Did you know you can DIY an effective, nice-smelling zero waste deodorant just from some simple ingredients in your pantry?

This recipe is a paste and makes enough to fill the little jam jar I used, but it will last ages as you don’t need much each day.

This is really just a guide, as I started with a small amount and kept adding until I had the right consistency. Make a paste that feels right to you - something you can easily rub in that isn’t too oily and not too powdery and dry. Experiment!

A note on natural deodorant: you will still sweat, but the idea is you won’t smell! It’s the aluminium in traditional deodorants that stops you sweating. It can also take a little time to transition and get used to it.

Utensils:

• Small mixing bowl

• Small spoon

• Small glass jar - preferably a recycled one! I use a tiny Beerenberg jam jar, which is great for travel too.

Ingredients:

All of these pantry ingredients can be bought at the bulk foods store by refilling your own container. The essential oils come in glass bottles but are optional - it will smell nice enough without these.

• 1 tbsp cornflour - or tapioca, or arrowroot powder, both also available to refill.

• 1/2 to 1 tsp bicarbonate soda - your active ingredient. No more than 1 teaspoon but you can use much less! If this is your transition to natural deodorant, I'd recommend starting with less and seeing how your skin fares and if it’s effective.

• 2 tsp (to start) coconut oil, melted (I’ve also used olive oil but coconut allows it to set better in cooler weather).

• Essential oils of your choice - I used a 'vitalising blend' I already had at home - citrus, bergamot scents - or a combo of peppermint and lavender is nice, as is citrus like lemongrass.

Method:

• Start by combining about 1 tablespoon of cornflour and 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda in your small bowl.

• Add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil (to start with) and mix it into your dry ingredients.

• Add about 3-5 drops of your essential oils if you like.

• Keep adding cornflour and/ or coconut oil and stirring until you get a think, creamy consistency. More cornflour = more of a hard paste; more oil = more fluid.

• You should be able to pour or scoop it into your jar. It will settle in the jar and harden slightly, depending on the climate you live in. Coconut oil liquefies when it reaches 24 decrees Celsius, but mixed with the cornflour it's fine. You may need to mix it occasionally if it starts to get too dry.

If you want to add more to this basic recipe, bentonite clay is detoxifying, can be bought in bulk, but does add a slightly darker tinge - and make sure you mix with a non-metal spoon. I have also added shea butter for extra moisturising, also available in bulk from Biome and can be shipped in a reusable glass jar.

To use:

Simply wipe your finger over the paste so it just covers your finger tip, then rub in as if you were applying moisturiser.

I'd love to hear about your own DIY experience - I hope it works as well for you as it does for me! I’ve been using this recipe for more than 5 years now.

-  Ash