Essential Oils



The struggle has been real in finding a natural deodorant that actually works. I’ve tried most of the deodorants stocked at Whole Foods, but still haven’t found one to properly do it’s job. (The fact that the natural/organic deodorants are more expensive and packed with fillers doesn’t help either.)

Why is there a need for a natural deodorant?

Since our skin is our largest organ, we need to take measures to ensure that what we put on it is as natural as possible. Here are five harmful chemicals found in deodorant that can play a part in the diminishment of our health.

1. Aluminum Compounds

Aluminum compounds are added to deodorant to block the pores from sweating. Aluminum, like other heavy metals, may interfere with the ability of estrogen receptors to correctly process the hormone and are linked to breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.

2. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used in some deodorants and antiperspirants that have been shown to mimic the activity of estrogen in the body’s cells. This chemical disrupts hormonal balances and can lead to early puberty in children and hormone-related cancers in women and organ toxicity. The belief that parabens build up in breast tissue was supported by a 2004 study, which found parabens in 18 of 20 samples of tissue from human breast tumors.

3. Propylene glycol

When this chemical is paired with other chemical additives, it can be extremely dangerous. This ingredient causes damage to the central nervous system, liver and heart. Even in small concentrations (2 percent or less), propylene glycol provokes skin irritation in those with sensitive skin. Moreover, some manufacturers have made deodorants with 50 percent propylene glycol content. Believe it or not, you’re likely to find this in many “natural” deodorants.

4. Triclosan

Triclosan is classified as a pesticide according to the FDA. Although the FDA uses are not regulated under pesticide law, EPA considered these exposures in the aggregate risk  assessment. In deodorants, triclosan is used as an antibacterial agent and preservative, and reacts with tap water to create chloroform gas, a potential carcinogen. This chemical can also possess endocrine disrupting properties that has shown up in human breast milk and blood.

5. Steareths

Usually listed with a number (like steareth-15), these additives come from a cheap process that makes harsh ingredients more mild. The process (known as ethoxylation) produces carcinogenic 1,4-dioxanes during manufacturing.


I finally have found a simple DIY recipe that calls for basic ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen.


1/4 cup of baking soda

1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch

20 drops of your favorite essential oil  *I like to use lemon as it has a fresh scent and also has antibacterial qualities*

6-8 tbs solid coconut oil


Combine baking soda and arrowroot (or cornstarch) Add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Combine the coconut oil by the tablespoon and work it in with a fork until the mixture is firm but pliable. It should be about the same consistency as commercial deodorant; solid but easy to apply. If it’s too wet, add more arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Scoop the mixture into a small container with a lid (like a 4-ounce Mason jar, or buy empty deodorant containers off of Amazon, which is what I do.) Apply with your fingertips if in a jar, or use like regular deodorant if you buy the empty containers. I store mine in the fridge, to avoid any melting.