"You just smeared that lemon in your armpit?!!" I asked my brother in total disbelief. "You do know that there is a wonderful invention called Deodorant that does that job?!"
He smiled sweetly and replied "Yes, but only you have the inclination to actually make a natural deodorant! Me? I like lemon. Here stick your nose in my armpit"
This conversation happened while my brother and I were visiting my Dad at his seaside home. 
The reason for making my own natural products is twofold. Not only do I totally eliminate exposing my body to carcinogenic products but I can create something that is unique and individual. It is the same reason I sew. It is the same reason I re-invent traditional dishes. I like the unique flair that sets each of us apart. Making my own special deodorant. Making deodorant that is unique to my Husband and today, my Brother, makes us not the same as everyone else. And believe me, my lemon-in-the-armpit Brother is one of a kind!
Essential oils are an essential in all my natural products. There are so many wonderful womanly combinations of essential oils. But men, I find, are rather more tricky. Most do not go with the offering of the "Old Spice" replica. Tea tree has amazing anti-bacterial properties but I don't like it too be too overpowering so use very little compared to the other essential oils. The combination in smell and healing properties with Bergamot and Lemongrass are wonderful. Subtle but manly.
Shea butter and Cocoa butter are my favourite of the plant butters. I buy the unrefined organic Shea Butter from a local supplier. I love that the Shea Butter is harvested by rural women - supporting local mamas is important to me. Shea butter is safe for all skin types, even the most sensitive. It is also high in essential fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. Kaolin is my preferred clay when making both deodorant and toothpaste. It is a natural detoxifer. In deodorant kaolin clay absorbs sweat and is not harsh against the skin like sodium bicarbonate can be. Sodium bicarbonate is too alkaline against the skin and throws one's pH out of whack.
B.O. DEO RECIPE:
20g Unrefined organic cocoa butter
15g Unrefined organic shea butter
15g Kaolin Clay
10 drops Jojoba oil
20 - 25 drops essential oil
My choice for this deodorant was about 5 drops of Tea Tree, 10 drops Lemongrass and 10 drops Bergamot.
Before making the deodorant make sure all your equipment, and the container is sterilized. I cleaned an old roll-on. They are wonderful to refill and give as gifts.
Measure out the Shea and Cocoa Butter. Melt the butters in a double boiler over a medium heat. Stir as necessary.
Once melted, remove the oils from the heat and slowly mix in the kaolin clay. Allow the blend to cool enough to handle. It is best not to heat the essential oils. Mix in, with any additional nourishing oils, once the deodorant has cooled sufficiently.
With the combination of Cocoa and Shea Butter you have a deodorant that is high in Vitamin E. I like adding a couple drops of a nourishing oil, in this case Jojoba. Apart from being antibacterial it is wonderful for sensitive skin.
When you are satisfied in scent and in texture - making sure that the oils are mixed through properly - then fill your container.
It takes surprisingly long to set. I usually just leave the deodorant to set overnight. The scent of this new B.O. fighter is fantastic!
Making natural deodorant - that works - is extremely satisfying. Especially to company! I'm sure you'll agree that a natural deodorant sure beats smearing your armpit with citrus!!
After my Husband, my Brother is the biggest fan of my natural products. And I love him despite his lemon smelling armpits. So here's a B.O Deo just for BRO!
