I’ve become more and more crunchy over the years and I may have finally gone over the crunchy edge…I’ve started making my own deodorant. I know some of my non-crunchy friends just gasped and are vowing never to stand near me on a hot day again. But before you write me off as one of those hippies who doesn’t wear deodorant, let me give you the back story. 🙂

As I learn more about our bodies and the way they work, I learned that whatever we put onto our skin goes into our body. That means make-up, lotion, soaps, shampoos, sunscreen, and yes, deodorant. So while I have scrutinized the labels of the food I feed my family for some time now, I have only recently started to examine the labels of our body care products. We switched to shampoos and body soaps that are made from natural, organic ingredients and free of parabens and other harmful ingredients. We like this brand shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

In December I decided to take the plunge to a “homemade” deodorant (not made by me, but from an Etsy shop). The deodorant was a little pricey, but I decided it was worth the money if it worked. I started the first day and within a couple hours I could smell that it was NOT working. I reapplied every few hours for the first few days waiting for it to “kick in.” After a few days of not lifting my arms to hug people (I apologize if I forgot and hugged you) I sent a message to the owner of the shop and discussed my smelly problem. I told her I smelled like lavender/vanilla BO. She assured me that it was a detox from my traditional deodorant and her product would kick in soon, but if not I should try a different scent. So I gave it a few more weeks and then decided I needed to try something different.

Instead of going out and buying a different brand or scent I decided to put to use the amazing essential oils that I already have and see if I could find a combination that worked for me. Now I can’t speak to the efficacy of other oils, but Young Living Essential Oils are the ones I use and love. I had on hand two blends called purification and joy.

Purification has a very clean smell and contains a blend of oils including rosemary and melaleuca (tea tree). Joy has more of a floral smell and contains a blend of citrus and floral oils such as lemon, jasmine, and rose.

So here’s the recipe I came up with:

• 1 Tablespoon raw coconut oil
• 4 drops purification oil*
• 4 drops joy oil*

Mix these ingredients together in a small container with a lid. Apply a small amount to arm pits and enjoy a clean smell all day long.

I was really excited that this combination worked so well! I plan to work on a formula that will stay a bit more solid for those hot Texas days. I am thinking about incorporating baking soda (aluminum free of course), shea butter, and bee’s wax. I’ll keep you posted! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!

*To purchase Young Living Essential oils click here and use my number #1405009 for the sponsor and enroller id. You can sign up as a wholesale member and purchase a starter kit. The premium kit includes both oils used in this recipe. This also allows you to purchase future oils at wholesale. You can also become a retail customer and simply order oils as needed at retail. pricing. Either way I will make a small commission.

Kayla North

Kayla North is co-founder of One Big Happy Home and is considered an expert on childhood trauma. Along with her husband, she has developed training materials and programs for parents, churches, and schools educating them on trauma and its impacts. Kayla is also an affiliate trainer with Trauma Free World, an ETC Parent Trainer, TBRI practitioner, and the Executive Directory of Tapestry. She speaks at churches, schools, conferences, and retreats nationwide.