Making my own deodorant!

 I don't know why I get quite so excited about figuring out another way to buy less and make it myself instead but I do! Today's project of making deodorant was one I had looked into quite some time ago but I still had deodorant on hand so I hadn't tried it. Maria from My full time life had sent me a recipe quite some time ago and I just now tried it out. And it was so simple!

To make the deodorant you need:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch (I believe this helps to absorb moisture)
• 1/4 cup baking soda (and this absorbs smell)
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil (this binds everything together and it good for your skin as well)
• Essential oil or your choice (Optional- I used peppermint oil today and Maria said she used tea tree oil but I want to make a batch of unscented deodorant for working with the bees.)
• A cleaned out deodorant case to refill and use. Screw it down all the way so you can put the deodorant in.

Mix the cornstarch and baking soda together. Add the essential oil (up to 20 drops, to make it as strong as you desire). I softened the coconut oil a little by putting the measuring cup with it in it over a bowl of warm water and then I mixed everything together. I started mixing with a spoon but ended up finding it worked out better to do it with my hands. Then I started filling the old deodorant stick up. The mixture fit almost perfectly in the one container. I had just a little extra to put in another one.

 It smelled really nice and looks pretty nearly just like the stuff you buy at the store. I think it will work well. I did try it out (oh the things we will talk about on our blogs!!!) and it felt just like any other deodorant.

   This was a very good deal for me as I used coconut oil that Tropical Traditions had sent to me for reviewing, I had won the essential oil on a blog giveaway and the other two ingredients are quite cheap. And as far as packaging (because that matters to me) I will recycle the two boxes when they are empty, I will reuse the coconut oil jar and the other jar is very tiny (and probably can be recycled too).

  I am so happy to have one more thing that I can make myself. I probably won't save a ton of money as I don't go through deodorant that quickly (I think maybe I use 2 sticks a year) and normal stuff is pretty cheap (a dollar or two) but I like natural deodorant (In fact I paid over $6 for a stick last year at the health food store) and so am quite pleased to be able to make my own!

   Do you make any of your own toiletries products? I would love to hear your thoughts!