This Sensitive Deodorant Paste recipe was born shortly after I discovered that a few people were reacting to my regular homemade deodorant paste, and then after waxing one day, I discovered that I did too…
I played around with my original recipe and worked out that bicarb was mainly to blame, added some lavender essential oil to soothe, and got some lovely ladies to be guinea pigs… Now, I am satisfied.
So here it is, my natural sensitive deodorant paste – I hope you love it! Remember to be kind to the homemade process and appreciate the magic in creating your own beauty products.
Sensitive Deodorant Paste
Makes: 240 g Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
- 75 g shea butter
- 65 g coconut oil (the type that solidifies)
- 15 g beeswax
- 60 g arrowroot flour (or cornflour)
- 25 g sodium bicarbonate (bicarb)
- 40 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are patchouli, tea tree and lavender, 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 on essential oils.
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 a jar or container (with lid).
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 paste (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!
7 Comments
This is my go to deodorant recipe for me and my husband, we love it (and no more stinging or stained clothes that we used to get from store bought) I like to do tea tree/ylang ylang/patchouli for the eo blend. So nice, thanks for sharing your amazing recipes.
Hi, do I use refined or unrefined shea butter please?
It really doesn’t matter too much, but I prefer unrefined as it retains more of its vitamins and antioxidants, and has a beautiful earthy smell and golden colour. If you want your essential oils to pop more and the end product to be more white, go for refined.
I would be surprised if this recipe works for sensitive skin. Coconut oil clogs pores and sodium bicarbonate is hash on the skin. I have sensitive skin and cannot use either products on my body.
I’ve had a number of people use this recipe, with success, because they were reacting to the regular version. Everyone reacts differently I suppose 🙂
Hi, can I use deodorant twist tubes with this recipe? Or will it be too soft for twist tubes?
Hi Sarah, it really depends on the climate. Is it hot and humid where you are? If so, you might like to add another 5-10g of beeswax to give it a little more stability. Have a play – worse case you use your finger to scoop some out anyway!