Homemade Deodorant Recipe For Sensitive Skin (2024)

Why, I’m so glad you asked.

Why Conventional Deodorants Stink

I could write a whole post about why I ditched the store-bought stuff (and maybe I will!), but here’s one reason:

Breast cancer most often occurs in the upper outer quadrant – just under where women rub deodorant on. Ina2012 study, 99% of breast cancer samples analyzed contained parabens – a common ingredient in deodorants. Some say there is no link and that the increased rate of cancer in this quadrant is because it contains the most epithelial tissue.

However, itis interesting that in places like Scotland, the rates occurring in the upper outer quadrant went from 38.3% in 1980 to 54.7% in 2001. “Any increase in the disproportionality of breast cancer in the upper outer quadrant would be inconsistent with an explanation relating to the greater amount of target epithelial tissue in that region but does parallel the increasing use of cosmetics in the underarm area,” write the study’s authors. (source, emphasis mine)

And then there’s this: According to the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, parabens “are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. They also increase the expression of genes usually regulated by estradiol (a natural form of estrogen); these genes cause human breast cancer cells to grow and multiply in cellular studies [9]. Parabens are also linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation [10].”

Personally, I think it’s worth it to make my own in just a few minutes. It’s inexpensive and I can use safe, food-grade ingredients I already have in my pantry.

But What’s The Deal With Homemade Deodorant Causing Rashes?

Remember that saying, “Strong enough for a man, but ph balanced . . . “

You totally finished that sentence, didn’t you? Well, it’s true. Underarm rashes are often caused by a pH imbalance – a disruption in the naturally occurring acid mantle that acts as a skin barrier to bacteria and viruses. (source) Women tend to have a slightly lower pH than men, but all of us are in the range of4.5 to 6.2, whichis acidic. (source 1, source2)Sometimes homemade deodorant is too alkaline for our personal pH, but no fear! The recipes below have a pH that is more compatible with sensitive skin.

Sometimes, though, it’s a detox reaction rather than a pH issue. Though our primary detox pathways are through the liver, kidneys, colon and lymph system, our skin and lungs also assist with detoxification. It makes sense that if we’ve been applying a deodorant containing parabens, aluminum, propylene glycol, and/or triclosan, our body may begin working to eliminate it once we switch. If you think this might be your issue, my friend Katie of Wellness Mama has a great article on how to detox your armpits.

Lastly, in someinstances, it’s an allergic reaction. For example, some folks who are unknowinglysensitive to corn may have trouble witha cornstarch-based deodorant.

Fortunately, the soothing recipes below are helpful no matter the reason.

Homemade Deodorant For Sensitive Skin ~ Basic Recipe

This is my tried-and-true man-stink killer recipe with a few tweaks. You probably have the ingredients needed to make in your pantry right now.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup arrowroot powder/non-GMOcornstarch
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 4-6 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Instructions

1. Combine baking soda and arrowroot powder/cornstarch.
2. Add four tablespoons melted coconut oil and mix with a fork.Continue adding coconut oil until the deodorant reaches your preferred consistency.
3. Transfer mixture to a jar with a tight fitting lid.

To Use

Apply a small amount to underarms with your fingertips as needed.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe For Sensitive Skin (Baking Soda Free)

This is a gentle formula that works well for those that are sensitive to baking soda. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized phytoplankton. It’s rich in silica and highly antimicrobial, which is why it works so well. It’s pHcan vary depending on where it is sourced from, but it is typically lower than baking soda.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• 1/4 cup food grade diatomaceous earth (where to buy food grade diatomaceous earth)
• 7-9 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Instructions

1. Combine diatomaceous earthand arrowroot powder/cornstarch.
2. Add six tablespoons melted coconut oil and mix with a fork.Continue adding coconut oil until the deodorant reaches your preferred consistency.
3. Transfer mixture to a jar with a tight fitting lid.

To Use

Apply a small amount to underarms with your fingertips as needed.

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