Creating a homemade deodorant can be a great way to have a natural product that meets your needs. However, several mistakes can compromise the final result. To guide you through this process and help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of errors to avoid at all costs. Follow these tips to make an effective, stable, and pleasant-to-use deodorant.
Leaving the deodorant in a warm and humid place
Why avoid it: A warm and humid environment can cause your deodorant to melt, especially if it contains ingredients like coconut oil, which tends to liquefy at temperatures above 24°C (76°F). This can result in an unstable texture and ingredient separation.
Solution: Place your deodorant in the refrigerator for a few hours to prevent it from melting or becoming too soft. This will help it solidify quickly and stabilize its consistency.
Boiling the mixture
Why avoid it: Boiling the mixture can cause the ingredients to separate, especially when it contains oils and waxes. Excessive heat can also degrade the properties of essential oils or other active ingredients, reducing the effectiveness of the deodorant.
Solution: Melt the ingredients over low heat, using a double boiler for better temperature control. Ensure that the water doesn’t boil to maintain a gentle, consistent heat, allowing the ingredients to blend uniformly without damage.
Not stirring the mixture enough
Why avoid it: Insufficient stirring can lead to an uneven texture, with lumps or ingredient separation. This affects not only the appearance of the product but also its effectiveness.
Solution: Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula while it’s completely melted. This ensures all ingredients are well integrated and uniform, resulting in a smooth and consistent texture.
Not adjusting the recipe based on the quality and type of fat
Why it matters: Not all coconut oils are created equal. Depending on their type (virgin, refined, fractionated) and production method, their consistency can vary greatly, impacting the final texture of your deodorant. A more liquid coconut oil at room temperature could make the mixture too runny, affecting its application and effectiveness against odor and perspiration.
Solution: Choose a high-quality coconut oil, preferably virgin and unrefined, for a more stable texture. Test the consistency of the coconut oil at room temperature before adding it to your mixture. If the mixture is too liquid, gradually add small amounts of cornstarch or baking soda to adjust the consistency.
Adding too many essential oils
Why avoid it: Essential oils are potent, and in large quantities, they can irritate the skin, particularly in sensitive areas like the underarms. Excessing essential oils can also disrupt the deodorant formula, making it too liquid or greasy.
Solution: Add essential oils sparingly. Generally, just a few drops are enough to scent your deodorant without risking irritation. Follow the recommended dosages for each essential oil, and always perform a patch test before regular use to check for skin tolerance.
Using metal utensils
Why to avoid: Some ingredients used in natural deodorants, such as essential oils and powders (baking soda, clay), can react with metal utensils. This reaction may affect the effectiveness and stability of the final product and, in some cases, cause oxidation, which can shorten the shelf life of your deodorant.
Solution: Use wooden, silicone, or glass utensils to mix your ingredients. These materials are non-reactive and will not interfere with the composition of the ingredients, ensuring the quality and safety of your homemade deodorant.
These tips will help you successfully make your own homemade deodorant by avoiding common mistakes that can affect the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of the final product. Ready to try your first natural deodorant recipe? Start with this 4-step deodorant recipe!
