Deodorant (That Actually WORKS!)

Written by Pam Paulick

Deodorant is one of those things that you really don’t want to be without.  The problem with traditional deodorants is the unwanted chemicals they are loaded with.  Once I learned about the hazards of common ingredients like aluminum, parabens, propylene glycol, pthalates, and even triclosan, and also how sensitive my body was to artificial fragrances, I knew it was time to go a different route!  But stinking wasn’t an option either…

I’d heard rumors of many people using Young Living’s toothpaste as deodorant, but I thought there just HAD to be something else less weird that worked!  I think I went through about 17 different “natural” store bought options that didn’t work before finally saying “Ok, ok….I’ll try the toothpaste!”  Guess what?  It worked!  Actually….it worked better than any traditional deodorant I’d ever used.  This is a great option for someone who is looking for something that is ready made.  People have different formula preferences, but both the Dentarome or the Aromabright formulas work!

The next thing I came across was the Simple Lemon Deodorant recipe at the bottom of the page.  This one also worked great, but was a little runny when it got warm because it’s mostly coconut oil, which melts at body temperature.  Recently, someone found the Abundant Health Lavender Melaleuca Deodorant recipe, which seems to be the “perfect formula”: completely free of unwanted chemicals, works great, and requires the use of a traditional deodorant container, so it doesn’t seem like such an odd switch for natural newbies.

Before you begin, there are a couple things to know about starting a journey into natural deodorant.  First is that many people will experience a “purging” of all the accumulated toxins from years of traditional deodorant use.  Things that have been reported include “sparkly pits”, rashes, or small lumps/bumps (clogged pores) that eventually…unclog.  Gross, I know, but in the words of Shrek, “Better out than in!” (can you tell I’m a mom of small children?)  Second, this can happen now and then over a long period of time.  Think of how long your body has been accumulating the toxins – it’s going to take some time to clear out.  Brandy also wrote a great article on “Detoxing Your Armpits” if you have any trouble transitioning from traditional to natural.

Here are the recipes when you’re ready to start!

Lavender Melaleuca Deodorant (from Abundant Health website)

Ingredients List:

• 3 Tbs coconut oil
• 1 Tbs beeswax pellets
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 vitamin E capsule
• 5 drops melaleuca essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 empty 2.65 oz. deodorant container

Instructions:  Combine coconut oil and beeswax pellets in a heat-proof glass bowl or glass measuring cup. Place bowl or measuring cup in a sauce pan filled with an inch of water. Heat mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted. Stir in cornstarch, baking soda, and the oil from one vitamin E capsule. Remove from heat, and add essential oils. Quickly pour mixture into an empty deodorant container. Wait for mixture to harden and cool completely, and then start enjoying your all-natural essential oil deodorant!

Simple Lemon Deodorant

Ingredients List:

• 6 Tbsp Organic Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Cup Baking Soda
• 1/4 Cup Arrowroot Powder
• 10 Drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil
• 1 empty 2.65 oz. deodorant container or a small Mason Jar

Instructions: Mix in a bowl with a fork.  Note that it will seem like it’s not going to come together but it will!  Just keep mixing!  This deodorant works well but it’s a bit more runny than the recipe with beeswax.  People have different preferences of storage – some like using a small Mason Jar and applying with fingers, others prefer using a deodorant container.  Be sure to store in a cool place (not the refrigerator).  If it gets too warm the deodorant will get “melty” due to the coconut oil.  Some have reported irritation with this one, so if you find it’s not quite right for your skin, try the Lavender-Melaleuca formula above.

For more information or to order the Young Living products mentioned in this recipe please contact the Scentsible Oiler who referred you to this page or contact our team using the form below: