This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Table of Contents
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.
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.