You don’t have to spend tons of time or money to make the best Homemade Deodorant. This all-natural deodorant recipe is very simple to make, and you know exactly what is in it. No complicated ingredients or harsh chemicals.
We are transitioning to more and more natural products. It feels so good to add this Homemade Deodorant Recipe to the list of items we are making at home. We have loved everything we have made.
We recently learned how to make Clarifying Shampoo and how to make All Natural Cocoa Lip Balm. You might also like Homemade Body Wash and Homemade Teeth Whitening.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
Not only do I feel better knowing exactly what my family is using but we are also saving money! If you have read the ingredients lately on deodorant or other products you use daily, it’s overwhelming.
Some of those words you can’t even pronounce. I have such peace of mind knowing my family is using all natural products. No worries about harsh chemicals in this homemade deodorant to prevent body odor or odor-causing bacteria.
It’s so much cheaper to make your own natural products instead of buying them. In fact, it’s so easy that you can make a double batch.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup shea butter
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons arrow root (find in the baking/spice aisle at most grocery stores)
- essential oils (we used tea tree oil and lavender oil)
- empty solid deodorant container. You can reuse an old container.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Place shea butter and coconut oil in a measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir.
Step 2. Return to microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring after each 20 second interval until completely melted.
Step 3. Stir baking soda and arrowroot powder into the liquid. Combine together.
Step 4. Then add essential oils. You’ll need about 3 drops of each one. Mix well.
Step 5. Pour into deodorant container and add the top on container.
Step 6. Allow the diy deodorant to set in the refrigerator. After 2 hours, remove and use as you would conventional deodorant under your armpits.
Frequently Asked Questions
For essential oil recommendations I’d go with an anti fungal essential oil such as tea tree oil. You could also try something like lavender essential oil which is skin soothing. Essential oils have so many wonderful uses and have a fresh scent.
Arrowroot powder helps to absorb moisture. This is the ingredient that helps to keep you dry from sweat. Don’t leave this out.
You can substitute baking soda or cornstarch for deodorant. Many people use one or the other or mix them together to apply underarm.
You can certainly try this, but I find it easier to use in a traditional stick deodorant than corn starch. It’s not as messy and goes on better. Of course, do what works for you!
No, you can use a saucepan or double boiler using low heat to melt the mixture if you prefer.
Try These Other Natural Ideas
- Honey Body Wash
- The Best Natural Dandruff Shampoo
- 6 Amazing Essential Oil Blends for Allergies
- Essential Oils for Hair Growth
- The Best Natural Dandruff Shampoo
- How to make makeup remover wipes
Give this natural homemade deodorant recipe for sensitive skin a try. Let us know what you think about making your own deodorant! It makes my day to read your comments.
Homemade Deodorant
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons arrow root find in the baking/spice aisle at most grocery stores
- essential oils we used tea tree oil and lavender oil
- empty solid deodorant container
Instructions
- Place shea butter and coconut oil in a measuring cup with a spout and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Return to microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring after each 20 second interval until mixture is completely melted.
- Stir in baking soda and arrowroot powder. Mix well. Add essential oils. You’ll need about 3 drops of each one. Mix well.
- Pour into deodorant container. Place top on container and place in refrigerator to set. After 2 hours, remove from fridge and use as you would normal deodorant.
Love the deodorant. You’re right about letting it dry before getting dressed. The only thing to mention is since it’s mostly made with oils, it gets very soft at room temperature. I find it still has to be stored in the refrigerator. So traveling in a suitcase is not a good idea.
Yes, if it’s warm outside mine does that as well. I recommend trying to add 2 tablespoon of beeswax to help it stay in the solid form. Thank you!
Can u use soy wax instead of bees wax?
I love the smell and ease of making it. Any suggestions on how to keep it from melting. I’ve kept in the fridge and have been applying it in the kitchen every morning. I’d like to apply it in bedroom but it’s too runny. Beeswax, Maybe? I’d love your feedback. Btw, it works as well as any deodorant I’ve used.
Yes, I think adding 2 tablespoons of beeswax would help it stay in the solid form.
Carrie,
I am blown away! I have noticed that after turning a ‘mature’ age, stink has become a larger problem. in the past I used just an essential oil with a carrier oil. But after I made it last night, I used this for the first time today right before I worked out. I wanted to give it the ultimate test. I didn’t smell ANYTHING! Again – blown away! I am a definite convert! I’ll just keep mine in the frig since I can’t use beeswax. Thank you so much!!
Great to hear – thanks for sharing!
Do you have the other recipes? So we can try them.
I really would like to try this. Maybe next month I can get the things to try.
Let us know what you think of the recipe when you try it out!
Add bees wax to your formula and you will not have to keep it in the refrigerator. Beeswax solidifies and holds the ingredients together. You may ask me why, because I make my own deodorant.
Do you melt the beeswax with the other things then pour it in?
How long do you need to dry it so it doesn’t leave oil stains on your clothes?
I’m curious if my sweat will become oily and ruin my clothes. I live in AZ, so sweat is going to happen.
I haven’t had any issues with that. Your skin will slowly absorb the oil in the deodorant. Thanks.
This is truly a great and easy recipe. Thanks for sharing it!
How many ‘sticks’ of deodorant does this recipe make? I understand that it’ll depend on the different sizes of the sticks but was just wondering in general how many sticks does the recipe make.
I use the larger standard size deodorant containers and this recipe generally fills one of those. Thanks.
just plain coconut oil?
Yes, I used regular coconut oil for this recipe.
How long does does the deodorant stay good for? (Shelf life)
It will last up to 6 months. Thank you.
Hi Carrie. I’m very interested in trying this recipe, but I’m concerned about the coconut oil staining my clothes. Is this a problem, and if so, how do you combat it?
I haven’t had an issue with it. I usually put it one first thing when I’m getting ready and allow it to dry completely before putting on my clothes (10-15 minutes). I usually do my make-up or hair while it’s drying in a rob and I haven’t had any issues with the rob or staining on my clothes. Thanks!
Is there anything go you can use in place of the baking soda? Can I just leave it out?
You can leave it out and double the arrow root powder or use cornstarch instead. Thank you!
Excellent post and wonderful blog, I love to read your articles because your writing style is too good.
Thank you!
Thank you for the recipe.
What can I replace arrowroot with?
Thank you.
You can use cornstarch instead of arrowroot – Thank you!
Where do you buy Shea butter?
I purchase mine on Amazon. I got the African Shea Butter last time I ordered some and I really liked it!
ok I’m doing this recipe tonight i will add like mentionned the 2 table spoon of beewax and we’ll see how it goes. I’ll come back and leave a comment.
Thank you – I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I love the natural deodorant because it smells good and good for the skin. Thanks for this awesome post!
I made it last night and unfortunately the oils separates from the rest after it has set and lies on top not incorporated with the rest. I make a lot of other products with a lot of the same ingredients and never experienced that. Do you have any ideas what makes the oil separate?
I have never had that happen either. I incorporate the oils when the shea butter and coconut oil is in the liquid form and them back sure you place it in the refrigerator to re-solidify. If you leave it at room temperature, the oils will have time to separate before it re-solidifies but I don’t have that issue when I place it in the refrigerator.
I make this all the time and have for many years. I don’t melt the coconut oil I just use a fork and work the coconut oil into the dry stuff. It won’t separate unless it get warm like in summer. So refrigerate in warm months. If it gets warm just fork it again and I spoon it into a deodorant container and psh it down
Hi Carrie… I’m allergic to coconut. Is there a substitute? Thanks.
I made this, love it! Please make the instructions printable. I don’t need the photos and this will get lost on my phone, would love to just print it out!
I Haven’t made this yet and would like to know whether the oil in this won’t stain the clothes. (especially the coconut oil)
Thanks for sharing.
Great ideas 💡
I made this as written (half recipe), with beeswax added as suggested, except I used about 5 drops each of lavender and tea tree oil and it wasn’t too much. I’m very happy with it so far, but we’ll have to see how it does in the summer when I’m a lot sweatier and the temperature in the house gets higher than the melting point of coconut oil!
Does it really dry considering it is oil? And does it really stop wetness?
Will this recipe accumulate on clothing with time when applied and worn? Under arm stains?
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Tip- unless you buy non-aluminum baking soda, specifically, you’re still getting it in your deodorant.
Could i use pure coca butter instead of shea butter?
Is the coconut oil necessary or is there another substitute that can be used? I am very allergic to coconut; consequently, I have difficulty finding natural deodorants that work for me.
I tried making deodorant and the baking soda made my skin too acidic and it turned my armpits black. You say this recipe is for sensitive skin?