Arrowroot Powder is So Much Better Than Baking Soda for DIY Deodorant Recipes
As a certified organic skincare formulator, I’ve seen firsthand how arrowroot powder outshines baking soda in DIY deodorant recipes.
Not only is it gentler on the skin, but it also provides a smoother consistency, making it a superior choice for those looking to craft their natural deodorant.
Baking soda is used mainly for its odour-neutralising properties, but its higher pH can sometimes lead to skin irritation.
Arrowroot, on the other hand, can absorb moisture effectively without causing irritation, offering a natural, skin-friendly option for managing perspiration.
Will it work at neutralising odour?
No, arrowroot powder alone won’t neutralise odour as it primarily absorbs moisture; however, when combined with easy-to-find ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils, it can create an effective odour-fighting deodorant.
In this guide, I’ll tell you why arrowroot powder is the go-to ingredient, sharing insights from my experience and the science behind natural skincare.
Following that, I’ll take you through a simple, fun guide to making your natural deodorant. We’ll mix arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and essential oils – a trio that keeps you dry and smelling great!
I’ll share a no-fuss recipe that’s kind on your skin.
The Differences at a Glance
You will find the below table very helpful:
| Feature | Arrowroot Powder | Baking Soda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use? | Moisture absorption | Odour neutralisation |
| Skin sensitivity | It can cause irritation or rash due to its higher pH | Can cause irritation or rash due to its higher pH |
| Consistency… | It can be abrasive, affecting the smoothness of the deodorant | Closer to neutral, less disruptive to the skin’s natural pH |
| pH Level | Higher pH can disrupt skin’s natural pH balance | Higher pH, can disrupt skin’s natural pH balance |
| Moisture absorption | Highly effective at absorbing moisture | Does not neutralize odours, needs to be combined with other ingredients |
| Odour combat | Effective at neutralizing body odour on its own | Effective at neutralizing body odor on its own |
| For sensitive skin? | Better suited for sensitive skin | May not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin |
| Eco-friendly? | Considered very eco-friendly and sustainable | Generally eco-friendly, but mining and processing have some impact! |
Even though they serve different purposes, I prefer to blend arrowroot powder with essential oils over baking soda.
This combo strikes the perfect balance between moisture management and gentle odour control, all while being kinder to my skin.
A little about each ingredient
1) Arrowroot powder
Sourced from the arrowroot plant, is celebrated for its moisture-absorbing properties without irritating the skin. It’s ideal for natural deodorant recipes, particularly for sensitive skin types, as it keeps underarms dry and reduces bacteria-friendly environments without clogging sweat glands. Its mild nature also means it’s less likely to irritate, offering a gentler option for deodorant users.
The skin-friendly benefits of arrowroot powder
A single cup of arrowroot powder can revolutionise a DIY deodorant recipe. Its fine, silky texture makes it an excellent ingredient for absorbing moisture while being gentle on the skin. This makes arrowroot powder an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to avoid the harshness often associated with baking soda-based deodorants.
2) Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
Baking soda, or Sodium Bicarbonate, is famed for its ability to neutralise odours by making conditions less hospitable for odour-causing bacteria. However, its higher pH might disturb the skin’s natural barrier, sometimes causing irritation or rashes, particularly in those with sensitive skin. While effective in odour control, baking soda suits those who can use it comfortably. And not everyone does.
Step-by-step guide to making your INCREDIBLY EASY DIY deodorant using arrowroot (PERFECT for beginners)
Making your own deodorant at home is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly simple.
My go-to recipe marries the moisture-absorbing prowess of arrowroot powder with the nourishing touch of coconut oil, creating an all-natural deodorant that’s perfect for anyone looking to avoid baking soda.
This easy-to-follow blend not only tackles odours effectively but also ensures you stay fresh throughout the day.
It’s an excellent choice for beginners, promising a gentle, skin-loving formula that’s both effective and delightful to use!
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (in its solid state)
- 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder
- 10-15 drops of my “Odour-Combat” essential oil mix!
Odour-combat essential oil mix
For a strong odour-combating effect while ensuring the scent isn’t overwhelming, here’s the perfect mix:
- Lavender essential oil: 5 drops for its soothing, antibacterial properties and gentle, pleasant fragrance.
- Tea tree essential oil: 5 drops for its powerful antibacterial and antifungal effects, great for neutralizing odour!
- Lemon essential oil: 5 drops for a refreshing, clean scent and additional antibacterial benefits.
Equipment needed
- A small mixing bowl
- A spatula or spoon for mixing
- A small jar or an empty deodorant container for storage
Making it
- Prepare ingredients: Measure out all the ingredients. If the coconut oil is too hard, gently warm it until it’s just melted but not hot.
- Mix in arrowroot powder: In your mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the arrowroot powder with the melted coconut oil to create a smooth base.
- Add essential oils: Incorporate the essential oils into your mixture, stirring well to ensure they’re evenly distributed. This step is where you customize your scent and add antibacterial properties.
- Transfer to your container: Spoon the mixture into your chosen container. If using a jar, you’ll apply the deodorant with your fingers. If you have an empty deodorant stick container, pour it in and let it set.
- Let it set: Allow the deodorant to harden. This might take a few hours at room temperature or quicker in the refrigerator, especially if your home is warm.
- Applying: Gently apply a small amount to your underarms. The deodorant will melt upon contact with your skin, making it easy to spread.
Some tips…
- Adjust the amount of arrowroot powder if you prefer a thicker or smoother consistency.
- Experiment with different essential oils to find the scent you love most. Some have stronger antibacterial properties which might be beneficial if you’re very active.
- Keeping your deodorant in the fridge during hotter months not only keeps it solid but also provides a cooling sensation upon application.
Making your deodorant more awesome
The above recipe is fantastic and it will work.
But, you can elaborate on it.
Mango butter is this amazing ingredient that’s been getting a lot of love lately. It’s super moisturising, which means it makes your deodorant smooth and kind to your skin.
When you add mango butter to your mix, you’re not just making deodorant; you’re creating a little jar of kindness for your underarms, keeping you naturally fresh.
Why mango butter rocks
Mango butter is a winner because it’s chock-full of skin-loving goodies.
It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a fantastic moisturiser that doesn’t just sit on top of your skin—it actually gets absorbed, leaving your skin feeling soft but not greasy.
Plus, it’s gentle enough for all skin types, which means everyone can get in on the mango butter magic.
Quick & friendly DIY deodorant recipe
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil – for its antibacterial properties and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder – great for keeping things dry without irritation.
- 1 tablespoon of mango butter – for that super smooth application and extra moisture.
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil – a hero for fighting off those odour-causing bacteria.
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil – because it smells heavenly and is soothing for your skin.
Steps:
- Melt the mango butter and coconut oil together gently until they’re just liquid.
- Stir in the arrowroot powder to mix well, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the essential oils, whisking to make sure everything’s friendly and combined.
- Pour it into an old deodorant tube or a small jar and let it cool down.
- Apply gently to your underarms and feel awesome about your natural choice!
How to smoothly transition to your natural deodorant
Switching to natural deodorant isn’t always a walk in the park—it can be quite the journey! It took me literally 2 years to get used to not applying the chemical-laden deodorants from the shops.
Here are some straightforward steps to help you navigate the transition:
- Be Patient with Your Body: It might take some time for your body to adjust to natural deodorants. Expect a detox phase where your underarms might sweat more or smell differently as they rid themselves of built-up chemicals.
- Trust the Process: Moving away from antiperspirants means trusting your body’s natural sweating process. Remember, sweating is a healthy bodily function, and natural deodorants aim to neutralize odour, not stop sweat.
- Choose the Right Ingredients: Start with arrowroot powder for moisture absorption. It’s gentle and effective for all skin types. Then, pick essential oils that smell not only good but also have antibacterial properties to combat odour.
- Test Different Formulas: Not all natural deodorants will work the same for everyone. You might need to try a few different combinations of ingredients before finding the one that works best for you.
- Give It Time: Some people adjust within a week, while others may need a few months. Keep at it, and don’t be discouraged if the first try isn’t perfect.
- Listen to Your Skin: If you experience irritation, it might be due to certain essential oils or the baking soda in some recipes. Don’t hesitate to tweak your formula to find what’s most comfortable for your skin.
- Stay Clean: Regular washing helps manage bacteria levels, reducing odour as your body adjusts to the natural deodorant.
- Wear Breathable Fabrics: Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool can help reduce sweating and odour by improving air circulation to your skin.
Are you going to use arrowroot powder + essential oils now instead of baking soda?
By combining arrowroot powder with coconut oil and a carefully selected blend of essential oils, you create a natural, effective deodorant that not only respects your skin’s natural balance but also embraces the ethos of sustainable, health-conscious living.
Arrowroot powder’s versatility and compatibility with sensitive skin make it a standout ingredient, promising a smoother transition to natural deodorants for those seeking alternatives to commercial products.
Leave me your comments below.
