Four years ago I shared that I started using baking soda for a natural deodorant*. I did. It worked. Then…at some point… it stopped working.
I tried everything. Seriously.
I tried the crystal, Tom’s, Jason’s, Arm & Hammer, and more. Nothing worked.
So, I basically stopped wearing deodorant. I would hope for the best and wash my pits when the best didn’t happen. Nope, not kidding.
If I was going to something really important, like a wedding, I would wear the kind with the “yuckies”.
This summer, while visiting my mentor, I asked her what she used, since she was the first person I went to for all natural lifestyle tips when I started this route.
I immediately bought the ingredients for her recipe, even though I was on vacation. I am very happy to report that I have been using it since that time and it works. I haven’t had stinky pits since July! Well… except for on the days I forgot to put it on… just being honest. I’m a bit dismayed at the fact that I have pits that get stinky so easily, but they are what they are. Pits are pits.
So… two weeks ago, I made a big batch of the stuff and everyone in the stinky pit club gets to use it.
Here’s the recipe:
- 1/4 c baking soda
- 1/4 c corn starch
- 3 T coconut oil
- 20 drops tea tree oil
Mix into a nice paste. Use your first two fingers to get a bit (just enough to cover each finger print) and smear on your pits. Coconut oil warms almost instantly upon contact with body heat, so it will spread easily. Store in an air tight container. If the deodorant dries out (and if you live in Albuquerque/some other uber dry area, it will), just add some more coconut oil.
It should be a smear-able texture.
I was happy to stumble upon the little containers I wanted in exactly the colors needed for the kiddos who get a batch for their pits. Yippee! (Yes, ridiculous things often make me happy, why do you ask?)
I’m excited to find something that actually works. The kids are less than excited to use it, but I”m the mama, so I won. 
Everyone has been using it since then and the results are terrific. Paul said, “I was not so sure about that stuff, babe, but it really works. Thanks for making it.”
Have you considered using a DIY deodorant?
*I do not think deodorant causes cancer, BUT I do think it’s a really bad idea to put known toxins in our bodies. The FDA has approved known toxins “in approved amounts” in products. The problem is that these ingredients are in every single “traditional” body care product. I especially think it is a bad idea to put known toxins and carcinogenics near lymph nodes. So, that’s why I care what’s in my body care products and why I especially care what is in my deodorant.
Also, this is not an antiperspirant. I don’t think it’s a good idea to make our pits block their moisture producing ducts on a regular basis. That means I don’t wear antiperspirant. Yes, that means I sometimes get sweaty. Even friends who do have sweat issues, believe the risk in using toxins to stop sweaty pits every day is a bad idea.
Don’t just believe me. Research it yourself. But… go ahead and make this recipe while you do. 
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I am not so sure that antiperspirants are part of the problem. Breast cancer patients are instructed not to use anything but Tom’s.
Tom’s deodorant or antiperspirant?
And while the AMA is great in many aspects, I don’t always trust their current decisions.
I just think that blocking ducts that are there for a reason and serve a purpose probably isn’t the best idea.
Thanks for the explanation on why no deordorant, because that was going to be my first question. I’m intrigued….Good grief, I am becoming waaaay more crunchy than I ever imagined. Chuck is likely laughing his head off.
Sweat glands are so important for many reasons! Thanks for the info. I’d love to hear more beauty secrets. I love to use baking soda for shampoo. I also use very few chemicals in the house…usually only vinegar.
Great question from a reader regarding the tea tree oil. She doesn’t like the smell of tea tree and wanted to know if she could substitute.
I do not like the smell of tt either. Seriously. Since it is one of the best antibacterial oils, I was willing to give it a go. You can’t even smell it in the mix. I’m glad. So…. give it a try.
Thanks for the Q (via email), AB!
If you have a high sugar diet you may want to forego the corn starch. Unfortunately, because I sweat a lot and am a sugar addict I am prone to yeast popping up in da’ pits. (yeast loves warm, dark, moist places) I know, cut the sugar and problem solved. Also, if you don’t like TTO you can use GFSE.
Cool. Have you tried this without the corn starch? I was wondering if I could cut it out. Thanks!
I also like Thieves oil (a Young Living Oil oil) for a substitute.
I love having an easy DIY recipe.
I’m almost out of my deoderant (I use this one http://www.thincskin.com/viewitem.php?productid=66) and plan on trying a DIY recipe. I’ll let you know how it goes. You better be smelling good tomorrow night
No stinky pits for this houseguest.
All pits will be stinkless. The floor… well, I’ll be working on that tomorrow in your honor.
Is it ok to start counting the hours now?
I’ve been curious about different diy deodorants. I already have all the ingredients for this one (I use tea tree oil in my oil cleansing face wash), so I’ll give it a try!
What kind of containers are those cute things with colorful lids and where did you find them?! I love them!
They are small plastic cubes. They were at Walmart. On the snack aisle or cereal aisle, of all places.
I would love to give this a try!
hey GFG….do you think i could use arrowroot powder for the cornstarch? thank you for the recipe….jen
Hmmm… I don’t know. Worth trying if that’s all you have. Or to avoid corn products. Let me know how it goes!