OK so I apologize, but I'm going to start with a little "TMI"...I sweat. Like a man. Really. Not pretty, I know, but it's the truth. So despite all of my efforts to eliminate most chemicals around our house, buy organic, etc. - I had never been able to kick the chemical-laden, big brand antiperspirant/deodorant habit. Sure - I tried the "natural" brands. And I mean I tried a LOT of them. But they were never quite right - and I never felt like they did much at all. So I was starting to give up. And then last fall I decided, as a last-ditch effort, that I'd try making my own. 

I read all kinds of recipes online. Some were very involved and complex, while others were a bit too simple (only tea tree oil, or only coconut oil...) But then I found one that was perfect - it was easy, used ingredients that are totally natural and easy(ish) to get, and forgiving (like my favorite food recipes). This can be tweaked to make it suit your own needs.

So I made it and guess what? It really, truly, honestly - WORKED. I still can't believe it - because I had figured I'd be stuck with commercial antiperspirant for the rest of my life. But not only did I not stink, but I swear, I was sweating less! Now that doesn't mean I don't still perspire a bit - I do for sure. However, I did when I used the commercial stuff, too. And now, it's more manageable.

My only warning is this: you may need to "detox" your armpits before it works. I know - you're thinking "what"?? But I had read about it on many of the sites and unfortunately found it to be true. But it's not nearly as bad or difficult as you think. There are methods to do it, but I simply jumped right in using my homemade version. And yes, for the first couple of days it wasn't working quite as well as the commercial stuff. But that was it - only a couple of days and then it was fine. So I started on a weekend and by Monday I was was chemical-free and loving it! Bonus? It softens skin and acts as a moisturizer.

Since then I have tweaked the recipe I started with. My original version included baking soda and it actually worked well for a few months, but then my skin started getting red and irritated - almost leathery. Ick. So I did a search and sure enough, baking soda can do some serious damage to your skin. Lesson learned? Even if a reputable website has a recipe for a DIY skin care project, be sure to do your own homework! So now my skin is happier since I switched to a baking soda-free recipe.

The other thing that I have tried is replacing Arrowroot Powder with Corn Starch. Unfortunately that was not as successful for me. Arrowroot powder can be a bit tricky to find but I end up just ordering if from Amazon Prime. Bob's Red Mill makes one that is a bit easier to find in health food stores if you keep your eyes peeled. Or try corn starch - you might have better success than I did.

Lastly - essential oils are optional. I like lavender because I love the smell of it - but you can choose your own scent. However, steer clear of citrus oils as those can cause photo-sensitivity and irritation.

If you are wondering why this combination works, it's fairly simple. Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities. And Arrowroot has been a traditional healing root for centuries, and has the added benefit of being highly absorptive. 

So enough blah blah blah - here is the recipe (and you'll be shocked at how simple it is!)

Garden Girl's Super Easy DIY Baking-Soda-Free Deodorant

• 1/2 cup softened coconut oil
• 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
• OPTIONAL: 10-20  drops of your favorite essential (avoid citrus)
• Clean 4 oz. jar

In a medium sized bowl mix the coconut oil until smooth. Add the arrowroot powder and gently combine until blended. Once combined, stir vigorously until smooth. Stir in essential oils, if using. Spoon into the jar and screw cap on. 

TO USE: Apply fingertip-sized scoop of deodorant to each underarm. Rub in until absorbed.