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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.
Hi. Can you use cassava flour instead of the arrowroot powder?
I’m so excited to try this.
Yes, you should be able to sub it in and see what you think. Let us know how it goes!
I had tried a store bought natural deodorant which would still leave me a bit stinky by the end of the day so thought I’d give this a go. I am amazed at how effective this is. Even after a day working in a kitchen on the hottest day of the year my armpits smelled as fresh as they had in the morning! I have just made up my second batch (I have been halving the recipe) and used lemongrass essential oil and it smells amazing. No more store bought deodorants for me, thank you
Hi, I made the deodorant and it turned out just like the picture. My only concern is when I try to apply the deodorant with my finger or when using a popsicle stick it leaves smudges and cakes a bit. Then I see these small specks of the deodorant on the floor or so. What would work to avoid caking when applied. Would beeswax or shea butter work?
If you’re storing it in a container with an airtight seal, try warming it up by running the container under some warm water or if you’re taking a shower, leave the container near a hot shower so it gets warmed up by the steam. This can help make it less flaky.
I develop a rash when using baking soda. Can I use diatomaceous earth in it’s place? And keep everything else the same?
Yes, diatomaceous earth is a great swap for baking soda. It’s made mostly of silica and is helpful for those with more sensitive skin. Plus it’s a great odor reducer!
Try also less bicarbonate of soda, for 8 years I use the proportion of 27grams of bicarbonate of soda to 40grams of arrowroot or cornflour. Hope this help anyone.
Ok either I’m doing this wrong or something but did exactly what it said I mixed it with a spatula and it’s all powder. Not creamy at all.
Oh no, I bet it’s a simple tweak. Maybe you could try adding a smidge more coconut oil to your mix. Also, I would def heat the coconut oil before adding so that it’s liquified. This should help dilute some of the powder and make a more even mixture.
I’ve been making this recipe for a few years and living in a hot dry climate, mine is typically runny. It’s THE best deodorant ever! I just dip my fingers in the jar and apply to my pits.
I can’t believe how well this worked. I have already gone through the “detox” process in making the switch to natural deodorants, but this is my first time trying a homemade version. To anyone that says they are getting a crumbly mess instead of the smooth result pictured: You have got to WORK this stuff. Since the coconut oil is solidified, and if it is at all cold, will be quite hard, it takes a minute to get it smooth. For me, it required kneading it with clean hands to finally get the nice results shown in the photograph. I am so happy with this and it leaves my armpits feeling clean and silky smooth! 🙂
This is AMAZING feedback, Libby! Thank you so much! Glad you’re enjoying those super smooth pits.
Hello!
I’ve been mixing and mixing with an egg beater electric powered mixer for about 18minutes and it’s still extremely powdery. Should I not be using this type of mixer?
Hey Claire,
18 minutes is quite the workout for your arm, even with an electric mixer!! I use my KitchenAid Stand Mixer when I make deodorant at home, but maybe you could try adding a tiny bit more coconut oil to your mix. I would def heat the coconut oil before adding so that it’s liquified. This may help dilute some of the powder and make a more even mixture. Good luck, Claire!
Nice! Fresh! Easiest
And my fav part – 100% natural!!
Hi, thanks for the recipe. Do you think I could omit the arrowroot powder and use just baking soda, assuming I’m not sensitive to it, which I don’t think I am? Would it be more effective that way, or does the arrowroot contribute to odor control in a way that baking soda does not? I have a hard time with deodorants; it’s hard to find one that works and for that reason I used antiperspirants for a long time. I’ve only switched to deodorants in the last couple years, and have to wash and re-apply at least once through the day in addition to in the morning. However I’d like to do even better and make my own rather than use the expensive ‘natural’ store-bought deodorants.
For sure! We’d just go easy on the baking soda at first, and keep an eye out for any skin reaction. Another idea would be to try diatomaceous earth, which is made mostly of silica and is helpful for those with more sensitive skin. It’s a great odor reducer!
I’ve been using this recipe for two months now and it’s crazy how well it works!!! I don’t smell anymore!!
Hi, does this leave white marks or discolor your clothes? Thanks!
I have used this recipe once and I love it, but it does leave white marks. There were a few times when I put the deodorant on either no shirt on and when I went to put my shirt on, It brushed against my armpits and left elite streaks. Luckily it came off perfectly with a damp washcloth so I wouldn’t worry too much 🙂
So many deodorants end up with that effect, don’t they Ella? Thanks for sharing your experience! xoxo
Thank you so much. Loved your article and the honesty❤️ Happy holidays
It’s our joy, Cayla!
Ive been making deodorant using this recipe for over a year now and I am converted. I started with 1/3 of the baking soda and built up. It lasts ages and I’ll never go back to buying again. Ive made mandarin & letiver scent and tea tree & lemon so far. About to make 3rd batch in lavender & rosemary. Thank you so much for the ace recipe.
We’re so glad Samantha! Thanks for making this with us and sharing your fun scent combos!
Those sound like they smell good- I like the different scents, and guess there are many options. Good to hear the good feedback, from your experience. (I’m just reading the reviews and maybe will try it.. but have found a deodorant I like that is pretty natural [& effective!] too.) Making it is probably more cost effective, and may be better for the planet in the overall picture.
Absolutely!
I really love this recipe!! Thank you so much for sharing! Making some for friends and family. ❤️ I will never buy deodorant again! Mine was kind of crumbly, but next time will add a bit more coconut oil and knead it too, as Libby suggested!
I really love this recipe!! Thank you so much for sharing! Making some for friends and family. ❤️ I will never buy deodorant again! Mine was kind of crumbly, but next time will add a bit more coconut oil and knead it too, as Libby suggested! Also, forgot to mention, I bought some empty deodorant containers —turned out great!
My deodorant looks nothing like the creamy solid deodorant pictured. Mine is grainy and clumps under arm. I have to let it melt in my hand before having any success applying it under my arm and it still clumps up. The recipe mentions cooking 5 minutes but give no direction on how to do that. There is no way this deodorant would get hard. I wasted 5 Tbs of expensive coconut oil.
Thanks for the feedback Sue! This recipe does take quite a bit of mixing for it to blend up smooth like the picture. If you’re seeing lumps, keep mixing until you arrive at that beautiful consistency. The ‘cook’ time you see is just the estimated time needed to put the ingredients together. This one is mixing only, no cooking. 🙂
I found the coconut oil to be greasy so I used a combo of beef tallow, shea, and mango butter. I heat them up in the microwave or on the stove then stir in the arrowroot and baking soda. The consistency is very smooth. If you like the coconut try heating it up a bit. This is a great base recipe. I also add a combo of rosemary, sweet orange, and fir essential oils.
Even though I had been using “natural” deodorant for over a year my body detoxed for about two weeks when I switched to this homemade version. I had a distinct keto odor but that has completely gone away.
Love the way you’ve played with this recipe and made it your own, Trischia! Mango butter sounds amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
Oh my gosh! I’ve been using this for over a year. It has been a lifesaver for me. I just whipped up another batch. And yes it can take quite a bit of whipping to get it smooth and creamy, but worth it. I was out yesterday so I had to go back to my natural but conventional deodorant. It did not last as long. I can use this diy deodorant and still not stink the next day. That is so far from how I have been my whole life!! I do still get sweat rings if I am super anxious or really hot, but I do that with all deo and less with this one. Be mindful of getting it on your clothes. It does have grease. Thank you for posting!!!
So awesome Laurel! And love that you shared about the effort needed to whip this recipe smooth + caution for the clothes. Great things for the community to know going in with this DIY deodorant.
So I’ve been using this recipe for about 5 months and at first I didn’t like it. But when I started using more of the product on my underarm I realized that was the issue. The only thing I don’t like about this recipe is that I have to use my finger or a stick to apply it. I’m going to try adding some beeswax and put it in a deodorant stick.
That’s a great idea!
Hey, thanks for sharing. I made last night, first try on today. Should it feel slightly gritty when rubbing in?
It isn’t typically gritty. That may have to do with how well it was able to be mixed. 🙂
Love it
Thanks for this. I actually tried it but I have a bit of an issue. It didn’t come out smooth as I wanted, like it’s quite grainy and I don’t like the feeling when I use it. Not sure if it’s the baking soda or arrowroot powder that’s not mixing properly. Pls is there any solution to this?