More and more companies are offering natural, aluminum-free deodorants - but they tend to be quite costly! And as someone who has tested a lot of natural deodorants, not many have day-long staying power. For the past few years, I have been making this highly effective, natural deodorant at home while also saving considerable money. The ingredients themselves can be bought in natural food stores or online, and go a really long way. For baking soda, I really like Bob’s Red Mill’s aluminum-free option.

The shea butter and coconut oil are highly moisturizing, so you’ll have the softest pits in town! The coconut oil, baking soda and tea tree oil all combat the bacteria that can cause smelly armpits, while the lavender or grapefruit essential oils leave you smelling fresh. Although the beeswax pellets are not essential, they do help the deodorant solidify. If you are feeling extra fancy, you can use a mixer to whip the deodorant after it’s cooled to allow for a luxuriously light cream for your underarms :)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of shea butter
2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil
3 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
3 tablespoons of aluminum-free baking soda
2 tablespoons of arrowroot starch
10 drops of tea tree essential oil
15-20 drops of lavender or grapefruit essential oil

Method:

Measure out all ingredients ahead of time, especially the baking soda and arrowroot starch.
Bring 1/2 cup of water to a very gentle boil in a small saucepan. Place a heat-proof bowl over the saucepan and add the shea butter and coconut oil. When melted, add in the beeswax, stirring until all of the ingredients are liquid. Remove the bowl from heat.
Quickly add in the baking soda and arrowroot powder. Mix until well-combined. Add essential oils then pour into a 4-ounce mason jar. Allow deodorant to cool for 20 minutes then mix well again to ensure no ingredients settled at the bottom.
Use a small pea-sized amount daily in each arm pit. Re-apply as needed.

Source: based on recipe from www.livesimple.me

Courtney Rae Jones is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. She is also a Culinary Nutrition Expert having completed her certification in alternative & specialized diets through the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. She specializes in digestive health and balancing women’s reproductive hormones. Check out Courtney’s website at www.crjnutrition.com.

Easy Homemade Natural Deodorant - That Works!