I apparently love tinkering with my deodorant recipes. This detoxing homemade clay deodorant had to go through many tests in order to make it glide nicely, work wonderfully, and also not be a melting mess.
My Coconut oil and baking soda deodorant recipe is easy, frugal, and fun because you get to add the scents that you like using essential oils that will also kill bacteria. I have never had a problem and LOVE it, as do most people. It really works! Get the Recipe here.
You can also make spray on deodorant, which is also easy and frugal. There are a lot of options too. Get the Recipes.
Yet, I now know 3 people who have had difficulties wearing homemade baking soda and coconut oil deodorant. The reason behind this? I believe they have a sensitivity to the baking soda. Baking soda can be chaffing if you are an active person or get super hot under the arms. For this reason, and for the detoxing benefits, I have put together some great options for a non baking soda deodorant.
Added Benefits of Bentonite Clay
Yes, along with nice smelling underarms, you get added benefits! Bonus!
By making a Clay based Deodorant, you are incorporating a detoxing element to your daily routine. How? Bentonite Clay has many benefits:
- It absorbs odors
- It absorbs toxins from the skin by creating a leaching effect around the under arm lymph nodes (where a lot of toxins are stored).
- It extracts heavy metals from the skin.
- It is calming and soothing to the skin (so no more under arm chaffing).
Bentonite Clay is a sedimentary volcanic ash that swells when it comes in contact with water. “Once it becomes hydrated, the electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly change and produce an ‘electrical charge’.”1 It is this negative electrical charge that will bond to the positive charge of toxins, absorbing them into the clay as it releases its nutrients.
»»It is a light grey in color. If you want a lighter deodorant, substitute some of the bentonite with a white clay like kaolin.««
IMPORTANT: As stated in my Anti Aging Clay Mask Recipe, Bentonite clay loses some of its potency when it comes in contact with metals (If it has already absorbed some of those metals, it will not be able to absorb as much from our bodies), so use a glass bowl and wooden spoon to mix this deodorant.
Detoxing Homemade Clay Deodorant
***Updated 7/24/15 – I’ve played around with the proportions and have updated this recipe accordingly. I think it glides on better, and even works better than the previous proportions. This is now my favorite recipe by far!!
Detoxing Homemade Clay Deodorant
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Bentonite clay
- 5 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder
- 1 tsp Beeswax
- 2 Tbsp Coconut oil
- 2 tsp Shea butter
- 8-10 drops Essential oil of choice
Instructions
- Combine bees wax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a glass bowl (or glass measuring cup).1 tsp Beeswax, 2 Tbsp Coconut oil, 2 tsp Shea butter
- Place glass bowl over saucepan that is half full of water. Heat over medium high heat. Stir until all ingredients are melted and combined.
- Combine arrowroot powder and clay in a separate bowl.1 Tbsp Bentonite clay, 5 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder
- Pour oil mixture into powder mixture and stir until there are no lumps.
- Add essential oils and stir.8-10 drops Essential oil of choice
- Pour into an empty deodorant container and let cool until hardened.
Notes
If it’s the middle of a hot summer, consider buying 92 degree coconut oil which has some of the MTC oil removed, making it harder at higher temperatures. Otherwise, you may need to use it as a paste or keep in the fridge until the season cools down a bit again.
Essential oil suggestions: Tea Tree is good at killing bacteria, as is lemon, grapefruit, and orange. Clary sage has an astringent effect, helping you to stay dry. Ylang ylang just smells amazing 🙂 Choose what you love and enjoy.
