Homemade Deodorant Recipe - Quick At Home
For many of us across the UK, whether you're catching a packed train into London, heading out on a long walk in the Lake District, or managing a busy school run in Manchester, staying fresh is part of daily life. But with more and more people reading the back of supermarket deodorant bottles and questioning what's inside, a new trend is rising: the Homemade Deodorant Recipe. It's simple, safe, and it works — all without harsh chemicals.
Equipment
- Equipment You’ll Need
- Essential Equipment:
- Small saucepan / Double boiler
- Heat-safe mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone spatula
- Sterilised containers / jars
- Label and marker (optional)
- Optional Equipment:
- Digital kitchen scale
- Mini funnel or spatula set
- Thermometer
- Mini blender / hand whisk
Ingredients
- Ingredients Needed:
- Core Ingredients:
- Coconut oil 2 tbsp
- Baking soda 1 tbsp
- Arrowroot powder 1.5 tbsp
- Shea butter 2 tbsp
- Essential oil 8–10 drops
- Alternatives:
- Magnesium hydroxide → for baking soda
- Kaolin clay → for arrowroot/cornstarch
- Cocoa butter → for shea butter
- Jojoba/Almond oil → for coconut oil
- No essential oil → for unscented version
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions – Deodorant Recipe (More Granular)
- This Deodorant Recipe uses a gentle heat method (double boiler) to preserve the nutrients in your oils and butters while still giving you a smooth, spreadable finish. These instructions work well in any UK kitchen — no fancy gadgets required.
- Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
- Wash your hands and wipe down your counter with warm soapy water or a mild cleaner.
- Lay out all your ingredients and equipment on a clean towel.
- Make sure all your jars, containers, or tubes are clean, dry, and sterilised (you can pour boiling water in them, then let them dry fully).
- Pro Tip: This is important to prevent mold or bacteria in your homemade deodorant.
- Step 2: Set Up Your Double Boiler
- Fill a small saucepan with 2 inches of water.
- Place a heatproof glass or metal bowl on top so it rests snugly but doesn’t touch the water.
- Heat on medium-low until the water begins to simmer.
- Step 3: Melt Your Oils and Butters
- Add the following to your bowl:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- Stir slowly with a spoon or silicone spatula as it melts. Don’t rush — keep heat low to avoid overheating.
- Pro Tip: Stir in one direction to keep the texture smooth. High heat can destroy the skin-nourishing vitamins in your butters.
- Step 4: Add the Powders
- Once fully melted and clear, remove the bowl from the heat.
- Quickly add:
- 1.5 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda
- Stir until the powders are fully dissolved and no clumps remain.
- Pro Tip: If the mixture starts to thicken too fast, return to gentle heat for 20 seconds.
- Step 5: Add Essential Oils
- Once the mix has cooled for about 1 minute (not too hot), add:
- 8–10 drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, tea tree, peppermint)
- Stir again to distribute the scent evenly.
- Pro Tip: Never add essential oils to hot mixtures directly from heat—heat can reduce their benefits.
- Step 6: Pour into Containers
- Carefully spoon or pour the mixture into your jars, tins, or twist-up tubes.
- Tap the containers gently on the counter to remove air bubbles and smooth the top.
- Step 7: Let It Set
- Leave the containers uncovered at room temperature (18–22°C) for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Alternatively, place in the fridge for 15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Step 8: Label and Store
- Label each container with the date and scent.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Pro Tip: In warmer months, keep your natural deodorant in the fridge for firmness.