How to Make Your Own Natural Deodorants

Whether you have an aversion to commercially prepared deodorants or are just trying to economize on one of life's little necessities, the process of making deodorant at home can be a simple and money-saving adventure. Cream deodorants contain no harsh cornstarch or alcohol and are stored in a jar, so no molds are necessary. The ingredients are readily available and the shelf life is indefinite. Stick deodorants are poured into a mold or a clean discarded deodorant stick case and left to cool.

Things You'll Need

• Double boiler
• 1/2 oz. cocoa butter
• 1/2 oz. beeswax (for cream deodorant) or 1.5 oz. (for stick deodorant)
• 1 tbsp. glycerine
• 1 tbsp. rosewater
• Small, lidded glass jar, or (optionally) a clean discarded stick deodorant case
• Essential oil or lemon essence (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt the cocoa butter and beeswax together, slowly, in a double boiler. Beeswax has a high melting point range of 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F) while cocoa butter's is much lower at 34 to 38 °C (93 to 100°F). You can expect the melting to occur within five minutes, depending upon the heat conductivity of the pan you're using.

2. Remove the mixture from heat and add the glycerine and rosewater. Stir well.

3. If you like, add in up to 10 drops of an essential oil such as calendula, sage, rosemary, coriander, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme or lemon essence.

4. Set aside to cool to room temperature (for cream deodorant) or put into mold or clean discarded stick deodorant case (for stick deodorant).

5. For cream deodorant, transfer mixture to a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Tips & Warnings

• In place of a double boiler, a small pan inside a larger pan can be substituted. Be careful not to let any water get into the mixture. Beeswax can be purchased from a local apiary (preferred) or in a sewing goods store. Glycerine and cocoa butter can be purchased at any pharmacy. Rosewater can be purchased at cake decorating stores.

• Don't allow the water in the double boiler to boil too vigorously. You may risk injury or contamination of the mixture.

References

• Deodorant Mixes
• Deodorant recipes