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I’ve used countless store-bought natural deodorants, and they always leave me stinky and sweaty. In 2011, I decided to make my own homemade deodorant recipe. After a few tweaks, I have created the best natural diy recipe that smells great, works wonders and I’ve used for 13 years now. I’ve shared this recipe with thousands of others— and I can’t wait for you to join my diy deodorant party.
Why I Use Natural Deodorant
Making your own deodorant saves money, is healthier for your body, and actually stops sweating and body odor. Seriously, jump on this bandwagon ASAP!
In 2011, I went on a journey and started making homemade granola bars, natural cold and flu remedies like ginger lemon honey tea, elderberry syrup, homemade lip scrubs, and even went 10 days without shampoo (I 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.
Most store-bought deodorants contain chemicals like parabens and aluminum, which I wanted to avoid. Why use those when you can create the best natural deodorants with safer, more effective active ingredients? Even newer products with labels like organic deodorant often include ambiguous ingredients like “fragrance.”
To me, that’s reason enough to ditch commercial deodorants and make my own. I’ve been using the same recipe for over 13 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 Recipe
No joke—you can put this deodorant on at 5AM, run a few miles, blend the world’s Best Green Smoothie, throw on some work clothes, work an 8-hour shift and come home smelling good.
At first, my husband and I were baffled by how well this DIY deodorant 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 sweated all day and still came home smelling good!
It’s important to note that this is not an antiperspirant deodorant. We are meant to sweat, it’s natural. The harmful chemicals in conventional deodorants to stop the body’s natural need to sweat is not something I want to use (and you prob don’t either).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need four ingredients to make your own all-natural deodorant. Chances are you probably 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: Absorbs moisture to keep you dry and helps neutralize odor (feel free to use less if you’ve got sensitive skin and notice irritation in your underarm area). Opt for aluminum-free baking soda, as it’s gentler and free from unnecessary additives.
- Non-GMO arrowroot powder: A better choice than traditional cornstarch, arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture to keep you dry. You can easily find it in health food stores or online.
- Organic unrefined coconut oil: Provides a moisturizing base and has natural antibacterial properties that help combat odor-causing bacteria. You can find this in most grocery or health food stores.
- Essential oils: Grapefruit oil, tea tree oil, spruce oil, and sweet orange oil are my favorites for their refreshing scents and antibacterial properties. They add fragrance while also helping to fight odor naturally.
How to Make Homemade Deodorant
This DIY deodorant recipe is super quick to whip up with just four ingredients. If you’ve ever wondered how to make deodorant at home, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Just follow these 4 simple steps:
- Mix the arrowroot powder and baking soda together. I use my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer.
- Add the coconut oil and your favorite essential oils, like grapefruit or tea tree, to the mixture. You can adjust the consistency by adding more coconut oil if needed.
- Pour into a small glass jar (I like pint-size mason jar) and store at room temperature. Homemade deodorant will last up to two 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.
Application Tip
If you’d prefer to have it in a traditional “stick form,” melt 1 tbsp of beeswax and 1 tbsp of shea butter right into the recipe. Pour into a reusable deodorant containers and store in refrigerator until solid.
Tips for Switching to Natural Deodorant
- When you initially make the switch, you may experience an itchy rash, red bumps, or increased sweat and odor when transitioning to a homemade deodorant. Don’t let this stop you!
- 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 natural 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 a seasonal cleanse to get started on a whole-body detox.
- These cleanses are super easy to follow and use only whole, plant-based foods (no expensive supplements!) to gently clear your body of unwanted toxins.
Common Questions
Making your own deodorant at home is easy with just a few simple ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and essential oils. It’s a natural, effective way to stay fresh without any harsh chemicals. Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a batch quickly and enjoy the benefits of homemade, toxin-free deodorant.
To extend the effectiveness of homemade deodorant, apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Storing it in a cool, dry place will prevent melting or spoilage, while absorbent ingredients like arrowroot powder can help increase its longevity by controlling moisture and odor.
Yes, coconut oil is a key ingredient in my homemade deodorant recipe. Its natural antibacterial properties help fight odor while keeping your skin moisturized.
Leave a rating and review to let me know how this diy deodorant recipe works for you! As you can tell by the over 200+ reviews so far, this is a recipe you must try.
Best Homemade Deodorant
Ingredients
- ½ cup baking soda use 1/4 cup if have sensitive skin
- ½ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 5 tbsp coconut oil, unrefined melted or softened
- 20 drops essential oil grapefruit, tea tree oil, etc
Instructions
- Mix baking soda and arrowroot together.
- Add the coconut oil and essential oils. Mix well.
- Pour into a clean, air-tight jar and store at room temperature.
- Use a popsicle stick to get the deodorant out of the container and transfer to your finger. Use a pea-sized amount to apply under your arms.
Equipment
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 liquidy, store it in a cool cupboard to thicken it up.
- Technique: For the past couple of years, I stopped using the popsicle stick and actually just use my fingers and dip them in the jar.
This truly is amazing! The oil does stain my clothes a bit but it works so well I don’t even care! I do have an issue with it clumping up once I apply it though. Is there any way to prevent this?
Hi Marie! I’m wondering if it needs to be warmed a little? Try sitting it by the shower when you’re in there so it can “melt” just a little.
I’ve just come here to say that I found this recipe 3 years ago and have been making it ever since. I will NEVER use store bought deodorant again. I’ve gotten several of my coworkers & friends using this recipe too. One thing I will say is that if you have sensitive skin, this deodorant may irritate your armpits. One friend of mine can’t use this recipe due to it making her break out. However, everyone is different, so I encourage everyone to try it!!! I love this deodorant so much!!!
Hi Bri! Woo hoo! Love to hear you’ve been lovin’ and sharin’ this recipe for 3 years.
I have always struggled with BO but especially so after having my daughter two years ago. I have tried so many deodorants and none of them would get rid of the hint of stank.
I’ve been using this for a week and holy macaroni I don’t stink!! I’m so glad I found this recipe. I subbed tallow for the coconut oil because that’s what I had on hand and turned out great.
Yes!! I love to hear this, Jessica!
I have been using this recipe for 4 or 5 years! Absolutely LOVE it! I would have had no idea what combinations to use and this is perfect! Thank you for posting it!
Love to hear that you’ve been rawkin’ this deodorant recipe for 5 years, Stacy!
All baking soda is pure sodium bicarb and therefore aluminum free. You’re confusing it with baking powder, which may have aluminum. If you’re so caught up in clean and natural movement that the most basic science of the chemicals you’re working with is wrong, I’m not sure you should be advocating or encouraging people to make their own hygiene products…
Thanks for the feedback, Heather!
It works!!!!! This is such a big deal for me! Thank you!!
Woo hoo!! Love to hear that, Inessa!
Absolutely love this recipe! I’ve been using it for several weeks now and it passes the all day test. I’ve used it for my exercise classes and I ran a 10k and it holds up! 10/10 I made extra and shared it with friends and they love it as well.
Yeahh!! I love to hear this one is working great for you, Lex!
Following the directions, the mixture is too powdery. Will need to decrease the amount of dry mix or increase the coconut oil.
Hi Stacey! This recipe definitely takes some trial and error, so you can add more coconut oil if needed.
Hello! I want to make this but am nervous about the oil staining my clothes. Has anyone had experience with this? Thank you!
I used rosemary oil and for the past week I’ve been using it, I’ve experienced no stains!
Hi Claire! I’ve not had any issues with oil on my clothes from this, so I hope you’ll give it a try!
I’ve been using this recipe for the past month since I found it. Not only no stains on clothes, but no annoying white marks either. Truly amazing!
Yes! So glad it’s working for you, Kat!
Hi Jen!
I’m so thrilled to have found this gem of a recipe. I’ve tried many, but this truly works and it’s not to pasty or too dry or too oily.
just right. I used 1 TB of rose hip seed oil to replace the 1 TB of coconut. Just wanted to mention that to others, so that they can too experiment with adding their favorite oils. Rose hip seed oil is great for feminine hormonal health, and the arm pit is a great meridian , i.e. detox pathway to get those lymph nodes running well!!!
GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!
Hi Aaliyah! Rose hip seed oil sounds like an awesome addition, I’ll have to give that a try!
how do you make candiles
Hi Aubrey! I haven’t tried making candles yet, what a great idea!
Y’all! This recipe actually works! I’m so happy right now. I’ve been using it for 2 weeks and while there is a learning curve when it comes to applying it without getting it all over everything lol, I stay fresh all day. I added tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils to mine with no issue. As an MCAS sufferer, this recipe has been a GODSEND because every other commercially available “natural” deodorant would cause a flare. THANK YOU.
Yeahh!! So glad you’re lovin’ it, Soren!
This deodorant works great! I was shocked at how easy and effective it is. About a year ago I switched to aluminum free store bought deodorant because I was concerned about the ingredient. Well, recently now even the aluminum free store bought stuff was making my armpits freak out. This homemade deodorant lasts a long for controlling body odor and my armpits stay dry. I store it in my bathroom and the texture is perfect. I apply it with my fingers. Super easy. Highly recommend!
Hi Kirsten! Woo hoo so glad you love this one! I’m pretty biased but love it as well!
I’m so glad I found this recipe! It works great and makes me feel better knowing that each ingredient is natural And it has a very mild pleasant smell. I use a 1/2 tsp. More of baking soda than the recipe calls for.
You can definitely add more baking soda if needed, Chicory!
Hey everyone. I just made a batch of this and tried it out. I used what I had at home. Coconut oil, baking soda along with cornstarch. For my essential oils I had tea tree and lemongrass. I used a few more drops of lemon than the tea tree. Love the product, love the smell. It actually works for me. I’m a delivery agent and definitely put your recipe to the test. Gold stars ✨ ✨✨✨thanks so much!!
Regards
Jenevieve
Tea tree and lemongrass e.o. are excellent choices for this one, Jenevieve!
5 stars! I’ve been using this recipe for about 4 yrs now and can safely say, I’ve never been smelly since I started using it. I use a bit less bicarbonate of soda as my skin is sensitive ( just use a bit more arrowroot) and also add a tbs of almond oil. You’ll never look at commercial deodorants again!
You’re so right, Denise! I’m so glad you’ve been rawkin’ this deodorant for 4 years now!