Today I want to show you how to make a natural deodorant that really works using just 3 ingredients.
I’ve been making this deodorant for years and it even works for guys, and it’s been years since my husband and I used store-bought deodorant. I thought some of you may be interested in knowing how to make it, so I’m going to show you how to do it.
This recipe could not be easier to make, and you probably already have all of the ingredients at home. These are the same ingredients I use in my baking, so it’s safe to eat and it’s safe to use on our body.
Here’s how it works…
Coconut oil – acts as an antibacterial and a moisturizer.
Baking soda – the active ingredient that controls odor.
Arrowroot powder – helps to keep your skin drier.
How long does it last? For me one application per day is enough. I’m the type of person who really needs to use deodorant, and I live in Hawaii where it’s warm all day. Applying this deodorant to my underarm in the mornings has proven sufficient for me over the years.
The amount of baking soda you add in this recipe depends on your personal skin and how sensitive it is. For example, when I began using this deodorant the baking soda was giving me some rash, and over the years I found that the right amount to use to not irritate my skin and still keep the smell away is to add 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda to my deodorant. You can do the same, but if you are concerned you can start by adding just 1 teaspoon to see how it works for you. And if you notice some smell, you can add an extra teaspoon of baking soda to your deodorant. Everyone is different so find what works best for you.
The consistency – If you live in a warm place like me, your deodorant will be melted. Before each use, you will need to stir the content in the jar before applying it. I keep a small wooden stick in my container to stir it and to help me apply it each time. If you live in a cold place, your deodorant will be solid.
Fun fact about this natural deodorant – Over time, you’ll also notice your skin getting lighter. This is because of the baking soda! And this is something I really like since shaving usually gives a darker appearance to my underarms. For guys, the baking soda may lighten the underarm hair a bit.
This isn’t one of my regular food recipe posts, but I hope you enjoyed it and it’s helpful for you. Finding a store-bought natural deodorant that works is very hard so if you want to give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear back from you! Please leave a comment below letting me know your thoughts.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons baking soda*
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- Shea butter or Cacao butter
- Essential oils
- Vitamin E
- Add the coconut oil, baking soda and arrowroot to a small container and stir to combine. If you live in a warm place and your deodorant is melted, stir before each use before applying it.
- To apply, take a small amount with your finger and rub it well in your underarm area.
- Store in a cool, dark place like your medicine cabinet. This amount should last you about 1 to 2 months.
Coconut oil - you can use melted or solid coconut oil. Using melted oil makes it easier to stir the ingredients together in the jar, but you can use either solid or melted oil.
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Hey! It is a wonderful way to make deodorant. I loved it, however when I made it, the result was a little grainy. Why would that happen?
Hi Vi! Did you make any substitutions? Try mixing some more and before you apply it if melted.
Love this Adriana. Been struggling for years to get free of aluminum deodorants but I seem to react to every commercial solution. Now you’ve made it simple to have a go at my own.
Keep up the good work 😊
Thank you so much Maya 🙂
Simple and clean. Do you think it will work if I replaced cocunut oil with lemon oil and substitute arraroot with tapicoca powder? Too many allergies here.
I think it would be fun to try Amala. But instead of the lemon oil, I think I would try adding cacao butter which is more moisturizing and less acid. You can also add half cacao and half shea butter. Tapioca should also work. Please let me know how it goes if you try it.
Is there another name for arrowroot powder?
I don’t think so.
OH okay thank you
Works well. Tired of rolling carcinogens under my armpit (it’s amazing these “routine” deodorants are allowed to be sold!) For those of who want to add a little fresh smell, you can try some lavender (ladies) or sandalwood (men) essential oils. Just be careful how much you use. A quality organic EO can sometimes irritate the skin. 1-2 drops goes a long way!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts here Tom! It’s very helpful.
Hi, I just received this receipe in your newsletter, and as its basis is the same as mine I thought I’d give you a tip.
I found the liquid form wasn’t the best for my trips to the gym, the pool or any other trip :-D. So I searched the web and found that adding beeswax to the formula allowed me to even pour it in a container and use it in stick (type deodorant container in your search engine and you’ll find plenty of choice). Credit to this blog that also recommends adding essential oils in the recipe, which I like because it gives a nice subtle smell to it.
Reading you all the way from Switzerland !
Adding beewax or candelilla wax does keep it firm so you can put it in a container and use it in a stick. For me personally, if I add wax to my deodorant I get a reaction and I don’t like the sticky consistency.
Essential oils are a great addition, but I’m very sensitive to smells so I prefer to not add any it and keep it unscented.
Great to hear you like it also Sylvianne. Thanks!
I too have been making my own deodorant for over a year. I use almost the exact same recipe that you posted, but do add a few drops of Purification essential oil. I didn’t realize the Baking Soda acts as a bleaching agent, but I do feel like I don’t have to shave my pits as often, like the mixture discourages hair growth or something. I know, weird, right? But still. It’s good stuff!
Hi Becky, that goes to show how everyone’s skin is so different. I wish it discouraged hair growth for me too 🙂 Do you think it could be the essential oil you’re using or do you think it’s the baking soda?
Great to know you also like it!
Hi Adriana
Would it be possible to put this into a jar with a roller top to just roll on under your arms?
Thanks
Hi Julie, to make this work you’d need to add bee wax or candelilla wax to keep it firm.
Thanks for this recipe, it will help me a lot. I normally make my deodorant with soda water, baking soda and lemon essential oil. I think your formula is so soft for my skin. So usefull !!! thanks from Barcelona (Spain)
Sounds exactly what I have been looking for….. will be trying this soon.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
🙂
Hi Adriana, thank you for this great discovery. May I add Tea Tree Oil and if yes how much? Thank you so much!!!
Hi Nelly, you can for sure add tea tree oil. I’ve never tried it, but some people say it kills bacteria and odor, and you can use it in place of the baking soda. If you try it, please let me know how much you add and how it works.
I’ve used a similar recipe for a long time. About to replenish supplies with your recipe. Sure it will work as well as the old one 🙂 Thank you. Love your recipes.
Hi Pam, please let me know how it works compared to the one you’ve been using.
Thank you ! I will try it!
Great recipe. Very simple.
Thank you Adriana.
🙂 You’re welcome!
This sounds great ! I have tried store bought natural deodorants, but they do not seem to curb the smell – I will certainly give this a try – even have all the ingredients at home 🙂
Please let me know how it goes Liz!
Does the coconut oil stain shirts?
Not at all Susan! After a couple of minutes of applying, the deodorant should dry on your skin. But when you sweat, it does not stain.
Oh, I am definitely giving this a try!
Please let me know how you like it Lori!
Thanks, it looks like great recipe and I’ll give it a try
I hope you do Barb! It really works good!