Smell Me, Smell Me NOT!

Have you ever wanted to make your own deodorant?  I had thought about trying it but never got around to it.  Then one day at church one of the ladies came up to me and told me I needed to make her some deodorant.  She was trying some of the store bought natural deodorants but didn't really like them.  So the challenge was accepted.

First things first.  I must do my research.  Most recipes were about the same.  Okay.....   I don't want to do the same as everybody.  The question is "How can I do better?".  Well, first off I see that most body odor is caused by fungus.  If you know me that means I must use some neem oil.  This could get interesting.  The second thing I see is the type of application method.  Some put it in a tin or jar and apply with your fingers.  That is not my idea of a good time.  The other method is making a stick kind.  This is more to my liking.  The basic combo is baking soda and oils.  Pretty simple!

My first thought for essential oils brought me to one of my soaps.  It is called "Don't Sweat This".  I consider it my version of a deodorant soap, so it was a no brainier for me.  The soap is made with coffee and honey.  They are both natural deodorizers but I don't think they would be good to use under your arms.  I use lemongrass, myrtle & citronella essential oils.  Myrtle is a natural deodorizer and lemongrass and citronella are both for excessive perspiration.  I know most people will use lavender and or tea tree.  I will also.  Just not using it to start with.

My oil is going to be cocoa butter.  It will be a good moisturizer and help make it a solid.  The important thing is when you apply your finished deodorant remember less is more.  You don't want an oil slick to ruin your clothes.  Something else I learned was to use arrowroot vice corn starch.  It is less irritating to the skin.

My first try come out pretty well.  You just need patience to get it in the container.  It is thick and takes a lot of tapping it down to get all of the air bubbles out.  Of course I added more essential oil than the recipe called for and put 20% neem oil in.  I have to say the scent was a bit strong for two of my test ladies although the person that asked for it enjoyed it.  I also had one other person try it and enjoyed it.  They did ask if I could work on the strength of the smell so my next batch I put closer to 6% neem oil in it and cut my essential oils down by 40%.  It came out a lot better and now I have a new item on my tables.  Not that I need more product but I do get enough people asking for it.

For those out there who would like to make their own I will give you the base and you can decide for yourself what essentials you want to use.  1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup arrowroot, 2 tsp cocoa butter, 2 grams neem oil (optional) and 60 drops essential oil.  I am not giving away any big secret here.  Almost all of the recipes I saw were the same except the neem oil.  You do need to melt your cocoa butter, then add in your baking soda and arrowroot.  I suggest mixing the baking soda and arrowroot first so that it is evenly dispersed through the deodorant.  When you mix everything together it is going to be a really thick paste but it will have some movement to it.  You can use an old stick deodorant container as long as it is totally cleaned and sterilized.  I use a large balm tube.  Then you just need to spoon it in.  This is where patience is needed.  After each spoon you will have to tap it down completely so that you don't have any bubbles.  When it is finished you just need to let it sit till completely cooled or set it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.  Now you are in business.

Remember, LESS IS MORE!!!  It may take a week or more to get used to it but give it a try and see how you like it.