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Simple, four-ingredient formula for 100% safe, homemade deodorant that doesn’t sting or burn sensitive skin even after shaving.
Deodorant is one of those personal care items that MUST be 100% safe. Every single ingredient should be nontoxic due to its daily use very close to the lymph nodes in the armpits as well as sensitive breast tissue.
Unfortunately, the “safe” deodorant brands on the market have been gradually cheapening their products over time. This trend seems to have gained momentum since 2020.
*One notable exception to the trend of cheapened natural deodorants is my friend Amy Perez’s company Purefill. You may recall that Amy was the founder of Primal Pit Paste. Purefill is her new venture which maintains her uncompromising product quality standards. Purefill is even better with the addition of reusable containers! I highly recommend supporting Purefill if you prefer to buy your deodorant.
Ingredient Substitutions
My personal preference for homemade deodorant formulations is to use magnesium hydroxide powder as the active (and very safe) ingredient instead of baking soda.
Magnesium hydroxide is better tolerated by people who have a reaction to baking soda, although it is slightly more expensive.
Even if your skin isn’t particularly sensitive, baking soda formulations may burn after you sweat or if you use them right after shaving.
There is some concern that commercial deodorants that use magnesium hydroxide might use nano-particles, so making it yourself is one way to ensure safety. Because labeling requirements on personal care items are notoriously lax, it is difficult to ascertain non-toxicity for commercial magnesium hydroxide deodorants.
Another consideration is that the skin may become sensitized to magnesium hydroxide over time (meaning that it will not work as well as it did before), but this has not been my experience over the last 10 years.
One way to prevent this would be to alternate your homemade deodorant with ozonated deodorant much like people rotate shampoos to maintain effectiveness. This type of deodorant would need to be purchased because ozonating oil at home requires expensive equipment.
Another substitution to consider for DIY deo is organic cornstarch for arrowroot powder. This ingredient is a slightly less expensive option.
I prefer mango butter in my deodorant formulation because I find it non-greasy. Feel free to substitute shea butter or cocoa butter if you prefer!
My favorite essential oils to use in homemade deodorant are vanilla, orange, vanilla orange (half-and-half), or lavender. You can also leave out the optional essential oil for an unscented formula.
Homemade Deodorant (sensitive skin formula)
Simple, four-ingredient formula for 100% safe, homemade deodorant that doesn't sting or burn sensitive skin even after shaving.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp mango butter
- 2 Tbsp virgin coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp magnesium hydroxide
- 2 Tbsp arrowroot powder
- 10 drops essential oil of choice optional
Instructions
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Warm the mango butter and coconut oil in a small pan on the stove (low heat) until melted and thoroughly mixed.
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Blend in the magnesium powder, arrowroot and optional essential oil.
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Spoon the mixture into a small container with a tight-fitting lid.
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When the mixture solidifies at room temperature, apply a small amount to each armpit area with your fingertips.
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The mixture will be shelf stable stored in a bathroom cabinet for many months.
Thank you! I’ve followed you for several years and appreciate your content. Keep up the good work!
Have you used beeswax in deodorant before?
I haven’t used it in deodorant, but I use it to make my homemade lotions and creams. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/homemade-vanilla-body-lotion/
How effective is the deodorant?
Does it stain clothing?
Thank you
No it does not stain. Effectiveness is a subjective thing … it is effective for me. If a person is used to toxic aluminum based antiperspirants that stop sweat, they probably will not find it effective. This deodorant does not stop sweat (which is dangerous).
Thank for for this super simple recipe and method! I am going to make a batch and use them as stocking stuffers!!
I used to buy a milk of magnesia roll-on, when I thought to try rubbing a cut lemon wedge under my arms after my shower one day instead. (NOT after shaving or even rough exfoliating of course!) I discovered that it worked even longer than the deodorant had, even if I did not shower the next day. I LOVE using something so simple! Yes, I have a lemon tree, and use lemon on lots of foods, so there is always some around. My guess is that the bacteria (which cause the smell) do not grow well in citric acid, just as they do not grow well with topical magnesium applied. I also do not use soap under my arms, only warm water and a cloth in the shower, so I likely have more of the good bacteria there to help keep down the bad ones.
I wonder how Little Seed Farm measures up? I am obsessed with their holiday scent. 13$ for a reusable jar.