Are you dreaming of a deodorant that really works – without aluminum, synthetic fragrances or other questionable additives? Then this is the guide for you!
In this blog post, we show you how to create a natural deodorant that is both effective and gentle on the skin.
Why choose a natural deodorant?
Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants often contain:
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Aluminum compounds – block sweat glands (not ideal for the body’s natural processes).
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Synthetic fragrances and preservatives – can be irritating and hormone disrupting.
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Alcohol – can dry out and damage the skin.
A natural deodorant:
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Allows the body to sweat naturally.
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Neutralizes odor without clogging the skin.
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Respects the skin's microbiome and barrier function.
Our main ingredients and their role
| Ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Bicarbonate | Neutralizes odor by fighting bacteria. |
| Magnesium hydroxide | Balances pH and is very skin-friendly. |
| Arrowroot powder (Arrowroot) | Absorbs moisture without clogging pores. |
| Shea butter/Coconut oil | Softens the skin and binds the ingredients. |
| Essential oils | Provides a fresh natural scent and antibacterial protection. |
Basic Recipe – DIY Natural Deodorant
Ingredients:
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43% Shea butter (or a blend of coconut oil and shea butter)
- 21-22% Neutral base oil (e.g. jojoba oil or sweet almond oil)
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13% Arrowroot powder or cornstarch
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14% Magnesium hydroxide
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8% Bicarbonate (can be adjusted down for sensitive skin)
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1% Essential oil (optional, such as tea tree, lavender or lemon)
Adjust the amount of base oil so that you end up with 100% total!
Here's how:
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Melt coconut oil and shea butter gently over a water bath.
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Mix arrowroot powder, magnesium and bicarbonate in a separate bowl.
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Add the powder mixture to the melted oils and stir until smooth.
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Drip in essential oils and stir.
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Pour into a jar or reusable deodorant stick.
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Let set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Tips for sensitive skin
If you experience irritation from bicarbonate:
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Reduce the amount of bicarbonate or remove it completely and increase the magnesium hydroxide.
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Use soothing essential oils like lavender and chamomile.
Worth considering:
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A natural deodorant does not prevent sweating – which is healthy!
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Instead, it works by neutralizing odor and absorbing moisture.
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Your body may need a few weeks to adjust if you switch from traditional deodorant.
Do you want to continue developing your own products and learn even more?
Follow our series NSL Cosmetics' little formulation school - we inspire you all the way from DIY to professional cosmetics development!
🌿 With love for natural beauty,
NSL Cosmetics
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