Several months ago we whipped up an easy deodorant for sensitive skin – using bentonite clay, and essential oils. Not long after that DIY, my 10 year old daughter asked me if it was possible to make a similar deodorant for use that didn’t have bentonite clay.
As wonderful as bentonite clay is in deodorant, she couldn’t seem to get past the color – she was scared that her arms would turn gray and that her clothing would take on a grayish tint…
Using that deodorant recipe as a base, we worked out a recipe that would help us make our own deodorant bars – which are incredibly easy to use and perfect for young adults like her that are just starting out.
Deodorant Bars are a thicker form of this DIY deodorant paste, thickened with arrowroot or tapioca flour. They are a little more solid than traditional deodorant, that allows them to be formed into a bar and used on skin as needed.
The ingredients for homemade deodorant bars are relatively similar to many other DIYs, and include Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, and essential oils, and poured into a Wilton mold (we used this one here) and allowed to firm up.
(Related post: 25 DIYs with Essential Oils)
If you struggle with odor, you may want to up the essential oils to include about 30-35 drops. We opted for Tapioca Flour (which is similar to Arrowroot flour) and that can be picked up at your local grocery store or on Amazon.
(Related post: HUGE List of DIY Oily Supplies)
Ready to make lotion bars? Before you start, I would recommend starting with an Armpit Detox so that you can purge the toxins from your underarm area and prepare your body for a natural, non-toxic alternative.
Begin with a Detox
If you are new to using natural deodorant, you may need to do a gentle detox to speed up the adjustment period. To do a detox, you will need:
- 1 Tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tsp water
Mix those ingredients together in a plastic or glass bowl (not metal) and spread a thin layer over your arms. Allow to sit 5-15 minutes, and work up to a longer period of time. Wash off in the shower or with a warm washcloth and repeat daily, until your natural deodorant is non irritating.
Then, move on to your deodorant bars or natural deodorant variety.
For many people, baking soda is a natural irritant, so we have opted to use Arrowroot/Tapioca in its place.
Easy DIY Deodorant Bars
This recipe made one full deodorant stick for me plus 4 individual deodorant bars. If you wish to forego the stick, you’ll get an additional 3-4 deodorant bars for a total of around 8, depending on your mold size.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp shea butter
- 4 Tbsp coconut oil, measured then melted
- 3 Tbsp beeswax Pastilles
- 1/4 C. + 1 tsp organic arrowroot powder
- OR, substitute organic tapioca flour
- 20-30 drops essential oil of choice
- Wilton Mold (we used this one HERE
Instructions
- Combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a small saucepan on low heat or, in a canning jar in the microwave for short bursts.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oils and stir mixture until everything is well blended.
- Pour into the silicone mold and allow to sit several hours until hardened.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
If you are ready for an unbelievable journey to better health through essential oils, you can pick up more information on the Young Living Premium Starter Kit by heading here.
