Save Your Deodorant Dollars: Tip-of-the-Day #155

DIY: MAKE YOUR OWN DEODORANT

Is homemade deodorant taking frugality to extremes? I don't think so. I think it simply appeals more to the people who want to skip the toxins that our mainstream brands graciously include in their secret recipe. I'll skip the aluminum and take baking soda any day! Especially because it actually works!

Homemade deodorant uses a natural moisture absorber (cornstarch), a natural deodorizer (baking soda), and a natural anti-bacteria/fungal oil (tea tree oil) to keep any smells from developing (and has far better long term effects than aluminum that you'll find in most store bought solutions).

Here’s how you make it:

1. Put 1/4 cup each of baking soda and cornstarch* in a bowl with 10+ drops tea tree oil. (Lavender oil will work as well.)
2. This deodorant can be used as a powder, but if you want a stick, go to the shortening section of the store and buy the solid-at-room-temperature variety. Stir 2+ TBSP in until it’s the consistency you like.
3. Set into empty deodorant container. (It will “harden” in a day or two.)

Then, when applying this deodorant, use a lighter hand than you would with normal stick deodorant, especially the first couple of days or it will crumble. Used correctly, this stuff is invisible and lasts for ages. It works with a very light layer (meaning you should not be able to SEE it once applied.)

*If you have especially sensitive skin, increase the amount of cornstarch to 6T and decrease the baking soda to 2T.

Like any new deodorant, give it a trial run. You may find you like it better than the alternatives and you'll be saving yourself money to boot!