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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 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.
Hello,
I made this recipe and really like it! It is simple to make and its consistency is amazing! I am however finding it difficult to spread on my skin on my armpit and it tends to create lumps rather than spreading evenly and being absorbed in the skin. Is that normal? Can we do anything about it?
Hey Agnes,
It might be because it is too solid. Coconut oil is more solid depending on the temperature that you are in. What works for me is if I leave it in my bathroom and put it on after I take a hot shower. It is more melted and glides on much better that way.
Hope that helps!
I am so happy I found this recipe! I was surprised at how easy it was to make and how effective it is. I used lavender oil which smells really strong in the jar and when I apply it, but throughout the day there’s just no smell on my skin at all, which I really like! I’m even making a batch to give to my mom and sister. My only question/concern is that I have dark/discolored underarms which I’m really embarrassed and self conscious about. I don’t shave anymore (I tweeze) so I think the chemicals in the store bought deodorants I’d been using for 2 decades might have been the cause. Do you know if this deodorant will affect or help with this? I’ve only been using it for a few days so I do notice it stinging a little bit. Thank you so much!
Hey Monica,
Thank you for sharing that with us! I am sorry that your skin has been discolored over time. Unfortunately I do not know if it will help with your situation but it should not discolor your skin like your other deodorant has before. If you continue to have the stinging feeling you can always try to make it again with less baking soda and that might help with that.
Hope that helps!
This recipe is amazing! It actually works!
I tried this on a whim because I ran out of my store bought deodorant. I happened to have all the ingredients at home but swapped the grapefruit oil for tea tree and lavender. Cleaning the glass jar properly with hot water probably took longer than mixing the ingredients together. I live in the UK and it’s fairly cold in the morning. I still find the consistency pretty good because I just take out a little with a spoon and soften it in my warm hand. It leaves faint marks on dark clothes due to the arrowroot powder (I presume), but that’s no problem at all! Absolute love it and it works! Brilliant!!
Hey Cornelia,
Thank you for sharing and letting us know how much you love this deodorant recipe! It really is THE BEST and I make sure to always have some on hand.
Hi, I live in Indonesia where it’s quite humid and warm all the time. I just want to share, I made it 30gr with 3tbsp cornstarch, 3/4tsp baking soda and 1tbsp coconut oil. I think it’s important to put in any liquid ingredients gradually considering the humidity and general temperature of where we live. Just to make sure that we get the texture we aim. I’ve tried to apply it, there was a small sensation but nothings really disturbing. My only question is, I still feel the texture a bit powdery, just a little bit. Is it normal or it should be completely creamy?
Hey Adhika,
The texture should be a little gritty. However, you could always add less baking soda or more coconut oil to make it more creamy.
Hope that helps!
Hi there,
Is it ok if I use liquid extra virgin coconut oil (cold pressed & unrefined)? Because that’s what I have in my kitchen, or must it be solid coconut oil? 🙂 Thanks
Hey There!
Most all coconut oil becomes solid in the cold which is important so your deodorant isn’t watery. You want it to be pasty and solid so it goes on nice and thick like regular deodorant.
Hope that helps!
I’ve been using this recipe for a few months now and get say that it’s the BEST non-toxic deodorant I’ve used, store bought or homemade! I love the scent and after a long day, I don’t stink! The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is: a) It’s a bit powdery (when it’s cold) and so I have to make sure I’m leaning over the sink and let it warm against my skin for a second before rubbing it in so that it doesn’t get everywhere. My 11 year old son is using it too and he gets it everywhere. b) If I wear something that rubs my armpits (like a tight fitting tank) plus this deodorant, my pits get a bit red and irritated. I’m going to add some tea tree oil with this next batch and see if that helps. Otherwise this stuff is amazing and I’m going to make some for my sisters and friends as gifts!
Thanks for sharing Nora!
What I like to do is leave it in my bathroom and right after I take a hot shower I apply it. The steam from the shower melts it a little so it’s not so crumbly.
Hope that helps!
This is exactly what I have been looking for. Thankyou so much and thankyou Universe for letting me find this website because questions and paths to walk that have been in my mind for a while now, are all spoken about by you on this website! Thankyou!!! Bless you!
Hey Jeremiah,
We are so happy that you found us too! Cannot wait to hear about how much you love this recipe 🙂
Hi, I just tried this, and when I applied it, it is a nice paste but it feels a bit thick and stays on my skin, very visible. Maybe it is too grainy? Should it really dissolve totally so that it is not visible at all on the skin? I guess I need more coconut oil? How should it look on the skin after application? Thanks for your help and the great recipe!!
Hiya, by a nice paste do you mean is a very smooth paste? mine is smooth as a thick cream when at 20 degrees or harder if cooled. The paste absorbs well when rub gently but leaves a very fine almost unnoticeable granulated texture that goes away after a few seconds letting it dry and rubbing it off . In your case it may be hair getting in the way? My boyfriend says he can’t use the paste a less he has shaved armpits. I hope it helps!
Thanks for your comment Vita. I am shaved – and I just added a bit more oil and it works now perfectly. Thanks a lot for your input! 🙂
Hey Mario,
When you scoop it out it should be a thick paste, but when you rub it into your skin it should dissolve completely. Make sure you are blending it fully with the melted coconut oil and if that still doesn’t work I would add in some extra coconut oil and blend again.
Hope that helps!
Hey I love this recipe and it works great I’ve tried so many commercial deodrants and they never seem to work as well as I’d like but this does! the only small problem I’m getting a slight rash I’ve tried using smaller amounts but I’m quite red and sore, any suggestions?
Hey Gemma,
You might be getting a rash from the baking soda. That is the only ingredient that some people might be sensitive to. I would suggest if you make it again using less baking soda and more arrow root and see if that help!
I’ve made this a few times now and find that it actually works better than my old Dove roll on deodorant! I smell fresh all day long and even though this isn’t an antiperspirant I still stay dry. I can’t see myself every going back to a conventional deodorant again – this one is pretty perfect!
That’s awesome, Lilah!!
The natural option is so great and so much better! Love that it is the best for you too!!
Hey
I’m trying it out but i’m not sure what the end product will look like? Can some one help me out please…
Hi, mine turned out like kinetic sand…squishy but holds its shape. But that could be because I used half of the baking soda in the recipe and added a bit of beeswax as I live in a fairly hot country. I didn’t make the full recipe so I only used a small flat whisk. Good luck!
Hey Angie,
When it’s cold it will be a hard gritty texture. If it is really warm then it will be a more smooth melted texture that will be easier to scoop out. We like to recommend leaving it in your bathroom so that it gets warm when you are in the shower.
Hope that helps!
Thanks
Since i’m up very early and i don’t shower any suggests on hoe to make it more liquid? It’s harder.. but with some forces i can get a bit out..
Hey
I’m trying it out but i’m not sure what the end product will look like? Can some one help me out.. Should it feel like paseos?
Thanks for this recipe! I made a fifth (I know, silly) of the recipe to try and added a little manuka beeswax to help keep it a bit more solid and used a repurposed glue stick tube so my daughter can take it to camp. There was a bit leftover so I tried it on myself, much to my delight! But yeah, you need to make sure you put enough, like you said, for good ‘coverage’. It also rubbed a bit on my navy top but I think it would come off in the wash. I’m now waiting on some proper deo stick containers to arrive so I can make more!
Simple, quick and effective.
WOW!
I’ll admit I was skeptical before trying it, but I really wanted to find an effective & affordable deodorant, and all the store- bought options I tried were either too pricey or not effective.
This one – amazing!
I used cornstarch instead of the arrowroot powder, 20 drops of lavender essential oil and 10 drops of orange essential oil.
First of all, it smells amazing. The scent is very mild and I only smelled it when I sniffed myself to check if it still worked (it did!).
Now, unlike commercial antiperspirant deodorants, this battles odour-causing bacteria rather than clog the sweat glands and prevent sweating in the first place – so I did feel like I might have been sweating a little more than I used to with a commercial antiperspirant, but I still smelled good without having to re-apply during the day.
* You’ll probably want to wait a minute or two after applying the deodorant before putting on a shirt to allow it to dry.
Hey Talya,
Yay!! We are so happy you found our recipe and gave it a try for yourself. Since this deodorant isn’t antiperspirant you will feel like you are sweating more than with store bought deodorant. The oils you used sound like they would smell so delicious!
Oh my goodness! I haven’t tried making my own deodorant before, but I was on the hunt for a recipe and came across this one. I am so glad I did! Because I have very sensitive skin, I only used 1/4 cup of baking soda, but it works so well! The EO I used is Cassia, and the smell is so good and warm and it really lingers. It makes me smell like French toast. This deodorant works wonders! I put it on after an evening shower the day before a big cleaning project. Guess what? After all the sweating and working, I smelled like nothing but the faintest hint of cinnamon. Thank you so much for this recipe, and sorry for my long-winded review! A+
Hey Desiree,
Yay!!! That is so awesome to hear how much you love this recipe. I bet smelling like french toast is the best haha