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Today’s post is from my friend, Megan.

It was about ten years ago that I first heard someone say, “I don’t use antiperspirant any more, its bad for you, and we’re supposed to sweat,” (or something like that).

Homemade Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

That got me thinking, and at that time it was difficult to find deodorant without antiperspirant (this was also before I knew of the existence of organic health food stores).

Eventually I found Toms of Maine deodorant. The stick version didn’t work at all for me, but thankfully, the citrus roll-on did!

About two years ago I made my first batch of homemade soap, and that opened the door to all kinds of homemade goodies!! Lip balm, lotion bars, body butter. It’s all SO much fun!!!

Well, I was on Pinterest (that dreaded, yet wonderful site) and when looking for soap recipes, came across a recipe for homemade deodorant. YES!!!!!

I already had most of the ingredients, except clay which I promptly bought from here.

There has been a lot of trial and error …

The first recipe was good, but too greasy, so the second time around I just added more clay. That helped a lot!

Then I decided to branch out.

I tried a citrus, arrow root and baking soda variety. Bad juju for me – my armpits itched like CRAZY! I just couldn’t handle it! So I scraped that into a jar (for emergencies – I don’t want it to go to waste).

Don’t get me wrong, it may work well for some, just not for me …

So I made my old recipe, but with a smidgen of baking soda in it. Guess what? Itchy armpits AGAIN!

I’ve come to the conclusion that the baking soda is just too abrasive for me. I do have very sensitive skin, so it makes sense.

So if you try homemade deodorant that irritates your skin, it may be that some of the ingredients are just too abrasive. No worries, though, you can make it without!

Now, for the smell … most recipes call for tea tree/melaleuca essential oil. I HATE the way tea tree smells on me(I feel like I smell like a man).

Instead, I do about half the amount of tea tree/melaleuca essential oil and add two of my favorite scents: lemongrass and grapefruit essential oils. With the right ratio, sometimes I smell like fruit loops (not on purpose, I just don’t measure).

You can do whatever essential oils you want. That’s what makes it so fun! I’m looking for hops essential oil, to use as my antibacterial, instead of tea tree. I’ll let you know how it goes once I get my hands on some …

Homemade Deodorant for Sensitive Skin Recipe

  • 2 T Beeswax
  • 5 T Shea Butter
  • 2 T Bentonite Clay (Note from Nina: I love the stuff from Redmond Trading Company)
  • 10 drops Tea Tree/Melaleuca essential oil
  • 10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 8 drops Lemongrass essential oil
  • 4 drops Tangerine essential oil (if you don’t have that, you can try orange)

In a small sauce pan, heat the butter and wax on low just until they’re melted. Remove from heat. Add the clay and stir until it’s well incorporated. Stir in your essential oils.

Pour it into a small glass jar with a lid, or, if you’re using an empty deodorant container, wait until it’s cooled down a bit but still runny.

Keep it somewhere cool, or else it will melt. Apply as needed.

Do you make your own deodorant?

Megan Sargent is a biology student and student Midwife who has a heart for the nations. Wannabe pioneer woman. Lover of Jesus.