This post contains affiliate links.
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 natural cold and flu remedies like ginger lemon honey tea, elderberry syrup, diy 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.
Save this Recipe
Enter your info & I’ll send it to your inbox.
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.
Can I Swap Out Ingredients?
Click the button below for tailored suggestions just for you:
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.
10-Day Smoothie Reset
Get a simple, step-by-step plan with 10 tasty recipes to make a smoothie habit stick — without stressing about what to buy, prep, or blend next.
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.
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 300+ reviews so far, this is a recipe you must try.
Best Homemade Deodorant
Jen HansardIngredients
- 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.
Recipe 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 sounds really neat..however, since it is an oil, does this leave stains on your clothes or soak through your clothes?
Thank you,
Jennifer
Just use a little bit and it absorbs right into your skin. If you use too much, which I’ve been known to do when I’m trying to cover up my BO and have no time for a shower (true fact) there’s def more of a chance of oil getting on my clothes if it’s a hot sweaty day. But it’s been years since I’ve had to worry about that– you learn by trial and error what’s the right amount for you. But the truth is, this stuff works!
Hi. I just read this and Shi haven’t tried it yet. Decades back I made something with sage and arrowroot, no coconut oil – this sounds much better. I want to make a comment tho sime of the readers, using cornstarch can lead to fungal growth, peppermint can be irritating to the skin. If you don’t like the grapefruit essential oil, try lavender, or even a pulverized herb.
I am excited to try this.
Thanks for sharing, Mary!
This deodorant is amazing and I won’t ever go back to store bought ones now.
Years ago I used to apply bicarb to my armpits because it got rid of the b.o. smell (and I was doing a lot of sport – so I stank some days!). I think I stopped doing it because it was bit too harsh on the sensitive skin (especially after shaving!).
I had no doubts about how well this recipe would work, and I have even given small samples away to family and friends for them to try.
One trick I have certainly found is warming up the deodorant. If the weather is cold you can do 1 of 2 things to get the deodorant to a workable paste:
1) sit your jar in some warm/hot water for a minute or two to melt the coconut oil, then scoop out what you need and rub it in.
2) use something small and pointy (like the end of tweezers) to break up the deodorant into smaller clumps (or powdery-ness), then get what you need onto your fingertips and stick them under your armpits for about 10 seconds or so – this warms up the coconut oil. Spread it out for even coverage.
I only have to apply this deodorant once a day, which is one of the things I love about how well the natural ingredients work. Even after a gym workout I don’t stink!
Thanks for sharing the awesome recipe SGS!!
<3
Great tips! Thanks for sharing, Belle!
Your picture looks creamy! With just 5 tbsp coconut oil mine ended up still basically a powder — albeit a powder I could mash together. Did you melt it before adding it in order to get the creamy consistency? Is it okay to add more of the oil? Bit by bit so as not to overdo it? I’m using mine, but making a mess in the sink with each application! But it’s keeping me from sweating and smelling, so I’m grateful! Thanks for the recipe and the tips!
Hi Faith,
Thank you so much for reaching out! As you know, coconut oil can vary greatly based on the environment. Jen is in sunny Florida so her coconut oil is often creamy + more liquidly, than if you were using coconut in colder temperatures. You can definitely try melting the coconut oil prior to mixing your ingredients or adding additional coconut oil until you reach the consistency that’s best for you!
Hope this helps!
Cheers 🙂
I can’t wait to try this! Do you warm up the coconut oil to liquid form before mixing it with the other ingredients?
Hi Cheryl,
You can definitely warm your continue oil to make blending easier, than allow to cool in the container of your choice!
Cheers 🙂