I’ve used countless store-bought natural deodorants, and they always leave me stinky and sweaty. In 2011, I made this homemade deodorant recipe and still use it daily. I love it… along with thousands of readers who swear by it, too.
Why I use natural deodorant
Making your own deodorant saves money, is healthier for your body, and actually stops the sweating AND body odor. Seriously, jump on this bandwagon asap!
In 2011, I went down the hippie road and started making granola bars, natural cold & flu remedies, elderberry syrup, homemade lip scrubs, and even went 10 days without shampoo (def don’t recommend that last one). It was during this time that I began questioning all the things I was putting in and on my body.
Deodorant was one of them.
Most store-bought deodorants contain parabens, aluminum, dye, and a bunch of chemicals I can’t even spell (or type correctly). Different studies have theorized that the aluminum in antiperspirants may increase the risk of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. While other chemicals may lead to hormonal imbalances.
Sure, all of this is debatable, but why take the chance?
And why put these things on your body IF there are safe, natural alternatives that work even better?
To me, that’s reason enough to ditch commercial deodorants and make my own. I’ve been using the exact same recipe for over 9 years now and I absolutely love it and use it every day. The only thing I change up is the essential oils I use, depending on what scent I feel like that season.
The best natural deodorant
No joke— you can put this deodorant on at 5AM, run a few miles, blend a tasty green smoothie, throw on some work clothes, work an 8-hour shift and come home smelling good. Seriously!
At first, my husband and I were baffled by how well it worked. We would smell each other’s armpits just to brag. Then we decided to push the boundaries and slathered it on before a long day of helping friends move… We sweat all day and came home smelling good!
Ingredients to make homemade deodorant
You only need four ingredients to make your own all-natural deodorant. Chances are you prob have at least half of them already. You can buy arrowroot powder in the baking section of most natural food stores or online.
- baking soda (feel free to use less if you’ve got sensitive skin)
- non-gmo arrowroot powder (a better choice than traditional cornstarch)
- organic unrefined coconut oil
- essential oils: grapefruit, tea tree, spruce, and sweet orange are my favs
How to use homemade deodorant
Using natural deodorant can seem a little intimidating at first. Since it’s stored in a jar, you have to scoop it out with your finger, a popsicle stick or a tongue depressor. If you’d prefer to have it in “stick form,” you can add a little bit of beeswax and shea butter to the recipe to thicken it. Yet I found that didn’t work as well for me and went back to the jar recipe.
Homemade deodorant: a recipe for succes
Some people can encounter issues with an itchy rash, red bumps, or more sweat and/or odor than usual as they transition to homemade deodorant. Yet don’t let this prevent you from making the switch! Drinking plenty of water and dry brushing are two awesome ways to assist your body as it adjusts away from the chemical-laden deodorants you used to use. My #1 recommendation (drumroll, please!) is to detox your armpits. Sounds weird, I know! But it’ll help speed up your body’s adjustment period to this homemade deodorant.
In addition to detoxing your armpits, you may also want to consider detoxing your whole body. All the processed foods we eat contain chemicals that end up affecting the way we smell when we sweat. Try out our Seasonal Cleanse or Seasonal Cleanse to get started on a whole-body detox. These cleanses are super easy to follow and just use whole, plant-based foods (no expensive supplements!) to gently clear your body of unwanted toxins.
Best Natural Deodorant to Buy
While making my own deodorant works for me, I’m also a realist and know that not everyone wants to go this crunchy. That’s where Pretty Frank (formerly known as Primal Pit Paste) and Native come in. Both brands have natural deodorant lines that have a variety of strengths and scents that work AND are better for your body. I’ve used them both when on vacation or if I run out of my own homemade deodorant and haven’t had time to make another batch.
Simple Homemade Deodorant
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- air tight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup baking soda you can use less when starting out if it irritates you
- ½ cup arrowroot powder you can also use cornstarch… but I prefer arrowroot powder
- 5 tbsp coconut oil
- 20 drops grapefruit essential oil or another essential oil with antibacterial properties
Instructions
- Mix baking soda and arrowroot together. (I used my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer.)
- Add the coconut oil and essential oils. Mix well.
- Pour into clean air-tight jar (Homemade deodorant will last up to 2 years in an airtight container.)
- Use a popsicle stick to get the deodorant out of the container and transfer to your finger. Make sure you use enough under your arms to keep you “sure” all day long. A pea-size amount is usually good.
Notes
- Consistency: This deodorant changes consistency depending on the temperature. In cold climates, it can be pretty hard to get out. If that’s the case for you, I recommend storing it by the shower and allowing the steam to warm it before applying. If you live in a warm climate and the deodorant is too liquid-y, you can store it in a cool cupboard to thicken it up.
- Technique: For the past couple years, I stopped using the popsicle stick and actually just use my fingers and dip them in the jar.
Thank you so much you are a superstar for taking the time to make something like this to share with the world. It is an excellent recipe and I have been using it for around 6-8 months now after becoming concerned of the deodorant sprays containing metals amongst other things that our bodies cannot get rid of and especially around the breast area. I’m aiming to go chemical free bit by bit and this deodorant for me has been a winner. In fact I’ve just made two batches up in advance good luck everyone
I made this recipe with aluminum free baking soda and arrowroot powder/flour (same thing). I melted the coconut oil and mixed my essential oils whike it was liquid and then added the dry ingredients. I’m amazed at how well it works! I tried warming the glass jar and packing it into a clean deodorant container, but that became a block and would not roll up after:-(. Any ideas on how to make and keep the mixture softer so it can be used in roll up deodorant containers?
I had the same question.I wonder if we could use fractionated coconut oil instead?
Hey Melissa! That’s a great question! I would recommend using regular coconut oil for this recipe, but you could totally try it. I might start with a small amount and then add in little by little until it reaches a good consistency. 🙂
Hello there. I would like to put this is a traditional deodorant container. How much beeswax or she’s butter should I add?
Thank you.
Hi there Rene,
I found a helpful article/recipe for you that is tailored towards using a standard deodorant dispenser. Click here to check it out!
You have saved me sooo much money! It took me 4 years to find an all natural deodorant that worked with my sensitive skin. Inflation has brought the brand I use to $12 and it seems it keeps going up every few months. Your recipe works, is 100% customizable with any EO, and one batch is the equivalent of 2 & 1/2 sticks of deodorant for me.
Thanks for sharing!!
Do you melt the coconut oil or put it in solid when mixing up?
I found that it is best to do a “double boil” method to combine the ingredients, melting the coconut oil first.
Is there anything that can be done about the stain it causes to my clothing. Because it’s a deodorant it allows the pits to perspire and it soils my tops leaving a ring around the armpits. Can anything be done to minimize that?
Hey there DeDe,
Great question. I found a really helpful article with a few tips to help deal with stains. Click here to check it out!
Hi Jen,
I would like to substitute magnesium hydroxide for the baking soda. How much magnesium hydroxide would I use? Would it be a half cup like the baking soda or less?
Thank you!
Hi Laura,
Using half of a cup of the Magnesium Hydroxide for the Baking Soda should work fine. 🙂
But if you want to start with half the amount and add more until you reach the desired and intended consistency, that would be the safe way to go.
Just made some with tangerine EO. Can’t wait to try tomorrow
An incredible solution! After a long sunny day in Florida filled with cardio workouts and no BO after. Highly recommend.
My only issue I the burning reaction after shaving my armpits. Has anyone experienced this? Recommendations to prevent burning? I’ve cut the baking soda content by half but still experience this
Hi there Valen,
My suggestion would be to wait some time after shaving to apply the deodorant. The skin is still very fresh and may even have some microabrassions right after shaving. waiting 15-20 minutes should help. I’d welcome other feedback on this issue as well though.
Agreed! Wait a bit of time after shaving to apply. In addition, tea tree & lavender EO’s are nice soothers for this situation!!
I am getting pimples in my armpits after I made the switch. Do you what the cause would be?
Hi there Andrea,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with that irritation. Some skin types might not do well with an oil-based deodorant like this. Another tip may be to wait 10-15 minutes after shaving to apply. Keep us posted!
I made this and it works!!! Awesome! Thanks