This is a great feeling. For once, I’m taking one of my natural products from good to better, instead of from bad to worse.
Here’s the deodorant recipe I’m currently using: 
- 1 Part Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap
- 1 Part Aloe Vera Gel
- 1 Part Baking Soda
- 1 Part Corn Starch
Let’s call this “Good.”
What keeps it from being “Better”? Even with the Aloe Vera Gel, I have had to adopt a nightly ‘underarm moisture treatment,’ because the Dr. Bronner’s dries my pits out until they’re as flaky as the perfect pain au chocolat. Then, of course, there’s the issue of traveling abroad with my BS/CS concoction. I’m fairly certain that a few days of powdering my pits in a hostel bathroom would land me on “Locked Up Abroad” right quick. Seriously, for several weeks after I started using this deodorant, my mother confronted me daily about the hazards of using drugs. Perhaps that’s because the bathroom looks like a Meth lab after I finish dusting myself with my deodorant.
Then my friend Julie approached me with a breakthrough – deodorant based in coconut oil. It was a recipe she found on Homestead Revival, and she gave it rave reviews. Naturally, I was skeptical. As we know, I’m a champion sweater, so I’m hesitant to break up a winning act for just another natural recipe that doesn’t promise “prescription strength protection.” But boy am I glad I did.
- 1/8 C Baking Soda
- 1/8 C Corn Starch
- 2.5 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 2 Tbsp Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
- 4 drops Tea Tree Oil
Let’s call this “Better.”
My recipe is slightly different from Julie’s, but we both found that the consistency is great – much easier and cleaner than powder. It’s like a thick lotion that you can rub on. I think this deodorant lasts longer than the “Good” recipe, and the coconut oil even creates a nice fragrance I can smell for most of the day. Julie reported that her concoction stood up to moving apartments in hot, humid weather and EVEN a full day in an un-breathable business suit! Now THAT’S a testimonial!
*****
Check out my Timeline to see how far I’ve come in this challenge!
Mother Nature's Maid 
Happy for your success!!!
I have used this for a couple weeks now and you’re right, IT WORKS!! The only problem is it makes me breakout sometimes, even when I haven’t just shaved my armpits. Is there a certain ingredient I might be reacting to or does my body just need time to adjust to it? Thanks!
Hi Kellie – Thanks for reading AND trying out the recipe!!! I’m so pleased you’re having success. Unfortunately, I’m not a real expert – I just know what I learned in the six months that I was going natural. But I did happen to experience some breakouts when trying out the different deodorant recipes, so I may be able to help!! Too much baking soda or castile soap can be harsh on your skin, so you might want to try adding less of those ingredients. In fact, I ended up cutting out the castile soap altogether, and the deodorant still works well. You could also try adding more coconut oil or even some aloe vera for moisturizer. Let me know how it works out for you!!
Sorry! *Kelli! My bad 🙂