DIY Natural Deodorant Stick - Part II

I wrote recently about my newest project - the natural deodorant stick.You can read that first part here in a past blog post. Now that the hubby has been using it for awhile I can announce the results. He loves it! He has been using it for a few weeks now and says that it is working great - no stinging or irritation whatsoever. No stinking either!

I scoured around searching for recipes, and finally pieced one together with the things I had on hand. Now I just happen to always have coconut oil and beeswax on hand these days. If you don't, you can always get it at most arts and craft stores (Michael's or Hobby Lobby, etc.). Here are the ingredients I used:

1/2 cup organic coconut oil
1 1/2 Tbsp beeswax
1/3 cup of baking soda
1/3 cup of cornstarch
1/3 cup of pure zinc oxide*
Essential Oils

Here is how I made it:

Melted the beeswax and coconut oil (double broiler method - not microwave) together. When fully melted I removed from heat. I then added in about 15 drops of essential oils. You can use any oils you like. I used Rosemary and Chamomile because I didn't want a "feminine" smell for my hubby! If you would like to research the types of oils that are BEST for deodorants, click here and you will find that information.

After adding in the oils, I quickly added in my powders (zinc, baking soda, and cornstarch). I mixed it together well - but quickly as this does begin setting up very fast. I then poured it into my deodorant tube and capped it. I popped it right into the fridge to allow it to really set up. After about an hour it was good to go. The hubby started using it that very night and is still using it with good results.

Notes:

1. If I make this for myself I will definitely use other oils. I really like the smell of what I made for the hubby. But I am sort of addicted to Patchouli and Sandalwood oils myself!
2. Next time I make this I will up the coconut oil by a few tablespoons. The end result was a very dry stick. I didn't especially like that and would want a little more "rub" or "melt" in mine. The hubby wasn't bothered by this at all.
3. This does produce a white stick. So if you have an issue with rubbing something white under your arms, this may not be the product for you (think tank tops ladies). I'll research CLEAR recipes next.
4. I use beeswax pellets because they are easier to measure and melt. 
5. Clean up your items quickly! This stuff hardens a bit because of the oils and beeswax and can be difficult to clean up without some really hot water. I wouldn't put the bowls into the dishwasher with other dishes as it could leave that film elsewhere.
6. *Lastly, you do not have to include zinc oxide in your mixture. I had it on hand from making my sunblock lotion bars. Upon researching I found that this was a great ingredient for deodorant sticks. However, many recipes I found only used cornstarch and baking soda. If you leave out the zinc, just make sure you up the amounts of the other powders so that your total is ONE cup.

If you make some DIY deodorant, let me know how it works for you!

Blessings,

~~Kymber