The Best DIY Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
As an aromatherapist, I am constantly making homemade products to support my health and wellness. But there is just one that recipe I couldn’t quite get right…until now! In the past I struggled with finding the perfect natural deodorant recipe, especially for those who have sensitive skin. Many well-intentioned DIY recipes include baking soda, a common ingredient praised for its odor-neutralizing properties. However, while baking soda can be effective for some, it can cause significant irritation for others. The high pH level of baking soda can disrupt the natural acidity of the skin, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort. After extensive research and experimentation, I'm thrilled to share a gentle, effective natural deodorant recipe that finally meets the needs of sensitive skin—without the harshness of baking soda. This recipe contains the soothing and balancing properties of natural ingredients while offering a reliable solution for those seeking comfort and freshness all day long.
Are you new to natural deodorants?
Transitioning to natural deodorant often involves an adjustment period because your body needs time to adapt to the absence of conventional antiperspirants. Here are some key reasons for this adjustment period:
Detoxification of Pores: Conventional antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that temporarily block sweat glands. When you stop using them, your body needs time to clear these compounds from your pores, which can initially lead to increased sweating and odor.
Changes in Bacteria: The armpits host a unique mix of bacteria. Antiperspirants can alter the natural balance of this microbiome. Switching to natural deodorant allows the microbiome to rebalance, which might initially cause an increase in odor as different bacteria flourish and stabilize.
Increased Sweat Production: Without antiperspirants, your sweat glands will no longer be blocked, leading to a natural increase in sweat production. Your body may overproduce sweat at first as it recalibrates to its natural sweating levels.
Body Adjustment to Natural Ingredients: Natural deodorants use ingredients like carrier oils, butters, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Your skin may need time to adjust to these new substances, which might cause initial irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.
Rebalancing pH Levels: The pH of your underarm skin might change when switching from synthetic to natural products. Natural deodorants often aim to neutralize odor through pH-balancing ingredients, and it can take time for your skin to adapt to this new environment.
Tips for a Smooth Transition:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body detoxify and stay hydrated.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your underarms regularly with a gentle soap to help reduce bacteria buildup.
Use Detox Masks: Applying a clay mask to your underarms can help draw out toxins and speed up the detox process.
Be Patient: Understand that the adjustment period can take a few days to a few weeks. Give your body time to adapt.
Transitioning to natural deodorant is a process, but many people find that the benefits, such as reduced exposure to synthetic chemicals and aluminum, are worth the temporary adjustment period.
DIY Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Creating a homemade deodorant for sensitive skin involves carefully selecting ingredients that not only combat odor but also soothe and nourish delicate underarm skin. After almost an entire year of trying different ingredients and formulations, I finally have created a recipe that I LOVE. And it works! It even held up beautifully after a 5-mile run on a hot day!
My recipe combines the benefits of coconut oil, tapioca starch, candelilla wax, and essential oils, each chosen for their unique properties that cater to sensitive skin needs.
About the ingredients:
Coconut Oil: Renowned for its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is an excellent base for natural deodorants. It helps keep the skin hydrated, preventing dryness and irritation often caused by conventional deodorants. Additionally, its natural antibacterial properties help reduce odor-causing bacteria, ensuring you stay fresh throughout the day. The light, pleasant scent of coconut oil also adds a subtle fragrance, enhancing the overall appeal of the deodorant.
Tapioca Starch: This natural, gentle powder is used to absorb moisture and keep the underarm area dry. Unlike baking soda, tapioca starch is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin. It helps manage sweat without clogging pores or causing the redness and discomfort often associated with baking soda. Tapioca starch also has a smooth, silky texture that feels pleasant on the skin, contributing to the deodorant's overall comfort.
Candelilla Wax: Serving as a vegan alternative to beeswax, candelilla wax acts as a stabilizer and thickener in the deodorant recipe. It provides a firm, yet smooth consistency that makes the deodorant easy to apply. Candelilla wax also forms a light barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and protect against external irritants. Its natural emollient properties ensure that the deodorant glides on effortlessly, leaving the skin feeling soft and protected.
Essential Oils: Essential oils not only impart pleasant aromas but also bring additional therapeutic benefits to the deodorant. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, cypress, grapefruit and tea tree are particularly beneficial. Lavender and chamomile are known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. Tea tree oil adds an extra layer of antibacterial protection, helping to keep odor at bay naturally. Cypress and grapefruit are amazing for their astringent properties. The careful selection of essential oils ensures that the deodorant is both effective and gentle, catering to the specific needs of sensitive skin.
Deodorant Containers: Here are the round deodorant containers I use for this recipe
The Best DIY Deodorant For Sensitive Skin
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of solid Coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of Candelilla wax
- 1 tablespoon of Tapioca starch
- 20-30 drops of essential oil of choice (My favorite is 15 drops grapefruit and 10 drops cypress)
Instructions
- Select essential oils to use and make your blend storing in glass bottle or container to quickly add later into the formula.
- Measure out the tapioca starch so you can quickly add when ready. Set aside for now.
- In a double boiler, combine candelilla wax and coconut oil. Heat over low heat until melted. Stir occasionally. Do not let boil.
- Once melted, remove from heat and pour into Pyrex dish or glass mixing bowl.
- Moving very quickly, whisk in the essential oils and tapioca starch. Stir until fully combined.*
- Pour into 1 oz deodorant container.
- Allow to sit at room temperature and harden for at least 3 hours before using.
Notes
*If wanting to use beeswax instead of candelilla, then double the amount and use 2 teaspoons of beeswax.
*Once the tapioca starch is added, the formula can quickly thicken. If this happens before you are able to pour into the deodorant mold, simply remelt down the formulation by placing the Pyrex dish or glass container on the double boiler on the stove again.
Some essential oil blends to try in your homemade deodorant recipe:
Fir + Grapefruit
Cypress + Lemon
Chamomile + Bergamot
Black Pepper + Sandalwood
Rose + Vanilla
Lavender + Lemon
Juniper + Cypress
Ginger + Vetiver
Black Spruce + Fir
Cardamom + Ginger
Ylang Ylang + Pine
Geranium + Lavender
Patchouli + Bergamot
Clary Sage + Sweet Orange
Tangerine + Grapefruit
Cypress + Bergamot
Tea Tree + Lavender
*Be mindful of photosensitive essential oils
I hope you found this recipe helpful! If you are wanting to learn more about how aromatherapy can benefit the mind and body, check out my new book Science of Essentials as well as my best-selling recipe book Science of Essentials Best Recipes: The Ultimate Guide for Essential Oil Recipes for Your Mind, Body and Home here.
If you are new to essential oils, you may also find this blog I wrote helpful: Where to Apply Essential Oils: A Comprehensive Guide.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.