Have you ever reached your arms overhead in yoga and thought, “Oh, sweet Zeus’ beard. Is that me???”

You’re not the only one--I’m constantly paranoid that I smell. And, eco-chic girl that I am, I have been in search of a great, natural deodorant for the better part of a decade. Tom’s, Jason, Crystal, Honest, EO--I’ve tried them all, and nothing seemed to do the trick. So I started making my own. It took a while to figure out what combination of ingredients work best, but this is the easiest, most effective combo that I’ve found.

• Baking soda
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (cornstarch is cheaper and works just as well, IMO)
• Sheer Miracle’s 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil
• Essential oils of your choosing

Depending on the size of your container, mix equal parts of the dry ingredients. Then stir in the argan oil slowly until you’ve made a paste. Add your essential oil until your deodorant smells just like you want to (I’m really into natural deodorizers lemongrass and geranium these days). Apply a small amount with your fingers and rub in until dissolved. Et voila!

Be sure to store it in a container with a tight lid, and if you’re traveling, stick it in a plastic baggie. As temperatures fluctuate, so can the liquidity of your deodorant, so don’t be surprised if on a 105 degree day your deodorant is more goo than paste.

Gettin’ Fancy

Wanna make a deodorant that hipsters would pay top dollar for? Add or substitute these ingredients as you please:

For Sensitive Skin

• Adjust the ratio of corn starch to baking soda--corn starch tends to be less irritating/drying
• Grind your dry ingredients even more finely in a mortar and pestle
• Substitute some of the argan oil for cocoa butter (but not too much as it will turn into a nice smelling cream versus something that keeps you “sure”)

For Super Stench

• Try adding a few drops of tea tree oil (sometimes called melaleuca) or calendula oil as they are said to be naturally antiseptic and antimicrobial
• Substitute some of the argan oil for coconut oil (which has antibacterial properties)

Tweet me @miz_mora with the hashtag #SheerMiracle and tell me your favorite DIY deodorant secrets. 

Happy stink-free summer!

What's your favorite natural way to stay odor free?  Let us know in the comments below.

About the Author: Gia Mora

Gia Mora, a.k.a. Einstein's Girl, is a multifaceted performer and writer. She brings her unique blend of brains and beauty to her work on screen and stage and now as the newest artist signed to Modern Songbook Records.