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Today, I tackle a subject that no one really wants to talk about: body odor. Of course, I want to use a natural deodorant, but I also want something that works!
Chances are, you’ve probably experienced body odor at some point. I’m posting this because it was a touchy subject for me for a long time, and I’m hoping my (embarrassing) plight might be able to help you!
Why Natural Deodorant?
Eating a good diet and drinking enough water can really cut down the underarm odor, but sometimes you need something else. Sure, the conventional deodorant antiperspirants work great, if you don’t mind infusing your armpits with aluminum, parabens, and other additives! Aluminum has also been linked with potentially contributing to breast cancer.
For those of us who have sought a more natural option, you may have noticed that the pickings are rather slim when it comes to the best natural deodorants. There are a lot of natural deodorants out there, it’s just that, well… most of them don’t work well. I say this from experience, as a woman who’s been pregnant multiple times in the last few years (pregnancy increases sweat) and worked out through the pregnancies.
So What to Do?
Sweat like a horse or slather on the aluminum? Is there no other option?
Fortunately, there is!
Unfortunately, it takes more time than going to the store. But it lasts a lot longer and is a whole lot healthier! In my pursuit of healthy armpits, I finally stumbled upon a natural homemade deodorant recipe that works and is still natural. This is after trying every natural variation I could find (which didn’t work or caused a rash) and after several very failed attempts at making it.
I did find in the process that pure baking soda or plain coconut oil works pretty well, so if you aren’t into making your own, maybe try that. Some people get a rash from baking soda, so test this on a small area of skin first. I’ve also recently been using pre-made natural deodorant, which is very similar to these DIY recipes, smells amazing, and works well!
How to Make Natural Homemade Deodorant
Both of the recipes below work really well. I prefer the softness of the first recipe, but if you don’t have shea butter lying around, the second recipe works just as well and has fewer ingredients. You can customize your deodorant to your scent preferences with essential oils or omit them for an unscented version. Those with more sensitive skin may prefer to skip the essential oils or even do a baking soda-free version.
If you’d like a slightly stronger deodorant recipe with a manly scent, see my DIY Men’s Deodorant recipe.
Essential Oils for Natural Deodorant
Some essential oils smell amazing but can be harsh on the skin, like cinnamon and clove. When I’m making beauty products and homemade skincare recipes, I want natural ingredients that work but are also safe for the skin. Certain essential oils help fight odor-causing bacteria and make it smell nice. Here are some options::
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Frankincense
- Cypress (astringent to help with excess sweat)
- Amyris
Bergamot and Sandalwood are also popular scents, but they come with some caveats. Sandalwood is considered at risk or already endangered due to overharvesting. While not all sandalwood species are on the at-risk list, more overall demand means the less used varieties are now getting more attention and use.
Australian sandalwood doesn’t seem to be vulnerable right now, or Amyris essential oil has a similar scent and can be used instead.
Bergamot has a refreshing scent, but it does make skin more likely to burn in the sun. I’m not too worried about my armpits getting lots of sun, but to be on the safe side there are a few options.
- Use .4% or less of bergamot essential oil
- Use bergaptene-free bergamot (this doesn’t cause photosensitivity)
How Do You Make 3 Ingredient Deodorant?
If you take a peek at some drugstore brands they have way more than 3 ingredients. While a longer ingredients list isn’t necessarily bad, simple is usually easier. My coconut deodorant recipe has just coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder (essential oils optional).
More Natural Deodorant ingredients
I have several different natural deodorant recipes you can find here. Some popular active ingredient additions include activated charcoal, kaolin clay, and probiotics. Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that helps extend the shelf life of the carrier oils, but it’s entirely optional.
Not Into DIY?
If you’re looking for a pre-made aluminum-free deodorant option that smells incredible, I’d recommend this one from Wellnesse. It took me a while to come up with long-lasting odor protection in a pre-made natural deodorant, but the wait was worth it! It’s free of all the yucky stuff and of course cruelty-free.
Why Use Natural Deodorant?
I started this pursuit to avoid nasty additives in regular deodorant, but I’m a lifelong convert because it works!
No, really! I was the girl who rejoiced when Secret Clinical Strength came out before prom one year. I’ve had to use regular deodorant a few times since I started the natural, and it doesn’t work as well. Although not an antiperspirant, it does seem to absorb a lot of wetness.
After a few weeks of using natural deodorant, I noticed an unexpected side effect… I wasn’t sweating as much, to begin with. Months later, I notice this even more!
I urge you to try making your own deodorant. Even if you aren’t daunted by the ingredients in your own deo, wouldn’t you feel better knowing you weren’t putting anything on your skin that you couldn’t eat (not that you would want to eat shea butter!)? If you do try it, let me know the outcome!
Homemade Deodorant with Shea Butter Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP shea butter
- 3 TBSP coconut oil
- 3 TBSP baking soda
- 2 TBSP arrowroot powder (or organic cornstarch, optional)
- essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Place the shea butter and coconut oil in a quart size mason jar.
- Place the mason jar in a small saucepan of water and heat over low heat until the shea butter and coconut oil have just melted.
- Remove from heat and add the baking soda and arrowroot if using.
- Mix well.
- Add the essential oils if using, and pour into a glass container for storage. It does not need to be stored in the fridge.
- If you prefer, you can let it cool and pour it into an old deodorant stick for easier use, though it may melt in the summer!
Notes
Coconut Oil Homemade Deodorant Recipe
If you don’t have all those ingredients around, or don’t want to wash a double boiler, this recipe is faster and easier.
Coconut Oil Deodorant Ingredients
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup arrowroot or organic cornstarch
- 6 TBSP coconut oil
- essential oils (optional)
Coconut Oil Deodorant Instructions
- In a medium size bowl, mix together the baking soda and arrowroot.
- Use a fork to mash in the coconut oil until well mixed.
- Add oils if desired.
- Store in small glass jar or old deodorant container for easy use.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
After years of using this recipe and hundreds of comments from readers who have tried these recipes I’ve created some FAQs. If you have any trouble with making these natural homemade deodorant recipes, this may help.
Q. How long does homemade deodorant last?
A. Because there’s no water in the recipe I’ve found it lasts for 6-12 months. I always use it up before that long though.
Q. This homemade deodorant is giving me a rash… Did I do something wrong?
A. Some people react negatively to the baking soda and develop a rash or underarm discoloring. If this happens to you, I’d suggest stopping using the natural deodorant until you are able to resolve the issue. Many people cut the baking soda amount in half and notice that the irritation goes away.
A simple clay-based armpit detox can help pull out some of the chemicals from past deodorant use that may store in the underarm and lead to a rash.
Q. How do you make natural deodorant without baking soda?
A. You can replace some or all of the baking soda with arrowroot or tapioca starch. Also, make sure that you aren’t reacting to any essential oils you use in your homemade deodorant.
Q. What can I use naturally instead of deodorant?
- Acid-Based Deodorant: Other readers have noticed that if they react to a baking soda-based deodorant, an acid-based deodorant works better. Suggestions that seemed to have worked include using diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar alone or with essential oils.
- Spray Deodorant: A magnesium-based spray deodorant can also be helpful, especially for those who react to coconut oil or shea butter. This is also a lighter option that dried more quickly. If you prefer to spray on your deodorant, here’s a recipe to try.
Q. I’m allergic to coconut oil… can I make this recipe without it?
A. Absolutely!
You can use half as much of a liquid oil like almond, jojoba, or avocado oil in place of the coconut oil, especially in the shea butter recipe. This will create a thinner recipe. If you want a formula closer to an actual deodorant bar but without the coconut oil, use this recipe but use ¼ cup almond (or other liquid oil) in place of the coconut oil.
Q. Can I put this in a regular deodorant container?
A. Yes, though it will work better with the first recipe that contains shea butter. To make an even firmer bar, increase the shea butter to ¼ cup. These inexpensive deodorant containers work well to store this recipe. I also recommend letting either recipe firm up in the fridge before attempting to use it if you are putting it in deodorant containers.
Q. This seems to be staining my clothes… How do I fix this?
A. I’ve personally never had trouble with this, but it seems that this can be a result of using too much of the mixture at one time or not letting it absorb into skin before putting on clothing. I use a tiny amount (not much is needed) and wait 3-5 minutes before putting on a shirt to avoid any staining issues.
Q. This stings if I apply it right after shaving… how do I prevent this?
A. The baking soda or magnesium will sting after shaving. Usually, waiting a few minutes will solve the problem.
Q. How do I prevent ingrown hairs in my armpit?
A. Shaving can sometimes cause uncomfortable bumps where the skin grows over the hair follicle, trapping the hair underneath. Some people believe applying deodorant to the area can help prevent ingrown hairs, but there isn’t evidence for this. Dermatologists recommend lightly exfoliating the area a few times weekly to help.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Shippy, who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a certified Functional Medicine physician with a thriving practice in Austin, Texas. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Ever made your own deodorant? How did it go? Share below!
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!
I have the same problem. I created my own natural deodorant using coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch, and a few drops of lavender. I LOVE it because it works, but hate it because it is staining my clothes. I don’t know what to do.
I make my homemade Deodorant with shea butter. Coconut oil make a mess and leaves white marks of dark clothing. I haven’t noticed any staining and I’ve been using my shea butter formula for over a year.
Can you let us know the recipe for your deo please? 🙂
The shea butter recipe worked really well. It is a little hard when set as I live in a cold climate, but warms up quickly and is easy to apply. No more stinky pits for me!
How do you get the stains out.?
Thank you for the recipe! I will certainly try it. Just a question, Can you use beeswax to harden it during summertime?
Thank you!!
Dry baking soda works well on it’s own.. it can be applied with a powder puff or finger tips.. I prefer finger tips.. If you rub it onto skin tags or warts it will reduce them in size..
Wow! Last summer I decided to try to make my own deodorant and did not have any recipes to follow. I experimented and mixed together coconut oil, baking soda, and corn starch till the consistency I thought looked right. I enjoyed using the product and it did work really well. The opposite thing happened to me, in that, I have never been one to sweat. I found myself sweating freely in the summer heat but without the odor. So, I guess I am on the right track following my own intuition!
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!).
try it without the cornstarch next time. It could be irritating you
Have been doing this for a few weeks and I love it. Smells awesome and works so much better than the millions of natural deodorants I have tried. Thanks! 🙂
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!)
Why can’t you use cornstarch in the first recipe? I have everything except the arrowroot.
You could, I just keep arrowroot around as we don’t really use any corn products, but I would think it would work just as well!
I found that cornstarch and arrowroot tends to grow more bacteria when you sweat therefore defeating the whole purpose of DIY deodorant. I have been using the baking soda and coconut oil for two months now and have no issues with wetness nor odor at all.
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?
I noticed that a couple days after I started using it, and it went away within a couple days. Not sure totally what causes it, but perhaps the pH change or the old chemicals coming out of your system. Until it goes away, maybe try just using coconut oil, which is antifungal and will prevent odor. I have noticed though, it is best not to put in on right after shaving, if that helps…
What about rubbing coconut oil into your legs right after shaving? Is that a good or bad idea?
I use coconut oil on my freshly shaved legs with no issues whatsoever and I have SUPER sensitive legs. I can’t put anything other than pure coconut oil on my shaved legs
I have eczema & SUPER sensitive legs too. The only thing I can put on my legs after shaving is organic extra virgin coconut oil (or homemade coconut oil sugar scrub w/ lavender). I’ve never had any reactions. I only get a rash when I forget to oil up after shaving.
Coconut oil sugar scrub??!! Where do I get that recipe?
I use a slightly different recipe than Kate Wellness Mama. I use a 1:2 ratio of coconut oil to sugar. I prefer light brown sugar as it is the gentlest on sensitive skin. The actual measurements I use are 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup coconut oil, 25 drops of vanilla essential oil & 25-30 drops of lavender essential oil depending on how strong I want the lavender scent.
Sounds amazing! Going to try this. Thanks
You’re very welcome Katie! If you haven’t tried any of Kate Wellness Mama’s recipes for natural DIY products I highly recommend them! She’s got one of the best natural living blogs around!
I have tried some recipes and they are great! Next I’m going to try this deodorant and then chapstick!
What is something I could put in place of coconut oil? I am allergic!
I have done this many times. In my experience, it took a little while for the coconut oil to completely absorb. I’d say in about 15min it would absorb and I could get dressed. However, be warned, if you have dogs and they smell that tropical goodness they will proceed to lick your freshly shaven and moisturized legs. 😉
My cat would lick my legs too. That is so funny.
I know this comment has been awhile back, but thought I would share in case it helps you out or anyone else out. I think Wellness Mama recommends waiting to put the deo on after shaving your armpits b/c of the baking soda…it will burn! I use coconut oil straight on both my armpits and legs after shaving, and it works great.
I have been using a similar recipe ( a little less baking soda and some bees wax for a more solid consistency in hotter weather) for 2 years now it’s wonderful I love it! I never stink even after a vigrious day hiking or gardening. Don’t give up change your recipes as you find you need to. Theses are a great starting point and the sky is the limit. I even made my sister in-law some with cocoa butter (she is highly allergic to coconuts) and it works great for her. I can use Shea butter because of latex allergies and the coconut oil is all I use as a base. I don’t sweat like I use to and the best part is I never have to buy chemical laden stuff again! Good luck and trust me it’s 100% worth it.
Try shaving with coconut oil instead of shaving cream! It is the best! For post shaving, there is a body butter recipe on this site that is awesome.
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. 🙂
Just FYI, not all Baking Sodas are created equal! I’ve made my own deodorant a lot, and had major issues with the Baking Soda. So I stopped using it. Then, I decided to try again, and have no issues now. The difference? I tried using Arm & Hammer first. Now I use Bob’s Red Mill with no problems. 🙂
I hear some baking soda has aluminum which is what makes regular deodorant bad for you .. use natural baking soda like red mill is best
Baking soda does NOT contain aluminum, regardless of the brand and regardless of the fact that BRM puts “aluminum free” on their label. Baking POWDER can contain aluminum (there are truly “aluminum free” powders, though). Apparently, this is a myth that continues to be perpetuated
Thank you for this tip. We just switched to this recipe and my husband and I both had a reaction. I will try red mills baking soda! Thanks!
The arm& hammer stuff has Aluminium in it that is probably why there is irritation happening
Arm & Hammer does NOT contain Aluminum. It contains 100% Sodium Bicarbonate…this is not an aluminum.
Baking POWDER contains sodium aluminum sulfate which is an aluminum.
It’s as simple as turning the box, bag, or can around and reading the ingredients.
This is a natural living blog, so why would the author tell you to use something which is un-natural in a recipe?
Agreed – do NOT use Arm and Hammer with this recipe. Use Bob’s Red Mill baking soda, and it’ll work better.
All I have is Arm & Hammer and I have been using this recipe (#1) for like 7 months now. Works just fine 😉
it could be that you are sensitive to other ingredients. I have sensitive skin and found that making it only from coconut oil and baking soda, I have not irritation issues at all.
I HAVE BEEN USING THE 2ND RECIPE AND ADDED LAVENDER OIL FOR ALMOST 3 WEEKS AND MY SKIN STARTED GETTING IRRITATED. WHAT DO YOU RECOMEND I DO? EVEN MY UNDERARMS STARTING GETTING DARK. ANY WORD OF ADVICE?
Some people experience this at first and then it fades after a while. Most of the time the irritation is due to the baking soda. You could try decreasing the amount of baking soda.
Is it possible to remove the baking soda entirely and still get decent results?
Patty, I had the same issue using this recipe and a variation of. Underarms get red and irritated, underarm skin gets really dark. I read that one should exfoliate underarm skin regularly to get rid of the darkness issue and so I started light exfoliation with each shower but of course then I am just scrubbing an area that’s irritated and making it worse. Then putting more of the DIY deodorant on makes it more inflamed. What did you end up doing? I started using the natural roll-on salt deodorant (from the natural section at the store) everyday and the DIY stuff every few days when I knew I would sweat more. The natural salt deodorant doesn’t really work that long, like 1/2 a day for me at controlling odor.
I’m still looking for an alternative DIY natural deodorant that I can use daily. This recipe actually worked for me on odor control – its the first natural deodorant that EVER worked for me. I’ve tried probably hundreds of products over the years. Had to use Secret Clinical daily or would end up smelling like a nasty sweaty onion! 🙁 However, I wasn’t happy with the side effects of the DIY and I don’t want to go back to the mainstream chemical laden products. Patty, if you or anyone else has encountered the same and had good luck with an alternate product or recipe, I’d love to hear from you!
Hi drishte
i’m having the same problems you did. Were you able to remedy it?
Lavender is an irritant to skin just like citrus oils are, so people with more sensitive skin can experience irritation from it.
I just wanted to check in and say that I LOVE it. I will never go back! Thanks so much!!!
Thanks for updating us Liz. I am going to make this now 😀
Wellness Mama….I Love Your Recipes!!!!!! 😀 <3
I’ve been meaning to make my own deodorant for a while now, after having little success with the natural, no aluminum, no propylene glycol kind. I actually did better with plain coconut oil than I did with that stuff!
It just so happened that today I decided to melt down the rest of my coconut oil, as I have a 1 gallon tub and it had less than 2 cups spread around the bottom… so I made this today! I’m excited, and hoping that it works! Thanks!!
That’s great! Let me know what you think!
At first I would mix a bit of coconut oil and a pinch of baking soda in the palm of my hand and would apply it. It worked very well. Then, after a week, I decided to melt a batch in the hopes that the baking soda would melt, too, but it didn’t! It’s still grainy. Is there a way to obtain a completely smooth, creamy consistency?
My cream deodorant keeps turning grainy. Is this because of the soda? Does anyone have this problem or know how to fix it?
I made my first batch this morning using a stainless steel medium sized bowl. I sifted and combined the dry ingredients then added the coconut oil (mine was pretty solid). Put the bowl straight onto the stove top mixing it as it melted the oil (this didn’t take long) until the mixture was a nice creamy consistency. Added some essential oils and poured it in into a glass container. I’ve put it in the fridge in the hope the oil will harden up again, but did try some before I put it in the fridge and can barely notice any graininess. Might heat it longer next time and see if that dissolves the dry ingredients even more. Trial and error. Hope this helps 🙂
I have to say this is amazing!! I have saved this “recipe” forever thinking it would be more complicated and it was easier than making a bowl of cereal. My coconut oil was pretty creamy coming out of the jar so very easy to mix. The recipe yielded enough to fill 2 old deodorant sticks and a smidge more. I put it in the fridge so it could solidify. I’m probably going to keep it in there during the warmer months and its great!!
I had recently developed a smelly left arm pit..no idea why…my husband cutely (not cute) started calling me the lefty killer! I was trying so many different deodorants…and feel that the more perfume it had, the worse I smelled…I was about to spent $13 on a “natural” deodorant I heard was great on amazon. But finally decided to try this and man Im so happy! Ding Dong the Lefty Killer is DEAD!! yayyy!!! thank you!!!! Life saver!!!
If you add beeswax to the recipe, it helps with the graininess.
Butters like cocoa, shea, and mango, will get gritty if heated in the microwave to much. I add them to the oil/baking soda mixture while it’s hot to melt it down.
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.
So far, I haven’t noticed any stains on clothing, which is actually a change. My old ones would make the armpits of white shirts turn yellow after a while. I do usually wait about 5 minutes before putting a shirt on though, so that might help.
I tried a different recipe which called for melted beeswax instead of shea butter & it DID stain my clothing. I will try this recipe or another I saw with only Coconut oil,Baking soda,Arrowroot & scented with lavender & teatree essential oils for their antibacterial properties. There are also recipes I’ve seen with cornstarch, but some people are sensitive to it. I will keep trying until I find the right one, I prefer the spray type personally, so I’ll experiment with that next.
Baking and coconut oil has never stained my clothes
Has never stained mine either. I did have breast cysts and when I started using natural deodorant they went away! I would recommend this recipe!
Used…coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch with lavender oil. Magnificent..no smell..no stain. I love it!!!
I have used a recipe very close to the second recipe for 2 years now and I have never had staining. However most problems with other people arise from using too much. A pea size amount for each armpit is all you need. I have tried using store bought deodorant several time during travel, which did not turn out well and have always been amazed at how good this stuff works. Just remember you will still sweat just not stink. Oh and shave at night then put deodorant on in morning. The baking soda stings after shaving.
I second the shaving comment! It can sting if you apply the deodorant right after shaving.
If you put plain coconut oil on first and then put the baking soda/coconut oil mix on after it doesn’t sting after shaving, at least that has helped me.
I just stopped shaving and waxing. No Stinging 🙂
I always wait at least 30 minutes after shaving before applying deodorant. This allows your skin some time to heal.
Thank u very much for this information.i definitely will try dis.
Thanks to Shandie’s comment! Putting coconut oil on first after shaving stopped the deodorant from creating a rash!
The irritation is caused by the baking soda. Baking soda is abrasive. The first batch I made, my skin got really irritated. I cut down on the baking soda and the problem disappeared. I have been using this recipe for three years now and it works just awesome! I can actually go to days without deodorant, although I don’t do this usually. Crazy how I discovered this recipe after after 35 years using deodorant and anti-perspirants! So thank you very much for the recipe!
I’ve never tried to use this recipe with coldpressed virgin olive oil, but would like to. Does anybody know if that works?
For something even simpler, though a little more expensive, just cut a fresh lime in half and rub on your armpits (NOT right after shaving!)
I used the same half a lime for a week, in summer, and had NO ODOR–and normally without Ban or a couple different natural deodorants I use, I totally stink!
I’d recommend this to the people that were having rash reactions.
I agree with using a small amount. I use a “similar ingredient” natural brand, and when I first got it, I used too much, I ended up with a rash and a couple painful lumps in my armpits. I actually started processing a return (Amazon) because of this, but decided to try it one more time because I liked how it worked (without the rash and painful lumps). In the summer because it is softer, I actually wipe it with my finger and apply a very small amount with my fingertips. That seemed to do the trick! In the winter, I don’t have the problem as it is harder because of the cold. I have not had a single problem once I starting putting a very small amount. Plus it lasted so much longer! I am excited to make my own. The other is expensive!
I am using the coconut alone as deodorant for nearly a year now and it works perfectly. I apply a bit underarm right after a bath.
I also tried a recipe with beeswax that stained my clothes. Not to mention, I got this awful rash on my armpits. It was like a big red circle right in the middle of my armpit that burned. I wondered if I was reacting to something in the deodorant? I used cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, beeswax, vitamin E oil, and lavender oil. I’ll give these recipes a try and hope for better results! Oh, and is there an adjustment period? I could still smell myself… :/ It was just masked by the lavender, but it was still there.
I would say that it was probably the lavender oil if you reacted with a rash. I’d say my skin is pretty neutral (some things irritate, but for the most part I don’t have many problems) and when I have something with pure lavender oil I tend to react. I would try maybe using less.
I make this kind of deodorant as well and in the beginning and occasionally even now I will get a bit of a rash especially if I shave and use it straight away. But mainly the rash only happened to begin with and then cleared. I think it is the strong alkaline of the baking soda..sort of burns a little…this is not actually dangerous in any real way. Just takes the skin a little bit to get used to. It’s by far and away better than putting the toxic chemicals on your skin and I too have found it works better than store bought chemical deodorant. Anyway I think it’s worth persisting with this type until your skin gets used to it, maybe reduce the amount of baking soda in it to begin with.
Unless you test each ingredient separately, you may not find out what you’re allergic to. I am allergic to topical Vitamin E, both natural and synthetic, and products with naturally high Vitamin E content. I can use a product a couple of times and most often have no problems but if I were to use it consistently…wow…red, raised, burning, itching rash. Imagine the worst rash you’ve ever had and triple it! I have to read labels of everything I buy-dish soap, tissues, lotions, creams, they even put it in toilet paper at one time!
Unfortunately, not all essentials oils are made equally. It could have been the lavender if it wasn’t 100% certified therapeutic grade.
I’m looking forward to trying this recipe!
No! It’s not the oils at all. It is the Baking Soda that does it! I have to go back to using store deodorant which mind you, I HATE- doesn’t work. I get the same red rings in the middle of my armpit. Trust me- It is the baking soda. I am now looking for a recipe with out baking soda but none to be found yet
That is my problem right now. I did the coconut oil Shea butter arrowroot and baking soda combo. I have the painful red rash rings right in the middle of my arm pits. I’ve never been sensitive before. So I’m really not sure what to do. Did you find another solution that worked?
The red ring in the armpits everyone talks about is not an allergic reaction, it is yeast. Hot, moist areas combined with baking soda, corn starch, and talcs of any kind create yeast. The more talc you apply, the more yeast that grows. This will be an issue when you won’t smell but still sweating….and I sweat buckets! Yeast and I are old buddies. It is common to get yeast under drooping breasts also and the tendency to apply baking soda or starch create a huge breeding ground. Wow, TMI?? Anyways, good luck to all of us to be dry and smell really good in the process!!!!
The baking soda made me breakout with a red, painful rash. I replaced the baking soda with cornstarch and no more rash. I use equal parts unrefined coconut oil and cornstarch and then add essential oils and mix to make a thick, creamy paste. Works like a champ!! I sweat sometimes, but do not have odor or stains on my clothes. I typically do not have to reapply. I have been using homemade natural deodorant for 2 months. It did take a few weeks for the sweating to reduce.
If you have a reaction to the deo, it’s likely the baking soda. If you dilute apple cider vinegar in water (1:3 or 1:2 ratio),wash your underarms in the evening, then spritz the apple cider vinegar water on, it will help restore the pH balance. I had a horrible rash within 72 hours of starting natural deo, this worked wonders. I find I need to do it a few days a month to avoid rashes or break outs. Also, give the deo (the oils specifically) time to soak in before you put on you shirt. Otherwise, you may wind up with oil stains on your shirt. I also added a few drops of sage oil to my last recipe, it seems to help a little with my sweating.
Your skin may have been detoxicing, which is normal when you switch from a toxic deodorant (ie almost anything you buy from the store) to a truly all natural deodorant (seriously you could eat this stuff and be okay). Another thing to think about is the quality of the oils you’re using, I personally only use Young Living oils.
I actually get a rash from the arrowroot powder. So that might be it. It’s just going to be trial and error until you find the right one.
Yep, I second the essential oil irritation. I once used (after many great batches), a few drops of some manly essential oil for my husband. I liked the smell so I started using it too and it gave me a red rash. No essential oil, no rash. Oh well. At least I don’t smell strongly of body odor!
I actually made a spray of coconut lavender tea tree peppermint and sometimes eucalyptus and it worked real well but I prefer to have a non spray. If you don’t like the smell of peppermint you could switch it out or if you like the smell of lavender just leave it out, I’m not a fan of lavender. But then my favorite scent is Wintergreen which is every similar to ben-gay…. And I know a lot of people hate that scent.
I followed the above recipe 6 months ago and am still using the same batch. It is VERY effective and does not stain. Better than all deodorants I’ve used, and better than many antiperspirants. There was a bit of stinging and redness the first couple of days, but that disappeared; I actually think that the stinging was due to the fact that I had used a strong essential oil in it, probably one that should not go directly on the skin.
Listen, i have been looking at thid recipe for months and was curious to try it, but extremely skeptical of its effectiveness. I am a woman who has ALWAYS sweated like a man, accompanied with odor to boot. I used clinical-strength deodorant twice a day, esp in the summer! However, im into diy so i finally made a batch of this. WORKED LIKE A DREAM!! I still cant believe it! I even had other people smelling me to be sure i wasnt fooling myself! I sdded other ingredients and omitted the EO to better suit my needs, but this stuff is wonderful! No more $10 deodorant for me! Thx for this!
I felt a need to assure you that it is most likely the use of typical deodorant that is causing you to have a smell. Been using the natural deodorant for some time now and not looking back – in fact the odd time that i do use a store bought one is when i actually notice a BO problem.
Hi Tara. Could you please let me know what the exact recipe was for your bar? I have suffered with the exact same issues as you every since high school. I also could use clinical strength Secret twice per day but still have issues with sweating and smell. I have tried all the natural options that I am aware of with very minimal success. I have been using an aluminum free deodorant men’s deodorant but still prefer to not have any chemicals in my body.
Sincerely,
Laura
Hi, I suffer from the same things you suffer from… sweat odor swear odor swear odor, not in any particular order. What ingredients did you add to the recipe?
Thanks,
Kelly
Reading your comment makes me want to jump for joy! I have always had issues with my smell. I have been wanting to get away from store bought and go natural.on many things. This just pushed me over the edge for deodorant.
May I ask, what were the other ingredients you used? Bc I’m in the same boat you once were and I would like to go the natural route…especially bc I’m breastfeeding! Tia
So, since I myself have similar sweat issues, would you mind sharing exactly how you made your recipe? My biggest concern is I’m going to stink and people will be too polite to be honest!
How do you apply it if you don’t use an old deodorant stick?
How do you apply this recipe?
Hi Tara, I am so with you. I found and tried this recipe (#2) just yesterday and the next morning it’s still working. My story is similar to yours so working the next day is a big deal for me.
What did you add? Your recipe?
How do you apply the deodorant if it is in a glass jar? Or am I not reading the finishing directions correctly? Thank you!
What other ingredients did you use? What is your recipe? I have to use clinical strength too, it really sucks to be a sweaty girl!!
Hi !
I have a question. Does 3 T means 3 tablespoon? I am not familiar with this abbreviation!
Thanks!
Yes it does!
Thank you for asking this! I didn’t know either! 🙂
That’s exactly what I was thinking. Thanks
Also, take note that a US & GB tablespoon is 15ml, and an AUS tablespoon is 20ml. Quarter cup US=59ml, BRIT=71ml, AUS=60ml. If all the ingredients are listed in the same units then it doesn’t matter, it’s just a different sizes batch. It only matters when there are mixed units of measure.
Did it reduce sweating? I made some for my sister a few weeks ago and she said she doesn’t smell but she still sweats a lot.
So are we thinking that the beeswax causes staining? Cause I made the first recipe but used half coconut oil half beeswax and it works great, more than great really. I’m so impressed. I’m just afraid (now after reading these comments) that it will stain white clothing. Any thoughts?
Hello, I haven’t tried either of these recipes yet, but I would stay away from the beeswax and just stick with the coconut oil. Beeswax actually clogs pours where the oils actually work with your skin. As someone with adult acne, I have been using coconut oil for a year now and I have clearer and smoother/softer skin than I have ever had. Just a thought. Blessings!
Is coconut oil good for your skin, I have really bad eczema and need something for my skin? Please let me know.
I am new to DIY stuff, made the deodorant and loved it. But after the second day I noticed redness and irritation on the skin. Any advise ?
The baking soda may be too strong for you… you can try making without it or with less
Can you use something either then coconut oil? I’m allergic to coconut.
I’m new to coconut oil; have only been using it for a week. But from what I’m seeing online it can help eczema. I have 4-5 spots of nummular eczema; one on each shin, the top of one foot, and two on the bottom of the other foot. I’ve been spreading coconut oil over my entire body (face to toes) at the end of my shower and rinsing for the past week. So far, the itching on the eczema has been reduced and the flakiness of the skin is going away. Hopefully the redness will follow.
I also have “chicken skin” on my upper arms and it’s getting smoother now.
I’m wondering…how do you use the coconut oil on your face? As a cleanser, moisturizer, or on the spot, or all of these? When cleansing, how exactly do you use it and do you mix anything with it? Thank you
For the acne- you just use straight coconut oil on your face, like a lotion?
I am a lifelong eczema sufferer and putting coconut oil on my eczema just made it itchy and worse- until I discovered using it in the shower. I live in an extremely dry climate and barely even need to moisturize (body or face) when I slather on the coconut oil then rinse with very warm water. I keep a jar in the shower and it is great.
So what could I use for wrinkles. On face.
The first two batches of the 1st recipe I didn’t add beeswax to but I have clients who do not live near me that really want to buy it in the stick form. So I am looking at different waxes to put in mine so I can ship them. I am thinking of doing a mixture of soya wax and white beeswax. I make solid lotion bars with both and they have never stained my clothes. Fingers crossed!!!
On a side note re: the acne, try Aztec clay. Works great!
can we use baking powder instead of baking soda?
no! It has aluminum in it
Actually, there is an aluminum-free baking powder; however, this recipe calls for baking SODA, not the powder.
Baking Soda is the same as Sodium bicarbonate (for those living outside US)
can i just use any coconut oil??or it has to be the virgin coconut oil??
I’ve done some research in the past about the coconut oil vs. virgin coconut oil. One coconut oil manufacturer mentioned that there is no such thing as “virgin” coconut oil but because another manufacturer put it in their name, the other manufacturer added “virgin” to theirs to stay competitive, otherwise people would not purchase their brand thinking one was inferior to the other. That is just my two cents. Please look into it yourself. 😉
That’s a confusion of “virgin” verse “extra virgin”. There is no “extra virgin” coconut oil process like there is for olive oil but it’s become a part of marketing in the US for the reason you stated.
Actually the difference between Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut oil is that the Virgin version is cold pressed and unrefined whereas the regular stuff is refined and processed and stripped of some of its natural contents and is mostly pure oil. The natural content of Virgin Coconut oil may actually cause an allergic reaction when applied directly to skin on some people. It did on me. Virgin coconut oil is best for cooking and the refined version safer for the skin.
More confusion on coconut oil: there are differences in coconut oil – big time. Virgin coconut oil is different from standard coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil should be extracted from fresh material and not from standard copra and it should not use chemicals/solvent in any stage of the process. To make it more confusing, there are 2 basic ways to make virgin coconut oil: DRY process and WET process. Within that 2, there are still subcategories. The term cold-pressed is irrelevant (unfortunately most people believe that) as all of these virgin coconut oils are basically cold-pressed otherwise they cannot be called virgin oil. What matters actually is before, during, and after pressing. These are the 3 “processing quality” parameters to look at in your virgin coconut oil. Further unfortunate, I can say 99% of the source no matter how popular they are will not know that. There is no best or worst, it is your choice that matters but you should know the facts behind your choice.
Actually there is a difference. You want a cold pressed coconut oil, cold pressed (as apose to being pressed with heat) actually keeps the good vitamins and good fatt in the oil. If its pressed and refined with heat it loses some of those vitamins etc. but the one with heat is not bad just less of the vitamins and the good fatty acids . Hope this helped!
I was wondering If there was a measurement for the essential oils or if you just put what you think is good. I havent tried either of these recipes but I am looking forward to it, just dont want to over scent it.
Thank you for posting your natural recipes.
I tried to make the deodorant (2nd recipe). But, I’m having some trouble. The coconut oil would not harden, so i refrigerated it. When I applied it, it melted quickly and stained my clothes.
I remelted the deodorant and added more baking soda and some arrowroot and this time i did not refrigerate, but the coconut oil did not melt. What am I doing wrong and what do you do so that the clothes do not get the coconut oil stain?
Dahlia. I’m with you. EXACT thing happened to me. Are other people making it? The only way I could get it to harden was refrigerate and I’d prefer not to refrigerate my deodorant. I’ve increased the recipe by one T each of baking soda and arrowroot, still no dice. I’m trying 2 more T each of baking soda and arrowroot. My first days experience are it does appear to trump the field of store bought natural alternatives.
I have been using this recipes for several years after battling with excessive sweatiness and BO throughout my teens and early adulthood. I go sans beeswax and just the coconut oil, arrowroot and baking soda and occasionally an essential oil- I like rosemary as it also has anti-odor properties! The trouble with getting the deodorant to harden is coconut oil melts around 72 degrees F and refrigerating it was kind of a bother. I keep mine in a mini mason jar with a screw on top, (like for canning jam) and that has been perfect. I apply it with my fingers and just rub it on. If it does really melt down, like if it is in my car on a hot day or something, I make sure to stir it around till it’s well mixed before applying. It really is the best deodorant I’ve ever used and I have tried EVERYTHING. I’ve also found that I don’t smell or sweat nearly as much as I used to. Hope that helps!
if you use a wax with it, it will harden up, if you are against beeswax, you can try soy wax, I love coconut oil but wouldn’t use it on my face, since it is non-comedogenic, as that was someones concern about using beeswax, either way, in order to harden it, a wax will be needed, otherwise you could omit the wax and use more shea butter, but to much shea will smell bad.
I melt 5 Tbl. of coconut oil instead of 6. Remember to measure the oil after it’s melted and that your using a liquid measuring cup for the oil. It does make a difference if you measure using the wrong kind of tool. Same with the dry ingredients. I use arrowroot instead of cornstarch. I get a little OCD and put my baking soda and arrowroot through strainer to make sure there are no clumps.
I gave up on trying to harden it, I just started using a small applicator to take a small amount out of the jar, and I use my finger to rub the deodorant on my armpits
Had to join in this conversation – I’ve been making this deodorant for ten months on and off and have found it the most marvellously functional cosmetic lotion ever. I found at the beginning that I was not being careful enough with my ingredient measurements and sometimes got mixed results in consistency.
But perhaps more importantly, I am experiencing Non Hodgkins Lymphoma that is often characterised by ‘raised glands’ under the arms, in the side of the neck, in the groin area. (They’re everywhere in fact) This year I found that the deodorant recipe 2 was having a beneficial effect on my underarm raised glands and diminishing them. (organic coconut oil, baking soda and arrowroot, no other oils)
So I then applied some deodorant to my left groin area (the right side had just undergone a medical biopsy and was still sore from stitches) The raised gland(s) in the left groin quickly lowered themselves and I had to wait for the right area to become free to apply it there with the same amazing effect. My Oncologist listened but did not comment.
But you know Baking Soda is Sodium Carbonate and there are well-respected doctors (even if they have been kicked off the list by the medical establishment – like Thomas Culpepper (1660) who believed all you ever needed for a cure you could grow and pick in your own garden – they hated him for that!) who say that cancer is a fungus and can be virtuously affected by sodium carbonate, particularly if applied topically (Dr Tullio Simoncini) I’m going to make another batch.
If you like a bar or stick, I think the first recipe is the way to go, or maybe try increasing the Shea butter if you are using that recipe already. Coconut oil’s melting point is only 78 degrees. Mine is usually either liquid or at least very soft in the summer. The Shea butter always stays nice and hard in the cabinet.
I made the first recipe and I cannot get it to harden. I did it exactly as the recipe called for, but not luck. Any ideas?
I made mine using cold pressed coconut oil (it is in a solid state and in what looks like a small PB jar). I never melted it (I used the second recipe), and halved everything because I wasn’t sure how my skin would tolerate it. Mine looks just like solid deodorant and when I scoop a tiny amount and rub it in it dissolves down.
If your room temperature is 76 F or above it won’t ever harden. Coconut oil starts melting at 76 F. This is just the main difference between a store bought deo and the DIY one. You will have to apply it by rubbing it in with your fingers – unless you did fill it into a reused deostick and kept it in the fridge. But it will turn into oil whenever it gets exposed to the temperature 76F and over.
‘I used 5Tbl of coconut oil melting it and using a glass liquid measuring cup to be sure that I didn’t put too much oil in it. Used arrowroot instead of cornstarch. I let it sit all night before touching it. I live in Texas where it’s still in the low 70’s during the day. I don’t know if any of it makes a different or not.
if you want a solid deododorant, you have to make the DEODORANT BAR recipe. the one with the beeswax. its the addition of the beeswax that makes it solid. adding more soda and arrowroot is not going to make it solid and will only serve to make your deodorant irritating. i did the deodorant bar recipe with only baking soda and it made my armpits red and itchy. i made another batch with half baking soda and half arrowroot powder, and it is perfect. not irritating and as solid as any commercial deo. DEODORANT BAR RECIPE!!
You need to use a harder butter, like cocoa butter (deoderized if you don’t want the cocoa scent), mango butter, or even better kokum butter…it’s the most brittle. Use instead of the shea butter in this recipe. This will allow you to make solid sticks and ship the deoderant. This way you do not need any wax:)
Hi Linda,
I did just a bit of research on your comment becauseI thought I knew the answer, but wanted to make sure first before replying (all these years later!) What little bit I read, it said that being refined removes the coconut flavor (which was my experience from using both), plus some other positive attributes of Virgin coconut oil are destroyed, but not all are. So to sum up what I got out of what I read about it is Virgin coconut oil still has the coconut flavor
+ has more nutrients than refined, which has no flavor & less nutritional attributes, although it does have some. Hope this helps! ?
I’ve made the 2nd recipe twice now. First time I put it in the fridge to harden it up a bit then scooped it into an old deodorant container. It melts the moment it touches
your skin so you just use a tiny bit and let absorb. Second time I added a bit of grated beeswax so it wouldn’t melt in my suitcase. (Only about a spoonful) It was just firm enough to keep it a solid. Both ways it works like a charm! No NO!!
After combining all ingredients mine stayed in the liquidy state as well. I took out my mixer and beat it into a whip….. it now stays in a thickened type of cream in a jar…. 🙂
Hi! I love to try some new and natural recipes! But can I replace coconut oil by smthg else cz I can’t find it in the market???!
Try vitacost.com.
Walmart sells coconut oil…..it looks more like a shortening container than an oil as it is generally a solid at room temp (under about 75 degrees). Sam’s club sells it too.
it must depend on where you are shopping. I find coconut oil in my local grocery store in the natural foods section, or at the food co op, or it is at whole foods, trader joe’s, online in many sources and I’m told it’s in most Asian grocery stores, or Indian ones. I don’t tend to shop in those markets because I can find it elsewhere. Be wary of buying it very cheaply or from big box stores that sell things at a discount. That’s where you need to check on the quality of the oil. A plastic container is not a good sign in my mind. Plastic leaches contaminants into everything. Glass jars are safer. Unrefined, cold pressed, organic is important. But as someone posted here, the process has many steps where crap can be added. I’m sure this website and others have lists of better and worse brands of coconut oil. good luck. I’ve also just put plain old coconut oil in my armpits and didn’t stink. And I am smelly when I sweat and workout. But not with coconut oil. Wait until it absorbs before getting dressed. I have stained an expensive shirt by putting it on too soon.
What I like about it is that I don’t get white stains on the bottom of my shirt when I accidently knock it against my shirt. Haha. btw how long will this keep and can I put vitamin E in it?
I would think some vit. e in the blend would be fine. I wouldn’t put much b/c of it being oily and it might not get absorbed right away. But it is good for preserving and for the skin.
If i dont want any baking soda, will it work? Coconut oil, shea better only?
Am afraid from baking soda as i dont have any organic one. What can i use to make it cream like?
Thanks!!!
From what I understand, the coconut oil has some anti-bacterial properties that kill the smell-causing microbes, but for it to be especially effective you’ll want to use baking soda.
Baking soda is just sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and you’ll never find it “Organic” for the same reason that you’ll never find “organic” table salt — it doesn’t come from any living organism, and is mined in crystalline form or created in a commercial laboratory (either way, you’re getting the exact same product). So, you don’t have to worry about that.
Arrowroot powder (also called Arrowroot Starch or Arrowroot Flour). It’s a powdered starch similar to cornstarch but should be GMO free, very very gentle. Bob’s Red Mill makes a nice one you can buy online, my Whole Foods also carries it.
I do agree never use any soy or corn starch it is GMO in the country and soy is bad especially for ladies – to much male hormones. I think it is the best to completely stop using soy product especially in liquid form they are cancerous.
Thanks for this Katie! Hope you can post more diy products that are healthier than those sold in the market. I will try making this, hope it’ll work for me.
I read that it is the aluminum and sweat that makes the yellow stains on clothes.
I found since using homemade deodorant (this recipe of deodorant) …..I don’t get yellow staining on my white shirts anymore..and no staining from the deordorant either 🙂
Can I melt the Shea butter in the microwave or a hot towel cabbie? I’m asking this because I wanted to do this with my students as an in class project.
I’ve made this into a pretty successful business and my advice is not to melt butters in the microwaves cause they can get gritty. I melt the oils in the microwave and add shea to the hot mixture until it’s melted. Once it’s all melted, I stir alot to slowly cool it to incorporate the baking soda well/suspend it in the mixture.
Microwaving and food or natural things will mess up the vitamins and will take away nourishment so stoves are the better option
Yeah you don’t ever want to heat it in the microwave because you will definitely break down all the effectiveness of the minerals therefore pretty much defeating the purpose of making natural products. Especially if making these as products to sell, be educated about the process so you are taking your customer’s health into consideration.
“Mythbusters” tested whether microwaves kill nutrients by watering plants with tap water, boiled water, and microwaved water. The plants watered with tap water didn’t grow nearly as tall as the other two. But the microwaved water made the plant grow taller than the water boiled on the stove. I feel more confident about using the microwave after seeing that.
Wrong. Microwaves do not destroy nutrients (and especially not minerals..) anymore than any other type of heat does. Microwaves are “natural”, they occur in nature. Lightning, the Sun, and cosmic background radiation from the big bang all produce microwaves.
You people posting this crap on every single one of these discussions need to stop.
You’re right about the grittiness. Shea butter will grit if heated above 65°C and cannot be reversed. Microwave ovens tend to be patchy in their heating ie hot pockets, so will ruin Shea.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your recipe! I had been using a non-antiperspirant from the store, but it was not effective (I had tried several kinds). I used to worry every time I started to sweat! But I didn’t want to go back to the unhealthy aluminum. I decided to search online and found your recipe.
Now when I start to perspire, all I can smell is the lavender oil I put in it! As a Mom, there are occasional days I don’t see the shower. But I notice that even then, this deodorant keeps right on working and doesn’t stop! This recipe of yours changes lives. Thanks again! –
How much lavender oil did you put in, please?
hi Katie
I am getting ready to make the homemade deodorant for the first time. I would also like to make some for my son and husband. Do you have a recipe for that. Happy Holidays!
Cam I use bicarbonate soda instead of baking soda?
Bicarbonate of soda IS baking soda, so yes, go ahead.
Is there possibly a different recipe that doesn’t involve coconut oil? I’m trying to get rid of using store bought deodorants but the “all natural” ones you can buy are way too expensive for me. I’d love to try this out but I’m allergic to coconut……..
I tried the second recipe but it leaves a white residue on my armpit after wearing it for a few hours. What am I doing wrong? Should I add more coconut oil? Also, can I add shea butter to harden the solution so I can put in an empty deodorant container?
Where do you get the empty deodorant containers?
You can purchase empty deodorant containers from Amazon.
Can I use cocoa butter instead of shea butter?
Yes! It’s much nicer to me, in smell(can use deoderized if you don’t like the cocoa scent) and it’s a harder butter which lends a firmer end product. You can use kokum butter,mango butter, as well..any hard butter will work better than the shea if your looking for a firmer product and no scent. 🙂
For awhile I used straight apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball, and it actually worked great, except for the smell for a bit right after you put it on. It wouldn’t stop the wetness, but seriously worked for smell for like 2 days straight. I hadn’t noticed any stains on anything. Then, I read that coconut oil works, so I thought that would beat the smell of the ACV! It works, and all I can say is it works just as well as the ACV. I just use it straight with nothing else and get on the treadmill for an hour. It’s been the greatest thing I’ve discovered. I will never use store bought deodorant again.
Maybe try keeping a little powderpuff in a jar of (cornstarch or talc) and top off the deodorant to speed up dressing… Kind of like applying powder to finish off make up?
I do this after using coconut oil I’ve infused with multiple different essential oils (I make sure to use a large enough amount of coconut oil as essential oils are extremely concentrated!!! Seriously! Try using only a few drops and then smelling the outcome and testing it on your skin before adding more!). I’m planning on making these recipes as soon as I can, but right now, I actually use coconut oil infused with essential oils from head and hair to the soles of my feet! I will just use some talc powder over the coconut oil. Not only does it help with the immediate moisture, it’s also what our ancestors used before they were told they should be using the manufactured deodorants by the manufacturing and advertising giants. That’s why the basic scent of deodorant is “powder”. It had to be familiar enough.
Talc is carcinogenic, only use cornstarch. Johnson & Johnson stopped using talc in their baby powder and now use cornstarch.
Roshini, According to the American Cancer Society, there is still a debate about the link between cancer and talc. Most of the links between the two are anecdotal at best. Talc before 1970 had the possibility of containing asbestos and therefore inhaling too much could be problematic. Now talc is purified and refined to remove that known carcinogen.
Amazing Stuff ! I sign up just to say Thank you.
I been using your #2 method for couple of weeks and I love this stuff.
I use baking soda, cornstarch and coconut oil. Mesh em up and its good to use.
When applying on my body, I use a small strip of plastic food wrapper to scoop up 2 pea size, apply it, massage a few time and I’m done.
ps. I apply it at night after a shower and it last through the whole day without a hint of odor.
I have to try your toothpaste concoction next : D
xoxo
does it act as an antiperspirant? I am allergic to them.
No
Can I use tea tree oil on the recipe while breastfeeding?
Unfortunately I was looking for an antipersperant
Sorry didn’t know where else to comment. I’m allergic to coconut is there anything I can substitute it with?
Sorry- this in’t a reply, but a new comment. I have a lot of grittiness in my recipe 1. Don’t know if it’s from the baking soda or arrowroot. I’m trying this recipe because the ingredients follow one of my favorite natural on the market brands. That one has a little grit that actually rubs in to smooth and absorbs immediately; no hand washing or pit wiping necessary. This doesn’t absorb and there is grit. Any advice?
I break out from baking soda. Can it be substituted with arrowroot powder ?
Question!! What should the consistency be for the first recipe? The only ingredient I didn’t have was the tallow, mine came out mostly solid but it’s pretty oily on top. Should I add more baking soda?
Can this be used using only baking soda and coconut oil?
I Love this recipe. I will try it ASAP.
I do need to ask you, is there a ingredient you would add to help lighten the darkened armpits due to all this years of trying all this deodorants filled with chemicals??
I was using coconut oil and lemon. And it worked great but it goes bad soooo soon. It’s time consuming. I actually love the idea of putting the DIY deodorant in a empty deodorant pack.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this recipe! It is such a life saver! i have been using store brought natural deodrant, but they don’t work…I often have to re apply deodrant during the days. But when I tried your recipe…I am so grateful! I only need to apply once everyday now no matter how hot the day is. My armpit and me are very happy now 🙂
However, I have only been using it for 2 days. I hope I won’t be allergic to the baking soda like some people do. (Btw, for my first batch, I have used less baking soda and when I apply to my armpit, I used very littel).
I made this natural deodorant (2nd recipe) in August. However, I noticed a razor burn like rash in my armpits within several days. It persisted, even though I used natural remedies for razor burn, like tea tree oil, and stopped shaving. I am not allergic to baking soda — I don’t think anyone actually is. However, some people — especially those that do not sweat much — are susceptible to a pH imbalance. Baking soda is a base. Sweat is an acid. Some people will be able to regulate their pH balance themselves. However, I wasn’t able to and I developed an awful rash! I discovered that using a spray of 1 T of apple cider vinegar (an acid) diluted with water (about 1 cup) in conjunction with a much smaller amount of the deodorant ( I freeze mine, so it is a solid; I was rubbing 4-5 swipes of it on each underarm and I reduced that to 1 swipe). Also, I do not use it at night after shaving. I use a cotton swab of aloe Vera (from a leaf) and tea tree oil. Things are much better now.
I have made the homemade deodorant for the first time and in cooling down the coconut sits on the bottom of the container and the rest is liquid on top.
Any surgestions.
Okay, I made the natural deodorant with coconut oil and baking soda, and it worked great in terms of B.O. ! no smell whatsoever throughout the day. I loved it 🙂 but the coconut oil stained one of my favorite shirts! and it looked like sweat stains because it was on my armpits. also after shaving the baking soda burned pretty bad and it hurt like the devil’s flame for the whole day 🙁 I have really sensitive underarms, so I was wondering if there are any options for sensitive skin?
Baking soda will burn like salt in a wound on freshly shaved skin. Try shaving during the evening and applying in the morning or getting an epilator (if you can tolerate waxing). Use less of any essential oils and be very gentle with the amount of tea tree oil or leave it out entirely.
The razor catches dead skin cells in your underarms. If you have really sensitive skin, I recommend the Norwex body cloth for the shower, using no soap, just the cloth. It will exfoliate your skin and trap all the dirt and excess oils from your skin leaving it smooth and clean. I have shaved my underarms using just water wiping my underarms with the body cloth and then used a salt stone deodorant with no sting. I use the coconut deodorant at home and a stone when I travel but the body cloth is the perfect pre-shaving ritual ever! It really does make a difference on sensitive skin.
Yes, slack up on the baking soda. I make mine in mild, regular and of course, some active men request the super. Some of the football players wear between mild and super. As for me. I wear the mild, “less baking soda.”
The deodorants are amazing!! I prefer the one without shea as it feels less greasy. However, neither version stains my clothes. I work out at 9Round and leave there pretty sweaty (eew!) but I NEVER stink! : ) So very happy to have a natural alternative that really works!
Did you use arrowroot or cornstarch? Did you use any essential oils, and if so, which ones?
tried the second recipe and yes, unfortunately, my shirts got irreparably stained. 🙁 best practice is to apply immediately after showering so it can set by the time you put your shirt on it’s already absorbed into your skin.
but i’m curious, how long did it take for your body to get used to the deodorant? I have been using it for a week and a few hours after application, my pits smell like a 13-year-old boys. It’s not cute, but i’m committed to making this work bc i’m tired of using commercial deodorants.
Did you use any essential oils? Some essential oils have anti-microbial properties that can augment that of the coconut oil.
I did the recipe with shea butter and used a couple different essential oils, and it’s worked so well so far that I’ve even converted my husband, who’s been using the “clinical strength” stuff that you actually put on at night and is at the limits of his body’s tolerance of whatever’s in them.
Hi, which essential oils do you recommend? I have orange, lemon and grapefruit from a previous recipe for bath gel, also a clove, but none of those sound right for a deodorant. Lavender? Sage? Bergamot? Thanks for any info.
I like grapefruit and lavender.
I am a big fan of this deodorant As I read all these comments, no one seems to mention how many drops of essential oils is recommended for recipe #1. Essential oils are very potent, so one must be careful…and they can irritate the skin if not used properly (which would defeat the purpose!!). Grateful for a suggestion. Thanks 🙂
I highly, highly recommend Frankincense, it smells citrus-y. I use DoTerra and it’s really expensive but other brands are great too. If you do happen to use DoTerra products, Citrus Bliss is also phenomenal. (no, this is not a DoTerra pitch, I do not sell it but I love recommending products I love.)
Lol…I mixed sweet orange, lemon, grapefruit, and vanilla bourbon essential oils..mine smells like cake! Best deodorant I’ve ever used!
I like thieves oil. It smells a little spicy with the cinnamonand it also has anti microbial (something like that) properties.
I used Thieves oil too. Love it. I have a little itchy rash that has developed. Maybe I’m using too much? No odor at all.
Same here. First two or three days, all good. Now I reek worse than a football player.
Hm… There could be several things at play here. First, I would suggest doing an armpit detox (like this: https://wellnessmama.com/25432/detox-your-armpits/, especially if you are coming off of commercial deos. They leave all kinds of nasty in your pits: After all, it’s how they work! If this does not help, you might also try a different formulation. This recipe does not work for everyone! You might respond better to the magnesium spray: https://wellnessmama.com/22357/spray-deodorant-recipe/
I have bought beauty products for decades and I decided one day to go back and do what I was taught going back to nature. Making home remedies are the best and you can be creative. baking soda/cornstarch mixed together has been my deodorant for a long time. For lip scrub natural sugar and honey coconut oil. Amazing,
The second recipe is amazing. I have been looking for a natural deoderant product for my family for several years. I have tried them all, but none worked very well. This one really works. It is easy to make, lasts a long time, and is not very expensive. I had to go without a shower for a few days, but had no BO due to this deoderant. If is really great! Thank you for sharing the recipe. I’m surprised no one has made a business out of selling it.
Some essential oils are colored. Maybe that is the source of people that have had stained clothes? I have not noticed any staining using the recipe at all. I did use too much tea tree oil in the first batch and it was um “unpleasant” feeling. Also there are different types of coconut oil. Make sure you use one that is clear when melted. I used the extra virgin kind.
Maybe make a batch with no essential oil and see how it works for you?
My batch did not get firm because I used too much shea butter. Can I fix it by reheating and adding something to soak up the oil?
I add 3 T of beeswax in recipe #1 to make sure it is the right consistency. If you are afraid of potential staining, there is also candellila and soy waxes which come in white. Now I juts want to know if 15 drops of essential oils is adequate in recipe 1!!
I accidentally used aluminum free baking powder instead of baking soda…Will it still work?
Did it work? I did the same! :S
Hi Wellness Mama!
I have a question about a natural deodorant that I found online. I used arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch, and I used cocoa butter instead of shea butter. I hear and have read these are both good substitutes. But when I made my deodorant, after they have been on the countertop for a few hours, the coconut oil has separated from the other ingredients and has settle to the top. Who wants to stir their deodorant before each use and make an oily mess??? SO frustrated right now!
How long did you heat them? I’d try mixing and placing in the fridge. Sometimes, it takes a while for it to harden.
My armpits turned black, how can this go away, please help
I used the recipe without shea butter. I used a few drops of Ylang-ylang and Citrus Bliss. It set up great in the roll up deodorant container. It feel so soft and smooth. It doesn’t feel wet or tacky at all. I live in Texas were it is still in the 70’s in December. I was using the extra strength most expensive deodorant I could find. Normally I applied it after showering, then again mid-day, and before going to bed. I only have to use my homemade deodorant once a day! It’s not been hot enough to test perspiration amount. I’m amazed at how much better it works as a deodorant! Not only is this better for me but it’s going to save me a lot of money. I’ve not had any problems with it getting on my clothes. I also like that it goes on smooth and doesn’t leave little white balls of deodorant under my arms that will fall off into my clothes or even worse on the floor.
I actually noticed that both the shea butter version and the coconut oil version stain synthetic cloth but do fine with cotton.
I have used the coconut oil version of the recipe for a year and half now. Like you, I’ve found that the type of material affects the staining. Some of my cotton clothing gets stained, but synthetic fabrics stain much more.
To protect my clothing (and save myself from embarrassment) I just keep my robe on after I put the deodorant on and let it absorb into my skin for 5-10 minutes as I go about making breakfast or getting ready for the day. Then, I take a towel and dab each armpit a few times until it is not oily at all when I touch with my fingers. If
I do that, then my clothing rarely ever gets stained!
I open and pour in 2 capsules of powdered probiotic, and it cuts down on body odor quite a bit! I pour it in when I mix in the essential oils. Just make sure the probiotic doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
Does it matter which probiotics? And which EO did you use? You have a problem with staining? I sweat a lot…very easily!
I too have searched for a naturals deodorant since 1983, when I first started using deodorant.
The best I have found was mentioned in an article from a vacationer in Brazil.
Milk of Magnesia – it is the best! It’s natural and gaining more magnesium is a good thing. Most o us don’t get enough anyway.
The magnesium is a natural bateria fighter, so it eliminates odor great! It seems to last all day or me. It’s definitely a strong odor fighter because it has even worked on someone that doesn’t shower often with strong body odor.
I’d love to know how you think it compares. Give it a try. My preference is the Mint flavor, just for added aroma.
Kathleen
I’m wanting so much to try this natural deodorant, but am unclear on HOW to apply it? Do you dip your fingers in the jar of ingredients? I do use coconut oil in cooking, so I know it solidifies at room temp. Thank you! ~Carolyn
unless you use an actual deodorant dispenser (old one or a purchased empty one) then yes, you’ll have to use your fingers. Less is more, so you don’t need much.
What I did was, I used a deodorant container that I already had. The deodorant was just about gone so I scooped it out and made this recipe and poured it right in the dispenser. Then I put it in the fridge to solidify and now I keep it in my bathroom. It stays pretty cool in there since it’s upstairs and we have vaulted ceilings. If it stays below 74* it won’t melt but when you touch it to put it on, it will soften. I use ONE Swipe per pit and it lasts all day. If you find that your clothes are looking a little oily in the pit area, you may be using too much. Just a tip for ya 😉 Ever since I’ve been using 1 swipe instead of 3-4, I no longer have oily or wet looking pits on my shirts.
Not sure how to add my own comment on here. I just wanted to know if I could substitute shea butter with cocoa butter?
I have used just coconut oil for the last 2 weeks and I have to say IT WORKS by adding baking soda and shea will just enhance the protection…I use coconut oil for my skin, hair, feet, and have a teaspoon every now an then…i love it.
Trust Me the Baking soda , coconut oil, sheabutter, cornstarch combo works. I made this combination and i can put it under my arms and it wil last almost 2 whole days. You have to make it through the rash you will get from the baking soda just back off the use during the rash period when i had my rash from the baking soda i used toms for about a week to 12 days and then it healed and I went back to the baking soda, coconut oil, sheabutter, corn starch combo and i havent had any rash outbreaks since. What a relif all those years of putting poison under my arms clogging up my system. as soon as i stopped using the over the counter antipersperants I noticed when I went to the gym and worked out the toxins were coming out from under my arm pits i could take a white towel wipe under my arms and see the black and brown colored sweat. after haveing a clean diet for about 2 months this discharge went away. Now i can Even use pure baking soda under my arm pits alone and i dont break out or get any rashes. You have to let your body get used to the baking soda this requires enduring some uncomfort for a period then you are good.
Excellent testimony!
Also, I too noticed that it was the baking soda that gives me a small rash. Only if I have added too much of it to my batch, AND if I put mine under my arms when my arm pits are wet or have been sweating. Try to put it on DRY arm pits …AND if it still gives you a rash, try adding more oil and corn starch to the mix. Works every time for me.
I LOVE THIS STUFF ?
Wow! This great news to hear because my and I both experience a terrible rash also and we stopped using it. After reading this, motivates to start back! Thanks
Does the deoderant ever “firm” up or stay runny? Just curious
I’m curious to know this too. I’ve let mine set for almost two hours now and it’s it’s pretty runny. All of the powders seem to have settled at the bottom and the oils are on top. Any suggestions?
Mine did the same. Whenever I noticed the separation, I would whisk the mixture again. I let it sit in the counter until it was a thicker gravy consistency, then I poured it into an old deodorant container and put it in the fridge to harden. I used the first recipe.
I really want to try one of these recipes! I already switched to a natural deodorant called Lavanila which I like, it works. I do notice body odor the next day if I don’t shower & reapply more of it until late that day. The only other thing is the price, for barely 2 ozs it costs $14! So not something I can afford to buy regularly. I will definitely be experimenting with these recipes!
I do this an even easier way. I just apply coconut oil with my fingers and blot baking soda on with a cotton pad. This lasts longer than 24 hours on me and I have a physical job as a massage therapist. Never stains, never burns my skin. Amazing! And inexpensive.
That works for me too.
Aloha! I just wanted to share that if you eat about a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds a day, that have been properly sprouted, you will smell like maple syrup. No joke. I love the way eating these sprouts makes me smell, and my beloved enjoys it as well. I never shower because I smell bad these days, I shower to cleanse. A little tip to go along with making and using a earth friendly deodorant. Blessings all <3
https://nutritionfacts.org/video/side-effect-of-fenugreek-consumption/
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2013/05/27/what-to-eat-to-smell-sweet-8-foods-that-make-you-smell-great
Hey Bri,
So you eat the sprouts? Like on a salad?
Thanks,
Erin
I made recipe one and put it in deodrant containers but it seperated the oil on top and didn’t solidify. i replaced arrowroot with baking soda as you said to add more…is that too much more?
I had this problem too… but I used the exact ingredients.
Just use straight Bi-carb, it works a treat.
I’ve never had staining with just coconut oil. Your body absorbs it immediately. It never sits on top of skin like beeswax or shea butter. I just saw some recipes that called for that and I left that page faster than a bat out of hell!
All I ever need and use for essential oils is lavender and tea tree oil. They don’t irritate skin and are natural antibacterials.
The cornstarch makes the deodorant nice and soft to spread on. using only baking soda will be grainy and very irritating. The balance in this recipe is needed. Don’t go doubling one and leaving out the other or you will not get happy results.
I found that I need to dissolve the baking soda in the melted coconut oil well so that it’s not so abrasive. My nerves are very sensitive, fibromyalgia. It only takes a few extra minutes. I too have had fibroids disappear after quitting chemical deodorants! Determined to be healthy!!
Hi, thank you for your post. I think I may try this next week. Just one small question before buying the ingredients, could you please tell me how long the deodorant would last in hot and humid weather? I live in China, FYI.
In the recipe it says ” 2T and 3T and so on , is that Teaspoon or Table spoon Tspn / Tbsp?
Capital T = Tablespoon. Small t = teaspoon.