Since I learned about aluminum in normal antiperspirant about 19 years ago, I have been searching for the best non-toxic deodorant. For whatever reason, most “natural” deodorants don’t work for me – they don’t deodorize my underarms (how unladylike!).
But several years ago I found Alvera Aloe & Almond Deodorant. It works and smells beautifully. It’s not tested on animals and it has ingredients I can pronounce. The problem: not very many stores carry it. So over the years I’ve gone from natural store to natural store looking for it, I’ve stocked up from time to time, I’ve had stores order it, and I’ve ordered it online, but all that is time consuming, frustrating, and resource-depleting. I did this for years!
That is, until the week Matt went to the hospital when I brought him a bag from home that included a brush, shaving supplies, and… yep – our only stick of deodorant. So, after stepping out of a nice clean shower at home, I desperately searched for an alternative. I reasoned to myself that if baking soda works on my hair, why not try it on my underarms? Afterall, it’s an ingredient in many deodorants….
So I used it like baby powder, just a splash. And it was the best deodorant I’ve ever used. No kidding.
The following day, I didn’t need to re-apply. Amazing!!
But then… on day 3, I realized my left underarm was itching a bit. So I did some online research, and found that straight baking soda might be too strong. Apparently, you need just a tiny bit. In my various hours of research, I came upon a solution: mixing baking soda with cornstarch. The cornstarch actually works as a light antiperspirant, and the baking soda deodorizes.
I’ve been using it for two weeks now, and I love it. Absolutely love it.
Instructions.
- In a reusable and resealable container, mix 1 part baking soda with 6 parts cornstarch.
- Close the container and shake vigorously for about a minute, to thoroughly mix the two powders.
- Then dab a small amount to the skin of your armpits with a soft cotton cloth, cotton ball, or cosmetic applicator. Apply as if you were lightly applying baby powder or cosmetic powder.
Notes:
- The application should last at least a day – for me it lasts at least 2 days!
- This method hasn’t left any stains or residues on my white or black clothing. It seems to do better than normal deodorant in that regard! (Still, of course use caution with expensive and/or hard-to-clean items, as you would with any deodorant.)
- A nice way to store your deodorant powder is in an antique cosmetic jar (above), which you can pick up at a garage sale or thrift store.
More Information
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[...] either. But fat? Calories? Seriously? And deodorant? I stopped using that a while ago in favor of baking soda and corn starch. Works a thousand times [...]
I have been searching for a natural deodorant that actually works for years! Thank you!
[...] for her, so she combines it with cornstarch which also acts as an antiperspirant. Read her post, How To Make Your Own Deodorant (A Very Simple Recipe). She’s as evangelical about it as I [...]
[...] armpits. That’s it! Theoretically, it can work in sweaty environs for two days! However, as mentioned by Melinda over at 1greengeneration, you can mix it with cornstarch. This site recommends adding [...]
Hi! I tried Burt’s Bees spray deo but wasn’t thrilled with it. One shot per pit didn’t do enough for long enough, especially if I didn’t aim it just right. More than two shots per pit left a weird afterscent. Often, by midday I needed to reapply, which meant carrying the bottle to work. When I saw that baking soda (with or without added cornstarch) had worked for others, I figured I’d give it a shot. I did a 1:1 mix, sifting them to make sure the soda and starch mixed. I use a couple of cotton balls (can’t find a local supply of proper powder puffs) to pat the stuff on. It works! I’m happy! On the rare day when I’ve been particularly nervous or sweaty, I might start to get a wee bit whiffy by the time I get home in the evening but for the most part I just smell like me. i like that because I use scented handmade soaps and would rather smell that than stanky pits or “baby powder” from the commercial deo I used to use.
Great tip–I just tried something very similar. A quick internet search yielded this first standard recipe repeatedly. I made 2 kinds and use them in conjunction with each other as I got the best results than using each alone.
I am not a sweaty person, but I do maintain a rather warm body temperature and do sweat a lot when running or if it’s above 90 out.
Regardless, this is the BEST product I have ever used. None of the popular brands–Secret, Degree, Suave, Tussy, Lady’s Choice, etc. etc. have ever worked for me. I can’t stand their fake fragrances. Tom’s of Maine smells great, but failed to work by day’s end.
Here it is:
Basic Deodorant Powder
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
few drops tea tree oil
2 whole bay leaves
Combine. I put mine in a small , airtight cyclindircal short tea cannister. Cost to make: less than 20 cents. I apply this AFTER the base below for best results. If using alone, moisten undersarms or apply before drying after shower. This works well alone, but with the below base, I smell fresh and incredible. I’ve never skipped a day as I shower daily but wonder how long it would last?
To use, you pat on with a cotton ball. I have read readers who sprinkle on a wet washcloth first, but I like to use a makeup kabuki brush (Wm sells shaving brushes that would probably work as well). I removed the handle except for a 1 inch piece. Dunk lightly in powder and press (don’t brush) on underarm. Application this way seems better and more thorough than the wet washcloth or cotton ball in my experience.
If you use without the base below, moisten your underarm with water first or apply before you have dried off from the shower.
Basic Deodorant Base
1/4 cup organic coconut oil (I use Spectrum brand)
2 T rose water * (optional)
1 Vit E capsule, cut before using
few drops tea tree oil
Put above in glass microwavable mixing jar. Microwave about 20 seconds until coconut oil is melted. Mix ingredients well with fork or wisk. Put in small glass container with lid. Will harden at room temperature.
Apply small amount to underarms with fingertips (when you touch solution, body heat should melt enough). Follow with above powder.
*Rose water: Pick fresh, organic roses. Put 2 cups in glass bowl and cover with boiling water. Let steep about 5 minutes. Stir. Strain and add 1 tsp glycerine and 1 tsp vodka to preserve. Smells heavenly. Keep refridgerated if you do not preserve with vodka.
This isn’t a lot of work and I have found best results this way. Coconut oil contains a natural antibacterial. When I used the cream alone, I only had a small amount of odor the next morning. When using powder alone, I only noticed the slightest bit of odor after I had perspired one night in my sleep (had a virus) the next morning. When used both together and thru the last days of my virus, there is absolultey no odor or wetness whatsoever.
P.S. The bay leaves left in the powder (shake up occasionally) impart a really wonderful, clean herbally smell suitable for women and men both!
Missy, thanks so much for sharing those recipes!
[...] did the 6:1 corn starch to baking soda recipe (mild compared to straight soda) due to my lovely tendency to have allergic skin reactions. I [...]
Alvera Aloe & Almond Deodorant DOES contain aluminum.
It contains: ALCLOXA = ALUMINUM CHLORHYDROXY ALLANTOINATE;
WOW. I have tried EVERY commercial deodorant for many years to no avail. This recipe actually worked. I did kind of have double protection, as I used another homemade concoction first (a spray of purified mineral water, witch hazel, patchouli, lavender and tea tree oil), then sprinkled the mixture of corn starch, baking soda and baby powder. Perfect combination and for the very first time…NO stink! YAY!
Thank you so much! Only good things to say about this. Even my husband, who has been forced to stick his nose in my armpit every day as part of the trial period, has been surprised at how great this works. So easy, so great, going to share with everyone!
I have tried every natural deodorant I can find and they don’t last me until lunch time. I’ve never considered myself to be smelly, but over the years since I gave up using the store bought deodorant with aluminum I’ve had my doubts. I can’t wait to go home and try it! Thanks!
I think i may have to try with the cornstarch…i have used the salt rock thing, and it works but it’s a bit drying to my skin. and when i tried the baking soda thing, it totally rashed my underarms out, so i’m too sensitive for straight usage….and i think i’m like most of the ppl that post, don’t consider myself smelly, but the natural stuff just doesn’t work during those days when u really work urself up!!
Milk of Magnesia makes a wonderful deodorant. Just rub it on and let it dry. It actually works better for me than the antiperspirant I was using.
Can anyone clarify for me if mixing baking soda with corn starch simply makes it into baking powder? I also read somewhere that this combo fizzes in the presence of water, has anyone found this?
baking powder does indeed contain corn starch and baking soda but may also contain an aluminum based acid salt (i’m sure it varies from brand to brand) not sure what the ratios are for commercial baking powder thats why i cut out the guess work and mix my own, that way i know exactly whats in it! i use a 1:1 baking soda/corn starch ratio because that works best for me and i can certainly modify it very easily if i need to. baking soda does not react with H2O to produce carbon dioxide (the fizz) unless there is an acid present (i.e. the volcano experiment in grade school with baking soda and lemon juice!!) however, acids are present in sweat and given off by the bacteria that thrive on our sweat (thats what causes the stink!) so it is possible to have fizz but i think as long as the baking soda ratio is low enough it shouldnt be a problem. also the corn starch absorbs moisture so that can keep the acid/base reaction in check. again, you can adjust the ratios to whatever works for you very easily…trial and error!! sorry for the long winded reply, hope it answers your questions!
Hi Mark, I’m so glad it works for you! And thank you for the awesome science lesson. Fabulous!
finally something that works!! thanks so much, been using it for about a week and can tolerate being around myself now!! also using your non shampoo shampoo recipe..so far so good!! i like knowing exactly what ingredients i am puting on my body! thanks again!! i’m spreading the word!!
I’m starting this experiment on March 27, 2010, and hope to report back good results. Thanks for the specific recipe. I’ve also been using a shampoo/rinse recipe for two years similar to that posted, which cleans very well and leaves hair shiny & smelling fresh:
shampoo: 1 TBLsp baking soda + 8oz water, use just like shampoo (massage scalp, comb through with a comb) then rinse with plain water. Follow with rinse: 1 TBLsp white vinegar + 8oz water, and leave in hair for a minute before rinsing out with plain water. Use glass bottles, not plastic, as Bisphenol A (BSAs) in flexible clear plastics leach into fluids most.
Here is a good article that Scientific American put out about aluminum in antiperspirants. It helps separate some of the fear from the facts.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fact-or-fiction-antiperspants-do-more-than-block-sweat
I’m wondering why my comment is still awaiting moderation even though a comment posted later than mine was ok’ed.
Hi Scott, I believe your comment was formatted much the same as a spam comment. Therefore, my spam filter picked it up as spam. I’ve had a big problem with spam comments of late, so I increased the protection parameters. Should be good now.
I have a question. With baking soda why does it leave a dark mark under my armpits? It works wonderful but it just leaves this dark unattractive mark could I be allergic? With regular deodorants they leave my armpits itchy and the smell is worse baking soda has been the best thing!
The crystal or rock form of deodorant is usually ‘potassium alum’. This is still aluminium although not the aluminium chlorhydrate form found in most deodorants.
In regard to the dark mark left in the armpit – I surmise that this persons system is very acidic. Too much meat, sugar, alcohol, starchy and processed foods contribute to this – possibly some health conditions and medications may also cause this.
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hello,my name is Neil Atos.I would like to ask what are the components or properties of baking powder and can it be a antiperspirant
I loved the deodorant recipe. I have been looking for something for so long. I am trying to get rid of packaging. Plastic plastic everywhere. I was buying one natural deoderant from my coop but it was from sweden. Didn’t make any sense. So, I’m going to try it!!! thanks. I’ll let you know how it works.
I have been using baking soda for years with very good results. I rode my bike to work from the Bronx,NY to the NYC and the baking soda worked well all day.
A friend of mine combins baking soda, cornstarch and homegrown ground rosmary. She grinds the rosmary in a coffee grinder, she uses for her herbs.
I use rubbing alcohol (70%; the 91% hurts) and it works marvelously and very inexpensively.
Wow! I’ll have to try with another starch (potato, tapioca, wheat, etc.) because I’m allergic to corn; but if this works I will be the happiest person alive!
[...] I was cruising the net for homemade deodorant recipes, and ran across so many. I finally settled on this one, simply because it seemed super easy and I had all the ingredients I needed to make it. I used that [...]
Whahoo! I can’t believe this works…so much better than any deodorant I’ve tried in the past. A little dab under each arm and after 10 hours work and an hour long work-out I smell perfectly fresh. AWESOME!
[...] did some reading, and came across this article in which the author says our old friend baking soda worked wonders for [...]