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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.
What kind of essential oils are you suppose to use? I am issues with my armpit areas. (Have had staph and MRSA infection in both) so I just need the best natural as well as antibacterial deodorant I can make.
Hi there Dani, I’m sorry you’ve had to fight those infections, I know sometimes that battle is long-lasting. Great idea to look into natural alternatives to treat that area. We recommend Plant Therapy Essential Oils on Amazon. Essential oils have antibacterial properties, so we highly recommend creating this deodorant recipe as directed. Take care!
Can lime be used for fragrance?
Hi Aisha, I’m not sure how shelf-stable that would be. I wouldn’t recommend fresh ingredients for this reason. We recommend essential oils for fragrance, but also because they have anti-microbial properties – so they help to fight the bacteria that contribute to body odor. The pleasant fragrance is a bonus!
Amazing! This has been a game changer for me!!
Once this hardened, I pressed it into a used deodorant tube and used normally. Works well!
Hello, do you need essential oil? My recipe came out veryyyyy dry looking but thinking it’s because I haven’t added oil?
Hi Jenny, we do recommend you use essential oil because it has antibacterial properties and it is liquid at room temperature. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is solid and more stiff at room temperature or colder, which may also be affecting your texture. Some people place the deodorant in the palm of their hand to warm and soften the mixture before applying for this reason. I would recommend using some amount of essential oils, however, if this is not an issue for you.
Good afternoon. A friend recommended your recipe to me and I am going to give it a try. My only question is about the armpit detox. How does one exactly go about doing that?
Hi there Mary,
One way to detox your armpits is by using a clay mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. You can also purchase an “armpit mask” for this purpose. Detoxing is recommended as a way to clear out the pores in your armpits from metals and other chemicals in synthetic deodorants and antiperspirants. Not only are these substances harmful to one’s health, but they could also interfere with your body’s adjustment to a natural deodorant. I would encourage you to give this “recipe” a try though because it has really changed the game for so many people. It’s also one step closer towards protecting yourself from harmful ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants that can have long-term side effects.
The best way to detox your armpits, and the rest of your body, is to cleanse! Clean, plant-based eating + the right combination of foods. We offer seasonal cleanses that were created with the help and guidance of a certified nutritionist. If you’re interested, please be sure to check out our sales page – Our Autumn Cleanse sale begins on October 13th!
So I am new to all natural deodorant. I am skeptical. I think I might like it better if I can make a bar kind. I use a cardboard tube for my all natural bug repellant. How much beeswax would you recommend. You also recommend adding shea butter. Do you think a dryer butter would work better? What about Kokum or Mango? They are faster absorbing than shea but not as fast as coconut.
Hi Michelle – great questions. I’m excited that you’re giving our recipe a try. I would start by adding a tablespoon at a time of each beeswax and shea butter until you reach your desired consistency. It’s definitely going to be a little different if you’re trying to make more of a solid bar than a paste.
I personally haven’t used kokum or mango butter in this recipe before, but if you have some on hand and want to try it – go for it! I would love to know how it works out for you. 🙂
The Kokum worked great! I am still trying to get it just right. I think I am going to add a little more beeswax this time but other than that, I am never buying store bought deodorant again!
This looks great and exactly what I’ve wanted for awhile. How is this in regards to cleaning clothes? Some depressants Stan the pits of t-shirts and whatnot. Really wanting something that cleans easily.
This is forever my only deodorant! Just made my second batch, half grapefruit, half sage.
Love that scent combo, Nat!
I am ecstatic that I found this. Thank you.
Traditional store bought deodorants stopped working for me. I’m thinking, what’s wrong with me? Lol
I’ve been going natural and starting to make my own everything to include this. And it works amazingly. I smell absolutely nothing.
I just need to make some to travel with. I had Traditional deodorant in my travel bag and I don’t even like the smell anymore since making and using this.
Thank you again!
Just made this five minutes ago and applied. Love the easy recipe! I used rose essential oils but would love to try lilac or orange next. Thank you!
Rose and Lilac sound lovely! We’d love to hear how this deodorant works for you Gina.
I have been making this recipe since Covid 19 started in 2019. While on isolation I literally was not well enough to shower for a couple of days. Gross I know but my pits smelled great
I used it nonstop until I was out of town this past weekend 8/2023 and my small jar got lost. I purchased a store brand and it didn’t hold up through my 6 miles of hiking. I came home last night to make sure I had enough ingredients to make a new batch. I saved your recipe so thought I’d share my appreciation. Thank you very much
So happy to hear that Rosalie! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Is the essential oil required for the deodorant to work? I don’t do well with fragrances, even when they are of natural origin.
Hi there Sheryl,
Great question. I absolutely understand having sensitivities to frangrances. In this recipe, the essential oil is used for its antibacterial properties as well as its fragrance. You may consider using less, being in a well-ventilated area when you are mixing the ingredients together, or trying out a different unscented natural deodorant.
Best of luck!
I made it. I added more of the arrowroot powder and baking soda because we are in Florida and I didn’t want it to be melty but it has been a hit. I have thrown out my store-bought anti-perspirant and will just use this recipe from now on. I rarely rave about anything but this is sooo worth it! My better half is a mechanic and he sings it’s praises. He says the consistency is perfect, he is not uncomfortable and he hasn’t touched the other stuff since!
Wow! That’s awesome Kathleen. Thanks for sharing how you’ve tweaked it to work for you. Great tips.
Fabulous and so easy to prepare. You are a lifesaver!
I used a super refined lavender essential oil and it’s working beautifully!
Thank you!
Hey Nicholas – that’s fantastic! I’m super curious – which brand of essential oils are you using?
Because Baking Soda is one of the ingredients, does it feel like it’s scrubbing against the skin when applied?
Hi Christy,
Some are very sensitive to baking soda, so I would recommend reducing the amount of baking soda in the recipe. Try using 1/3 or 1/4 cup to start. You can adjust from there. 🙂
Been making this for a year or so now. LOVE it!! Even my teenage daughter wears it now ❤️
For me, it did not work well. I have to reapply 3 times a day and during sports activities or sweating much due to summer, I smell. Don’t know whether it is me who is quite a smelly gal, the hot weather, the tree essential oil that does not stay long or all natural deodorants work like this. But what I like about it is that it is natural and at least works for some time. This is the best natural deodorant I’ve found so far but I’ll keep on looking. Anyway, thank you for the recipe! And I think everyone should try for themselves if it works for them. So, good luck!
oh, and it stains!
Better than any natural deodorant I’ve bought from the store and so much cheaper. Needed extra coconut oil for working consistency and it’s a little messy to put on, but it works so well with minimal scent. I did peppermint and lavender. It’s all I’m going to use from now on.