How to Make a Probiotic Deodorant Bar (Easy Recipe)

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Natural deodorant has gotten really popular in recent years, but a lot of people have mixed results. This probiotic deodorant recipe doesn’t just mask the odor, it attacks it at the source!

One of the most asked questions on my popular homemade deodorant post is: “Can I put this in a plastic deodorant container for easy application?”

And the answer is- absolutely yes! But it will work better if you make a couple of tweaks! I’ve played with my original recipes to create several different variations, including this probiotic deodorant.

Why Do Armpits Stink?

Before we go into fixing the problem, it helps to know why it’s there in the first place. Conventional deodorants work by covering up body odor with fragrances. They also clog pores with aluminum to prevent sweating. But why do we get stinky to begin with?

B.O. 101

Like the rest of our skin, underarms have a natural microbiome complete with bacteria. When things are unbalanced and the bad bacteria is in charge it causes stanky pits. This odor-causing bacteria, not sweat itself, is to blame. According to Popular Science:

“Sweat by itself doesn’t actually smell. It contains long chains of molecules that are too heavy to vaporize and reach your nostrils. But the bacteria in your pits break down these big molecules into smaller molecules that fly off, and depending on what kind of bacteria are living on you, those volatiles can smell pretty foul.”

What we eat plays a big role in our underarm bacteria, as do healthy (or unhealthy) lifestyle choices. Genetics can also play a part. Our bodies detox through the sweat in our armpits. If there are more toxins released into our system, then naturally there’s more stinky sweat.

Want to Buy it?

I should confess that sometimes I don’t make my own deodorant anymore. The company I co-founded, Wellnesse, now offers a mineral deodorant. Check it out if you aren’t into the DIY version or don’t have the ingredients on hand.

It’s cruelty-free, phthalate and paraben free, and of course aluminum-free. It also features soothing ingredients like aloe, and cocos nucifera (coconut oil), without harsh preservatives.

Why Natural Deodorant Doesn’t Work

Many people who make the switch to natural deodorant are disappointed with the results at first. They may notice an increase in underarm wetness or even smell. Then there’s the infamous baking soda rash. But what’s really going on here?

If our skin is used to having blocked pores preventing it from sweating, then there’s a backlog of toxins. That area is also rich in lymphatic tissue which helps us eliminate waste products. Using natural deodorant helps to support these natural processes, but it takes time to balance things out.

Start with a Detox

If you’re new to natural deodorant, I’ve found an armpit detox, done once a week or so, greatly speeds up the adjustment period. It also makes the deodorant more effective more quickly. Here’s how to detox your pits.

Since switching to a natural deodorant I’ve gradually noticed less underarm odor and sweating.

Probiotic Deodorant Bar

That said, how can probiotics help us have healthier (less stinky!) pits? Probiotic deodorant works by adding more of the good bacteria to the skin microbiome. Over time this helps push out more of the bad bacteria strains that cause odor.

Some of the healthy bacterial strains found in armpits include Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Outside of test tubes meant for a lab, these strains are harder to source. Instead, most probiotic deodorants rely on strains normally found in the human gut, like lactobacillus supplements. While they’re still beneficial for skin, the effects may be more transient.

These nourishing probiotic deodorant bars are slightly thicker than my original homemade deodorant recipe in a jar. It also uses many of the same ingredients as my lotion bars and sunscreen bars. You can order the ingredients in bulk and save a lot of money on your family’s skincare products this way.

If you have sensitive skin or struggle with odor, this can be a great option! I did include some baking soda to help control odor. If you’re very sensitive you can replace it with more arrowroot for a baking soda free version.

Choose Your Scent

Essential oils naturally have antimicrobial properties that make them great for homemade deodorant. My favorite here are lavender, frankincenses and citrus essential oils. Here are a few more skin-safe options. You can also do an unscented version if desired.

Try making your own deodorant if you haven’t already. You’ll not only save money and avoid synthetic chemicals, but I’ve found the homemade versions work better too!

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5 from 4 votes

Probiotic Deodorant Recipe

This simple recipe helps fight underarm odor naturally, with healthy probiotics!
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Cooling Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 5 deodorant tubes
Author: Katie Wells

Materials

Instructions

  • Combine coconut oil, shea (or other) butter, and beeswax in a double boiler, or a glass bowl over a smaller saucepan with 1 inch of water in it. Combine in a quart size glass mason jar with a lid instead and place this in a small saucepan of water until melted. This will save your bowl and you can just designate this jar for these types of projects and not even need to wash it out…
  • Turn the burner on and bring the water to a low boil. Stir ingredients occasionally until they're melted and smooth.
  • Remove from heat and add the vitamin E oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder, probiotics, and essential oils. Make sure the mixture is not hot to the touch (warm is ok) so that the heat doesn’t kill the probiotics. If you're using the brand I've linked above, they're fine at higher temperatures.
  • Gently stir by hand until all ingredients are incorporated.
  • Let cool for about 15 minutes, until the mixture is slightly thickened, but still a pourable consistency.
  • Pour the deodorant mixture into new or repurposed and cleaned deodorant containers. Let dry overnight to fully harden.

Notes

  • This recipe can be adjusted to make any quantity that you’d like by increasing the amount of ingredients used.
  • Shea butter yields a softer deodorant consistency, while cocoa butter is much firmer. You can also use a blend of shea butter, mango butter, and/or cocoa butter.  

Deodorant FAQs

Why is mine taking so long to harden?

This is common when using the baking soda. Try putting it in the fridge for a few hours to harden. I actually like keeping mine in the fridge all the time and applying it while I’m making breakfast since it keeps it really cool and refreshing.

It seems to be leaving stains on my shirt- what do I do?

This is likely due to the oil residue that’s there for a few minutes right after applying. Try keeping it in the fridge so a smaller amount is transferred to the skin. Or wait about 5 minutes after applying before putting a shirt on.

Help! I have a horrible rash after a few days/weeks/months of using this.

This is common in some skin types and if you’ve used conventional deodorant for a long time. I’ve found that doing an armpit detox once a week makes a huge difference. You can also try omitting the baking soda from the recipe. This resolves the issue for most people.

Is this an antiperspirant?

No. Stopping the body’s ability to sweat is not a natural process. There’s no way I know of to do this naturally. The good news is that you’ll sweat less as your body adjusts to a natural deodorant and it won’t be needed anymore. Again, the armpit detox can help speed that up. I went from using clinical strength deodorant to not needing an antiperspirant at all!

I’m allergic to coconut oil

If you have a coconut allergy then you can use 2 Tablespoons of a liquid oil instead of the 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Olive oil, grapeseed, and sweet almond oil are several different options.

Have you ever made your own deodorant? How did it go? Leave a comment below and let me know!

This homemade deodorant bar recipe will save you money and help you avoid nasty chemicals. It's easy to make and completely natural.
Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

354 responses to “How to Make a Probiotic Deodorant Bar (Easy Recipe)”

  1. Chris Avatar

    5 stars
    Been looking for a good deodorant recipe. I’m going to try this one. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Nancy Avatar

    I am wondering, does adding the probiotic to the hot oils and waxes not kill the probiotics?

  3. Colette Avatar

    In the coconut allergy sub, it says use 1/4 liquid oil instead of 1/2 cup coconut. Recipe says 1/4 cup coconut. Should I sub 1/8 cup liquid oil, or should Recipe say 1/2 cup?

  4. Andrea Avatar

    Have you made a probiotic magnesium zinc bar? How would I add these to the mix?

  5. Cal Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    I was wondering, why not pour the mixture into the deodoarnt stick container, like you do with lipchap and then wait for it to harden? When you do it the way you wrote does the shape of the deodoarant come out nice and smooth looking? thank you my dear as always, i love your website!

  6. Odel Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    I was wondering, your chapstick recipe is super. Isnt there a way to make deodorant the way you make lip chap, just with arrowroot as well and then pour straight into deodorant containers? Also, the lip chap recips lasts for more than 4 months…

  7. Tasha Avatar

    Has anyone tried activated charcoal in this? I’ve made deo several times with arrowroot powder & baking soda, but it did not work for me.

  8. brittney Avatar
    brittney

    Hi,

    I made used this recipe and subbed beeswax for carnauba wax to make this recipe vegan and ommited the baking soda ( using more arrow root as suggested). I put the deodorant in the fridge and when I pulled it out – was very happy with the consistency … however later that day it became melted and creamy.

    I’m wondering if you have any recommendations for making this recipe vegan but also more shelf stable.
    I live in California and the summer are warm here.

    Thanks!!
    Brittney

    1. Odel Avatar

      You could use Candelila wax but melt it well or else it crumbles. I made chapsticks with candelila and it rolls up and down fine, it should work for you. Use more amount than the receipe here says. Also for Lip chap, I use more than the recipe here cause they were not rolling up and down easily, so i used about a fourth amount more and then they were perfect. (meaning if it says use 6 spoons, so I use 8-9 spons). Good luck!

  9. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Can you make this into a jar deodorant too? Is it the same process? Or does it need less of something to make easy to scoop out and spread on with fingers?

  10. Robbie Avatar

    This recipe is perfect consistency. I ordered an 8 pack of empty deodorant push up containers. 2.5 oz.

    The recipe filled all eight containers to the brim.

    Perfect now I have an eight pack.

    Thank You

  11. Robbie Avatar

    Hi,

    You must make sure the mixture is cooled down to no more than 115 degrees if you put in the freeze dried probiotics
    anything over that will kill the probiotics. Use candy thermometer to be sure.

  12. Cindy Avatar

    Regarding rash or irritation, baking soda & certain essential oils can be very irritating. Lavender, citrus, tea tree oil and baking soda give me a rash that looks and feels like a chemical burn. I found that a little geranium and ginger don’t irritate my skin. Also a little bentonite clay with arrowroot works just as well as the baking soda.

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