DIY Deodorant Stick
Making your own deodorant is one of the more personally meaningful formulation projects in the book — because once you understand what's in most commercial products, going back to them is difficult. This stick uses bicarb to neutralise odour, arrowroot to absorb moisture, and beeswax and shea to deliver them in a format that glides on cleanly and doesn't transfer to clothing.
HERO INGREDIENT — Bicarbonate of Soda (Food Grade)
Bicarbonate of Soda neutralises the acids produced by odour-causing bacteria in the underarm environment — it doesn't stop sweating, which is a healthy physiological function, but it does stop sweat from smelling. Some people are sensitive to bicarb at the concentrations used in deodorants; this formula uses a moderate amount to balance effectiveness with skin tolerance. If irritation occurs, reduce the bicarb by 2g in your next batch.
WHAT ELSE IS IN THIS RECIPE
Organic Arrowroot Powder — fine starch that absorbs moisture at the skin surface — provides the dry feeling without blocking the pores
Organic Beeswax Pellets — gives the stick its structure — melts at body temperature for smooth glide application, sets firm enough to push up cleanly
Refined Shea Butter — softens the beeswax and adds skin conditioning — reduces the potential for irritation with repeated application
Vitamin E Oil — antioxidant that extends shelf life and provides additional skin-conditioning benefit
Essential Oil — optional — choose something you want to wear daily; the blend on this page is our recommendation for this product
I RECOMMEND TRYING IT WITH BOTANIC EMBER
A deodorant is worn close and reapplied daily, so it needs to be something you genuinely want to smell throughout the day — Botanic Ember earns that. Its warmth and depth suit a deodorant format better than lighter citrus blends, and the Cedarwood Atlas and Frankincense have well-documented properties that are a natural fit in an underarm product.
All ingredients used in this recipe are available at homemadehaven.com.au
Small Batch • Handcrafted in Australia • homemadehaven.com.au
