I’ve used countless store-bought natural deodorants, and they always leave me stinky and sweaty. In 2011, I made this homemade deodorant recipe and still use it daily. I love it, along with thousands of others who swear by it.
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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 honey lemon ginger 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 parabens, aluminum, dye and a bunch of chemicals I can’t even spell (or type correctly). Why put these things on your body if there are safe, natural alternatives that work even better? Since I started this journey, new “safer” products have been launched, but even they contain ambiguous ingredients like fragrance. What does that even mean?
To me, that’s reason enough to ditch commercial deodorants and make my own. I’ve been using the same recipe for over 11 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
No joke— you can put this deodorant on at 5AM, run a few miles, blend a 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 it 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 sweat all day and came home smelling good!
Ingredients to Make Homemade Deodorant
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 (feel free to use less if you’ve got sensitive skin)
- non-gmo arrowroot powder (a better choice than traditional cornstarch)
- organic unrefined coconut oil
- essential oils: grapefruit, tea tree, spruce and sweet orange are my favorites
How to Use Homemade Deodorant
Using natural deodorant can seem a little intimidating at first. Since it’s stored in a jar, you have to scoop it out with your finger, a popsicle stick or a tongue depressor. If you’d prefer to have it in “stick form,” you can add a little bit of beeswax and shea butter to the recipe to thicken it. I found that didn’t work as well for me and went back to the jar recipe.
Tips for Starting Natural Deodorant
Some people encounter issues with an itchy rash, red bumps or more sweat and odor than usual as they transition to homemade deodorant. Don’t let this prevent you from making the switch!
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 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.
Best Natural Deodorant to Buy
While making my own deodorant works for me, I’m also a realist and know that not everyone wants to go this crunchy. That’s where Pretty Frank (formerly known as Primal Pit Paste) comes in.
They have natural deodorant lines that have a variety of strengths and scents that work and are better for your body.
I’ve used them while on vacation or if I run out of my own homemade blend and haven’t had time to make another batch.
More Home Remedies
If you’re ready to try a few new recipes (that really work!) and transform your home with safer products, then give my go-to remedies a try. They can help you sleep better, fight illness faster, clear congestion, hydrate and more:
- Fire cider: While this tonic is not for the faint of heart, it does wonders to shorten the length of an oncoming cold and I keep a batch on standby year-round.
- Lip scrub: A hydrating and fun recipe to make for gifts or just for yourself.
- Elderberry syrup: A great supplement to take during cold and flu season to keep your body healthy.
- Hot-flash remedy: Menopause, pregnancy, post-COVID- anything that brings on the unwanted hot flash can be soothed through this cooling beverage.
- Sleep tea: A tea that will help you drift off to sleep more naturally.
- Vapor rub: My kids and I use this at night to clear away congestion.
- Popsicles for sore throats: Whether it’s allergies or a cold that’s causing that sore throat, these tasty and soothing popsicles can help!
Leave a rating and review to let me know how this recipe worked out for you! As you can tell by the over 200+ reviews so far, this is a recipe you must try.
Simple Homemade Deodorant
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- air tight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup baking soda you can use less when starting out if it irritates you
- ½ cup arrowroot powder you can also use cornstarch, but I prefer arrowroot powder
- 5 tbsp coconut oil
- 20 drops grapefruit essential oil or another essential oil with antibacterial properties
Instructions
- Mix baking soda and arrowroot together. (I used my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer.)
- Add the coconut oil and essential oils. Mix well.
- Pour into clean air-tight jar (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.
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?