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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.
Table of Contents
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.
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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.
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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 21-Day 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 250+ 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 tablespoon coconut oil, unrefined melted or softened
- 20 drop 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.
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.
I was truly skeptical. At first we used it for my husband who had developed a reaction to ALL deodorants including commercially sold natural deodorants. It worked so well for him that I started using it as well. I’m very active. I workout everyday and I sweat a lot. I used to only buy extra strength, clinical grade deodorants for myself because I needed something that strong. This recipe is just as good. I’m not exaggerating.
I totally agree, Gigi! So glad you found this recipe and have been able to experience how awesome our diy deodorant is!
Super easy to make, and smells wonderful with tea tree oil. Very smooth on skin as I only put half the bicarb in. Thank you ❤️
So glad you like it, Elaine! 🙂
In the ingredients you list arrowroot powder. I clicked on it and it took me to arrowroot flour. So which one should I buy?
Hey Reba, you can buy the arrowroot flour the link took you to or another brand if you have different preferences. Arrowroot powder is sometimes called arrowroot flour or arrowroot starch. Just different names for the same product. 🙂
Hello,
How long does this deodorant last? Do you need to add any preservatives to keep it for long periods of time? I love the recipe and have been using it for 3 days so far, and I want to make some for my friends.
Hi Brii. I make a 4-oz. jar and that lasts me five months or longer. Definitely don’t add any preservatives… that’s the whole reason this deodorant is so great- it’s made with simple and natural ingredients. 🙂
I’ve been using this for the last three months. And honestly, it works so well that I’ve been able to annoy my family into making the switch as well! Of course, I’m now stuck with having to mix up the product myself, (lazy ingrates, I tell ya!) But prefer this to them reverting to the store bought stuff. Thank you so much!
Kale yeah, Tia! Way to get the whole family on the natural products train, I love it. And sure, maybe you have to make theirs now also, but just double, triple or quadruple your batch each time you make it and you’ll have enough for everyone and it’s really not *that* much more work. But, they don’t have to know that and you can charge them for all the “extra work” you’re having to do. (Your secret is safe with me! 😉 )
I tried this recipe because lately my B.O. has been really bad, I was smelling it and it was making me really self conscious, to the point I was using deodorant several times a day.
Finally got around to making it after being delayed by a broken ankle, and it works, no matter how hot I get in my day it works. The oils I chose for me smell nice for hours but when they finally fade there is still no b.o. smell I am completely impressed and a convert.
That’s awesome, Tania! So glad this is working so well for you! 🙂
Hello,
It took me forever to find arrowroot powder but I finally got some and made this recipe yesterday. Up to now it’s been working (only been one day I know) but I’ve already got a rash. I did read the comments about baking soda so I did use a bit less but maybe I need to cut it down more for the next batch. I just wanted to ask, what does the baking soda do in the recipe? I’m worried if I reduce it too much then the deodorant won’t work anymore 🙁
Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Hi Nat, baking soda has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties so that’s why we use it in the deodorant. You can cut back on the amount if it’s giving you a rash, but I personally wouldn’t leave it out altogether. I have sensitive skin and sometimes get a rash from this as well. You may want to try detoxing your armpits, that should help.
I’m a guy and would like to try this. Will this stain tee shirts?
Hey Jon! This deodorant is unisex, so glad you’re going to give it a try! You may want to change the essential oil(s) you use, but you don’t have to. I have never had issues with this staining my shirts and I’ve been using it for over five years.
I was wondering how many drops of essential oils I should put in? And what essential oils do you put in yours?
Hey Roger, add 20 drops of grapefruit essential oil or another essential oil with antibacterial properties. I use grapefruit EO exclusively when I make this but there are plenty of other options, depending on your personal preference. Tea tree, eucalyptus, and spruce, for example.
This is the best deodorant ever!!! Ive been using secret clinical for year… but this recipe is a life saver i put corn starch instead of the arrow root, but the next time ill try it with the arrow root! Thank you so much for this recipe ❤️
You’re welcome, Fadwa! I’m so glad you were able to find a natural option that works great for you. 😀
Hi ! Do you have a conversion for grams ? Thanks!
Hey Jim, here is a helpful conversion website for ya. 🙂 http://www.metric-conversions.org
I’m glad I found this website. The only arrowroot I found was at bulkbarn and it is a biological flour not powder. Do you recommend to use the flour?
Hi Victoria! Yes, you can use arrowroot flour. Arrowroot powder is sometimes called arrowroot flour or starch. Just different names for the same thing.
Hey Jim, here are the conversions for you:
116g baking soda (you can use less when starting out if it irritates your skin)
64g arrowroot powder
68.3g unrefined organic coconut oil
20 drops of essential oil of your choice (Jen uses grapefruit EO. Other EOs with antibacterial properties are eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, tea tree oil, bergamot, and lemongrass)
Love love LOVE this recipe, though after a few months my skin started getting really irritated by the Baking Soda and was starting to flake/get really raw.
Do you recommend any substitutes for us sensitive gals?
Thanks!
Hey Brooke! I’d say use less baking soda and a little more arrowroot powder and that should help. Detoxing your armpits may also help!
I’ve Had a problem for many years with deodorants that just don’t last, and tried several DIY deodorant recipes. This one works!!! Seriously. I added cinnamon oil as the antibacterial oil ingredient. Five big stars.
Thanks for your rating and review, Cyn! I love this deodorant as well, and have been using it for years!
I can’t wait to try this recipe, but I don’t understand why there are nutritional facts below the recipe?! It’s not to be eaten!
It’s a great recipe for deodorant, I use it and love it! You’re right, it’s *not* meant to be eaten. 🙂
does this deodorant work for hyperhydrosis? i havent tried it yet but i wanted to find out before i make some
I really don’t know if it does but I would suggest giving it a try. You also might want to detox your armpits. The excess of chemicals in most store-bought deodorants could be exacerbating the issue.
This deodorant is a keeper! It works wonderfully and I won’t go back to store bought deodorants! Thank you for a great recipe, I have been sharing it with others!
I agree, Kathy! I love this homemade deodorant!!
Works really well, I’ve even got my husband using it! So glad I decided to try it out. My family wants me to make them some now 🙂 Been using this for 3 weeks and always smells great!
Forgot to leave a 5 star review!
Thanks! 🙂
That’s awesome, Yoana!
I absolutely love this deodorant!! My BO is waaay better!! There is only one major issue I’m encountering now; my pits are getting darker and I read that it could be due to the baking soda. What should I do?? I really love this homemade deodorant, but I don’t want dark pits either!! Please help.
Hi! You know, I’ve actually seen the opposite- that baking soda can help reduce dark discoloration under the arms. How long have you been using this deodorant? I’d give it a few more months and see if you notice a difference. 🙂
I’m keen to try a homemade deodorant. You say it melts in warm conditions. Does it not just melt under your armpits?!
Eleanor, it will melt as you apply it to your armpits but you’re not meant to use so much that it will run down your arms. 🙂
This is my favorite deodorant recipe I’ve tried over the years! Thank you so much!
Mine too, Suramy!
This works better than anything else I’ve ever tried, payed for!
I used cornstarch and lavender. Fantastic!
Awesome, Danielle!
Do you melt your coconut oil
Yes, melt it completely before you mix in the dry ingredients.