Making Do Monday

What if all of the deodorant making factories around the world suddenly closed down? Even worse, what if it became illegal to buy deodorant? Naaaahhhh, You know as well as I do, those things will never happen (or at least I hope not). But, imagine you did run out of deodorant and couldn't get to the store. What would you do? I know what I would do. I'd make my own. Yep, you heard me. You can make your own deodorant.

I know you are probably thinking that I don't have all of those fancy smancy chemicals that are in regular store bought deodorant. You know what? I don't. I have a simpler, healthier version of chemicals in my kitchen. Plain and simple, I have a solid oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Yes, that's it. I can make do with what I have and make my own deodorant.

Mind you I don't expect everyone to get really excited about this deodorant making prospect but at least if you ever needed some, you will know how to make your own when you get through reading this post.


This is the cast of characters: a recycled plastic tub, baking powder (yes mine is in a jar- yours is probably in a nice orange box), corn starch (yes, there again, mine is in a jar- I'm just weird that way), and a solid oil. In the picture you will see a coconut oil container and below it, a palm oil container. Both oils work. That coconut oil container is empty so I'm going to make my batch out of palm oil. If you can, it is best to use coconut oil as it has natural antiseptic properties. But hey, I'm making do with what I have here so palm oil will just have to do.




Start with equal amounts of both cornstarch and baking powder. In this case, I used 1/4 cup of each.



Next add a glop (technically I used 1/4 cup of palm oil) to the cornstarch/baking soda mixture. To be safe, I wouldn't use quite that much at first as you don't want the finished product to be too soft.




Now, take a spoon or what ever your favorite mixing utensil is and mix, mix, mix. Mix until you are absolutely positive that all three ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. If the mixture is too thick, add more oil, if it is too soupy, add more of equal parts of the cornstarch and baking soda.

You're done! Put the lid on that container and store in your bathroom cabinet. When you need to apply, you can stick a finger in and rub it on. If you have any empty deodorant container lying around, you can even fill those guys up with your mixture.

Now I know what you are asking. Does it work? You bet it does. I was skeptical when I first read about it too. Mind you it isn't a wetness fighter like a lot of deodorants are but it keeps the "stinkies" away for sure! Best of all, it doesn't contain a lot of chemicals that I can't pronounce and there is no aluminum added in either. That's a plus in my book!

As a side note, I totally grossed out my teenager when I stuck a finger in the container and tasted it. He freaked out. You know what, I haven't died yet from tasting it like I might if I ate store bought deodorant.

Just to let you know, it tasted nasty.