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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.
This stuff is amazing! I bought a deodorant that was really expensive… then I found this recipe with stuff that you can find around your house and it works WAY better then the store bought one!
Rawk on Sarah!!!
I have been using this recipe for several years now, and I love it! It is easy, inexpensive, all natural, comfortable, and effective. I especially like that I can use my favorite essential oil to scent it! I keep it in the linen closet in my bathroom, so it is never much affected by outdoor temperatures.
Can I put few drops of fresh Lemon juice on it? Because I am allergic to baking powder and essential oils.Thsnks
Hi Sammy! Lemon juice is perishable, so we’d not recommend trying it unless you intend to keep your deodorant in the fridge. Essential oils aren’t required for this recipe and can be left out altogether. Also, try swapping in additional arrow root powder and/or diatomaceous earth in place of the baking powder.
Just curious, both you & the author subbed “baking powder” (such as Clabber Girl for rising) for the ingredient “baking soda”. Since it’s important to note the powder is totally a different product & contains aluminum usually, I thought I’d mention it..
I wonder if you know what the arrowroot powder is for in the recipe? Just interested. Thanks!
Fun question, Ruth! So the arrowroot powder found in deodorant mainly acts as a binding agent to hold all of the ingredients together. It can also act in a way that helps to draw toxins out as well.
Arrowroot also absorbs moisture and helps keep odor to a minimum. The baking soda prevents odor, so someone that couldn’t use baking soda because of having a bad reaction to it could use more arrowroot in it’s place.
This recipe caused really bad irritation on my underarms, after wearing it 2 days in a row. I broke out in a pretty severe rash.When I went to wash it off with soap, I got more extreme stinging.
Can I put beeswax in this?
While we haven’t tried it with beeswax, we think that’s a great idea! Beeswax is often used as a barrier between skin + environment, yet it doesn’t clog pores. Def let us know if you try it and what you think!
This was AMAZING!!! I just got home from working out and my pits didn’t stink after I made this! One thing is that you need to mix it for a while before it gets to the texture that you want. Over all… GREAT
Hi, can I make this without essential oils? I am very sensitive to most oils I can find but I really want to try this out!
Absolutely Nico! Your deodorant would merely be unscented, yet should work just as well. Def let us know what you think!
I use it with baking soda, arrowroot & coconut oil with no added essential oils. Works great. No scent. I just smell clean.
Hi/ we’ve been using this recipe for four months and love it but, with the latest batch, both of us have experienced really stinging armpits and a red rash- could this be from different arrowroot? I’ve tried a different batch again but it happened again..?
Hi Claire – this reaction was most likely from the baking soda. We’d recommend reducing the amount of baking soda being used and increase the arrowroot powder to replace.
I am so confused on trying to buy arrowroot. So many are saying many listed as arrowroot aren’t actually arrowroot. What product did you use? Thanks.
We like Anthony’s Premium Non-GMO Arrowroot Powder. The only ingredient is arrowroot for this one. 🙂
Hi
I have enthusiastically used your deodorant recipe for a couple years now and, bar none, it’s the best deodorant I have ever used! I used to get rashy and itchy armpits from commercial deodorants even the health food store brands but not anymore. Dermatologists seem too ready to prescribe a cream that will cover up symptoms but do not solve the problem like your homemade deodorant does.I have tweaked the recipe a bit using MCT oil rather than coconut oil which give the deodorant a much creamer consistency and makes it easier to apply. I use the MCT oil you suggest and it works great!All that said, I can’t wait to try your toothpaste!
Thank you
Mike
Thank you so much for sharing Mike!!! We love that you’ve been able to share your experience after using our Homemade Deodorant for such an extended period of time. And MCT oil is such an insanely great idea! Since it stays liquid, I bet it’s even easier to mix. Gonna have to give that a try here too!
Can you share the recipe you came up with using MCT oil? Thanks.
I love the deodorant I make with this recipe and have been using it for about eight months, converting my mother, wife and 13 year old son along the way. We’re in the UK and I find it too stiff without adding an additional tbsp or two of almond oil. Stirring it when nearly set also helps give it a creamier texture. Essential oils? We like a mix of lemongrass, sandalwood and bergamot.
Love your tips for adding additional almond oil and stirring when it’s just about ready to get that perfect creaminess! And those oils – it smells good from here!! 🙂
Love love love this!! I switched over to this recipe from spray deodorant about a week ago and am really pleased with the results. Good protection without the stickiness. I was wondering, do you think this would work as a foot cream as well?
We love you that you love this Lizzy!!! And great question. If you’re looking to moisturize or to control foot odor, this def could do the trick. The fact that it worked so well with your underarms is a great indicator that your body will react well to it on your footsies too!
I am not having great luck with my second batch
Rashes then they clear up
Then come back an now my underarms are discolored
The rash you’re experiencing could be a sensitivity to the baking soda. We’d recommend you cut back on the baking soda or leave it out altogether. You can add additional arrow root powder instead or try diatomaceious earth. Another thing to consider is a sensitivity to one of the essential oils you may be using. You can try a batch without any EO to know for sure.
I made this recipe but scaled the measurements way back. I added more coconut oil than the original recipe. I also added a couple of drops of lavender oil and lemongrass oil. Went out in the hot sun in Australia all day yesterday and came home smelling fresh. I have made up a batch for my partner. Very happy
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Marianne! Love that you tested our recipe against that hot Australia sunshine! 🙂
I am using this deodorant its good for bad BO but my my armpits are getting dark . I don’t know what to do now . Please help me
This could be a reaction to the particular essential oil you might be including Ophelia. We’d recommend you try switching to a diff one or leave essential oils out altogether.
Hi,
Could we have “international” measurements. In grams for example! Thanks
Sure thing, Ginger!
79g baking soda (you can use less when starting out if it irritates you)
79g arrowroot powder (you can also use cornstarch… but I prefer arrowroot powder)
73.95 ml unrefined organic coconut oil
20 drops of grapefruit essential oil (or another essential oil with antibacterial properties)