Freshen up and add a light scents with this easy homemade body powder. It absorbs sweat and moisture, so you stay fresh all day.

I always joke that I'm going to move south when the kids are grown, but it hit the 90s today, and I legit thought that I was going to melt. I couldn't even walk outside.

My hair frizzed, and there was no saving my makeup. By the time I got home, I felt, well, icky. Now we are in a mad scramble to get the pool open before we all die from the heat.

Nothing beats a nice shower after a hot day, but sometimes you just need to freshen up before you can get to a shower. That's why I make this homemade body powder recipe with essential oils.

Body powders used to be really popular, but they aren't so popular anymore. I remember walking into Bath and Body Works in the late 90s and getting a tin of body powder. It was probably in Sun Kissed Raspberry or Cucumber Melon.

I didn't use them for years after that, but then I started again, especially in the summer. Body powders are wonderful all year round though. I like to use them after a sugar scrub or after I put on a body butter because they help make your skin oh so soft.

Homemade Body Powder Recipe With Essential Oils

If you still think body powder is too old fashioned, maybe these uses will convince you to make this homemade body powder recipe with essential oils right away.

This recipe is for your body. If you want to absorb oil and sweat from your face, try my DIY finishing powder.

Absorbing

The main reason people use body powder is to absorb moisture and sweat. It basically works to de-sweat your entire body.

You can use it on your arms, legs, armpits, feet, and anywhere you sweat.
Use it after you shower to avoid being too sticky to get dressed. It also makes your skin feel silky smooth.

Body Acne

If you have body acne, a homemade body powder could help. Excess oil mixed with bacteria causes acne. The bacteria that causes acne loves a moist environment.

This body powder absorbs excess oil, and you can even add tea tree oil, which is naturally anti-bacterial.

Feet

Fun fact: I strongly dislike wearing shoes. My feet get sweaty, and I don't like feeling confined. Use this body powder recipe on your bare feet before shoes and socks to absorb moisture.

You can also sprinkle it in your shoes to give them a little refreshing.

Try this DIY powder for smelly feet with a BO fighting blend.

Layering Scents

The best way to keep your scent lasting all day is to layer it. This has a light scent, but if you pair it with perfume, it helps keep you smelling great longer.

Gym Bag

Have you ever gotten to the gym and realized that your entire bag sticks like ick? Take everything out, sprinkle some of this DIY body powder in it, let it sit, and it will smell better.

Dry Shampoo

While I don't use this all the time for a dry shampoo, it will work in a pinch. Just use a foundation brush to sweep in on your scalp, work it in with your fingers, and brush it out.

Arrowroot Powder

The star of the show is arrowroot powder. It is finer than cornstarch, and it absorbs excess moisture. It has a silky smooth finish, so it feels amazing on your skin.

READ Arrowroot Powder Benefits for Skin and Hair

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay is a soft, very fine powder. It also absorbs odors and moisture without drying out your skin. It's a very gentle clay, so it can be used on sensitive skin.

Learn about the skin benefits of kaolin clay.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is nature's deodorizer. It helps absorb odors caused by sweating and keeps you smelling fresh.

Mica

If you want a shimmering homemade body powder recipe, add some mica. I suggest 1/2 teaspoon, but you can use more or less. Use a golden color if you want a bronzer. Adding mica is completely optional.

Essential Oils

You can add most essential oils to this recipe as long as you use a total of 15-20 drops. Peppermint is a great oil to add, or you can use calming lavender.

A good summer blend is:

If you have body acne or are just looking for a odor busting blend, try:

Bottles

I have had these powder containers in my stash forever. Mountain Rose Herbs has powder containers that would be perfect You can use this body powder puff and container or these spice jars.

The spice jars might let out too much powder at a time, so be careful not to inhale the powder.

The spice jars would be nice because they are small. You could make several scents so you can change them depending on your mood.

Homemade Body Powder Recipe Ingredients

1/2 cup arrowroot powder
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons kaolin clay
1/2 teaspoon mica (optional)
15-20 drops essential oils (see above)
Rice (optional)
Powder container

Directions

STEP #1

Mix the arrowroot powder, baking soda, kaolin clay, and mica in a small bowl. Stir well.

STEP #2

Add your desired essential oils. Stir well. Break up any chunks with your fingers or smash with the back of a spoon.

STEP #3

Carefully spoon the powder into the powder container. You can also use a small funnel.

Add a few tablespoons of rice to the bottle to absorb moisture. It won't come out the holes or affect the powder, but it prevents clumping.

Be careful not to inhale any of the ingredients. I pour some powder onto my hand or a soft cloth and use that to apply the powder. A little goes a long way, so don't feel that you need to add a lot of powder.

If you don't want to make your own, try one of these:

Organic Body Powder Pick a Scent
Shimmer Body Powder
Natural Body Powder

diy, body powder, essential oils

Yield: 1 cup

Author: Cari Dunn