Over the years I have perfected a few Natural recipe for deodorant for long-term protection. However, I was intrigued by antiperspirant deodorants and wanted to try a healthier version. You can never have too many homemade deodorant options, right?
Not only is this aluminum and alcohol free, but it offers natural wind protection. It can easily work even for sensitive skin types and you can customize the scent!
Roll On Deodorant Stick
I was the girl who wore clinical strength deodorant in high school. I was blown away by the promises of a fresh scent and 12-hour protection. Little did I know that I was rubbing parabens, aluminum, and other not-so-good ingredients into my armpits.
While DIY deodorant may not be as attractive as a conventional solid invisible fresh deodorant, it is certainly much healthier. Plus, I've found that natural deodorant can work really well once you find the right recipe.
My version uses magnesium to help combat underarm odor and restore mineral balance. It dries pretty quickly thanks to the arrowroot and baking soda. You can also add moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin if you like.
The Power of Magnesium
The kids and I often use topical magnesium to help sleep better and increase magnesium levels. I've found that magnesium oil by itself makes a good deodorant, but it's not for everyone. It can feel a bit sticky and sting the skin if you are not used to it.
Magnesium is great for the skin, both internally and externally, like in a magnesium lotion. According to the dermatologist Dendy Engelman, can also help balance hormones and improve cellular processes in the skin. I have found that my skin is smoother and less prone to breakouts when I use magnesium oil.
You can certainly use simple magnesium oil in a roller bottle, but there is another type that works well. Magnesium hydroxide is commonly found in magnesium-based deodorants and is great for the skin. You can add the powder to a regular deodorant recipe or make a liquid version that glides on the skin.
Milk of Magnesia
Magnesium hydroxide is sold on store shelves everywhere as the popular milk of magnesia. You may know it as a popular laxative. Some brands used to have surprisingly pure ingredients that were just magnesium hydroxide and purified water. However, for some reason, every milk of magnesia I can find has been reformulated to include bleach.
Yes, the same thing chlorine bleach that is added to pools and will remove stains from clothes. You'd think the FDA would ban products one drinks from containing bleach, but apparently not!
The simplest roll-on unscented magnesium deodorant recipes call for store-bought milk of magnesia. Since I didn't want to put bleach on my skin, it was on plan B. This recipe uses magnesium hydroxide powder mixed with water to make your own milk of magnesium. It separates in the bottle, but that's an easy fix. Simply shake before each use.
Roll On Deodorant Scent Protection
Since this is not an antiperspirant, it does not offer moisture protection like aluminum formulations. However, I have found that I sweat less now that I use natural deodorant. When my body isn't trying to increase sweat to eliminate toxins (especially from deodorant) I smell fresher.
Suppression of aluminum and other toxins directly from lymph nodes and sensitive breast tissue it's not the best idea either. If you have been using a conventional deodorant or antiperspirant, then you may need to make one detoxing the armpits first. This is a great way to help the skin microbiome get back on track.
Deodorant container options
People seem to have mixed results with swirl bottles. The first ones I bought promised no leaks, but were so leak proof, no product could come out at all! The ones I have now work much better, but some reviewers report variation between bottles.
If you don't have a roller bottle, then this mixture can also work in a spray bottle. I have also found it works well kept in a small jar and applied with a cotton ball. The recipe is enough for two roller bottles.
Deodorant with magnesium roll
This DIY deodorant contains magnesium for healthier, less stinky skin! Customize it with your favorite essential oils.
Yield: 3 ounce
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Heat the distilled water until it is very hot.
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Add the water and magnesium powder to the bowl and mix together.
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Add the rest of the ingredients together and mix until smooth.
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Pour the mixture into your swirled deodorant bottles.
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Shake well before each use.
- If you want to use pre-made milk of magnesia, replace the magnesium hydroxide and water with 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of liquid.
- I used 10 drops of orange essential oil, 6 drops of cypress essential oil and 4 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Customize the scent
Any skin care safe essential oil can work here. I kept the dilution at 2% to avoid irritation, but you can certainly double it if you use oils like lavender or tea tree. You can either reduce the essential oils or eliminate them entirely. I have found that witch hazel can have a stronger scent, but the essential oils cover it up.
Lavender, tea tree, and patchouli are some good options. I used sweet orange (antimicrobial), tea tree (also antimicrobial) and cypress (helps reduce humidity). Mix and match to create your own!
Have you ever used magnesium as a deodorant before? How did it work for you? Leave a comment and let us know!
I like it? Try mine Men's Deodorant Recipe also. It's extra strength!
