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. melissa rogers Avatar
    melissa rogers

    how long does it take to “work”- I still stink and I tried it for a week. I’ve tried both “recipes” 🙁 Does it take time to adjust? I smell horrible! I went back to using my clinical strength secret.

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      Did you put baking soda in both recipes? It can take a while for your body to adjust, but most people do start to notice improvement in the first week or so.

      1. melissa rogers Avatar
        melissa rogers

        yes I used it in both. But I forgot to try probiotics. Maybe that’ll help. 🙂 thank you!

        1. Fred Hickman Avatar
          Fred Hickman

          Poor diet is the most major cause of strong/bad body odor…If it were me I would take a look at what I am consuming. Food for thought.

  2. Christi Avatar

    I made this deodorant last night and the only problem I am having is when I try to apply it. It is really hard and does not apply well. Any suggestions?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      Is it in a jar or deodorant container. I keep mine in a jar and just scrape a little out with a popsicle stick and spread on my skin. It definitely will be harder during the cooler weather…

        1. Wellness Mama Avatar
          Wellness Mama

          Possibly, did you add by volume or weight? and what brand… there does seem to be a discrepancy with some brands of beeswax…

          1. Christi Avatar

            I melted it and added by volume. I’m not sure of the brand, I bought it from our local good foods co-op.

      1. Mona Avatar

        I can fill 4. Two suave and 2 right guard. Both 2.6 oz containers.

    1. Hilary Avatar

      I filled 4 empty deodorant containers. They are pretty small though – ordered them from amazon.

  3. Erin Avatar

    Don’t know if anyone else has mentioned this yet, but it might help with the rashes if you use a natural, aluminum-free baking soda, rather than traditionally-derived versions like Arm & Hammer. Bob’s Red Mill brand is what I use and I don’t get that chemical burn-like rash when I apply it to my skin.

    1. Janet Avatar

      I have tried different recipes but ultimately get a red bumpy rash. I used the 365 brand from Whole foods. I will try the Bob’s Red Mill baking soda.
      The deodorant works well until I get the rash and then I have to stop using is for a few days. Hope this works. Are there any other recipes for deodorant without the irritating agents?

  4. sarah Avatar

    Just noticed in some of the comments that many people are having a similar problem as me… After using this for several days, my underarms are bright red, sore and itchy. I didn’t think I had sensitive skin, but who knows, maybe I do. I guess I will try making it again without baking soda. I hope I figure it out soon!

    1. Mariruth Avatar

      This could be a detox from the baking soda. I had big red but not itchy patches. Also, it turned the underarms of my clothing a muted brown color, and it does not come out. But after several months the red patches completely disappeared and I no longer get the brown staining on my clothes. I really believe it was a detox. I think if it had been itchy, I wouldn’t have been so willing to go through the other.

    2. Amanda Avatar

      When I first switched from commercial deodorant/anti-perspirant I developed the same issue – my skin would actually peel off. I adjusted the baking soda/arrowroot ratio a bit, but I really believe it’s detox, too – especially if you’ve mostly used commercial anti-perspirants (FULL of aluminum – which is linked to Alzheimer’s). I think it’s your body’s way of sloughing off all those toxins. I’ve been using homemade deodorant for over a year now and since the first month or two of detox/transition I haven’t had any issues like that again.

  5. Jordan Avatar

    I just use pure white vinegar with a few drops of tea tree oil in a little spritz bottle for Deodorant and it works great if I put it on after every shower and every morning.

    1. Erin McArdle Avatar
      Erin McArdle

      How much vinegar do you use? I have been using a home made thieves oil for fragrance/antibacterial, etc., but wanted a “spray” deodorant. I had never thought about using vinegar. do you find that you smell like vinegar when you sweat? or just the tea tree oil?

  6. Catherine Avatar

    Do you have any problems with the beeswax getting into the clothes? We have been making our own deodorant for awhile and my husband just showed me that the underarms of one of his dress shirts is dark…like the oil is soaking into the material.

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      I haven’t had any trouble with it, but another reader mentioned the same thing. One thing that seems to help is dusting the area with arrowroot after applying to absorb the excess. You can also omit the beeswax and just use coconut oil as the base…

  7. Sarah Williams Avatar
    Sarah Williams

    Hey Katie! I’m wondering… Living in TX, my house is kept at a relatively high temperature of about 77-80 degrees on a regular basis (this will change as the weather does, but my question remains…); would this high temperature make these deodorant bars and the lotion bars hard to keep solid? Should I perhaps use more beeswax?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      They’d still be solid, but not as hard. You could add a couple extra tablespoons of beeswax, or keep in the fridge 🙂

    2. Nysia E Avatar
      Nysia E

      mine never came out hard like soap. I can definitely dent it with my finger, but it is hard enough to stay in the tubes, even in my upstairs bathroom that regularly gets hotter than the rest of the house. 🙂 I am really liking this recipe.

  8. Kat Avatar

    I would love to know how to dye my hair naturally…I have dark brown with gray popping in now! And I don’t have much depth or shine. I use to use temp hair dye from the store but it tore up my hair….any ideas?.
    Thanks!

    1. Hilary Avatar

      I just did my first home hair dye with Naturcolor Herbal Haircolor Gel (ordered online) and it turned out stunning. The color is natural and luminous, left my hair silky soft, didn’t smell during application, and covered my small amount of gray. I will use it over and over. I’ll never let my hairstylist put chemical hair dye on my head again.

  9. Laelle Martin Avatar
    Laelle Martin

    I have a friend who makes a similar recipe with bentonite clay which works great!

  10. Laelle Martin Avatar
    Laelle Martin

    Coconut oil in its solid state?  Or do you get it to liquify first?  How do you apply?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      You actually melt it with the shea butter in the jar until they both melt and then add the other ingredients. Once it hardens, it is hard like a bar of soap and you can just use on your armpits, or you can mold into an old deodorant container…

  11. Laelle Martin Avatar
    Laelle Martin

    I only had an issue with the previous recipe on the days I applied after shaving.  I would get all rashy and painful.  I thought it might be the baking soda.  But then I remembered it hadn’t happened with the first batch I made.  For some reason, I react when it’s made with arrowroot, but not with cornstarch!  Funny since when talking about eating them, it’s the exact opposite 😉 .  

    I definitely want to give this one a try once I get around to ordering from Mountain Rose!  

    I am curious about home made make up for sure.  I’d also really like to know what you use for make up remover and/or daily face wash and what you apply after to tone and/or moisturize?  Making my own deodorant and shampoo, only use a bit of Dr. Bronners in my armpits when I shower, but haven’t quite figured out a DIY face care routine yet.  Thanks!

    1. CindyO Avatar

      I’m responding to the toner part. I bought witch hazel and rose water from bulk apothecary and a small spritzer bottle and I use that with mostly the witch hazel and top it off with the rose water so it smells nice. I also use the witch hazel mixture as an after shave for my arm pits and my husband’s face. It works really well, and isn’t too steeply priced.

    2. erin Avatar

      toner: 1/3 aloe juice, 1/3 alcohol-free witchhazel, 1/3 lavender water.
      moisturizer: find a vegetable oil (grapeseed, argan, etc) that your skin likes and use that as moisturizer

  12. Kara Avatar

    I made these for the first time last night and I have a few questions… First: does beeswax always smell this awful?? It is SO overpowering (can’t even tell I put essential oil in there) and it smells so gross.  I ordered it from Amazon rather than Mtn Rose Herbs – could that be the problem?  Second – how the heck do you clean up after this stuff?? With the shea and the beeswax, it did NOT want to come off my hands or out of the spongue I used to try to clean up the bowl, or off the bowl, etc.  It took a LOT of washing, with a LOT of dishsoap to clean up after this little project… what am I doing wrong?!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      I don’t really notice a smell at all in the beeswax I have… it might be a difference in the types. A trick I discovered recently is to melt the ingredients in a quart size jar sitting in a pan of boiling water instead of a bowl. Then, you can pour directly into molds and just save the jar to use for the next batch… saves a lot of cleanup. If not, you have to rinse with almost boiling water then wipe with paper towels and then wash normally…

  13. Cayci Avatar

    Mine does the same thing, I think it’s actually the cocoa butter (if you used that). Also, I smell like peanut butter and it’s kindof overwhelming. I assume using a different butter would do the trick, but I may try and omit it.

    1. Erin B. Avatar
      Erin B.

      Same issues for me.  My homemade laundry detergent does not get the staining off my clothes.  Any solutions?  Is white beeswax available anywhere?

      1. Wellness Mama Avatar
        Wellness Mama

        There isn’t but the beeswax can be completely left out. Just coconut oil, shea butter and baking soda will work, the beeswax just makes it firmer…

        1. Esther Paek Avatar
          Esther Paek

           Also, you could try another wax like an emulsifying wax (which is white and also sold by Mountain Rose Herbs). This is also good for vegans as well.

  14. Sarah Balowski Avatar
    Sarah Balowski

    I made the deodorant recipe last night and I tried it out this evening after I got out of the shower and it was really sticky feeling.   I only made one stick and used corn starch because I didn’t have any arrow root powder.  What are your thoughts on improving it?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      A lot can vary based on brands of coconut oil, cornstarch/arrowroot, etc. I definitely like the arrowroot more, so you could try that and also try adding more of the powder and less oil for a thicker deodorant.

  15. Jennifer Leavens Avatar
    Jennifer Leavens

    I made this recipe not too long ago and love it, but the only problem I have is that it seems to stain my clothing (under arms of my shirts). My guess would be the beeswax. I do, however use a natural detergent to wash my clothes that I made myself. Maybe that has something to do with this? Any suggestions?

  16. Jackie Avatar
    Jackie

    Hello,

    I made the bar deodorant yesterday and it really didn’t firm up as thick as peanut butter.  I put it in the frig for a little while then put it in an old deodorant case/tube.  I fear that this will get melty in the summer months.  Is it okay to keep it refrigerated??  Do you know what of the ingredients makes it stay solid and won’t melt??  I will be trying out for the first time today.  Hope that it works well for me, I am one who really has a smell and feel that regular stuff wears off rather quickly on me especially in hot weather or if I get nervous.

    Jackie

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      You can absolutely store in the fridge… the beeswax helps it firm up, so you could add more of that in future batches if you want a firmer one. It does take a good 24 hours to fully firm outside of the fridge though…

  17. Cari Osborne Avatar
    Cari Osborne

    I had tried the crystal, which did nothing for me. I didn’t have all the ingredients, but I mixed up the coconut oil and baking soda and it really worked! Amazing, thanks for sharing!

  18. Allie Avatar

    I was gathering ingredients to make this and need a little help with the beeswax, as I have never used beeswax.  When purchasing beeswax, I noticed it’s sold by weight.  Could you give us a guess how much we will need by weight?

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