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.
Your recipe says 20 drops and lists the various oils. Is this 20 drops each or total?
Hi Mindi! 20 drops total would work great.
My daily deodorant recipe:
Equal parts white vinegar and vodka(the cheapest). Add drops of essential oils if desired. Put in a sprayer. Super inexpensive.
Awesome idea, Edward!
Can you make the deodorant fragrant free? I can’t do fragrances.
Hi Terisa! You could omit the essential oil to leave out the fragrance.
Hi there!
Excited to make this recipe! I haven’t found any natural deodorants that can combat the postpartum/breastfeeding armpit odor haha! Question: has anyone complained about the coconut oil leaving shirt stains? I’m nervous to wear it to work and end up with visible wet spots under my arms.
Hi Stefanie! I’ve not heard of this happening, yet know that coconut oil on it’s own could possibly do it!
I’ve been using this recipe for deodorant since 2019. It’s the best I’ve ever used, and I recommend it all the time.
The only change I make is to substitute half the coconut oil for fractionated coconut oil. This keeps the consistency soft and creamy in the cooler months when normal coconut oil gets quite hard.
Thanks for this recipe and thanks to my friend Sara who recommended it to me!
Hi Holly! Such a great idea for the fractionated coconut oil, I’ll have to try that myself!
I have been using this deoderant recipe for over 8 years. I lost my recipe and found yours. I absolutely love it. I know it works because occasionally I will forget to use it and it reminds me that it does work. I live in SC so it will melt in the summer.
I have been adding less coconut oil to help that issue. I use teatree oil for the antibacterial and add orange or lemon essential oil for scent. I have also made it for my son and used frankincense scent. Thanks so much!
Hi Darlene! So glad you found me! The addition of teatree oil is genius! I’ll also have to take notes on using frankincense, that could definitely make it more “son friendly” than lavender.
I have been trying to give up plastic as much as possible – which entails making my own deodorant. I’ve tried some of the no plastic brands and the deodorant does nothing for me. Came across this and was a bit skeptical after trying a few. This works SO well. My skin isn’t irritated and by the time I get back home after work (I have a very physical job), I do not smell bad. Not to mention, I know the ingredients of what I’m putting on my skin. So simple and a little goes a long way. Don’t think I’ll be looking for a deodorant anymore. If you’re considering it, definitely give it a try! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
Hi Sam! Love love love this review! So glad this has worked for you and it’s even better that you can make it on your own with things you probably have around the house. Keep rawkin’!
Fantastic! I’ll try this recipe. Thanks for share. I’m wondering it it would be safe to use for young kids. Do you think so? If so, which age do you recommend to start using it? Thanks in advance!
Hi Gio! Every one is different so it’s hard to say if it’s safe for your family. Yet, the ingredients wouldn’t be super concerning to use on my own kiddos, definitely more natural than what you can buy at a store!
Thank you. This is fantastic. Hard to believe how well this works.
Hi Dan! Love the awesome feedback!
I love this deodorant. I have to say that I am not at all the type of person to make things like this. I’ve never bought a natural deodorant in my life and have always used the store classics. I decided to try it on a whim because I had all the ingredients and made about an 8th of the recipe just to test it out (enough to fit in a tiny jam jar). I love it. I’ve gotten lots of friends and family trying it. It’s not perfect-if it’s a super hot day the coconut scent will fade, but I don’t feel like I smell, and I definitely did with store bought deodorants!! Worth a try for sure 🙂
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for such great feedback!! Did you add essential oils to it? I find that can help with the scent fading but definitely not necessary by any means. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for the recipe. How long does a batch last? Should I use it until the batch runs out? Does the batch last years? Months?
Hi Ben! So glad you like this homemade deodorant. We just use it until it runs out!
Will it solidify if I put it in the fridge? I’m hoping to refill an old deodorant bottle
Hi Michelle! You can, just be sure to keep it cool or it will melt
I’m just finishing up the first batch I made several months ago and am back for more. I love this deodorant!! I have used a regular stick deodorant a few times since I made the switch and now that doesn’t work as well, so I can vouch for the “armpit detox.” I’ll never go back. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Tina! So thrilled to hear you’ve used a first batch and are loving it!! Keep it up!
Hi!! I’m allergic to coconut. Could I use olive oil or lard? ❤️
Hi Aspen! You could give shea butter a try!
I made this last night, using it today and love it. Feels great, smells great! Will definitely be reusing this recipe.
Awesome, Kat! You will love it so much! What essential oils did you use?
Hi! Should I melt my coconut oil for this recipe? or use it a little solid?
Hi Tatiana! Coconut oil definitely changes consistency depending on the temperature. You may find it a little easier to mix if it’s warmer!