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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 am going to try this. I am looking ot make a product that works I am going to use other ingredients also that are natural to see if I can get it to be in a more solid form that holds even on hot days. Thanks so much for sharing and I will keep you informed of my results.
I made the second recipe (coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder) about two weeks ago and at first it worked great. I love the smell of coconut. But, now it smells like rancid oil. Does it need to be refrigerated? Did I do something wrong? Please help as I love the idea of making my own deoderant, but I don’t want to smell like rancid oil anymore.
I always add Vitamin E to anything I use with oils. It keeps it from going rancid. Just a few drops will do it.
great suggestion!
We have been using the “homemade deodorant” a little differently. We smear on a dab of coconut oil, rub it in real good, then puff on the baking soda/cornstarch mixture with a fluffy makeup brush or powder puff. It has been totally effective on husband after 10 hour work day AND workout, as well as active teens. Amazing!
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ve been using your recipe for a week or so now, it’s so easy! And it works great too!
before committing to making a batch of this i tried what you do – i am very happy with the results!! i was thinking though that i will still make some because i like the idea of adding the essential oils. not sure why but i dont like the idea of using my fingers to put it on – maybe i will use a large makeup sponge to put the coconut oil on?
ps- i should also add that i havent used antiperspirant in a few years. apparently your body needs time to adjust – so if you make the switch to natural dont be discouraged if it doesnt seem as effective at first!
I like the idea of natural deoderants, however, readers need to know to use ‘aluminum’ free baking soda. Otherwise they might as well purchase OTC deoderants w/aluminum already in them. I haven’t read about homemade toothpaste, but if it’s made with soda also, it also needs to be aluminum free.
I think some baking powders have aluminum in them, but I have not seen it in baking soda… Am I missing something?
Pamala, hon, you’re confusing baking powder with baking soda. Baking soda is naturally aluminum free, but the most popular brands of baking powder DO have aluminum. You can find aluminum-free baking powder out there, but baking powder is not what is being used in these natural deodorant recipes. It also is not what is used as a toothpaste substitute. That’s still baking soda. It’s easy to be confused here, as baking soda IS one of the components of baking powder. : ) Clear yet? Yeah, I know!
THANK YOU, Wellness Mama! I’ve been secretly using a simple 50/50 mix of baking soda and cornstarch for a few weeks now. My friends already think I’m pretty weird, so I kept it quiet. Well, I’m telling you that I am stunned that this simple and CHEAP formulation works so well on wetness and odor control down here in semi-tropical Mississippi. I have never been one of those Southern belles who “glowed” from perspiration. I have always sweated and have stunk like a hog, especially under “the girls,” and this formula works great there. I do apply it a bit more lightly than in the armpits, because a bra will definitely chafe skin with the baking soda laid too thickly. It IS a mild abrasive, after all, and I am a delicate Southern flower. 😀
I don’t have any shea butter in the house, but I’d like to try your recipe for that. Before I found your page here tonight, I added a little melted coconut oil to my 50/50 mix of baking soda and cornstarch, and I’m thinking I may need to add more to more closely match your proportions. It may be that this mixture doesn’t spread well on the armpits. Shower time will tell the tale in a few minutes.
How I found you–I’m working on an entry for my frugal living blog tonight about saving money on deodorant and wanted to find people besides me who’ve gone rogue on the commercial stuff. I Googled to find you and am tickled pink–very clear instructions and most helpful. A kindred spirit, even! I’ve bookmarked you and hope I can find you again. Would you mind if I linked from my blog to your page so my readers can have your shea butter formula that’s a bit different from some of the others out there? Carry on the good fight! Powering down now!
LOL, you poor little delicate flower! Sometime, try smearing a little bit of plain coconut oil under your arm, then use a big blush brush to dab on a little baking soda. No staining, no smell, and easy peasy.
Totally trying this! Great idea!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I made some Yesturday and had a almost immediate irritation. I used Bob’s Red Mill double acting baking soda. Do you think irritation is caused by that? If so what baking soda would you suggest?Thank you!
Thank you for this! I began getting folliculitis and was told to stop using anti-perspirant. But I too am one of those “delicate flowers” who sweats like a hog in lots of places and absolutely need something to take away the wetness. I appreciate you posting this tidbit so that others can feel more hopeful about controlling not just odor but wetness, too.
Baking soda is naturally aluminum free. Baking powder has aluminum in it.
Hi,
I think you might be confusing baking powder with baking soda! be careful… I did that early in my cooking career with dread results! LOL
Paula
I made my deodorant just with baking soda and mashed coconut oil (added a few drops of lavender essential oil too). It seems to be working great and it smells lovely. Is there a need to add corn starch to the mix? I looked for arrowroot at my Whole Foods and they did not carry it.
Not necessary… it makes it slightly smoother, but isn’t needed for odor prevention at all.
Hi Mama! I just wanted you to know how much I absolutely LOVE this recipe! I used to use natural deodorants on the market but I found that they did not keep away odor. Your recipe is great! I have no more odor problems even after working up a powerful sweat by doing yard work. My husband and so many of my friends are using it as well. Thanks so much!
so glad it has worked well for you!
katie, this looks great, but I am Australian and haven’t seen a capital T used in a recipe before. This may be a silly question but what does it stand for? Tablespoon?
Tablespoon 🙂
I made my first batch a year ago with only shea butter because that’s all I had at the time and I filled empty deodorant sticks. I find I like it better because even on very hot days the stick doesn’t melt the way it does with coconut oil and there are no stains. My new batch I mixed in a bit of coconut oil just so that it is slightly softer.
I’ve been using the second recipe, but without essential oils, for months now, and I will never go back. EOs are unnecessary and even a little caused irritation within a few days. Also, I’m not comfortable with using EOs that may affect hormones, such as lavender, in such a sensitive area.
It really seems to reduce staining, as well. If there’s a lot of residue, you may be using too much – a tiny bit the size of a split pea is plenty for each pit.
It’s a lot easier to melt the coconut oil than to mash it in.
I made some just (with the second recipe also) just before I left to go out of town for a week. I used tea tree oil, since I knew it had antibacterial properties, and it was what I could get a hold of easily (I was between Law School finals, and trying to get out of town :-P). It has been working GREAT!! I think I may have dropped too much oil in, it kind of spilled out when I was adding it. I’m getting a little irritation, and it smells fairly strongly of the tea tree oil (not much like coconut). But when I get back in town, I’m just going to add more of everything else BUT the eo (I only made a half batch, to try out, so I don’t have a lot made anyways.)
NOTE: I rode in the car from DE to FL. I had it in the trunk from DE to NC (about 6 hours maybe) when we got to the hotel for the night, it was mostly melted. I would recommend if flying/driving, either carry-on, or keep in the car with you. I mixed it up really well while melty, by shaking, and kept it in the car (out of the trunk) for the rest of the ride (about 12 hrs), and it just got super soft.
I’m with Mati, I would SKIP the essential oils. There are a lot of healing properties and hormonal effects with essential oils. When used properly essential oils are a great medicine, but to put one on my body daily that I may or may not need seems risky. I’m going to try making this recipe today. I need shea butter… I have been using just coconut oil and that works pretty well. Now that it’s cold out I find myself skipping the coconut oil altogether and I’m not fighting BO at all. But when it warms up I know I’ll need something again and this recipe sounds more effective than stand alone coconut oil. PS. you may go through a rashy or stinky phase as you DETOX your pits from commercial deodorant, but it’s totally worth it!!!
About how like might your body “detox” & smell while making the switch?
Regarding staining, since it’s quite a concern, here’s the old fashioned methods.
First use dress shields, which can be bought or made easily
second, you can rub soap into the underarm areas of the blouse or dress before washing.
third, use vinegar on the underarms of your blouses to help remove oils, body oils or otherwise.
Then Wash. the soap and vinegar may tend to cancel each other out, so I tend to use one the first time and if the stain remains use the other the next time.
thanks for the tips Kitty!
you might try some bees wax to harden it up a bit for summer. I’ve read a recipe for body butter that used bees waxy.
How much beeswax would I need to use to solidify the deodorant?
If you don’t have an old deodorant bottle to put it in, what would be the best way to appy it? Thanks!!
Most of the time, I just keep it in a jar and use my finger… not
glamorous, but it works!
When I was a kid they hadn’t invented antiperspirant yet, AFAIK. we bought deoderant in a jar and used our finger to apply it.