If you’re finding that sodium bicarbonate (bicarb) is irritating your underarms, please don’t give up on natural deodorants! You could either try my Sensitive Deodorant Paste, Spray Deodorant or this bicarb-free deodorant paste. I also have a blog with tips on transitioning to natural deodorant. Or, if you really can’t be bothered with DIY today, try a small scoop of coconut oil (the type the solidifies) and a few drops of tea tree essential oil.
CARB-FREE DEODORANT PASTE
Makes: 270 g Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
• 75 g shea butter
• 75 g coconut oil (the type that solidifies)
• 10 g beeswax pellets
• 110 g arrowroot flour (or cornflour)
• 40 drops of essential oils
MY CHOICE OF ESSENTIAL OILS
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are lavender, tea tree and patchouli, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information.
Method
1. Add shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted, using either a microwave or the double boiler method. (Double boiler method– place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently; Microwave method– heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into container of choice.
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).
To Use
Scoop a small amount of balm (the size of your fingernail is plenty) and rub gently onto clean armpits.
Recipe Notes
For an extra kick, substitute the arrowroot powder for bentonite clay – a simple straight swap. Sometimes deodorant paste just doesn’t cut the mustard for everyone all of the time and this little hack might just do the trick!
Krissy Ballinger
AUTHOR & ADVOCATE FOR NATURAL LIVING
Krissy wants to see a world where people make conscious choices that honour both humans and habitat. It is her mission to gently guide people towards this beautiful way of life. With a background in education and health promotion, she devotes her time to increasing awareness on common and avoidable toxins, as well as educating individuals on simple ways they can adjust their lifestyles to better serve themselves, and the planet. Natural DIY is Krissy’s speciality, and she has sold over 80,000 copies of her recipe books, including her latest book, The Lifestyle Edit, the award-winning, Naturally Inspired - Simple DIY Recipes for Body Care and Cleaning, and her kids book, Make & Play - Natural DIY Recipes for Kids.
I have battled with deodorant all my life! Nothing has worked other than one supermarket brand! My sister gave me your deodorant as a gift and l am stoked! It is easy to apply, smells good works a treat! Wonderful product!
I have been using this for years. Back when you were using your house as a storeroom.
It’s the best deodorant paste. You don’t need a lot and it goes such a long way. I even use it as hair product and my hair seems to love it too.
It’s a win win situation ?
This is a beautiful deodorant. I’ve made it for myself, and I’ve gifted it to others and always get rave reviews (I always let my friends know it’s Krissy’s recipe and not mine). It lasts all day, is not “sticky” like some other DIY deodorants, and is a beautiful texture. I can’t recommend this deodorant more highly.
I love that this deodorant is so easy to make, is not harmful to my body and it actually works!