This DIY yarrow deodorant recipe combines yarrow-infused coconut oil with beeswax and arrowroot for a simple homemade natural deodorant. Yarrow is one of the toughest, most rewarding plants you can grow: it shrugs off drought, feeds butterflies and hoverflies all summer, and its feathery leaves have been part of household skincare for centuries. Drying a few stems from your own plants and infusing them is a lovely, slow garden project.
You can absolutely make this recipe with plain coconut oil if you do not have yarrow, or if you simply prefer to leave it out.
How to make yarrow-infused coconut oil
Use completely dried yarrow so that no water is introduced into the oil. Cover the dried herb with coconut oil and infuse for 4–6 weeks in a cool, dark place, or use a slow cooker on the warm setting for approximately 24 hours. Strain the herbs out thoroughly before making the deodorant.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yarrow-infused coconut oil
- 2 tbsp beeswax pellets
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- Optional: 10 drops bergamot FCF essential oil and 8 drops steam-distilled lime essential oil
Method
- Using a double boiler, gently melt the infused coconut oil and beeswax together.
- Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the arrowroot powder and baking soda until smooth.
- Mix in the vitamin E oil and the optional essential oils.
- Quickly pour into clean deodorant containers before the mixture begins to set.
- Allow it to cool and harden fully before using.
How to use it
Apply a very small amount to clean, dry underarms. This is a deodorant rather than an antiperspirant, so it is designed to help with odour rather than stop natural perspiration.
Baking soda can irritate underarm skin. If you have sensitive skin, reduce it or replace it with the same amount of extra arrowroot powder. Patch test the finished deodorant first and stop using it if irritation develops. Avoid applying it immediately after shaving or to broken skin. If using citrus essential oils, choose bergamot FCF and steam-distilled lime for a lower phototoxicity risk; omit essential oils for very sensitive skin.
Grow your own yarrow
Yarrow is a beautiful, resilient native herb with feathery foliage and flat clusters of white flowers from June to September. Plant it in full sun in well-drained soil, even poor or dry ground, in a border, wildflower patch or pot. Cut stems on a dry day when the flowers are fully open and hang them upside down to dry for your oil.
This recipe is for general educational use. It is not medical advice and is not intended to treat a health condition.