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 accidentally used refined coconut oil to make this deodorant and I have noticed bumps on the sides of my underarms (which is odd, because the deodorant doesn’t really touch that area). I also started using the same coconut oil (refined) as a face moisturizer because I ran out of the virgin oil, and I am getting some bumps on my face. Could this be because the oil is refined? I have always heard the refined oil is suitable for personal care uses, but the only consistent factor between the bumps on the sides of my underarms and my face is the coconut oil. I added some essential oil to the deodorant, so maybe that is contributing to the problem….?
I used extra virgin organic unrefined and am experiencing the same problems.
But I am beginning to think that I’m having reactions to it, due to the fact that I’ve used the normal commercial deodorants since I’ve needed them, and now I’m using something natural. I also tried a commercial natural deodorant and I’m still having issues.
I’m gong to try and use a thin layer of CO and let it dry then apply the deodorant. (I’ll use the commercial natural one to begin with. I want to make a new batch of deodorant decreasing the baking soda as well.
The reaction is pretty bad at this point, as I’ve tried different things to no avail. So i plan on going w/o, and let the skin heal itself, w/a thin layer of organic aloe vera gel. From past experience this should only be a few days. And it has already been 2 days since I’ve applied deodorant.
thanks! have been using this deodorant for about a year now and really like it.
one comment: you say cornstarch usually contains talc. Are you talking about cornstarch sold as baby powder? I use cornstarch from the spices aisle of the store. Both Argo and the store brand (Shur Fine) say “100% cornstarch” on them… I think the requirements for cornstarch sold as a food product are much more stringent than cornstarch sold as an after-bath powder…
I understand that talc is a non caking agent that is added to all cornstarch unless it specifically says “no talc”.
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lindsay, did you ever try a fork instead of a spoon to mix? It might be less time consuming.
I have to laugh now about the tea tree oil… i guess people like different scent, tea tree oil to me stinks.
I'm really disappointed, I applied this yesterday, and had to change my shirt before I went to work. I had grease marks under my arms, at the bottom of my shirt etc.
Did I add too much oil?
When you melt it as you did it will definitely affect the mixture and effectiveness differently.
Oh, I got excited in the grocery store today. They had organic extra virgin CO, by Nutiva!!!! I never saw it before! I bought CO off Amazon, that's virgin.
What's the difference between virgin and extra virgin?
Well I made it! I got lazy, while stirring it, so I melted it in the microwave. I only used 3 tbsp, and it's now a liquid mixture. I put it in the refrig to go back to a solid state.
Does arrowroot have an *odd* smell to it?
Well I ordered tea tree oil (was WAY too expensive in the grocery store), and orange essential oil, and CO. I already have CO… but I wanted to get the organic virgin CO. I bought some baking soda (w/o the aluminum), I thought I bought arrowroot on Amazon, but I didn't. So I'll be making yet another trip to the store for it.
I'm excited to be able to make this!! my CO, and oils were shipped so they should arrive soon!
Hi – Here are a couple of articles about aluminum in crystal deodorant. They're very eye-opening! http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/most-co… & http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/most-co…
I have bought some products from this company, Bubble & Bee, and I have loved them! The owner, Stephanie, is also very helpful and answers emails promptly and honestly and unbiasedly.
Thank you for this video!!! It really helps seeing how making deodorant is done! I'm excited to try it! Should I use extra virgin coconut oil instead of refined coconut oil? Will the extra virgin coconut oil work better than refined?
Both kinds of coconut oil will work equally well for this recipe.
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I've been making the transition to making my own beauty and household products. I can't wait to try this recipe. I will forward this to my “green” friends as well. One question: Do you think I could put this in a food processor to blend, or would that be more hassle than it's worth?
I would imagine that would work fine but it would probably be a pain to scoop out!
I just recently became very sensitive to the deodorant I was using (Tom's of Maine Apricot). I found this recipe today and made it about half an hour or an hour ago. My armpits are already feeling better! I love the smell. I also added just a few drops of peppermint oil as an added antiseptic.
Thanks so much, Lindsay! (Lindsey? Lyndsay? So many ways to spell it!)
Alright, I just made my first batch and am now on day 4 of testing. So far, so good! I’m pregnant with my second child and love the idea of using something so edible (if not all that tasty) near my nursing baby’s face, especially because it has already withstood a full day of work, a long walk with my daughter and an evening onstage. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Still using this- it’s been a few months, and now hubby is using it too- we both love it and have had such great success with it! Thanks again! Vicki
I take deep water aerobics once or twice a week, & a couple of other simple & natural products in my swim bag: a locally made beeswax soap/shampoo bar, distilled vinegar – both for my skin & hair, also for my suit after I’ve rinsed it – cuts the chlorine! & a 4 oz container with coconut oil with a few drops of lavender Essential Oil. Straight coconut oil makes great ‘lotion’ for any time – but esp helpful after swimming in chlorine! I just whipped up a new batch of the deodorant, & refilled my wee container.
What a sweet video – does make it so clear! I made a similar natural deo several months ago – which also worked great!! Mine called for a few drops of Neem Oil (which I had
which boosts the antibacterial properties! I love making kitchen cosmetics & potions, always feel good about using them. I keep some in my swim bag, as well as in the lav. & have also used it for toothpaste (my mom & dad brushed with salt & soda at times).
Another note on coconut oil – I have been using it in my massage practice for about a year now & love it! Several clients had a small patch of fungus (one for over 10 years) – the patches are now gone!! One client has a slight scar, as she’d tried scrubbing it with salt, tea tree oil, etc – NOTHING worked as well as the pure coconut oil!! (I use OG, but not virgin in my practice – the Aunt Patties)
Thanks for sharing this!
Blessings
Hey, I just BARELY made some of this and my coconut oil was already really soft and almost liquidy. So I ended up adding a bunch more cornstarch than the recipe called for just to thcken it up some, but now it has the consistency of a glaze-like frosting… until I put it in the fridge at which point it becomes almost too hard to be maleable… Do you think it’s the temp? I don’t think my house is much warmer than 75 degrees. Or do you think it’s just a lower quality oil? I’m using unrefined oil I bought at a health food store about a year ago, but it doesn’t expire until august, so I’m just confused as to how to make it be the right semi-solid consistency.
Thanks for any help anyone has to offer…
AAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT believe that this works on my persistently potent pits!!!! You’ve made my day. NOTHING works as well for me as this all natural 3 ingredient deo! Unbelievable! Can you tell I’m excited! It’s not even greasy! Thanks Lindsay…so much!
O.K. I’m SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sad! I started getting a rash. : ( I read the frequently asked questions, and can’t decide if I should keep the recipe as is, and apply aloe vera, OR replace the coconut, OR cut back on the baking soda. What do you think my first step should be. I really would like to make this work.
Hi!
I use a little bit of baking soda (must be Bob’s Red Mill- it is very fine- the other brands are too gritty and can come through the clothing)- and a little bit of water to make a little paste.
It is AWESOME!!! I will never go back to anything else! I only put it on once in the morning and I am good to go!
I took the plunge & tried this & it works great! I do have a minor irritation problem – developed after a few days — I don’t feel anyting, but there are a few red spots. I will try the tip of applying sraight coconut oil first & then the deoderant.
Using the coconut oil first and then the deoderant worked for a while, but I did end up having irritation & sadly had to discontinue. I may try making agin in the future with less baking sodea.
Question.. do you rub it in like lotion, or just apply it and let it dry?
Either way works!
I tried this recipe when you had originally posted it- but developed a severe rash. I was so excited that you put some possible remedies for that, and so I tried it again, and I tried all of them, but still got a rash. I also get a rash from Crystal Rock and Toms of Maine, but not from store bought? Do you happen to know why that would be? Anyways- I love all your tips on your site, keep up the good work:)
I am sorry to hear this. I do not have any other suggestions to make, unfortunately. Can you live with it? Is it painful? I guess you just have to way the pros and cons.
My husband and I had a similar problem. What worked for us was putting coconut oil on our pits BEFORE applying the deo. Now we have no problems at all!
It’s really unbearable! I will try that Jessica! Thanks. Do you put the deo on while your armpits are still wet from the coconut oil, or wait a little bit?
I am starting to get a rash as well. It has been after 3 days of trying this new recipe. Hopefully applying the coconut oil before will resolve this!
I started getting a rash after about 4 days of use. I’ll try the coconut oil first too.
This stuff is FANTASTIC!
I had been meaning to try this for several months, but was unable to find coconut oil, so in the mean time I tried Toms of Main. Toms was great and worked for about 4 months (basically the cold weather here in TX), but left me stinky with a peeling rash. I needed something better without returning to Dove.
I’ve been using this recipe for 3 weeks now and everything is great! No rash, no smell, and not much sweating either. This deodorant does feel a little gritty as I rub it in, but it’s definitely not bad thing (just remember, a little grit is better than aluminum).
Thank you for the recipe! I will definitely work on passing this along.
i used this recipe for toothpaste, adding some thieves and peppermint essential oils. works great! thanks
Thanks for this! Ive been wanting to try it for quite some time now, as all store-bought deodorants make me itch, and I finally made some up a few days ago. Ive been using it for 4 days and its great! AND my armpits have stopped itching
I love the smell of the coconut 
I really hope this will work out for me through the summer months too 
thanks again!
The baking soda i buy for cooking is labeled aluminum-free …. doesnt regular baking soda have aluminum anyways? Id imagine its still far less than regular deodorant? You did a great job on the video, I want to try this out. thank you!
Thank you for this informative post. I’ve read your previous posts on deodorant and the creams and wanted to make them but I’ve been unable to order the coconut oil and shea butter from mountain herbs. The out of stock notification has been on the site for about 2.5 months, maybe longer.
You can find it through other sources as well. Check out vitacost.com for great prices. Just look for raw shea butter and virgin cold pressed coconut oil for the highest quality.
thanks Lindsay
I just had to let you know that I have been using this for four days now and am amazed by how well it works. I’ve tried so many natural deodorants in order to avoid all the chemicals in the traditional ones, and none of them have worked for me. I was ready to give up when I came across your blog and this recipe, so I thought I had nothing to lose by trying it. I’m so very glad I did- thanks so much!
I’ve been using this for ~4 days too! It really works, better than some of the natural ones that I have tried as well. I am pleasantly surprised. Thanks!
All of these wonderful testimonies have convinced me to make some too! My daughter and I are getting ready to do that today =) Now that I read the label on my “natural” deodorant, I cannot bring myself to continue using it, which means I am out of deodorant!
I’m excited to try this!
Thank you for this post, Lindsay!
Karilee
I’m definitely going to try this. I’ve been using a Deoderant Crystal, for the most part, but I’d like to try something else. Also, you’re adorable
My mum and I have been using this receipe for about 5 months now, and we love it. …I’ve even convinced a couple of friends to do the switch-over. The thing is that we’ve both have discovered that over time our armpits are a lovely shade of dark brown. Anyone else find that their skin is slightly discoloured? I think it might be the coconut oil, but what do you think?
@ erika -i am hispanic and have always had darker colored under arms. i’ve been using this recipe now for almost 6 mo. and have found my underarm area actually lightening! i love it. the only down side is having to treat my white colored clothes b/c they tend to turn dark due to the oil. but i’d rather do that than have alum. in my body.
I just made it for the first time! I’m so excited to try it! thanks for the recipe
Someone may have already mentioned this…. but I just wanted to share that I have started mixing my deodorant in the food processor and the consistency is FABULOUS!
Alright. I finally got inspired enough to try this. (Your video worked!)
I was very skeptical for a long time (and secretly wished it would work).
It wasn’t that I doubted you – I just doubted if it would work for ME.
I, too, have tried numerous natural deodorants and have found only ONE that semi-works for me. (It requires multiple applications throughout the day, etc.)
So – I made some the other night around 10 pm (after watching your video) and tried it the next day. I am speechless. It works better than ANYTHING I’ve ever used, including all the conventional brands. (And I’ve even purposely applied it only once each day to test it’s effectiveness.)
It’s only been three days, but I know when a deodorant’s NOT working for me -like within the hour!
Thanks so much for the recipe! I am SOLD!!!
(I’m passing it along to everyone in my co-op.)
Appreciated the recipe as the original one I had seen used cornstarch. Just made my first batch last night and it’s working great today! Thanks!
Okay, love the video. You are adorable and so much fun. This looks too easy not to try! Thanks for all you do.
Bless you!
shannon
I’ve seen this recipe before, but I’ve always been reluctant to try…. I figured it just wouldn’t work as good. But saying your husband uses it too sort of pulled me to the other side.. *lol* I mean.. it just isn’t the same when a little lady says it works, right?
But ehmm.. it works! (surprise!)
We now have a batch with added lavender oil and yes.. my husband loves it too and it even works for him
Greetings from the netherlands!
very cool. Thanks for the recipe.
I have been using this since you put it up last time, and have gotten several of my friends, my mom and my sister-in-law hooked on it. I completely love it, and cannot imagine going back to nasty commercial deo. And just as a testimonial, I used to consider myself a “sweater” but no more! I love that I never have to have that moment of panic when my deo quits working — this stuff lasts ALL day, even through my workout.
I have used this recipe for quite a while now and really like how it works. My mom has even been using it for several months. Would you believe that I made small jars of this for a couple of my friends? I told them that I didn’t think they stunk, but that I wanted them to use a healthier alternative to commercial deodorants. They got a good laugh out of it, though. I hope it will make them think about what is in their deodorant if nothing else. Thanks for all of your great ideas and information.
From what I have read, most baking soda has aluminum in it. I found an aluminum-free baking soda by Bob’s Red Mill. Do you consider the aluminum in regular baking soda to be significant? Do you know of any other sources of aluminum-free baking soda? Thank you for the recipe.
I did extensive research on it and found that baking powder is the one that usually has aluminum in it. I could not find any other conclusive evidence beyond rumors that baking soda contained it.
Yes, ONLY baking POWDER contains aluminum. Baking SODA is pure sodium bicarbonate. If something is labeled baking SODA, it does not contain aluminum.
I loved the video. You are so cute! I remember seeing this recipe last year, and I thought if I ever had a large quantity of coconut oil, I would try it. I bought a gallon from Mountain Rose, which I love! So, I’m glad you reminded me about this. I can’t wait to try this along with your diaper rash cream.
Thanks Lindsey. Looking forward to trying this out and the video gave me the motivation I need! I really appreciated it and you didn’t look a bit nervous! Great work.
Thank you for sharing the link to Skin Deep, In a journey to purging things in my home and living a bit more frugally I had decided to not buy any more beauty products till I had gone through what I already had… something that is not always easy since I am a Mary Kay Consultant for my family(meaning I just order enough to keep the consultant status for a year active) but after doing some soul searching and wanting to obtain a more natural and healthy life style I knew I needed to find out if MK was in fact a healthy choice for myself and my loved ones… I remember that a while back you had a link to a website that gave a list of the dangers in the cosmetic world and I was happy to come back for a visit and search for that link on your site… the Skin Deep cosmetic safety data base was an answer to a prayer as it showed me the dangers MK have in their products it was also sad one at best too seeing the high toxic ratings they have
I have been a MK user for 13 years as it was the only line of products that didnt break my skin out and left my skin feeling soft, but I know now that having soft and blemish free skin is nothing compared to keeping my temple healthy before the Lord…. Thank you for sharing this link and being a beacon of wisdom to us who are still learning and growing especially for this Unsophisticated Farm Girl
Hi Jeanne,
I thought maybe you could find something useful on this site. I have found solutions to our families problems there – and finally have all of our products chemical free.
http://www.ahealthcafe.com/more4you
You did great in the video!!! I’ve been using just plain coconut oil w/ essential oils for a long time now as my deoderant, which works really well for me. But I think I’m going to try adding the baking soda and arrowroot next time! I’m due to make a new batch probably tomorrow, so this was very timely!
Thanks!
THANK YOU for revisiting this recipe! I tried it based on your original post, and loved it for about 2 weeks. I believe I used cornstarch (no talc), expeller pressed coconut oil (didn’t have virgin on hand at the time) and I added a few drops of organic lemon essential oil since I didn’t have the nice coconut smell like I would with virgin. It smelled great, and went on great from an old deodorant dispenser. After the first week or two, I noticed that I started getting a red bumpy rash on my armpits. Not sure if it’s the baking soda or the cornstarch, but I ended up having to stop using it. I will definitely try a small batches experimenting with the baking soda and arrowroot (thanks to the reader who mentioned tapioca powder too!). LOVE the video, by the way. Great job!
I had a reaction to it after a couple weeks, but realized it was razor burn from shaving that was slightly aggravated by the deodorant. Once I started using more emollient products to shave with, I stopped having irritation.
Lindsay, I love this deodorant and have now shared the recipe with my mom and mom in law! They are both excited to get a healthy deodorant alternative that actually works!
Hey Lindsey!
I’ve been following your blog for a while, although I rarely leave a comment (I guess I figure why bother when you have 200 other comments to read lol) and just wanted to say how much I love your blog! You’re so encouraging and uplifting!
We’ll definitely be trying the deodorant recipe once we run out! Do you think fragrance oil would work just as well for scenting?
AWESOME post! Loved the video! More posts with videos!
How do you know if your corn starch has talc in it? What brands are talc free?
I thought maybe it would be listed in the ingredient list, but it wasn’t…Does this mean it doesn’t have any?
I found cornstarch will say clearly if it is talc free. I found talc free at Fred Meyer Nutrition but I am sure it is available at other health food stores as well.
I’ve made this and love it! Thanks for the recipe and I shared your video with my friends on Faacebook!