Republished from March 21, 2008. Updated to include FAQ’s, photo, and video tutorial.
Did you know that nearly all commercial deodorants contain aluminum salts, usually aluminum chlorohydrate? Manufacturers like aluminum because it effectively suppresses perspiration but the metal has a dark side once it makes its way into our body. Aluminum toxicity It has been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other health issues. It is especially important for women to take thought to the harmful aluminum materials in deodorant as it has been linked to breast cancer, being that the breast tissue extends up into the armpits.
Most commercial deodorants also contain parabens, which act as preservatives and stabilizers, but which like aluminum can be absorbed into the skin. Parabens mimic estrogen, and though the amounts we absorb on a daily basis might be small, over time, the accumulation can be significant.
Did you know you can make your own wonderful effective deodorant with just a few completely natural ingredients? This recipe is awesome! It’s even edible! It is frugal and very effective! Aaron & I have been using it for over two years now, and it has worked wonders. It smells wonderful, but very faint. For years I tried every natural alternative on the market without much success. It has been successfully tried by hundreds of readers! Coconut oil is an all natural oil that has wonderful anti-bacterial and immune boosting qualities. It can effectively nourish and moisturize the skin. This recipe is also very frugal, costing less than a dollar per batch.
Ingredients:
6-8 Tbsp Coconut oil (solid state)
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch (arrowroot is preferred)
Directions:
- Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder.
- Slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon or hand blender until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should be about the same texture as commercial deodorant, solid but able to be applied easily. If it is too wet, add further arrowroot powder/cornstarch to thicken.
- You can either scoop this recipe into your old deodorant dispensers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. Makes about 1 cup. This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.
For a picture tutorial placing this recipe in an old deodorant container, visit here.
Check out my video tutorial for a visual guide through this recipe. Excuse my nervousness….yes, this is the first time I have gotten behind the camera for this site!
Frequently Asked Questions
Since the original publication of this post, I have received numerous repeated questions. I have compiled them all here.
1. I am having issues with an itchy rash under my armpits. Any solutions?
Baking soda can be an irritant for some people. Try decreasing the baking soda by 1 Tbsp and replacing with more cornstarch/arrowroot powder. Itchiness can also often be related to applying this too soon after shaving. Wait an hour or two after shaving to apply. Add 1/4 cup shea butter or cocoa butter to the recipe for its healing benefits is another alternative. You also can try using arrowroot powder as it is more natural on the skin or make sure to choose a talc-free cornstarch. The final option is to apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel/juice to your skin for its healing benefits before applying the deodorant. It will help cool, refresh, and prevent irritations to the skin.
2. Can you use any other oils for this recipe?
It is possible to use other oils on this recipe, such as sweet apricot oil, but we do not recommend other oils simply because they are not as effective as coconut oil with its anti-bacterial benefits. Apricot or olive oil also remain liquid in form, and thus make this messy to apply. Coconut oil remains solid under 76 degrees, so it is perfect for deodorant. You can use palm oil as it is another natural oil that is solid at room temperature, but again not as effective as coconut oil.
3. Will this deodorant stain my clothes?
Not likely or not any more than a standard deodorant or antiperspirant. I have only noticed slight staining on white garments, but this can be avoided by soaking with soap after wearing and before washing. Dishwashing soap and hot water are very effective stain removers.
4. What kind of coconut oil can I use? Is there a recommended brand?
It is recommended to use a high quality coconut oil purchased from a health food store, if possible. I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs coconut oil for its superior quality and benefits. Other recommended brands include Nutiva, Tropical Traditions, and Wilderness Family Naturals. You can also use refined coconut oil, as that version is suitable for the skin but not recommended for consumption. Refined coconut oil will be cheaper in price.
5. Can I add essential oils to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add various essential oils for the added scent, but beware that essential oils can cause irritations. Start with making a small batch to make sure you do not react. Tea tree oil is an excellent oil to add for its pleasant scent (men and women alike enjoy it), and it has great antibacterial qualities.
6. Is there any solution for preventing this from melting? (Note: coconut oil melts at 76 degrees).
If you live in a particularly warm climate, add a little melted candelilla wax or beeswax to the mixture. Store in your fridge, if necessary. For summer travel, I recommend storing in a cooler. Remove from cooler or refrigerator 10 minutes before use to allow it to soften slightly for application.
7. What’s the benefit of using arrowroot powder over cornstarch?
Standard commercial cornstarch contains talc, which debate continues over its safety for use in body products. Arrowroot is a more natural thickening agent alternative. I use arrowroot powder as an alternative to cornstarch in all my cooking. You can also purchase talc-free cornstarch at your local health food store. Arrowroot powder is available through your local health food store, Whole Foods, Azure Standard, or Bob’s Red Mill.
8. I am allergic to coconut oil, is there any alternatives?
I have heard people experiencing success by replacing coconut oil with equal quantities of shea butter and cocoa butter. You can also use palm oil because it remains solid like coconut oil. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil for the antibacterial properties.
9. I am heavy sweater? Is this an antiperspirant?
No, this is not an antiperspirant, so you will sweat but it will definitely be decreased quantities. Sweating is a natural bodily process that is necessary for health in removing toxins from your body. I am definitely a heavy sweater myself, but this deodorant works to remove the smells like nothing else I have ever tried. I do recommend multiple applications if you are doing strenuous work or exercise for it to be effective.
Learn more about the benefits of coconut oil and all its wonderful uses here.
To read all the reviews on this recipe, check out the original post here.
I TOO HAVE BEEN USING THE COCONUT OIL, ARROW ROOT POWDER, BAKING SODA DEODORANT RECIPE (WITH THE ADDITION OF TEATREE OIL AND ESSENTIAL OIL FOR FRAGRANCE) FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND FOR A WEEK NOW I HAVE DEVELOPED AN IRRITATING RASH I WASNT SURE IF IT WAS THE SOAP I SWITCHED TO BUT AFTER TALKING WITH MY MOTHER WHO IS ALSO USING THIS RECIPE DEVELOPED THE SAME RASH AND USES A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SOAP THAN ME I FIGURED ITS THE RECIPE (WHICH IS A MAJOR BUMMER BECAUSE I LIKED THE RECIPE A LOT UNTIL THE RASH). I USE COCONUT OIL TO COOK A LOT OF MY FOODS SO I FIGURED IT CANT BE THAT (TO BE SAFE I HEARD SHEA BUTTER IS A GOOD SUBSTITUTE) SO I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE BAKING SODA (SINCE I HEARD IT CAN ALSO CAUSE A RASH) OR WOULD THE RECIPE WORK JUST AS GOOD OR SIMILAR WITH OUT THE BAKING SODA? ANY ADVICE?
I’m a huge stinker, so I was a little scared to give it a try, but I’m hooked! I’ll be buying some oils to start adding to it and will work on getting the nerve to give it as Christmas gifts! : ) I cut the recipe in half and keep it in a tiny jar in the bathroom. I, too, live in Phoenix, so the coconut oil isn’t very solid.. soft but manageable. Thanks for the recipe!
I have used Salt Crystals as a deoderant for over a year now and love it. But I like a nice smell too, so I’ve been using another organic deoderant spray in conjunction. It’s pricey, so I’ve been looking into how I can make my own. The ingredient list is very simple and straightforward, and I think I could copy it very easily (because I LOVE the smell… it’s like a spa).
Anyway, the number one ingredient is alcohol (you could use isopropyl rubbing alcohol or vodka!) followed by a list of essential oils (lemon peel, sage, patchouli, and tea tree to be exact). I’m going to try it! Obviously it makes a liquid deodorant spray, which I happen to prefer, and that’s nice because I can reuse my current spray bottle! Sweet. 
I’ve been using this for the past month with great results – I’ve never had such an effective deodorant! Thanks!
Hi Lindsay, I made myself a batch as per your recipe and I am most pleasantly surprised! I love the fact that the baking soda and cornstarch absorb the moisture, and peppermint and tea tree essential oils in combination with the coconut oil really do a good job at keeping odour forming bacteria at bay. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
I can’t wait to try this! I am allergic to coconut oil, has anyone tried Mango butter? It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and an antioxidant. I will have to melt it to add everything, but then it stays solid and melts at body temp so it should work well in an old deo stick. I love the stuff so I think I will be using Mango butter, just wondering if anyone else has tried it!
This is an amazing deodorant recipe!
My daughter and her family came from Germany to visit this summer and she had found this recipe and wanted to try it. I was a little skeptical, but went along with her in finding all the ingredients. We used Bob’s Mill -no aluminum brand baking soda.
I have now been using the product for over 2 weeks and have had no BO smell, even after working outside on a very hot day. Also, in the morning of the next day, I still noticed no smell and then I wash up and put on a fresh application for the day. I am so excited and amazed at how great this deodorant recipe works… better than any commercial or natural product on the market that I have tried.
Thank you so much!
I am looking forward to sharing it with others.
I have to say, I was a little skeptical when making this. I have tried may natural deoderants, and always ended up a little stinky by the end of the day. I LOVE this recipe. I used followed it exactly with a few drops of tea tree oil. I did use cornstatch, I couddn’t find arrowroot powder, even at my natural stores. My armpits look so pretty, I just want to wear sleeveless shirts to show them off. No clumpy deoderant, even my razor is appreciating the switch.
I have not stunk once since switching, even in the heat and humidity I come out smelling nicely. And I haven’t even noticed an increase in sweating since not using and anti-prespirant.
Thank you so much for sharing this alternative to store bought natural deoderants. I am so happy to find somethign that finally works for me, and is safe to use.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lindsay this is by far and wide the BEST deodorant ever, my Hubby loves it and I have even caught him talking about coconut oil benefits with his Buddies. This has been a wonderful blog for the wellness of my family and I do so look forward to such useful info put into a very family centered blog. Thank you for sharing when I know the time you take must be precious.
Hi thank you for sharing this.
. i started to then get some redness. one day it ended up melting and i had to get it more solid again, and i have to say it works pretty great still but i have very red underarms! my fiance is telling me to quit using it, and i keep saying it will go away. i am using it every other day right now. i am also swabbing with witch hazel and my shower soap is dr bronner’s lavender. my underarms dont itch and they really arent all that painful unless they start rubbing on clothes or something. do you think this is some type of reaction? my body getting used to it (i used dove for years before).? or possibly because it liquified, then solidified again, changing chemistry?
the first couple days after i started using it, everything was great. So i thought i would have no issues. then i started getting a little irritation. then i had some dark patches, and little dark spots i could scrape off.
thanks for your help! and your recipe!
(oh and i used arrowroot, aluminum free baking soda, unscented coconut oil, just a couple drops tea tree and peppermint (its a very mildly scented))
It’s likely you’re reacting to the baking soda. Try remaking it using less baking soda and more arrowroot powder (or just adding more oil and arrowroot powder to what you have now to dilute the baking soda). If you still react, you may be allergic to one of the ingredients (try applying a small amount of each to the underside of your wrist at different times to see if one causes a reaction).
You could also try applying aloe vera gel to your underarms and letting it soak in before applying, shaving the night before and applying in the morning, or both. I’ve done this when I’ve had reactions to it (although not as badly as you’ve described).
I use a similar product but it’s predominantly coconut oil.
I melt or semi-melt about 3/4 C coconut oil, mixed with a few tablespoons of baking soda and organic corn starch (enough to keep the coconut oil from solidifying completely when cold). I also mix in one drop each combined of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary essential oils. Love the smell and they have good anti-bacterial/anti-fungal qualities.
I pour this mixture into a 1/2 pint wide-mouth mason jar and let it cool to room temp. Depending on the time of year, it will be more solid or liquidy. I apply by scooping (or lightly digging) out a finger-full for each side and rubbing it in. For all but the few days before my period starts, I can usually get by with one application for 2 days; always at minimum, a whole day.
Be aware that what you eat has a LOT to do with body odors/under arm odor, so if you’re eating a lot of processed foods/sugary foods, you’ll probably notice more odor, sooner.
Also, I hardly sweat much anymore. I think it has to do with the body balancing things out, once you’re no longer inhibiting normal function of the sweat glands with antiperspirant (similar to the principle of your hair being less oily once you’re no longer stripping it every day with shampoo).
I am loving your site. Such a wealth of information and you are so young. I’m 40 and thought I was doing pretty okay with being health conscience, but now am realizing…um…not so much. As I was reading about the soap nuts (which I can’t wait to order some and try them) I found on one site something called a Mineral Salts Deodorant Stone. It supposedly leave a thin film of natural minerals that not only helps control perspiration, but odor as well. It also claims that it lasts a year! I was just wondering have you heard of this type of product and what are your views about it?
I have a tub of coconut oil in my bathroom that I use as an overall body moisturiser. When I am done showering, I simply melt about half a teaspoon of coconut oil between my palms and add a drop of two of lavender oil and rub that into my armpits. It really couldn’t be easier. The lavender oil is antibacterial and soothes your armpits after you have shaved, but most importantly it really works!
I love this recipe and for a few days it worked great! But now halfway through the day I get smelly. I don’t consider myself a heavy sweater, but I do live in humid Oklahoma. I noticed that other people commented that they don’t smell anymore…I want that! Any suggestions? Is this just an adjustment my body is going through?
Hi Debra,
I think the key in home made deodorant is the right oil (essential) which kills sweaty bacteria on a surface of your skin.
I just made another batch for my husband with peppermint and it’s even better then with orange essential oil.
I have been using homemade deodorant for a few weeks and it’s amazing: no smell during a day (after applying in a morning), going to a gym afterwards makes me sweat but no smell again, taking shower before bed and not applying it usually gives me some smell by morning but not anymore, day application is enough even after washing it off.
Store deodorant used to give me smell, had to freshen up 2 times a day but not anymore.
I suggest kokum butter, beeswax and grape seed(walnut) oil plus peppermint. If it’s too salad, melt it and add career oil (walnut, grape seed).
Thanks, but I just use Lindsay’s recipe and add tea tree oil. Maybe I need more tea tree oil?
I live in GA and due to our budget we keep our thermostat set around 78 degrees. I’m thinking I’ll have to refridgerate my oil to get it to a solid state to make my deoderant and then keep it in the fridge so it doesn’t melt. Is this really worth it? Will I really have to take it out of the fridge for 5-10 minutes before applying it? Thanks for the help/encouragement.
You can apply it when it is solid and firm but it just takes more effort. This may be totally fine if you are using an old deodorant dispenser.
we live in nor Cal and boy its hot this summer, I find keeping it in a wide mouth jar even when melted works wonderfully .
Hubby and I are getting ready to make our second batch and I just had to thank you again. This is the best stuff we have ever used- far above all store brands and natural brands we have tried. It took a bit of time for our bodies to adjust to it, but once they did, there was no more odor at all. I sweat terribly working out at the gym and I NEVER have stinky underarms anymore. Secret didn’t even take care of that in the past. I’m so happy we are using something natural on our bodies! I’m off to make us more, and my sister-in-law and mother-in-law have asked to try a batch also. Thank you so much!
I tried to modify this recipe a little bit because I am in Phoenix and everything melts, including skin
2 TBS beeswax
2 TBS Kokum butter
3 TBS Baking soda
2 TBS Arrowroot powder
3 TBS Almond sweet oil
3 TBS Baobab oil
10 drops Orange oil
10 drops Ylang Ylang oil
Melt in double boiler beeswax and Kokum butter, mix in soda and powder until they dissolve. Add baobab, almond oils, orange, ylang ylang essential oils. Pour into deodorant container, wait for an hour. Kokum butter is the hardest available on the market. Since I live in AZ, I need something that wouldn’t melt quickly. So far I am really happy with this deodorant.
I made this about a couple of months ago and I will never use anything else!!! It is amazing how well it works…even better than the chemical filled stuff from the store! LOVE it!!! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
I made a batch several months ago, and am now on my second batch. I’ll never use anything else! I keep one jar for the majority of the deodorant, then use another jar for mixing in essential oils based on what I’m in the mood for – lemon, tea tree, lavender, etc. I LOVE it, and am very impressed with its ability to eliminate odor ALL day, even in the hot seasons.
I did find that through time, a charcoally stain emerged on my lighter-colored clothes. I used H20-At-Home’s Netepur natural stain remover soap, and it came right out. If you haven’t heard of them, H20 is a France-based company that uses all natural ingredients for home cleaning (mostly specially designed chiffonettes & water), and personal care. I recommend them if you’re frustrated with toxic store-bought stuff and aren’t making cleaners at home. http://us.h2o-at-home.com/.
Thanks Lindsay for all of your awesome information!
This sounds really cool! Actually, my sister makes deodorant too, and it sounds very close to what she does! I might have to try it sometime! As a matter of fact, I am a true lover of coconut oil and find many uses for it. My sister makes chapstick which I love, and hand lotion(which isn’t as great since it’s rather greasy)and their main ingredient is coconut oil. I’ve also heard of it used for a sunscreen(I think I tried it once). I use it in cooking sometimes as well. It’s great stuff!! =]
I also have a question. You said you can put the mixture into an old deodorant container; how would you recommend doing so? Could you melt the coconut oil and pour it in? If you melt it, does it maintain it’s bacteria fighting properties? Or just spoon it in? Can’t wait to try it! And whoever suggested the amount of lavendar – thanks! I was curious about how much to add. Would that be true for Tea Tree Oil?
No, just scoop it into and level it out with a nice or spoon. Melting it with disrupt the texture. Add only a few drops of essential oil.
i have a question – i made this deodorant and have been having occasional burning armpits! i stop using immediately, give my pits a day or so off, and then try again. sometimes it’s fine, others, it still burns. i had this problem w/ tom’s of maine, too…any thoughts?
thanks!
It could be that your body is stripping itself of the toxins from the standard deodorant. This is not an uncommon process of adapting to the all natural method.
I have this problem too, but it’s only after I shave. It happens with both Tom’s and this recipe. It usually helps to wait awhile (if possible)- 15-30 min after shaving, but sometimes still burns. I just have to suck it up, and it goes away in a few minutes.
Love it! Thank you so much! Such an easy recipe and works GREAT! I added 8 drops of Lavender oil and it has been going wonderfully!
Thank you for posting this! I made some the other day and it works great as well as I had fun making it, thanks for the video too!
I wanted to let you know how very thankful I am that you shared this recipe! I have been searching for a long time for a deodorant that actually works and have spent a LOT of money trying everything. After all my searches, I made this deodorant and it REALLY works!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!