The MOTHER EARTH NEWS editors have tested this recipe, and they report that it’s definitely not the pits. You can use either arrowroot flour or cornstarch as the thickening agent, but arrowroot flour is less abrasive. Some people report experiencing irritated skin after prolonged, topical applications of baking soda. For a baking-soda-free deodorant recipe, go to LisaLise’s Blog. Yield: 8 ounces.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup arrowroot flour or cornstarch
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 20 drops essential oil of your choice
• Container for deodorant, sterilized and dried

Instructions:

Mix baking soda and arrowroot flour or cornstarch in a small bowl. Slowly add melted coconut oil, stirring until your mixture becomes a thick paste, about the consistency of glue. Add essential oil of your choice and mix thoroughly. Pour deodorant paste into your sterilized container, and place in fridge for 1 hour until it sets up. Store homemade deodorant in a cool, dry location.