There is something about the home-made that has kept me curious for quite a few years and even though there have been some failed experiments, I have managed to create cosmetic products that are healthier, cost less and are effective all in one!

When I was a teenager, I would use a 48h lasting deodorant and, unfortunately, smell bad. Not to mention the odd yellowish patches that would be left on all my top clothes and my mother would have a hard time getting them out.

With the rise of the zero waste movement, I have started to look up for many products I wanted to swap at the time, and through months and months of experimenting, I have found the best options for me. I have to mention, however, that I still like to make some changes every now and then, just to twist it a little bit without ruining the recipes.

Visiting my friends in Ireland, one of them asked me if we could do the deodorant together and as we spoke during the making of it, they encouraged me to share the knowledge. – Thank you for that guys!

For this recipe (usually it lasts me from 4 to 6 months) you will need:

• 1 tbs coconut oil
• 1 tbs soda bicarbonate
• 1 tbs corn starch or corn flour
• 20 drops of essential oils (optional)
• glass container to store the deodorant in

The coconut oil has antibacteric properties and will keep your skin hydrated. You have probably heard about the versatility of the soda bicarbonate. In fact, it is used in many home-made products because it has cleaning properties. Soda bicarbonate will help eliminate the bad bacteria and fungi, as well as block the bad odor. WARNING: If you notice that it makes your skin irritable or red, swap it with salt (sea or himalaya salt). For some people, it is just too harsh, but luckily, the salt is a great alternative of it. The corn starch/flour will help to keep the deodorant homogenous and dense. It also helps to absorb the sweat. Essential oils, finally, are an optional ingredient. If you do add them, make sure you use pure essential oils. Some of these are extremely volatile, meaning that they will evaporate faster depending on how long you keep the glass opened during use. Hence, make sure you know what you buy. I usually opt for lavender and tea tree oil. But you can swap them everytime you make new deodorant. Some of the mixes I have found to be quite pleasant are: lemon and tea tree oil; eucalyptus and lavender; pine and lemon grass.

Lets get started:

TIPS & TRICKS to bare in mind: Store in dry and cold environment. In warmer regions or during the summer, it is better to keep it in the fridge because the coconut oil tends to melt at around 37°C. Consequently, the solid ingredients deposit and the oil floats up. // Do not apply this deodorant if you have not washed your armpits beforehand. It will not work! // Your body needs to get used to it. The body will do so within a month. If the smell gets too bad within this month, try to clean the armpits a couple of times per day and apply the deodorant afterwards.

I thank my friends, currently staying in Ireland, who encouraged me to share the recipe here on Entire, as well as my friends from a really peaceful place in the central Italy, who helped me photoshoot and were supportive, too.