This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Table of Contents
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.
This literally works
I made half the recipe used tapioca starch instead of arrowroot. Added and extra tbsp of coconut oil because consistency was bad and it wasn’t staying on my armpit.
I’ve never wanted to try natural deodorant s because I thought there’s no way they work. I’ve tried many natural brands but the price hurts me a lot. Today is Christmas Eve, eve, and I just shoveled the entire back lane of snow, deep cleaned my kitchen, had company over and now am in bed and my armpit has NO FRICKIN SMELL!! Not even a HINT of BO. Unbelievable. Ok you convinced me… IM A BELIEVER! Just want to add I used about a quarter less of the baking soda, and I did feel a little burning for like five minutes. But it went away. My mind is forever changed…… THANKS TO you!!!
I just made my first batch and used tapioca starch. Thanks for the suggestion!
For a coconut allergy, I often substitute shea butter or an oil like grapeseed. Do you think this would work with grapeseed oil or should I just walk away haha
I really want to know! My son has a coconut AND dairy so coconut and Shea are out but I really want to make the switch!
That must be really difficult to find swaps to make them work. You can def try adding in some beeswax, but it will make it pretty solid. A fellow rawkstar is using this recipe: 2 Tbs arrowroot, 2 Tbs baking soda, 1 Tbs vegetable glycerin and 1-2 tsp of aloe gel, so you can def give it a try as well.
Hi, I’ve just made this for the first time and it has quite a grainy texture. Can I check what your 1/2 cup measurement would be in grams please? Thank you!
Same thing happened to me.
I think half a cup is a lot.
OK so I found a solution.
The problem is not with the amounts but with the temperature.
You have to pre heat the coconut oil to 50C (120F) in the oven.
Beware not to heat it up to 60C (140F) for the baking soda will get deactivated.
Hey, Jen,
Thank you for this awesome formula. I will admit that I was skeptical at first, but I thought it was worth a shot. So I made a small batch. And I absolutely LOVE it! It’s very soothing to apply and really works perfectly.
Now I’m thinking it would make a great stocking stuffer. I want to spread the good word!!
I’m going to keep my eye on you for more great ideas!
Thanks a million!
Kep
It really is a great gift! I hope you do it Kep! I have a new hand scrub recipe I can’t wait to share!
Are the essential oils optional? What happens if I leave them out?
Hiya— the essential oils have antibacterial properties and help kill any stank (if ya know what I mean). Feel free to try without and let me know how it goes— i’m honestly kinda curious now 🙂
Hi there! I am excited to try this recipe! Quick question: when using the unrefined coconut oil, do up heat it up to help with the mixing??
Hey Aissa— I live in Florida so the coconut oil is always soft. Haha! You could warm it to help with the measuring and mixing for sure— I would probably do that if it was rock solid. Enjoy!
I’m unable to achieve a creamy, smooth texture. I followed directions. Texture was hard & grainy. Read several comments posted. I placed my mason jar mixture in to a hot water bath. The mixture “loosened” from the heat. I added more coconut oil. The next day the mixture was hard & grainy yet again. People suggest keeping the open mason jar in the shower on a shelf… tried that too. Mixture still does not loosen. Should I just keep adding coconut oil? Really want this to work. Thank you.
Hey Frank— I’m sure it has to do with the temperature of your house Frank. When I lived in California and it would get in the 30’s at night and we’d keep the house ini the 60’s, mine would be hard too. Now that I live in Florida and my house rarely gets below 70, my deodorant is always creamy. Coconut oil turns solid under 74 degrees… and that is why your mixture is getting hard. SO more coconut oil won’t help— it’s just increasing the amount of substance that is turning hard from cold temps. What if you put it in a smaller jar and kept it in the shower. That way it has more of a chance of heating up enough to soften for use? I promise this stuff is really great— and it really comes down to getting the temperature warm enough so you can spread it on.
My underarms “don’t smell” but they’ve become sensitive & a little red after using it for 3 days straight. Maybe I’m using too much? Could the baking soda be drying out my underarms? Mixed up a batch with lemon grass oil. Storing in a mason jar in bathroom medicine cabinet. After reading other comments might remove cap from mason jar to allow warm air to soften my rather hard mixture.
Hi Frank! It does take some time for your body to adjust to something new like this and you could also be sensitive to the baking soda. Try doing an armpit detox (link in the article) and that should help. I have sensitive skin and it really helped me. And to keep the mixture soft and easier to apply, I suggest storing it in your shower on a ledge or shelf.
hi this deo is awesome….. i have made this a couple times but i keep having this one problem when making it. please help !!!
I use arrow root starch and baking pwd one of these ingredients do not melt. even after me double boiling it and using a small machine to whisk it up. the minute the deo sets (summer or winter) . I can feel a grainy texture. is there anyway i can make it smooth and creamy. would like for it to stay creamy even if the temperature changes…..
thank you ….
You mentioned using baking pwd. The recipes calls for baking soda.
I love it, too! When you’re making it, you should not have to boil it or use an electric mixer. I mix the two dry ingredients together and in a separate bowl, the two wet ingredients together. Then I combine the two and stir until it’s mixed thoroughly. If you find that it’s not mixing together enough or not reaching the consistency you prefer, add more coconut oil a little at a time.
Mine gets a little dry and grainy when the outdoor temps get cold and dry. I keep my jar of deodorant in the shower so the warmth and humidity from the shower softens it and then it’s much easier to apply! 🙂
Hello, for those who have burning sensations, replace the baking soda by the same amount of white clay. This will definitely be less harmfull than baking soda.
What about stains to clothing? Will the oil leave armpit stains on my clothes?
Awesome question Jessica! If they are a high-quality, pure essential oil (like the ones mentioned in our post), they should not stain clothing. However, there are a few that may stain, due to their natural coloring. Those would be darker oils like blue tansy, jasmine, German chamomile, patchouli or tangerine. As long as you are using good, pure oils and are diluting them in the way used in our recipe, they should not stain. If you have a particular piece of clothing you’re concerned about, we’d recommend doing a spot test to be sure.
Just about to try this recipe and want to check that 5 tbs means 5 tablespoons?
Hi Emma! Yes, it’s 5 tablespoons. 🙂
I have just made my second batch I really like this recipe!! Thank you for sharing it!
I have adapted mine but taking a bit of the baking soda out and adding Shea butter. This time I didn’t have any Shea so I put a bit of neals yard bees wax pellets. I went to the body shop and they have small tube samples of pure tea tree so I put the whole tube in. It’s super smooth and works well!
Chloe xx
Thanks for the info on your adjustments, Chloe! Others may want to try making it this way, also. 🙂
If you add bees wax to your recipe it help solidify the deodorant and you can make sticks ok of deodorant instead of in a jar. Just a little tip. Great recipe
How much bee’s wax do you add to this recipe?
Thanks for the tip, Ashley! 🙂
I have to say that after putting this homemade pit paste to the test under grueling warehouse working conditions working 10-12 hour days…this stuff really holds up! Must be the magic of the coconut oil! This is the most effective homemade almost zero waste deodorant I’ve ever made! I give it 10 stars!!!!
Woo hoo! Candice, that’s awesome! 🙂
I melted the coconut oil first by putting the coconut oil into a mason jar. I put the mason jar inside a pan with water and slowly heated the water. Once the oil was melted I added the other ingredients to dissolve the powders and mix everything evenly. This should resolve any issues with powdery, textured results.
That’s a great way to get a nice, smooth consistency!
White particles are left on my pits. I used cornstarch btw. How do I get rid of this and also when I apply it I’m left with slightly oily pits too. Please help!!
Hey Tali! Sounds like you need to make sure your homemade deodorant is thoroughly mixed together. You’ll also want to store it somewhere where it won’t get too cold, as that will affect the texture + consistency. I like to keep mine on a shelf in the shower so the warmth + humidity of the shower softens it a bit and makes it easier to apply after my shower. 🙂
Hi! Thank you so much for the recipe! I just made it and looks amazing the only thing I notest is the strong smell of the coconut oil that ends up overpowering the essential oil (I put violet its a string scent) can I do this with other oil like almond oil or avocado? Something more neutral
Thank you so much!
Hey Sara! You’ll want to use something that is solid state at room temperature. There are recipes online that omit coconut oil, I think they sub shea butter and/or beeswax but you’ll want to check them out to get the amounts of each ingredient correct.