This Sensitive Deodorant Paste recipe was born shortly after I discovered that a few people were reacting to my regular homemade deodorant, 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 | 8.5 oz Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
75 g | 2.6 oz shea butter
65 g | 2.3 oz coconut oil (the type that solidifies)
15 g | 0.5 oz beeswax
60 g | 2.1 oz arrowroot flour (or cornflour)
25 g | 0.9 oz 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.
Method
1. Add shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted. (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
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).
Thermal Appliance Method
1. Add shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to thermal appliance bowl and melt: 4-5 minutes | approx. 70˚C (158˚F) | low speed. Extend time if required, until ingredients have completely melted.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix for 5-10 seconds on low/medium speed. Scrape down sides and repeat if required, until ingredients are combined.
3. Transfer into
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!
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Krissy Ballinger
Author and Advocate for natural living
Krissy wants to see a world where people make conscious, educated decisions that honour both humans and habitat. With a background in education and health promotion, she devotes her time to passionately increase awareness on common and avoidable toxins, in everyday items like washing powder and deodorant, and to educate individuals on how they can easily reduce their daily exposure, through simple and realistic do-it-yourself ideas and recipes.
Krissy has sold over 40,000 copies of her natural DIY recipe books, including her award-winning book, Naturally Inspired - Simple DIY Recipes for Body Care and Cleaning, and her newly-released kids book, Make & Play - Natural DIY Recipes for Kids. She offers honest and gentle guidance, education and 100+ natural DIY recipes on her website.
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!
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 🙂