In her Buenos Aires home, Deb Kim makes plant-based soap, bath bombs, balms and creams that she tests on herself and her family, not animals. Deodorant needn’t cost the earth, but so often shop-bought deodorant comes in unnecessary plastic containers and contains questionable ingredients. It can be hard to find a natural deodorant that works, so Deb makes her own.
This deodorant is easy and inexpensive to make, and you can re-fill the same glass container every time you run out. Key to Deb’s recipe are lavender essential oil and tea tree oil. Says Maggie Eliana, our in-house herbalist: “Lavender essential oil helps calm the mind and relax the nervous system. It also has soothing effects on the skin as well as the mind. Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal. It will keep your armpits fresh and will help to balance the PH, aiding in the reduction of sweat production.”
What you need
3 tbsp organic coconut oil
2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tbsp shea butter
2 tbsp arrowroot powder
Lavender essential oil
Tea tree essential oil
Tools
A double broiler (or improvise a bain marie)
How to make
Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler over medium heat until almost melted.
Remove the melted oil from the heat and add the bicarbonate of soda and the arrowroot.
Add the tea tree oil and lavender oil (three drops of each) and pour into a glass jar. You can use a clean jam jar or ramekin with a lid.
Store the deodorant in the fridge, at least initially for an even consistency. It can be taken out once solidified, though in summer it may melt.
Apply a pea-sized amount where and when needed, rubbing gently until smooth. Enjoy!
Follow Deb Kim on IG: @ladebkim