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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.
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!