All-natural Homemade Deodorant

This post is also available in: Japanese

For years I was aware that what manufactures put in antiperspirant is bad for you, but I treated it as a necessary evil. Since I embarked on this blue belt life I have realized there is no such thing as a necessary evil. This year I ditched the antipersp and went all-natch for a number of weeks. Unfortunately my scent became all-natural as well (read: crowded train Japanese salaryman BO all the time). So it was fortunate that around the same time I was becoming as ripe as an organic Peruvian banana, I read an article series by Chris Kresser on all the ills contained in our soaps, lotions, deodorants, etc. Through that I discovered this 3-ingredient recipe from Mommypotamus that actually works incredibly well. Give it a try and stop paying some company to cover up your odor with chemicals that sicken you.

1/2 cup (100g) baking soda
1/2 cup (70g) cornstarch
7 tbsp (100g) virgin coconut oil

Mix baking soda and cornstarch until well combined in a medium bowl. If necessary, warm the coconut oil just until it is liquid. Add the liquid oil to the powder and mix until fully combined. That’s it, pour into a jar and store in a cool location.

To use, spoon a small amount into the palm of one hand. Rub with two fingers until clear. Apply half under one arm and half under the other, and the remaining residue to any other parts that might emit questionable odors. Enjoy your delightfully tropical scent and never again be that guy or gal at the yoga studio with the frightening BO.

Note: some people have a sensitivity to these ingredients. I have a mild coconut allergy but this deodorant doesn’t bother me at all. If your skin is sensitive to baking soda, try reducing the amount by half and using less oil (4-5 tbsp).

Makes 1 cup (270g) of deodorant, enough for 100 days.

Nutrition info: though it does smell lovely, don’t eat this.

Cost info: 470 yen, of which baking soda 90, cornstarch 50, coconut oil 330

Filed under: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, coconut oil, body, skincare, product