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.
1/2 c –> is this measurement cup or what? How much in example tablespoons ? Thanks for the help
Hi Ribs,
Yes, the c in the recipe above represents cups.
Is the baking soda you use non aluminum? I made a different recipe with arrowroot, clay, coconut oil & Shea, & its not working at all, I’m having a real problem & am smelly so often. Constant washing the pits. I used to use Baking soda, till I realized it has aluminum in it, so I switched to non aluminum & that didnt work either.elp!
Hi Kathy
It may be Baking Powder you’re thinking of instead of Baking Soda…..baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and doesn’t and never has had aluminum in it. Baking powder on the other hand does contain aluminum historically, some brands have recently created non- aluminum containing baking powder formulations. Let’s hope the folks out there have not been using powder rather than soda!!!
Thanks for sharing, Lori!
This deodorant is a game changer. I’ve tried various natural deodorants for years, never fully happy with the result (I couldn’t find a non-natural deodorant I liked either!) I’ve been using this for several months now and it has not failed me once. It was so easy to make, and smells / feels great. It was a little weird to me at first to use my fingers to apply it, but I got over that quickly. It’s cold where I live (Alaska) so I have to hold it to my skin a moment before applying to soften it, but that’s easy enough, especially for such a great product.
Hi Kristen,
YAY! I love hearing that this has been a game changer for you!!
Hey there, I’m so excited to try this! Why do you recommend unrefined coconut oil? All I have is refined but I’m going to try it anyway! I plan to use tea tree oil and lavendar.
Hi Justina,
I prefer to reach for unrefined coconut oil because it has less processing. And to me – the less processing the better and more nutrients for your body! 🙂
What’s the best next alternative for arrowroot powder? I’m not sure we have it here. And does it work as an antiperspirant as well? I tend to perspire alot and it could be embarrassing to see that on work clothes. I sure really want to try this!
Corn starch would be second best as a replacement for arrowroot powder. I used to sweat a lot too (used the medicated stuff for a while!)— yet using this has helped my body adjust and I rarely sweat now under my arm pits. I think if you gave it a few weeks your body would adjust as well and the sweating would be less.
I too, used to always have to use the clinical strength antiperspirants. Since switching to natural deodorants 2 yrs ago I rarely sweat insane amounts. I need to up the baking soda in my recipe because I had to completely eliminate it because of sensitivity to it. I’m hoping to gradually work it back into the mix since I think it works better to absorb odors.
Wondering if the coconut oil or essential oils stain garments?
Any suggestion for a replacement for baking soda? When I’ve used a similar recipe I end up getting a rash and I think it’s from the baking soda.
The baking soda is the odor absorber— which I know I need! What about just using a very small amount of that when you make it?
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I’ve used it with ylang ylang, peppermint and lavender and I’ve stayed fresh all day even after sweating! One concern I have though, is what if I want to wear a sleeveless shirt or tank? If I slather this on, wouldn’t it be obvious? But if I put too little it might not work as well… What do I do?
Hey Laura— I only use a pea size amount under my arms and rub it in well. If I still notice some residue, I will wipe it with a cloth to help prevent it from showing. That seems to do the trick for me!
Can you use tapioca starch instead of the arrowroot? No particular reaskn other than I have a bunch of tapioca and need to use it
Hi Brianne,
I haven’t tried swapping in tapioca starch, but cornstarch can be a good swap!
Hi does it really work ? I’ve been using it but feel
Uneasy around people incase I smell bad. I can’t smell myself so it’s hard for me to judge if this really work. Really need your advise, thanks
Hi Karen,
It does! Our team is all about using natural + homemade deodorants and we smell darn good! 🙂 If you’re worried – ask a friend. They may think you’re a little silly – but I promise they’ll let you know you smell fresh as a daisy!
Hello,
Thanks for the recipe! Could you tell me how long the shelf life is for this deodorant and if there is another oil that can be used that does not have such a strong scent.
Thanks!
I live in Central FL near Sea World, my question is where can I find arrowroot in my area? Any recommendations?
HI Suzonna,
Looking for arrowroot powder. My favorite is from Bob’s Red Mill. You can often find it in the “organic or natural” section of your local grocery store. Or you can find it here on Amazon!
Thanks so much for your deodorant recipe! I have enjoyed 2 cleanses so far! (7 day and 21 day fall done with your group). I have been know for years to make almost daily green shakes! My question is where do you purchase your grapefruit essential oil? Thank you! Kimberly
Thank you Jade I will definitely give this a try especially now that I just run out of my deodorant today.
thanks fir the tips.
HI Kimberly,
I pick mine up at Whole Foods. But a really amazing place to buy essential oils online is Plant Therapy! Check them out here…
It would be nice to be able to switch to something natural that I made myself, but I’m allergic to coconut 🙁
I have a daughter allergic to coconut also. I saw where one person made this with sunflower oil and it worked. But would like other options if any available.
Thanks!
Hey Dottie,
Sunflower oil would be a great substitute and would be a really great consistency compared to coconut oil.
I hope you enjoy it!
I’ve used this since you first posted it years ago. It works wonders on my whole family. My daughter, 22 now, has since moved away from home and makes her own. We all also have the irritation issue occasionally. I’ve tried adjusting the recipe but that doesn’t seem to work. I usually just switch to regular deodorant for a few days and then go back to this one. Seems to work for me!
I have been making a coconut based deodorant for years and it works. Absolutely give it a try.