Things are all sweaty up in here since I’ve started heavy lifting and I’ve been on the hunt for a new deodorant that helps control sweat as well as odor. In the world of deodorants, the only true way to prevent sweating it to slather on nasty chemicals (some of which are directly linked Alzheimer’s) in order to stay fresh and dry. Well, I’m here to tell you that there IS a way to help reduce sweating using all-natural non-toxic ingredients!

DIY Non-Toxic Anti-Sweat Deodorant Recipe

This anti-sweat deodorant recipe is for those of us who need the “clinical strength” sweat and odor control without the toxins found in conventional deodorant. I’m telling you, this is a holy grail recipe! It's perfect for use in a tube or in a salve tin. Most days I prefer to use my fingers to apply about a pea size amount under each arm and boom! done! Oh yeah, and did I mention that this is a baking soda free deodorant recipe? Yep. No more rashy pits!

Here’s what you need to make two 2oz tubes/salve tins:

• An accurate kitchen scale
• Two 2oz deodorant tubes or salve tins
• A whisk
• A Pyrex measuring cup
• 46g coconut oil
• 14g shea butter
• 14g beeswax
• 2g neem oil (this is the secret ingredient for odor control so don’t skip it!)
• 2g sweet almond oil
• 5 drops Vitamin E oil
• 16g arrowroot powder
• 10g diatomaceous earth
• 5g kaolin clay
• 20 drops petitgrain essential oil
• 20 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops tangerine essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops patchouli essential oil
• 7 drops sage essential oil

This recipe makes just a smidge more than a 3% essential oil dilution. Also, feel free to divide or multiply the recipe as needed.

Loving Preparation – Anti-Sweat Deodorant Recipe

1. Using an accurate scale, begin by measuring out all of the ingredients into a Pyrex measuring cup EXCEPT the vitamin E oil, the powder ingredients, and the essential oils.
2. Place the Pyrex measuring cup in a saucepan of water and bring it to a simmer and allow the ingredients to melt completely. Stir to mix.
3. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
4. Now add in the arrowroot, diatomaceous earth, the kaolin clay, vitamin E oil, and the essential oils and whisk vigorously until well combined. Keep whisking for a moment longer.
5. Pour the mix into the empty deodorant tube, scraping the sides as necessary (I LOVE these handy spatulas).
6. Set aside to cool completely before use.

Why These Ingredients Work

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties making it a perfect addition to homemade deodorant recipes. It heals and soothes the skin and is a great for preventing razor bumps, burns, and ingrown hairs.

Shea Butter

A soothing butter rich in vitamin A and E that deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Shea butter also forms a protective barrier on the skin that hold the other ingredients close to the body for long lasting odor control in this recipe.

Beeswax

Beeswax is another wonderful ingredient that helps lock other ingredients into place for long lasting sweat and odor control. You can sun cadelilla wax if you’re vegan.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a thick sort of funky smelling carrier oil but don’t let that deter you from using it! In fact, it is a MUST HAVE ingredient in this recipe as it kills odor causing bacteria, is antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-fungal.

Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil offers a nice smooth finish to this deodorant that’s both moisturizing yet absorbent. It helps balance the skin’s PH and helps other ingredients in this recipe penetrate the skin more deeply to do their handy work.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitmain E Oil is essential for protecting your recipe (and your skin!) against free radicals which keeps things fresh and longer lasting. It’s an amazing antioxidant for the skin and has substantial moisturizing benefits.

Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot Powder is the standard for DIY deodorant recipes. It serves as an all-natural thickener as well gentle detoxifier since it draws out impurities from the pits!

Diatomaceous Earth

This ingredient is one of the best for drawing out moisture from the underarms! It’s incredibly absorbent! Not only that, DE is very soothing for irritated skin since it is composed almost entirely out of silica. Make sure only to purchase food grade diatomaceous earth!

Kaolin Clay

I’ve written a whole post on the benefits of kaolin clay because it’s so amazing for sensitive skin yet strong enough to pull out impurities, lessen moisture, and give your deodorant that extra oomf. You can get it here.

Essential Oils

I chose to use petitgrain essential oil for its known ability to reduce sweating and its earthy aroma. Sage essential oil is another known oil that reduces perspiration and cools the body. Lastly, I chose geranium, lemongrass, tangerine, and patchouli essential oils for their astringent qualities that tighten pores, tissues, and sweat glands to help reduce profuse sweating. Plus, they smell really good together!

Some other oils to consider with similar qualities include:

• Bergamot (bergapten-free)
• Cedarwood
• Cypress
• Frankincense
• Lavender

Having Trouble with Natural Deodorants Actually Working?

One thing I’ve noticed when switching to an all-natural deodorant is the feeling that it isn’t working.

This can be because of three things:

1. You’re switching from a chemical laden conventional deodorant to a healthier more natural option
2. You haven’t used the deodorant long enough
3. Your underarms need a good detox

The main thing you need to keep in mind, whatever you were using before especially if it was a conventional deodorant, your underarms need time to release toxins and adjust. This detox period is different for everyone which is why it’s important to stick with it for at least a couple weeks before throwing in the towel.

One way to help your underarms detox faster is to apply a bentonite clay mask to your underarms twice a week during your transition. The clay will pull out toxins and help kill odor causing bacteria. If after a few weeks you still smell a bit funky, then it really is time to try a different natural deodorant.

I find that my body needs a change every 6 months or so in order to keep things fresh. I have a number of all-natural deodorant recipes I switch between and all of them have worked great.

Here’s a list of my favorite deodorant recipes:

Travel Size Roll-on Deodorant
Black Spruce and Lavender Deodorant
Homemade Deodorant with Tangerine and Geranium
Homemade Probiotic Deodorant Cream
How to make Your Own Herbal Deodorant
Four Thieves Coconut Oil Deodorant
Homemade Mineral Salt Deodorant Spray