Deodorant

I know I’ve mentioned before that I’ve switched to baking soda in lieu of deodorant.  The problem is, if I haven’t showered before applying the soda, it doesn’t go on nicely.  Two of the blogs I follow- Crozette and Smashed Peas and Carrots- have covered this topic in the last couple of years, so that was the first place I went for inspiration.  The recipe Allie used had a lot of ingredients, so I nixed that one for now.  Maggie’s recipe only had three ingredients, all of which I had on hand.  Perfect!

You will need

2 to 3 Tbsp Coconut oil ($9.99 per 14 fl.oz, $9.99/14fl.oz = $.71 x 1.5fl.oz = $1.07)

2 Tbsp baking soda ($.31 per lb, $.31/31.5Tbsp = $.01 x 2Tbsp = $.02)

2 Tbsp cornstarch ($1.17 per 16 oz, rough estimate = $.04)

Mix the soda and starch together in a bowl.  Knead in the coconut oil until fully incorporated, starting with 2 Tbsp, and adding until you reach a good consistency.  I used about 2 ½ Tbsp.  Roll into a ball and store in a air tight container.

Squish it around with your fingers

Next time I'll mix it in a bigger bowl.

Ball-o-deodorant

Maggie said she stores hers in the fridge so it’s a hard “stone”, but if I don’t put deodorant on before I go downstairs it doesn’t happen, so I need to keep mine upstairs in the bathroom for everyone’s sake!  After a few days I figured out how to apply it without making a mess, just take a pinch and rub it on with your fingers.If you like the smell of coconut, you'll love this stuff!

Try It

$1.13 for 3 oz, or $.38/oz.

Buy It

$5.39 for 2.25 oz of Tom’s of Maine, or $2.39/oz.

Verdict

I was skeptical, but it’s actually pretty fantastic!  Thanks again, Maggie (two posts in a row, yikes!)!  Definitely Try It, it’s 16% of the cost of storebought, and works just as well as any other deodorant. (Note- It is not an antiperspirant, which contains aluminum.  Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s among other things!  Not good!)  If my Tom's container doesn't break before it's used up like the last one did, I'll refill it with homemade stuff when it's gone as Allie did, but using it as I do is just fine for now.

Next Week: Croutons