How to Make Natural Deodorant- Beating the “B.O.” With Natural Deo

How do these do on clothing? Any staining? Do you have to wait a certain amount of time before dressing? Thanks so much – I would LOVE to switch to something natural.

Thanks – I’ll give it a shot!

I tried this and absolutely love the results…I think it works better than the regular stuff even through workouts. However, I’ve only used it for two days and have noticed some irritation. Any thoughts?

Why can’t you use cornstarch in the first recipe? I have everything except the arrowroot.

Thanks for posting this as it gave me the courage to do some experimenting. I actually haven’t worn anything under my arms for most of the last month or two — only baking soda when I had a job interview or on very hot days — although I did resort to real deodorant when I had a formal wedding to attend and knew we’d be drinking and eating fried foods… Because I have discovered that I don’t HAVE B.O. when I am eating a real foods diet! (No sugar, very little flour, and only natural fats, with most foods prepared at home.) If I eat something sugary in the afternoon, I will notice I am beginning to smell not so great by bedtime. If I am eating well, I can even go out in the sun here in Brasil where it is summer time, get nice and sweaty, and I only go back home smelling like a clean, normal sweat.
(This is very exciting for me, because I used to buy prescription-strength deodorants!)

I’m in awe of how AMAZING this works, I just used the coconut oil, baking soda, and corn starch. I haven’t tested it a lot yet with sleeveless, and have had some white residue on my bra tops but had no smell. At first I wondered how to use it but I’ve been applying scoops with my fingertips and since the ingredients are harmless (if not pleasantly moisturizing to my hands) I rinse quickly under water and rub off on a towel. I did have a little more irritation than normal with ingrown hairs, but I do think it might be detoxing from my husband’s strong chemical Deo that I had occasionally been using (I hope to get him to try it soon!).

Hi! I have heard that coconut oil in deodorant stains clothes sometimes. I just use a simple baking soda slurry which doesn’t have that problem. Have you found that to be a problem with you? Thanks!

If you don’t have an old deodorant bottle to put it in, what would be the best way to appy it? Thanks!!

thanks for the tips Kitty!

When I was a kid they hadn’t invented antiperspirant yet, AFAIK. we bought deoderant in a jar and used our finger to apply it.

 I’ve been using the second recipe, but without essential oils, for months now, and I will never go back.  EOs are unnecessary and even a little caused irritation within a few days.  Also, I’m not comfortable with using EOs that may affect hormones, such as lavender, in such a sensitive area.  

It really seems to reduce staining, as well.  If there’s a lot of residue, you may be using too much – a tiny bit the size of a split pea is plenty for each pit.  

It’s a lot easier to melt the coconut oil than to mash it in.  

I made my first batch a year ago with only shea butter because that’s all I had at the time and I filled empty deodorant sticks.  I find I like it better because even on very hot days the stick doesn’t melt the way it does with coconut oil and there are no stains.  My new batch I mixed in a bit of coconut oil just so that it is slightly softer.

Not necessary… it makes it slightly smoother, but isn’t needed for odor prevention at all.

so glad it has worked well for you!

We have been using the “homemade deodorant” a little differently.  We smear on a dab of coconut oil, rub it in real good, then puff on the baking soda/cornstarch mixture with a fluffy makeup brush or powder puff.  It has been totally effective on husband after 10 hour work day AND workout, as well as active teens.  Amazing!

I made the second recipe (coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder) about two weeks ago and at first it worked great.  I love the smell of coconut.  But, now it smells like rancid oil.  Does it need to be refrigerated?  Did I do something wrong? Please help as I love the idea of making my own deoderant, but I don’t want to smell like rancid oil anymore.

I always add Vitamin E to anything I use with oils.  It keeps it from going rancid.  Just a few drops will do it. 

I have been using homemade deodorant for 2+ years (baking soda and coconut oil with essential oil of orange flower) and LOVE, LOVE it!  I have never tried any other deodorant that worked close to this!  I can’t believe how cheap it is to make it and how long it ends up lasting!

Pamala, hon, you’re confusing baking powder with baking soda.  Baking soda is naturally aluminum free, but the most popular brands of baking powder DO have aluminum.  You can find aluminum-free baking powder out there, but baking powder is not what is being used in these natural deodorant recipes.  It also is not what is used as a toothpaste substitute.  That’s still baking soda.  It’s easy to be confused here, as baking soda IS one of the components of baking powder.  : ) Clear yet?  Yeah, I know!

THANK YOU, Wellness Mama!  I’ve been secretly using a simple 50/50 mix of baking soda and cornstarch for a few weeks now.  My friends already think I’m pretty weird, so I kept it quiet.  Well, I’m telling you that I am stunned that this simple and CHEAP formulation works so well on wetness and odor control down here in semi-tropical Mississippi.  I have never been one of those Southern belles who “glowed” from perspiration.  I have always sweated and have stunk like a hog, especially under “the girls,” and this formula works great there.  I do apply it a bit more lightly than in the armpits, because a bra will definitely chafe skin with the baking soda laid too thickly.  It IS a mild abrasive, after all, and I am a delicate Southern flower. 

I don’t have any shea butter in the house, but I’d like to try your recipe for that.  Before I found your page here tonight, I added a little melted coconut oil to my 50/50 mix of baking soda and cornstarch, and I’m thinking I may need to add more to more closely match your proportions.  It may be that this mixture doesn’t spread well on the armpits.  Shower time will tell the tale in a few minutes.

How I found you–I’m working on an entry for my frugal living blog tonight about saving money on deodorant and wanted to find people besides me who’ve gone rogue on the commercial stuff.  I Googled to find you and am tickled pink–very clear instructions and most helpful.  A kindred spirit, even!  I’ve bookmarked you and hope I can find you again.  Would you mind if I linked from my blog to your page so my readers can have your shea butter formula that’s a bit different from some of the others out there?  Email me at garrrettbarbara@att.net and let me know.  Meanwhile, carry on the good fight!  Powering down now!

I’m so excited that I found you today!  And even more happier about these deod. recipes!  Will be trying them soon.  In the mean time, I will try baking soda…I brush my teeth everyday with it!  Thanks so much to all!

I’m going to try this. My body reacts terribly to deoderants, even the clinical ones. They just don’t work. I’ve used my own homemade deo for several years. I mix 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup of cornstarch. I apply white vinegar first and let it dry then I dust on the soda, cornstarch combo. No odor and no stains.

hey mama, not to stir any waves but i believe you need to have a disclaimer with that affiliate link. it’s not on your disclosure page anywhere either!

Yep… just use equal amounts.

There’s a chance that the baking soda is drawing out toxins and that is showing up on the skin or that pH changes are causing it.. maybe just try coconut oil alone for a while and see if that changes anything.

I am determined to kick to aluminum-ridden deo habit for good this year and I look forward to trying this DIY version, thanks!

more corn starch for absorbency, and a few drops of tea tree oil for odor!

I finally made this Monday night and I cannot believe the difference!  I love how simple the 2nd recipe is and it is a million times more effective than the natural deodorant I was using previously.  Thank you!!!

Thanks!

I have been using this in the height of our Australian summer (and with a baby on my back) for over a month now. WOW! It really works!

For those who want to see step-by-step photographed instructions, including tips for storing in an old deo stick, my blog post is here: http://blissfule.me/homemade-chemical-free-deodorant-that-works

Thank you for the recipe! I’ll never have to use aluminum-based antiperspirant/deodorant again.

I believe my original comment you replied to was moderated, and it’s not showing up. Maybe that is because I included a link to my blog post describing my steps for making your deodorant? 
http://blissfule.me/homemade-chemical-free-deodorant-that-works/

Just with your fingers usually works great!

Just trying the second one with young living oils….lemon and cinn!

About ten to fifteen drops. I’ve used tea tree, orange, lavender and peppermint, as well as a combination of all of those.

Why these ingrediants? Where do you get them? Should they be food grade?

If you were just urging baking soda you could just dust it on like face powder… If you use coconut oil too you can rub coconut oil on first and then dust with baking soda

Even just a dusting of baking soda or a little coconut oil will get rid of any odor and the longer you don’t use antiperspirants the less you will swear

I made mine this morning and seems to be working great-I apply OTC deodorant multiple times a day, so I was nervous. Question-mine keeps separating. Did I do something wrong? I do apologize if somebody has already posted this question.

 Awesome. I am not into corn products myself, they are cheaper but I think the arrowroot is a great idea. I just made some, I cannot wait to try it tomorrow!!! The shea butter is definitely expensive but then again, the “natural” deodorants in the store are 5 bucks or more and I should get a few batches of this out of the shea!  So excited! Thanks so much for sharing!

I have tried this about three times and get a horribly painful rash every time.  I am willing to live through the rash if you really think it is just the baking soda bringing the toxins out. Is it possible that the rash is from an irritation from the baking soda? Do you think it would go away after a few weeks if I just “tough it out”? If not, do you have any alternative recipes that don’t include baking soda? Thanks!

This stuff really works!  I tried it on myself first, but the real test was my athletic teenage girls.  I was so excited when they told me it actually worked.  I think I’ve bought them every natural, safe, and even those awful chemical-ridden deodorants which were the only ones to work until this one!!! Thank you so much for developing this recipe.  Now I don’t have to feel bad, because they will NEVER use those store-bought deodorants again.

Hey!  I’ve been using straight apple cider vinegar for a few months now and enjoy it, but have still been checking out other recipes.  Have you played around with it at all? Ever combine ACV with your current recipes??

Absolutely optional. Just a little extra absorption for the wetness, but not needed.

Recipe # 2 is so easy and effective it’s outrageous!!  My husband and I will never look back.  Even my mother with her onion smelling arm pits uses it now, even at the gym!!  She loves not smelling like an onion. Try this recipe!

When you say “works”, do you mean it works at deodorizing, staying dry, keeping the deodorant solid or…?

Thanks for sharing!

I tried the first recipe for the first time today and I loved how I did not smell one bit and barely sweat at all!!

One problem- the oil completely stained one of my nice shirts I had the wet underarm look and streaks down the front from pulling it over my head. I had to change shirts and it didn’t come out in the wash even after treating it with stain remover. I waited the 5 minutes like you suggested but maybe I used too much or didn’t rub it in enough? Any suggestions for removing the stains and for preventing them?

So I tried this today for the first time…no BO but my underarms are sore and slightly rashy. I am going to give them a wash and then put some straight coconut oil on for tonight and hope they will not be sore or rashy in the morning! I love the light coconut scent too!

Does this come out as liquid or does it end up solid?  I ask so I know if I need to store it in a jar (liquid) or is I can use and old deodorant container (solid)

I have been using this second recipe for over 2 years now and have LOVED it, however, I am pregnant again this summer and wow! have I been stinking!  It is not working at all right now.  I have been applying 2-3 times a day in the hopes that maybe it has just been wearing off but that doesn’t even help.  I know body chemistry changes during pregnancy and I sweat so much more (my hair isn’t as responsive to the no-poo during this time either).  Any suggestions?

I tried this and the concoction has a liquid layer gathered at the top. Did I do something wrong?  Also, this may be a bonehead question, but how do you apply it from the glass jar?  Thanks so much!!

When I started making my own deodorant, I definitely went through a detox phase – for a good week or so I felt like I was release years of build-up from my pores… and I smelled like it also. I pushed through, however, and now I feel like the amount of smell is never as much as it was before. Horay!

Just omit the baking soda and you should be fine. From what I can tell, some people are naturally more acidic than others, and if eating a healthier diet, sometimes toxins can be coming out through sweat, so this can cause irritation with the very basic baking soda. All the other ingredients should be fine…. Warmly
Katie

I’ve just made your option 2 deodorant and added my favourite essential oil – vertivert, it’s divine! My own personal bespoke deodorant! I love it!!! I’m a Deo-Diva now lol! My mind is turning with anticipation of all the scent combos I can now have, I mean a girl can only smell like ‘fresh linen’ and ‘aloe vera’ for so long! Goodbye nasty toxins and hello my new little fashion secret!!!!!

 I’m so glad you shared this recipe and I’m a little bit sad that everyone doesn’t use it. I’ve shared it on my Facebook page and lots of my pals are dying to know how I get on with using it (yes, I am their guinea pig!)
Well done! 10 out of 10!

I’ve been making similar recipes for a while now, and they work well…  But in our new home, the bathroom stays chilly, and it’s VERY solid.

I don’t like putting it in an old deodorant tube – they give out after a while, and it seems silly to buy them just for that…  I want to just spread it on out of its jar.

What can you do to keep it more creamy?  The coconut oil, of course, is the solidifying factor, so I’m assuming putting something else in with it is the secret?

Thanks for any tips!

I do think our bodies sort of become ‘addicted’ to conventional drug-store deoderants…  Natural deoderant sticks were expensive and didn’t really work so I just quit using them all together.  I started using an equal mix of baking soda and arrowroot powder which I have mixed up in a little jar and brush on with an old (makeup) powder brush.  There is a little fall-out and the powdery texture took some getting used to but it works better than any other product I have ever tried.  I’ve noticed over time that I don’t always ‘need’ to use it.

I’ve also had some success with coconut oil with a few drops of lemongrass oil mixed in on not-so-hot-days.  I’m going to try the non-shea-butter recipe and see if I like the texture better than my powder.   

I have been making your 2nd (easier) version of the deo for several years and would never go back to commercial deo!! It TRULY eliminates odor and seems to help reduce sweating. I have converted quite a few family/friends over to this wonderful alternative, too! I rotate between lemongrass and lavender essential oil….

I’ve had irritation, too, and it’s fairly painful. My bf had the same thing, within minutes of his first application. I tried going back to plain coconut oil and baking soda, but same reaction: pain, and red bumpy appearance under my arms. I’ll add that I use coconut oil somewhere on my body every day, and eat a fair bit, too, and have never had this problem anywhere else.

Advice, comments?

Have you tried just plain coconut oil. It actually is a pretty effective deo by itself. Some people react strongly to the baking soda or arrowroot.

I tried the deo-bar and found it quite sticky feeling towards the end of the day is this normal?

I’ll try with just coconut oil, though with some nervousness because it has hurt so much.  I used your recipe with good results for weeks before the burning and pain started.  I’ll update you again in a couple of days.  Thanks!

 What about rubbing coconut oil into your legs right after shaving? Is that a good or bad idea?

I love coconut oil for all kinds of things. unfortunately, I’ve noticed that it has stained some of my clothes when I used it as a lotion after a shower. I haven’t tried your deodorant yet but I am somewhat hesitant to use the coconut oil because I don’t want to ruin any more of my clothes. Has this every happened to anyone else? I guess I’ll have to give it a whirl and wear an old shirt to check it out first

You can omit the baking soda completely if needed. It seems that some people have this strong reaction to baking soda, but even coconut oil and arrowroot alone will work well….

I have been using magnesium chloride spray under my arms instead of commercial antiperspirants. It works wonderfully well to combat odor and wetness and has the added benefit of delivering much needed magnesium to my system in a highly absorbable way. Also I haven’t experienced any staining of my clothes.

I have been using the second recipe for a few weeks now and I love it! Regular deoderant has never worked great for me and I certainly didn’t like the idea of all the chemicals and artificial ingredients on my skin. I love that this is all natural and WORKS!

It could be the coconut oil, but it can also take a couple days for it to fully harden. Put it in the fridge for a couple hours and if it hardens, it should stay a harder consistency once it is removed.

Hi. Can you provide more details on how you make deoderant with baking soda, coconut oil and essential oil? How do you store it? Can you put it in an empty deoderant stick container? Do you melt the oil and stir in the baking soda?

I just mix together with softened coconut oil and store in a little jar and apply with my fingers when I make it this way. It can get too soft for a deodorant container when you just use coconut oil, but it still works great.

I think it might be the shea butter you used. I’ve found that happens with older shea butter.

I was very skeptical about how well this natural deodorant works. Store bought deodorants will keep me from sweating (which I don’t do much), but if I wear tank tops and my underarm skin touches without the fabric from sleeves, I will still smell. I have always known that antiperspirants were terrible, but just assumed that anything natural wouldn’t work. After I found your website (and have read most of it), I thought I’d give it a try since it was summer and I wanted to wear my tanks and summer dresses! Shockingly surprised, it does work…and really well! I put it on in the morning, went through my errand running crazy day with my four small kiddos, and sat through a 2 hour flag football practice in the very hot Texas summer heat…all in a tank. When I got home I did my smell test, and the only thing I could smell was a hint of coconut oil. I will forever be thankful, and I can now shave my under arms daily and not live in fear of increasing my chances of breast cancer! Thank you Wellness Mama!

Hi! I have been using baking soda and water for about two years but just recently (inspired by another blogger) decided to make a paste and put it in an empty “stick deodorant container” I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT NO MORE MESS! NO sticky hands! I followed the measurements in this blog http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2009/03/quick-stick-deodorant.html but used some drops of Palma Rosa Essential Oil, and home made coconut oil and the cream still settled even in this hot hot hot caribbean weather… IT WORKS!

Also anti perspirants have aluminium in them to block the pores to stop the sweat, this has been linked to breast cancer. Best only use coconut oil ,lemon and bi carb soda and anything else that is not toxic to the body.Be careful of what additives baking soda has! Your skin is a transport system straight to your blood stream !

We just got fed up with all of the poisonous deodorants. I tried a few “natural” kinds but they just didnt work any longer than 1 hour.
Tried your recipe and was amazed at how well it worked (and my hubby’s pits are something to be reckoned with!) at the end of a long hot summer day, no smelly pits or shirts! Now I’ve made another jar, which he smears on the soles of his feet every morning. Another problem solved, no dangerous ingredients involved.

I made this and I was using it for a few days and my underarm areas turned bright red. It didn’t hurt, so I kept using it until one day my armpits HURT! Any idea what caused this reaction and what I can change about the recipe???

I am going to try the lipstick recipe and the deodorant. i use coconut oil regularly in cooking and on my skin. i dont wear deodorant or use lipsticks because of all the chemicals, finding this is exciting i look forward to adding in my own essential oils to make it smell even more amazing!

If you used essential oil it may have irritated you. Which is sounds like if you got red with no discomfort at first. But if you have a tendency toward yeast rashes (heat rash) I would suggest using something more acidic like apple cider vinegar and let it dry or dust with arrowroot powder. Dilute 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar to start healing if you think it is yeast. Itchiness and burning would suggest yeast. The cornstarch (food) and baking soda (alkaline) can, for yeastie folks, encourage yeast growth. Might try recipe again but hold any essential oil and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder. Hope this helps.

I’d be interested in knowing what strength of mag oil Lynda uses because I’ve tried a very strong one and it doesn’t work for me. Also, I used to make a wonderful deodorant with baking soda but a botanist friend told me that applying baking soda long term to the skin can cause the fatty layer under the skin to desolve. I therefore wrote to an independent website that deals with baking soda to ask them if it was true. They said they hadn’t come across any such research, however, they were aware of research on PubMed which shows that applying alkaline solutions to the skin on a long term basis is damaging to the skin. We all know the high alkali levels of baking soda; I haven’t dared use it since. I’m still searching for a baking soda free home made deodorant that works. I’ve tried it with just arrowroot and shea butter etc and that doesn’t work either.

funny story: I seldom used deodorants before, since I don’t really get BO unless I’m doing intense physical activity. but, a month ago I was at the body shop (that store uses terrible ingredients but markets itself as ever-so natural) and figured I’d get some aluminum-free deodorant for kicks.

after using it, I started smelling REALLY bad! I think the bacteria must have been gorging on it or something, because it was just ridiculous. bc I started smelling so bad, I used more of it. it was a vicious cycle until I broke down and bought a regular deodorant. used it once and decided to test *not* using deodorant. that’s when I realized the body shop stuff was the cause of my BO .

I’m tempted to try this natural deodorant, but my body just doesn’t like natural remedies lol. I used jojoba oil and avocado oil for moisturizers, and it gave me alligator skin.

If you are sensitive to ( also low in ) the magnesium then it burns really bad. I tried easing into it by rubbing it into the soles of my feet for a couple months but it still fried my armpits to almost being raw by the 2nd day of use. I have friends that use it with no problem but I have very sensitive skin and this did not work for me.

This is my second day trying recipe #2 and it doesn’t seem to be working. Is there a “break in” period or should I just give up?

The clay shouldn’t be an issue and has excellent properties that are beneficial for the skin. It will help reduce perspiration as well.

I have tried these recipes before but find that the baking soda irritates my skin and the coconut oil leaves a stain on my clothes – any suggestions?

What ingredient in these recipes is the likely culprit for the undershirt/cami staining? I love recipes just not what it does to the whites. Any recommendations?

Darn. It is my go to oil and I was hoping that was not the cause. Do you think another oil, grape seed, maybe might produce the same results (stain-wise)?

If you used a coconut oil that is liquid at 75 degrees, then it will have some consistency differences. You could add more arrowroot to firm it up, or being in the fridge might do it too. I should have clarified that… the coconut oil I used in the recipe was unrefined and is solid below 76 degrees, so that might be what the difference was.

I recently was injured at work, and the painkillers that i was put on did something awful to my body. My hair fell out, and my armpits blistered. My doctor believes that i may have developed Multi Chemical Sensitivity. I switched to washing my hair with baking soda and vinegar and it no longer is falling out. I’ve tried the homemade deoderant recipes but the baking soda irritates the damaged skin under my arms. So far, the coconut oil seems to be working, but then, it isn’t that warm right now and I can’t work out due to my back injury so I’m not sweating as much.

I used recipe #2 and it is the most effective deodorant I have EVER used. I’ve been hiking in 90 degree weather with no odor. I have not developed the perfect application source yet. I just have it in a little jar and it gets a bit crumbly and messy. But I love this stuff.

It has been 6 years for me using baking soda and cornstarch (originally just baking soda) – and I’ve not yet tried it with the coconut oil but want to. I too noticed the significant decrease in sweat over time, as well as the stink of the sweat even on days I don’t wear – it is almost *as if* my body was detoxing.

Definitely proper nutrition and enough water play a significant role as well.

Interesting that when we live our lives right, the problems fade away…

Thanks!! I did end up putting in more arrowroot and baking soda, until it was creamy and not so drippy. And, I put it in the fridge. It did get firmer. Now, it’s the next day and it is back to room temperature and has the consistency of frosting, which is perfect for me. I ended up putting it in a wide mouthed canning jar that is short, like 2.5 inches tall and this works perfectly.

You can just use shea butter with a little bit of baking soda mixed in if you aren’t sensitive to the baking soda…

How did it work out with the beeswax?

I rub freshly cut lime in my pits every few days(!!!!), it actually works better than any deodorant I have ever tried. I can sweat and shower and it still keeps working.

People’s Pharmacy has some good health tips. Using Milk of Magnesia as a deodorant was one of those. I just buy a regular small bottle and dip a finger in, then rub it in. This is NOT an antipersperant. It does make a pretty good and very inexpensive deodorant.

Is there any way to incorporate magnesium oil into a deodorant recipe. I tried adding it to the recipe above and it had a crazy reaction with the baking soda?

Thanks, I will try it and report back here if it goes well Thank you for all the valuable info you share, I appreciate you!

It would still work, as the coconut oil and shea butter are both antibacterial too…

I’ve been using your Recipe #2, and love it! I’ve added it to my favorite coconut oil uses on my newest post. Thanks!

Try PitStik today! I make a natural deodorant made with Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, Cornstarch, Beeswax & Melaleuca Oil. Proudly handmade in Colorado Springs, USA!!
PitStik – Changing the way you stik your pit and It WORKS!!!
facebook/pitstik

Its totally effective when i did the recipe #2. Its amazing..thanks a lot for sharing.. God bless..

I love using my MYO Deoder. I just mix the coconut oil with baking soda & keep it in a small mason jar.
It last a LONG time & it’s good for ya

Confession time – I only made half of a batch of Recipe 2 because I was positive that it wouldn’t work. I am beyond thrilled to say it is amazing! As is the rest of your site! One thing, how can I get it to not leave a greasy looking spot on my shirt? Maybe more baking soda or cornstarch? Or both? Needless to say when I saw “deodorant” on my shopping list, from my husband, I quickly crossed it off Thank you so much for sharing your natural recipes with us, I’m looking forward to making many of them!

Any ideas for a deodorant that doesn’t use baking soda? The baking soda seems to irritate my skin very badly. But if I use this recipe without the baking soda, I end up smelly (as expected, since the baking soda absorbs odor). Any other natural odor absorbers?

Just made this last night, I basically did recipe 2 but had trouble getting it mixed up enough so I did the double boiler method with it. Added 2 or 3 drops of tea tree oil because it’s a good antibacterial but figured using more might be bad for sensitive skin. Used it today and so far so good! I’ve also been doing the black tea night time thing (take two bags of black tea and steep them in warm water, then soak compresses in the tea and apply to armpits for 5 mins, take off and let dry for about a minute and then use a facecloth to take off residue-do this at night for 2 weeks). I’ve done the black tea method before and it’s definitely made a difference and I’m really optimistic about the coconut oil.

Next time I was thinking about possibly adding some powdered green tea to the recipe, it’s a good antibacterial as well and should add a nice mild scent. Does anyone have any experience with that? I know coconut oil has a long shelf life, could the green tea go rancid once it’s been heated to add to this?

I just recently discovered that there are a lot of natural substitutions for all of the products that I purchase (thanks, Wellness Mama, I am hooked!). One of the first things I tried making while on vacation was deodorant…I was definitely a skeptic, but was intrigued by so many people’s story of success. I used the arrowroot version, and started my experiment during vacation, just in case something went dreadfully wrong. I have been using homemade deodorant for over two weeks, and it really works! I work at a University and often have to walk briskly across campus in a suit and heels. On one of our warm “winter” days, I stayed smelling like a rose through the evening. Please try this recipe – you will pleasantly surprised!!

I made this deodorant because I am trying to limit my plastic purchases. I refilled 2 deodorant sticks and made 5.5 smaller sticks in the cupcake tin. I chose not to use essential oils because I love the coco butter & beeswax scent. Next time I make this I’ll use more coconut oil and less beeswax because I’d like it to be softer.

I made the 2nd recipe and am so happy; it really works! Thank you so much for sharing!

I’ve been using recipe #1, substituted cornstarch in place of arrowroot powder and did not use any essential oils. I’ve been using it for about a month now and I must say it works like nothing I’ve ever used, even tried the clinical strength deodorants that dont work. I was even contemplating botox to stop underarm persiperation but afraid of the effects. I sweat but it not stinky and even If I get any ordor its very mild and goes away. My only problem now is that I just started to have excessive peeling and darkening under my arms. I’m 6 months pregnant and unsure of why this is happening. Please help! I dont want to stop but afraid of these symptoms.

Are you taking magnesium? That seems like the missing link for some people as it is supposed to help odor and decrease sweat…

It could definitely be a detox reaction of some sort…. I’d try removing the baking soda and seeing if that helps… taking magnesium internally might also help…

Hi, I just tried making this receipe for the first time, it looked a little watery but I figured its the melted coconut oil. Also, I bought the organic refined coconut oil from wholes food is that one good to use? It seemed pretty hard to spoon out, like using refrigerated butter.
Any suggestions???

I used your 2nd recipe, but I added just a little beeswax to the mix. (I had tried to do the recipe from memory…oof!) Anyway, it seems to sort of coat the skin just enough to bring the sweat level down a bit. Not sure if it’s a good (in the healthy sense) thing, but it’s better than the 48 hour protection deodorant I was using 3x a day.

It’s probably any oil. If you have a problem with the stains, someone above mentioned a recipe from crunchy Betty with Shea butter and white clay – google it

Okay been making natural deodorant this way, but I am sort of tired of keeping it in the fridge, and looking for a way to keep it more solid at room temp. I wonder if adding a little beeswax to the mix would work? Has anyone tried that?

Do you know that baking soda cobtains aluminium?

I have and it does work

if you wanted to put it in a deodorant container, do you just pour it in?! I am considering this, but not if its stored in a jar and you use your hand to smear it on.
I want it in solid form…suggestions

i’ve tried both recipes and i’ve had a really bad reaction, which i assume is from the baking soda. if i omit the baking soda, will these still work?

So I just made my own by using a natural deo that didn’t work so well by itself, by melting it down and using it instead of coconut oil in the recipe. We’ll see how it goes! I was worried coconut oil would stain my clothes, as I have had minor issues with it when using it as a moisturizer. Has anyone else had experience with this?

Try using a tiny amount of liquid dish soap before washing them…

Can anyone please explain me, how much is “T”? Is it tablespoon or teespon? Or in ml? Thank you very much

I made the first recipe, I was not impressed. My underarms were always wet or clammy feeling and it started smelling weird after just a few hours. I have personally found that just putting plain baking soda on works much better. I may try to adjust the recipe to include much more baking soda and probably no shea butter as my underarms seem to have enough moisture on their own. lol. Thanks for the recipe though, I’m sure everyone’s needs are different and this works better for some than others.

I’ve tried this recipe and found it works great! I put it in an old clean deodorant container but I found it leaked out of the bottom when my house was even slightly warm (around 72°), I even tried it with 92° coconut oil, I added Essential oils though could that be the problem?

I made recipe number 1. its to soupy. I am trying to reproduce bubble and bee pit putty, which is more gritty. should I add more arrowroot and baking soda?

If it’s too soft for a deodorant container…would it work if I put it in a roll on deodorant container? Or would the consistency of the deodorant be too hard? Thanks!

Yes you can put it in deodorant sticks. You may want to add beeswax as it is a preservative and also makes it so you can put it on easier!!

i want to give this a try but am concerned about the coconut oil mixture turning to soup when it gets warm out. does the addition of shea butter and/or corn starch (arrow root) prevent this from happening?

It does somewhat, but I store mine in a jar or in the fridge in the summer.

Great, I’ll try that. Thanks!

could I substitute coco butter for shea butter?

Yep

I just tried the recipe. I didn’t have the arrowroot but I did have everything else. It is suppose to solidify?

Depends on your temp in your house but it might not without the arrowroot

You can use the liquid and it will work, but it won’t be paste like… In all of my recipes, I’m referring to the one that is solid at 76 degrees

I’ll have to make this for my brother! He’s allergic to commercial deodorant but has a BO problem :/…I know it says essential oils are optional, but what essential oils would have the most “manly” scent?

Could I add the baking soda and the arrow root to a simple lotion bar recipe that I use in order to make it seem more like a commercial deodorant stick? Would it still work with out the coconut oil?

Yes

Thanks so much for responding so quickly. I can’t wait to try it, going to make it now!

I have been using this natural deo for about a month now and I love it
very much. It really seems to agree with me. The only thing is, I’m
experiencing an odd discoloration on my armpits. Grey shading is
occurring (not hair growth). I don’t have any other reactions that would make me think it’s any sort of allergy. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m wondering if it has anything to do with the chemicals from the antiperspirants I used to use being drawn out. Any thoughts?

Hmm, so after doing some research online, it appears that the daily use of baking soda on skin is not recommended and more often than not leads to mild to severe allergic reactions. I’m actually surprised more people haven’t been commenting about this as it seems to be a fairly common thing. Not sure if you knew this yourself or if anyone else has told you about adverse side effects of such high concentration of baking soda. While I don’t believe anyone should hold you responsible for their reactions, it might not be such a bad idea to let people know that this recipe is not really intended to be used daily (or that the baking soda part should be reduced and/or eliminated over time). I know that this is something I would have liked to know from the onset, instead of having to find out on my own. Hopefully my skin discoloration will go away at some point…

Would it work to use cocoa butter instead of shea butter?

For me before, if I used too much Baking Soda on my underarms they became irritated, you could try to lower the amount of Baking Soda and see if that helps.

For me baking soda can really irritate my skin, I am going to try to make this today with half as much baking soda.. I would recommend you reduce the amount as well. Also if you add tea tree oil it will greatly improve it’s effectiveness, without the need of so much baking soda. Though that can irritate some people’s skin as well. :/ If I come up with a more sensitive skin friendly version I will let you know.

hiya, I have just started making my own deodorant, the same as your coconut oil recipe. It truely is amazing. Ive tried so many deo’s in my lifetime and done of them have worked to combat sweat. I dont excessively sweat or anything but it absorbs and takes away any smell. I literally cant smell anything under my arms when i put this on. I did get some slight irritation as i do get eczema on my arm pits (only place on my body!) and im assuming its the baking soda and so my nxt batch im going to put more cornstarch/arrowroot powder. I live in UK and its a lot easier to get hold of baking soda/bicarb than arrowroot so i use that instead and it works amazingly well!

Thanks for updating us Liz. I am going to make this now

Wellness Mama….I Love Your Recipes!!!!!! <3

ok, so I made a second batch (just the same as i did the first) using coconut oil, baking soda and corn starch…… HOLY COW the second batch did change! my mom got burnt after using the second batch (no reaction to the first), my friend had a horrible reaction. I threw it away and am about to make a third batch. have you ever had this happen? im 99.9% sure i didnt mess up the ingredients but i cant think of what else could have happened! What do you think?

Are those the same ingredients you used in the first? Some people will start reacting to the baking soda when it isn’t needed anymore….

Hi, I just tried this recipe tonight and mine came out as what appeared to be a thicker mixture on the bottom with a more clear layer on top (after being left to sit for some time). The entire mix isn’t solidifying at all and seems way too runny to apply. I followed the double boiler mix exactly, is this how it’s supposed to be or do I need to modify my mixture? I was hoping to be able to stick some in an old deodorant tube and store in the fridge. Also, this is my first time working with essential oils, and they seem so overwhelmingly strong (even with only a few drops of an EO mix recipe I found) that I have a terrible headache now. Any words of wisdom from wellnessmama or anyone else?

what do you mean by T? teaspoon or tablespoon?

I’m allergic to coconut is there anything I can replace the coconut oil with?

I used all teaspoons for a small batch, and came out great. You could use all tablespoons for a larger batch.

I really want to make this for my parents since OTC deodorant irritates their skin, but my mom is highly allergic to coconut. Can I use just shea butter or is there another oil I can substitute?

i made this yesterday and was surprised to see that it never hardened… at all. i have a separated mixture with oil at the top. i used the first recipe, and measured everything exactly except the shea butter.
is there anything i can do to fix it for easier application? right now i’m having to shake it up and apply it quickly (its runny). should i add more of the powders?