Tutorial Tuesday: deodorant!

Hello.  
For some reason, I am ridiculously excited about sharing this week's tutorial.  I mean, I made this last Wednesday, and have been counting down the days until Tuesday when I got to post it.  I find that both amusing and a just a touch pitiful.  At any rate...

The mom's group I'm a part of has a great message forum where awesome hints are often shared.  One recent thread was discussing the use of natural deodorants, such as the thai crystal and Tom's of Maine.  Our household has been slowly but surely natural-fying ourselves, but I had never thought about the contents of a typical deodorant/antiperspirant and how all those chemicals just get absorbed right into your skin (that is what it is designed to do, afterall...).  I am really sensitive to mainstream deodorants/antiperspirants anyway, and basically was limited to Suave unless I wanted a major breakout/rash (which, by the way, I did not want and thus stuck with Suave). 

So!  When one of the moms in our group posted that she had found this recipe for making her own deodorant, AND that it actually worked better than anything she had bought in the stores, my interest was peaked.  I admit that I was a bit apprehensive because I did use an antiperspirant not just a deodorant, so that would be a bit of a change.  But I decided to go for it anyway.  So glad I did!  This stuff is amazing.  I have tested it for almost a week now and LOVE it.  Lincoln, Wembley, and I even went on an hour long walk in the heat and humidity and when I got back there no smells to speak of (besides the dog, of course) = )  Woohoo!

So, here's what you do:

Gather up your supplies.  You will need:

1/4 cup corn starch

1/4 cup baking soda

5 Tbsp. coconut oil (you want the organic/virgin/expeller pressed type--remember, this will be absorbed into your skin so get the good stuff!  You can find this at most stores in the baking aisle...)

Grab one used up deodorant tube and turn the dial until the insert is completely lowered. (alternately, you can just store this is a glass or plastic container and apply with your fingers...)
Combine all ingredients in a small pot and whisk together over medium-low heat until a smooth paste is formed (do not boil).
Spoon the mixture into your empty deodorant tube, pop the top on, and place in the refrigerator to set.  Voila!  Your own deodorant, made on the cheap, AND effective!  

A couple notes:

1.  Coconut oil has a very low melting point (76 degrees F).  In the winter, this shouldn't be a problem (unless you keep your house super toasty).  In the summer, though, you may need to store this in the refrigerator.  I do.  It still applies easily because it starts to soften as soon as you touch it to your skin.

2.  You could also add some essential oils when you are making the mixture if you'd like.  The coconut oil has a very faint scent, but it isn't really noticeable when you are wearing it.  If you like to have scented deodorant, lavender, grapefruit, lemon, and orange would all make good, summery choices.

Enjoy!