In a discussion on the facebook group Pure Portugal Living the Good Life  I offered to share my recipe for home-made coconut oil deodorant, so here it is!

I love this deodorant not only because it’s natural, but because it actually works!  Years ago when I stumbled upon the recipe and first made it we gave it some tough testing – working hard around the quinta and it works where commercial brands don’t – no stinky pits at the end of the day 😉

Coconut oil kills fungi, yeast and bacteria. Bicarbonate of soda neutralises odor, and arrowroot powder helps to absorb moisture. You can add essential oils for their perfume and/or their properties (eg. Tea Tree as an added anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic).

RECIPE

5 -6 tablespoons coconut oil
1/8 cup arrowroot powder
1/8 cup cornflour
1/4 cup bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Few drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)

Mix the powders together and then slowly add liquid coconut oil (you can gently heat the oil in its jar in a bowl of hot water). Pour into small jars.

In summer the deodorant is easy to use as it’s usually fairly soft. It can go quite hard in winter but just warm a pea-sized bit in your hand and then apply. Or keep it somewhere warm!

If you have an empty solid deodorant stick container even better! Pour your home-made deodorant into it for easy application.

Super simple, super effective, totally natural 🙂

Coconut oil can be bought in bulk via Essential Wholefoods from Benfeita Wholefood Co-operative (groups in Benfeita, Barril de Alva, and Gouveia).