This aluminum-free deodorant formula is baking soda-free and formulated for effective odor control with a smooth, dry skin feel. Magnesium hydroxide, zinc ricinoleate, and glyceryl laurate work together for odor control, while tapioca starch helps absorb moisture and reduce greasiness.
Formula
12% Kokum Butter or Cocoa Butter
10% Shea Butter or Mango Butter
18% Cetyl Alcohol
2% Stearic Acid
21.5% MCT Oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil)
3% Zinc Ricinoleate Pellets
2% Glyceryl Laurate
10% Magnesium Hydroxide
20% Tapioca Starch
1% Vitamin E
0.5% Fragrance or Essential Oil
Total: 100%
Method
- Combine the Kokum or Cocoa Butter, Shea or Mango Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, MCT Oil, Zinc Ricinoleate, and Glyceryl Laurate.
- Heat the mixture to at least 195°F (91°C), but do not exceed 210°F (99°C). Stir until everything is completely melted and uniform.
- Add the Magnesium Hydroxide and Tapioca Starch and mix thoroughly until completely incorporated and smooth.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add Vitamin E and fragrance or essential oil. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour into deodorant tubes while the mixture is still fluid.
- Allow the deodorant to cool and solidify completely before capping and labeling.
Formulation Notes
This formula uses 0.5% fragrance or essential oil. Fragrance may be increased to 1%. When using 1% fragrance, reduce the MCT Oil to 21% to keep the formula at 100%.
Vitamin E is optional. If omitted, increase the MCT Oil by 1%.
Butter substitutions: Kokum or Cocoa Butter may be used for the first butter, and Shea or Mango Butter may be used for the second. Different butter combinations can slightly change the firmness and glide of the finished stick.
Always verify the current IFRA usage limit for your specific fragrance or essential oil before use.
Because raw materials, packaging, and environmental conditions vary, make a small test batch before scaling up.
Batch Size Example
100 g Batch
- 12 g Kokum or Cocoa Butter
- 10 g Shea or Mango Butter
- 18 g Cetyl Alcohol
- 2 g Stearic Acid
- 21.5 g MCT Oil
- 3 g Zinc Ricinoleate
- 2 g Glyceryl Laurate
- 10 g Magnesium Hydroxide
- 20 g Tapioca Starch
- 1 g Vitamin E
- 0.5 g Fragrance or Essential Oil
To scale the formula: Multiply each percentage by your desired total batch weight.
Shop the Ingredients
Cetyl Alcohol
Stearic Acid
Zinc Ricinoleate Pellets
Glyceryl Laurate
Magnesium Hydroxide
Cocoa Butter
Need supplies? Many of the specialty ingredients used in this formula are available from Muddy Soap Co.
Made it? We’d love to see it!
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