mixed together

4) Add your essential oils (feel free to use less than 12 drops, but I wouldn't use more)
**Some suggested combinations: ylang ylang with frankincense, cedarwood with tea tree and patchouli, lavender alone or with rosemary, vanilla with brown sugar

5) Stir the essential oils in completely then let solidify (if you are impatient, you can use the refrigerator to speed along the process)


When you start using this type of deodorant, it's a little different since most of us aren't accustomed to applying our deodorant with our finger tips. You just use your fingers to scoop some of the semi-solid deodorant into your hand and then smooth it on your pits. Rub it in thoroughly and don't use too much. As long as it's rubbed in well, you won't have problems with stains on your clothing and you shouldn't have any smell problems. Enjoy!

If you try this recipe - please leave your comments and let others know what you think. Thanks!

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 8, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, taking the ordinary and giving it a little extra (making it extraordinary), blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff right here at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

Follow Crystal on goodreads, ezine articles, instagram, youtube, facebook, linkedin, or twitter - @iamagemcrystal!