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DIY DEODORANT RECIPES WITH ARROWROOT

Making your own deodorant is easier than you might think—and surprisingly fun! The goal? To ditch harmful chemicals and replace them with something natural you can whip up in your kitchen.

Take tapioca starch, for example. It’s fantastic at absorbing moisture from your underarms while being gentle on sensitive skin. While it doesn’t tackle odor (we’ll explore those solutions shortly), it’s a perfect reminder of how simple, earth-derived ingredients can transform your skincare routine with effective, natural alternatives.

WHY ARROWROOT POWDER IS A MUST-HAVE FOR YOUR DIY DEODORANT

Arrowroot powder, a natural starch extracted from the rhizomes of tropical plants, is a game-changer in creating a deodorant that’s not only effective but also kind to your skin.

WHY ARROWROOT POWDER WORKS

This versatile ingredient excels in DIY deodorants by promoting dryness without clogging pores and smoothing out the texture for easy application. It’s particularly well-suited for sensitive skin, offering a gentler alternative to baking soda—a popular yet potentially irritating choice for many.

While baking soda is known for neutralizing odors, its high alkalinity (around pH 9) can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, leading to irritation or even damage over time. In contrast, arrowroot powder’s pH is closer to 7, aligning with the skin’s natural levels and reducing the risk of irritation.

BENEFITS OF ARROWROOT POWDER IN DEODORANT

  • Gentle and pH-Balanced: With a neutral pH, arrowroot is less likely to cause the skin irritation that baking soda often triggers, especially with regular use.
  • Absorbs Moisture: It effectively absorbs sweat and keeps you dry without blocking pores. Unlike cornstarch, which can create an environment that encourages yeast growth, arrowroot helps maintain healthier skin conditions.
  • Smooth Texture: Its silky consistency makes application a breeze, giving your deodorant a luxurious feel compared to grittier alternatives like diatomaceous earth or rice flour.

While arrowroot is generally gentle, individual reactions can vary. Always start with a small batch and perform a patch test before committing to regular use.

WILL ARROWROOT NEUTRALIZE ODORS?

On its own, arrowroot doesn’t have odor-neutralizing properties. However, when combined with other ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, or even a small amount of baking soda (for those who tolerate it), it creates a balanced and effective deodorant.

  • Coconut Oil: Naturally antibacterial, it helps reduce odor-causing bacteria.
  • Essential Oils: Options like tea tree or lavender bring antimicrobial benefits while adding a pleasant scent.
  • Minimal Baking Soda: If your skin can tolerate it, a small amount provides added odor control without overwhelming the formula.

The key is to find the right combination of ingredients to manage both moisture and odor effectively. With a little experimentation, you can create a deodorant that not only nurtures your skin but showcases the powerful benefits of arrowroot powder.

Let’s get started—your perfect DIY deodorant awaits!

STEP-BY-STEP DIY ARROWROOT DEODORANT RECIPES: MIX, POUR, APPLY!

The recipes are measured in cups, and each batch is designed to last a while, giving you plenty of time to test and refine what works best for you.

Don’t stress about getting the measurements perfect on your first attempt. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a 2:1 ratio of dry to wet ingredients. This ensures the deodorant has a smooth, easy-to-apply texture and effectively keeps you dry.

If you’re exploring commercial natural deodorants (vegan and baking soda-free), I recommend trying Each & Every Cedar and Vanilla, Primal Pit Paste by Pretty Frank, the minimalist Humble Deodorant with Bergamot and Ginger, or Gaia’s Guy Lavender and Vanilla Cream Deodorant. Unsure which to choose? Test them all! That’s my go-to strategy—it saves time and money in the long run by helping me find the perfect match.

SIMPLE RECIPE FOR BEGINNERS

This recipe is an excellent starting point for anyone transitioning to natural deodorants. It’s easy to make, effective, and customizable, making it a fun and rewarding introduction to natural skincare.

Ingredients

  • Arrowroot Powder (¼ cup): Absorbs moisture and ensures a smooth, non-irritating application.
  • Coconut Oil (¼ cup): Acts as a base, hydrates the skin, and has natural antibacterial properties.
  • Shea Butter (¼ cup): Adds a creamy texture while soothing and conditioning the skin.
  • Essential Oil (10-15 drops, optional): Provides fragrance and additional antibacterial benefits. Lavender or tea tree are great options for their odor-fighting and skin-friendly properties.

How to Make It

  • Gently melt the shea butter and coconut oil together using a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the arrowroot powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  • Add your chosen essential oils and mix well.
  • Pour the mixture into an empty deodorant container or a small jar, then let it cool and solidify.

Why It’s Great for Beginners

  • It uses only a few easy-to-find ingredients.
  • There’s no need for complicated equipment or precise temperature control.
  • The recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it to suit your preferences and skin type.

Additional Tips

  • In warmer climates, you can add a small amount of candelilla wax to help the deodorant hold its shape.
  • If you have sensitive skin, reduce or omit the essential oils.

ULTRA-GENTLE DEODORANT

For those with ultra-sensitive skin, this soothing deodorant offers effective odor control without irritation.

Ingredients

  • Arrowroot Powder (¼ cup): Absorbs moisture gently.
  • Shea Butter (¼ cup): Moisturizes and calms the skin.
  • Coconut Oil (¼ cup): Smooths application and has antibacterial properties.
  • Magnesium Hydroxide (2 tablespoons): Neutralizes odor without disturbing the skin’s natural pH.

How to Make It

  • Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
  • Stir in the arrowroot powder and magnesium hydroxide until smooth.
  • Add a few drops of gentle essential oils for fragrance, if desired.
  • Pour into an empty deodorant container and allow to solidify.

Why It’s Special
This formula avoids baking soda, a common irritant, and uses magnesium hydroxide for gentle odor control. Combined with the soothing properties of shea butter and coconut oil, it keeps you fresh without irritation.

Additional Tips

  • Add 1 tablespoon of candelilla wax for a firmer consistency in warmer climates.
  • Boost its soothing effects with a teaspoon of vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel.

DETOX DEODORANT RECIPE

Ideal for those seeking a purifying deodorant, this recipe combines the detoxifying benefits of charcoal and clay to keep you fresh while drawing out impurities.

Ingredients

  • Arrowroot Powder (¼ cup): Absorbs moisture.
  • Coconut Oil (¼ cup): Provides a smooth application and antibacterial benefits.
  • Shea Butter (¼ cup): Soothes and moisturizes.
  • Activated Charcoal (1 tablespoon): Draws out toxins and purifies the skin.
  • Bentonite Clay (2 tablespoons): Enhances detoxification and odor protection.
  • Essential Oils (10-15 drops): Tea tree or peppermint for a refreshing scent and antimicrobial properties.

How to Make It

  • Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
  • Remove from heat and mix in the arrowroot powder, activated charcoal, and bentonite clay until smooth.
  • Stir in essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into an empty deodorant container and let it solidify at room temperature or in the fridge.

Why It’s Special
The activated charcoal and bentonite clay work together to detoxify the skin and fight bacteria. Essential oils add a pleasant scent and boost antibacterial properties.

Additional Tips

  • Adjust consistency by adding more coconut oil if it’s too thick or more arrowroot powder if it’s too soft.
  • Start with fewer essential oils if you have sensitive skin, then adjust as needed.
  • When switching to a detox deodorant, give your body 1–2 weeks to adapt. You may experience increased sweating or odor initially as toxins are expelled, which is a normal part of the process.

NO-KNEAD SOURDOUGH CINNAMON ROLLS

Searching for the ultimate sourdough cinnamon roll recipe? These No-Knead Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are exactly what you need! Soft, sweet, and buttery with a perfectly gooey center, they’re a delight to make and enjoy—no hard work required!

INGREDIENTS

Dough Ingredients:

  • 200 g whole milk (room temperature)
  • 120 g active, bubbly sourdough starter
  • 70 g cane sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 430 g bread flour
  • 5 g sea salt
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, 113 g)

Filling Ingredients:

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, 85 g)
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar (110 g)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon (6 g)

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, 57 g)
  • 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp milk (plus more as needed)

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, whisk the sourdough starter and milk until fully combined. Add the sugar and egg, whisking until smooth.
  • Sift the flour and salt into the bowl, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Add the room-temperature butter and mix thoroughly by hand or with a stand mixer. Make sure the butter is soft enough to easily press through with your finger.

Optional: Strengthen the Dough

  • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
  • Knead the dough on medium speed with a stand mixer and dough hook for about 12 minutes, or perform three sets of stretch-and-folds by hand. While optional, this step helps create a stronger gluten structure, resulting in cinnamon rolls with more body and rise.

Bulk Fermentation:

  • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough ferment at 72°F (21°C) for 9–10 hours (overnight), until it doubles in size. Adjust the time as needed based on your home’s temperature.

Shape the Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a 12” x 18” rectangle.
  • Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread the room-temperature butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch margin along one edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  • Starting from the opposite edge, tightly roll up the dough and seal the seam with a bit of water. Rest the roll seam-side down for a minute, then cut into 12 equal pieces using a non-serrated knife. Wet the knife between cuts to prevent sticking.

Second Rise:

  • Arrange the rolls in a 9” x 13” pan, spacing them evenly. For softer, doughier rolls, use a slightly smaller pan. Cover the pan with a cloth or kitchen towel.
  • Let the rolls rise at 72°F (21°C) for 2–4 hours, or until they’re puffed and visibly larger. To speed up this step, preheat your oven and place the pan on top to utilize the residual heat.

Bake and Frost:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls on the center rack for 25–30 minutes.
  • While baking, make the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and milk together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Let the rolls cool for 15 minutes before frosting. Spread the frosting generously over the rolls, serve, and enjoy!

NOTES

  • Strengthening the Dough: While not required, strengthening the dough enhances its texture and rise. This recipe works perfectly even without kneading.
  • Speeding Up the Second Rise: Place the pan on top of a warm oven to accelerate the rising process.
  • Rise Time Variations: Enriched doughs like this one may have long rise times. Adjust fermentation times based on your home’s temperature.