This DIY Bentonite Clay and Sea Salt Deodorant Will Keep You Fresh All Summer

Deodorant is probably the most important player in your summer hygiene arsenal. After all, no one wants to be the person at the outdoor concert or family barbecue that everyone’s afraid to stand near.

Unfortunately, a lot of conventional deodorants contain not-so-great chemicals that can be harsh on your body. If you want to stay sweet-smelling all summer long without turning to questionable ingredients, we have a suggestion— make your own deodorant using sea salt and bentonite clay.

Why Should I Use Bentonite Clay and Sea Salt in Deodorant?

Bentonite clay and sea salt are natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and effective at neutralizing odors. Research shows that both bentonite clay and sea salt have the ability to kill certain types of bacteria. Since bacteria cause underarm odor, these two purifying powerhouses could keep you smelling fresh and clean. Bentonite clay also absorbs moisture from the skin, which can keep sweat at bay. Try the recipe below for yourself to stay dry and smell good this summer.

Your DIY Deodorant Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 3 Tbsp. shea butter
• 1 Tbsp. beeswax pellets (Available at many health food stores and through online retailers, including Amazon)
• 1/2 teaspoon Real Salt
• 2 Tbsp. arrowroot powder
• 2 Tbsp. Redmond Clay
• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils

Instructions:

1. In a heat-safe bowl, combine coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax pellets, and sea salt.
2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water. This is also known as the double boiler method. (Not familiar with the double boiler method and have questions? This video will help.) You’ll want to make sure the bowl fits snugly on top of the pot to keep the hot steam contained.
3. Melt the ingredients together, stirring until they form a smooth mixture. The ingredients and the bowl will get very hot, so be careful and make sure you have oven mitts handy.
4. Wearing your oven mitts, remove the bowl from heat and let it cool for a few minutes, but don’t let it fully solidify.
5. Add arrowroot powder and bentonite clay to the mixture, stirring well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
6. Add your favorite essential oils for a pleasant fragrance. Mix again.
7. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify for about 10-15 minutes.
8. Transfer the deodorant mixture to a clean, airtight container such as a small jar.
9. Let the deodorant fully set before use. This may take a few hours, depending on the temperature in your home.
10. Use your fingers to apply a small amount to your underarms as needed.
11. Pro-tip: This deodorant contains coconut oil, which can stain certain types of fabric, such as cotton and natural fibers. We recommend only using a small amount at a time and re-applying as necessary to avoid excess oil getting on your clothes.

So Fresh and So Clean

We hope this DIY deodorant keeps you feeling fresh, clean, and good about the ingredients you’re using on your body. Once you start making your own deodorant you’ll see how fun, easy, and effective it can be, and you may never go back to the store-bought stuff again. Give it a try and see how well it works for you!