Around the 1950s, we suddenly became afraid of smelling bad, and deodorant was born.

Deodorant removes odor, and antiperspirant prevents sweat from leaving the body. It also blocks our own body scent—the one we subconsciously follow when choosing a partner.

We sweat at least 0.5 liters every day, but sweat itself doesn’t smell bad. The odor arises when it mixes with bacteria and starts breaking down certain substances.

Why not make your own deodorant? Here are three recipes for simple but effective deodorants you can easily make yourself.

And if DIY isn’t for you? Don’t miss my review of 4 natural deodorants here on my blog Morotsliv.

Creamy Shea Deodorant

This is a recipe for a creamy deodorant with shea butter and jojoba oil. It’s excellent for sensitive skin!

Ingredients

• 0.75 dl cold-pressed organic coconut oil
• 15 g beeswax
• 15 g shea butter
• 15 ml jojoba oil
• 0.5 dl arrowroot powder
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 10–15 drops essential oil

Instructions

1. Melt the fats in a water bath and add the powders.
2. When the mixture reaches about 50 degrees Celsius, add the essential oils.
3. Pour half into a jar, tube, or container and let it cool. It will thicken a bit.
4. Then fill with the rest.
5. Let it solidify completely before you start using it.

Shea butter and jojoba oil soften the skin, baking soda is mildly antibacterial and removes bad odor, while cornstarch absorbs moisture.

If you have sensitive skin, you can reduce or omit the baking soda. Leave out the essential oils if your skin is extra sensitive and reduce the baking soda.

Massage about a pinch into each armpit to avoid greasy stains on your clothes. It’s best to use a spatula instead of fingers to scoop from the jar.

This recipe makes about 60 milliliters and lasts at least six months.

Witch Hazel Spray Deodorant

Witch hazel has soothing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It’s also mildly astringent, making this ideal for those who sweat easily and a lot.

• 0.7 dl witch hazel hydrosol / hamamelis water
• 20 drops sage
• 5 drops tea tree oil or another fragrance oil
• A pinch of salt
• 0.3 dl distilled water or alcohol

1. Fill a 100 ml spray bottle with witch hazel water, essential oils, and salt.
2. You can also choose other scents, but then switch to ones that are also antibacterial, such as peppermint, oregano, and bergamot.
3. Fill the rest with water, or alcohol for an even more effective deodorant.

Keep in mind that alcohol can be drying. For sensitive skin, water is a better choice.

Rose Deodorant with Aloe Vera

This is probably my personal favorite. Lovely scent of rose and nourishing aloe vera.

• 70 ml rose water
• 30 ml aloe vera juice or spray
• 1 pinch baking soda
• Optional 10 drops essential oil

1. Mix everything in a 100 ml bottle.
2. Shake before use.

This one is incredibly easy to mix up. It’s quick too.

Of these three recipes, I would recommend the cream deodorant for dry and sensitive skin, the witch hazel deodorant for heavy sweaters, and the rose deodorant for those who want a luxurious feel.

All are mild and suitable for most people, so choose the one that appeals to you the most. Good luck!