In the quest for eco-conscious, natural alternatives, crafting your solid deodorant stands as an environmentally friendly solution. If you’re looking to reduce packaging waste and desire an effective, natural deodorant that keeps you feeling fresh all day, you’ve come to the right place.
Most natural deodorant recipes circulating on the internet rely on baking soda. While baking soda is cost-effective, readily available, natural, and biodegradable, there’s an important caveat to consider: its alkaline pH (around 8.5) can pose skin irritation concerns for some individuals.
While many can tolerate baking soda, some cannot, leaving them in search of alternative ingredients for a gentle yet effective natural deodorant.
Enter Magnesium Chloride: Nature’s Answer
Magnesium Chloride is a naturally occurring magnesium salt, commonly used in anti-stress and pain-relief bath soaks. Beyond its stress-relief properties, this active form of magnesium possesses another remarkable quality—it is a highly effective antibacterial agent, and it’s gentler on the skin compared to baking soda.
Crafting your deodorant with magnesium chloride not only helps combat unpleasant odors but also contributes to your body’s magnesium intake. It’s a win-win scenario.
Making Baking Soda-Free DIY Deodorant: A Quick Guide
- Ingredients:
- 10 g soybean wax (for hotter climates, consider substituting with beeswax)
- 10 g coconut oil
- 25 g cornstarch
- 12 g arrowroot powder
- 20 g magnesium chloride flakes
- 1 g essential oils of your choice (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or lemongrass)
- Instructions:
- Melt soybean wax and coconut oil together in a double boiler.
- Add cornstarch and arrowroot powder, stirring until well combined.
- Remove from heat and incorporate magnesium chloride flakes.
- Add your chosen essential oils for a delightful aroma.
- Pour the mixture into deodorant containers or silicone molds.
- Allow it to cool and harden.
- Usage:
- Apply the deodorant as needed.
In this video tutorial, I show the process step-by-step:
Customization for Warmer Climates
If you reside in a hotter climate, consider adapting the recipe to maintain the deodorant’s solidity:
- Substitute part of the soybean wax with beeswax, known for its higher melting point.
- Alternatively, use 10 g of cetearyl alcohol and 23 g of soybean wax to suit warmer conditions.
Remember that this deodorant can also be crafted with baking soda if your skin tolerates it. Your quest for a natural, skin-friendly, and effective deodorant has just become more versatile. Enjoy the benefits of a customized deodorant that’s tailor-made for you.