This is the top homemade recipe posts that I shared here on Passionate Homemaking in the very beginning that has been passed around the internet in incalculable ways, so I thought it was fit to re-share it with you all in our top 10 celebration! Did you get a chance to try it? Our family continues to use this recipe to this day.
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/cornstarch.
- 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.
UPDATE (5/17/12): Today I tried using a immersion hand blender to make the deodorant, and it worked surprisingly well. It took maybe 10 seconds to combine the ingredients without a mess or heating and melting the ingredients too much, which is the main concern when using a electric mixing alternative. If it becomes too liquidy, it is difficult to apply, so limit your mixing to no more than 5-10 seconds for best results. It firmed right up when I let it sit for a bit in the storage container. Great option to simplify the process!
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. Sometimes this may be a detoxing method of the body to remove impurities in your skin from previous standard deodorants. If you wait it out a few weeks, it may disappear altogether, as it happened with me. If not, 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?
You are free to use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as desired. Arrowroot is a more natural thickening agent alternative. I use arrowroot powder as an alternative to cornstarch in all my cooking. 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.
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Great recipe – I’ve made some up and found it effective! You mention the hazards of aluminium (as we say here in UK), but I think you forgot to note that the baking soda / bicarbonate of soda used for this recipe should be ALUMINIUM-FREE.
Best,
Rach
Rach- it’s a total myth, actually. ALL baking soda is aluminum free. You can read about it here: http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-baking-soda-anti-hoax
It is actually baking POWDER that possibly contains aluminum. Baking SODA is a pure substance; baking powder is a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar (the homemade version anyway) – why they add aluminum I don’t understand (ostensibly for anti-caking, but I don’t have that problem with any of my homemade stuff…)
Shortly before I got pregnant with my first girl, I read about the dangers of aluminum in anti-perspirants. I didn’t think much of it at first but started to come across more and more research linking aluminum in the brain to Alzheimer’s and other scary diseases. That was all I needed to know. Did a ton of research on natural deodorants in the market, and Lavilin consistently got really great reviews. Figured I’d try it out and I’m so happy I did! I’ve got 4 kids now, and I make sure all of them use it. My husband loves it as well. We feel a lot safer using Lavilin!
oh my!!! For 30 years I have been using Health Food Store deodorants that DO NOT work. This recipe WORKS!! Agrees w/ my body chemistry. I’m so happy to have found it. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic!!!!! After years of switching brands, going back to a brand i thought i would do some research and found this. Store bought deodorants work for a while, then become less effective and/or cause a severe itch. I can go back to a brand after a while before it starts bothering me again. This home made mixture is fantastic. I did not mix it well or it was just too grainy for me at first cause it went on very rough and was very painful. So i remixed and strained it. Ended up with a very silky smooth mixture that goes on great. I jogged yesterday in near 90 degree heat, and no odor….none!!! Assuming no future issues, i will be using this for a long time.
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I have been skeptical to try this, not sure why though. I ran out of store bought deodorant Sunday night and knew I needed something. I was thinking about doing just baking soda but knew that wouldn’t work all day so figured I would search this recipe up again. Made it while I was getting my daughter ready for school, applied it and at the end of the day, NO SMELL!!! LOVE IT! Thank you again!
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I used the same measurements listed and mine came out really liquidy. I had to add a TON more conrstarch and baking soda to thicken it up. Do you think it will still be as effective?
One other reason for this is that you may not have been mixing it long enough. The mixture seems to cake or clump up before it blends and it takes longer than you might think to get to proper consistency.I usually blenduntil it gets a texture similar to creamcheese and I usually use a fork because whisks tend to cake up too much for me. Some use a spoon press technique.
I personally only use the baking soda/cornstarch – I like to just pat it on and it’s faster for me personally. It works great. I may need a new application if I’m working hard physically, but that’s all
Doesn’t coconut oil make your hair grow faster? I don’t want my underarm hair to grow faster! Haha
I have heard that too, but actually for me my hair under my arms has thinned out (just a little) since Ive been using this. Maybe a good thing? Lol.
Just wanted to say thank you for this, ive been so scared to use regular store crap, and what they sell in health food stores is at a ridiculous price! thank you again
can i use lavender oil instead of tea tree oil … and can i use coconut oil that you you apply on your hair,its in liquid state,is it the same as the one in the solid state?
Yes, you can use the oil oh your preference and I believe that lavender essential oil also has some antimicrobial properties.
If the coconut oil is pure, it’s the same. Coconut oil becomes a liquid at approximately 75 degrees and up.
Yes, you can use the oil of your preference and I believe that lavender essential oil also has some antimicrobial properties.
If the coconut oil is pure, it’s the same. Coconut oil becomes a liquid at approximately 75 degrees and up.
Can I add shea to the coconut oil? If so- would you melt it a little first or work it in? Any thoughts?
I add about 3-4 tablespoons of shea butter and melt it with the coconut oil, mix in the rest, and then let it solidify in my container of choice. I had to quit using the deoderant because it turned my pits raw and rashy, but the shea butter completely solved it!
I don’t understand, I’ve made this and it’s not really possible to smear/spread it. I can big chunks of white that I have to remove with a towel.
I does get liquidy, but when putting it under my arms it it sticks together, if that makes sense.
Also the area around is all white and so are my clothes.
Please help!
I *get* big chunks
This has happened to me also before. What I did was take a small chunk and rub it between my fingers to soften it before I applied it. I hope that helps.
Im concerned about the appearing white part of your comment. This has never happened to me. What exactly is happenening that is turning white?
Thanks for your reply. I do rub it between my hands or fingers and it does go soft, but chunks remain.
I also tried making it warm(er) with the blow dryer. It went really smooth but didn’t solve the problem.
I’m gonna try a new batch.. Don’t know what else to try.
I’ll let you know!
About the whiteness, I think it could be the baking soda..?
For the “clumpiness” the only thing I can think of is the ratio of corn starch is too high. For the whiteness, if you are talking about the deodorant, that’s normal. The baking soda, corn starch, and coconut oil (when solid) are all white. I haven’t used arrowroot powder yet but I expect that if its not, it should be close and not change the color much. But let me know if the deo stains any of your clothes white. From my experience it dissolves in sweat and doesn’t leave a residue but I have been using it primarily with white t-shirts.
I have seen countless other comments from women on this site and others that praise the deo for not staining clothes. I usually put it on and GENTLY rub it in before putting on my shirts. Not even run, it’s more like smooth it on so that its not chunky. If I am using an old deodorant case, this isnt necessary because my body heat can melt it as I apply it so it goes on easier.
One thing I forgot though…since it is oil based it CAN stain clothes if youfrom get it on your clothes Before you apply it. This has happened to me slightly on accident at the bottom of my dress shirts but in an inconspicuous area and as I. Was applying it. No stains anywhere else.
Was thinking of treating it with a little dishwashing soap to get it out, but its not really a problem for me and more of a lesson/reminder to be more careful next time when I apply it.
The stain was not white though and looks more like a wet spot except since its oil it wont dry out. Any whiteness from accidently touching something dry can be brushed off before it melts to prevent possible stains as well.
this recently happened to me when I accidently got a little on my black pants as applying but lightly brushing it out with a paper towel worked fine with no stains.
I just use the baking soda and cornstarch – it works great, no clumping, just pat it on and go. (some falls off onto the sink, but I use that clean the sink
).
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I am doing my best to get to a more natural way of life this is bringing mr one step closer thank you so much !
I am pleased to see the natural deodorant as such deos will be free from chemicals and do not harm skin.
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Thank you so much for this! When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago, I started looking into possible causes for it, and changing some things in my life so that I can be extra-careful and hopefully avoid it. I made this recipe a few weeks ago, and it works WAY better than the natural deodorants I have been using for the last year and a half. It hasn’t stained my clothes, and doesn’t wear off in a few hours. I’ve actually gone 2 days without realizing it! This weekend, I made a batch for my mom and threw away her aluminum deodorant. So simple and effective.
Thank you so much for making this available! I was just looking into a natural, healthy alternative to deodorant after reading an article on the effects of parabens in standard deodorant & their contribution to breast cancer. Anything that furthers my health & the health of others is golden in my book.
Thanks for the recipe. I have always worried about what the ‘ingredients’ of commercial deodorants were doing to my body… I love how this includes coconut oil – I have read of so many benefits that coconut oil has. We really need to be shouting about the health benefits of it from the roof tops and it is one of the very few oils that doesn’t break down with heat.
A friend of mine was given some of this by a friend of hers. It was coconut peppermint deodorant. She let me use some of it. I WAS BLOWN AWAY!!! But I have a few questions that don’t appear to have been asked on this site yet, as my friend has been unable to contact her friend about it.
First, how much peppermint do you suggest I add in ratio with your recipe? Also, what is the consistency of the deodorant like? The one my friend’s friend had made her was the same consistency of a regular old stick of Sure. How do you suggest I get it to that consistency?
I’ve just made this and can’t wait to try it.
I was thinking though, is it an idea to warm up the oil a little so that the baking soda dissolves and so you don’t have the problem with itchiness or rashes?
For me, I think it was the corn starch that caused the rash and the itchiness. I was getting a bad rash after using this a few days and it didn’t go away until I stopped using it for a few days. The rash and itching seem to come when I have been using it continuously for at least a few days and not right away. Lately I have used a baking soda and water paste that has never itched or caused any rash. It usually lasts me at least 24 hours so it’s good in a pinch but it’s not quite as convenient and this deodorant lasts longer. I’ve been having trouble finding beeswax to help thicken the deodorant and take the place of the corn starch though so now I think I’ll just try baking soda and coconut oil by themselves and see how that works.
Beeswax can be purchased at Amazon.com for about a dollar an ounce. Be careful not to use too much, it will make the deodorant hard. It adds a great smell though!
Thanks SarahBeth! I was looking locally and not really thinking to look online.
Do you have any brands that you would recommend?
To answer the other question…Even as a liquid, the baking soda doesnt dissolve like it does in water…its better to apply it in solid form. but I’ve also used a spray mixed with distilled water, baking soda and salt (you can use sea salt if you prefer). It works, but the paste is stronger and using the spray is a little unsettling because you have to figure the right ratios for the strength you need. Common rule is equal ratios of salt and baking soda to keep it ph balanced but the amount to add to the water to be effective from person to person and would take some experimenting. Do not use a paste made with dry salt. It is too abrasive for skin. Salt should be used dissolved only. I hope this wasn’t TMI.
Thanks for the reply. Not tmi at all, the more the better
i made a very similar recipe:
½ c Shea butter
½ c Coconut Oil
¼ c Candellila wax
¼ c Beeswax
½ c arrowroot powder
¼ c baking soda
1 tsp Vit E oil
EOs
i melted my oils for the powders to disperse…works awesome as a deodorant….after a week i noticed the skin felt different, but i didnt care since i was having awesome no-stink results. but unfortunately, after about 4 weeks of daily use, my pits are peeling, literally sloughing off skin!
ultimately, i dont think dispersement was the issue. i think its the baking soda. sad that im apparently sensitive to it. i might try doing a kaolin clay/arrowroot mix, but i doubt it will have the same deodorizing power baking soda has.
This is probably the wax. It is plugging your pores and you are not getting proper circulation
@ Robin – That makes sense. Does the beeswax do that also or were you referring to both the beeswax and the wax? I just bought some beeswax to try to help my next batch of deodorant stay solid during the upcoming summer months…
This is a great recipe. I have just started using coconut oil on its own as deodorant and it works well but in the warmer months it feels a little like sweat so i added the Bi carb to dry it up a bit.
I just made this and forgot the cornstarch. The consistency seems fine. I doubled the baking soda. Do I need to go back and add it?
Is this just as effective for other areas of the body…like my nine year old’s chronically smelly feet?
You can use white vinegar;) It’s natural and works with some patiente;) I read it on http://www.everydaytrick.com
There are other interesting tricks too overthere
Perfect! I just bought coconut oil so we could make our third batch of deoderant and needed to come check your recipe – and there it was. I’ve really enjoyed it. Our almost 2-year-old likes to put use it too, sticking her hand down her shirt just like mommy and daddy
Hi, I was just wondering which type of coconut oil you buy. The refined or unrefined? And do you use the same kind for cooking and body care? Thanks!
I used unrefined coconut oil for all my needs because it just keeps it simple.
Love this! We actually already make this and it is wonderful!
I’ve been looking for a natural deodorant recipe, this sounds like something I can do! I have all the ingredients on hand, can’t wait to try it. Always so nice to meet a fellow Believer in Jesus Christ on the web! Thanks, Anna
NEVER STOP SHARING THIS! I’ve been using this for a few years now and am always telling everyone to try it. It works so much better than any commercial deo I ever tried and it smells way better. I smell much better, too! When I first switched, it seemed to draw all the toxins out of my body and I don’t stink anymore. I only wear this stuff every 2-3 days (about how often I shower). We have been trained to think we need all these harsh cleaners and chemicals but if we let our bodies work the way they were designed, they work better!
You have inspired me to try this recipe. Thanks for commenting.
This is actually how I found your blog – by searching for a homemade deodorant.
And, it’s ultimately what got my skin care business running.
This is a fantastic recipe! I’m really happy I came across it. I’ve tried using just baking soda and water in the past and found it was too harsh on my armpits and caused a lot of irritation and discomfort! Drugstore deodorants never did work for me as far as eliminating odor, but this sure does. It’s been about a month since I started using this recipe and I am very happy. I am much more confident now when I’m out and about because even when I am sweating (which is pretty much all the time), I know I don’t have the odor that I had in the past. I also feel good knowing what’s in my deodorant. I just apply this on clean and lightly exfoliated (with a soft sponge) armpits and I’m ready for the day.Thank you for this recipe!!
I hope you’re still checking comments… I’m not in the US so I could inadvertently get something wrong. So, you say baking soda, is that sodium bicarbonate on it’s own or mixed with a crystallized acid (usually cream of tartar)?
Second, if closely related, question, if baking soda is the one with acid then your statement about it being a potential irritant makes even more sense. So, if so, is the acid important, or would it be better to try to make this with acid-free sodium bicarb?
Thanks in advance for all help, and I can’t wait to try this!
Merope
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate — baking powder is the one with the crystallized acid.
This sounds like a great recipe, I’ll definitely try it out!
But I was just wondering: are you implying, that only women can get breast cancer? It is not so! Men have nipples and they can get breast cancer, I think it’s around 5% of all who get breast cancer. Just IFY.
Great video! I’ve made my own toothpaste with coconut oil as a base, and can’t wait to try your deodorant recipe. Seems SO much more healthy than the store-bought varieties. I have everything on-hand except for the arrowroot powder. BTW, what else can I use the arrowroot powder for? Thanks!
You can use arrowroot powder for anything where you would use cornstarch. I use arrowroot for thickening in cooking because most corn products are contaminated by genetically modified corn – it is wind pollinated so the altered corn pollen floats in the air and lands on other corn crops. I’ve read that about 95% of all U.S. corn crops have been polluted now.
Arrowroot used to be very common in the past, but cornstarch being cheaper, now arrowroot is a specialty item.
Also, kudzu powder can also be used for thickener – I don’t know how well it would work for this deodorant recipe.
When I got pregnant with my little one, I started looking into more natural skin care products. I actually tried this first and we (my husband and I) have been using it for about a year now and it really does work! My husband even says he likes it better than his old stand by. I have included this with my homemade Christmas gifts this year – especially the new moms on my list.
I even did a blog post on it!
http://simplyprimalfamily.com/2012/11/30/easy-homemade-all-natural-deoderant/
I just have to say; I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU!!! Thank you so much for the video. This is just what I have been needing in my quest for all natural deodorant. Some years ago I found a recipe for natural deodorant that was 1 part baking soda to 2 parts cornstarch and although I used it for a while, it was very inconvenient because it was a powder. This is the answer to my prayers. I do have one question though, how would I incorporate the benefits of lemon into this recipe? Would I use the essential oil or could I use a fresh lemon? If I used the fresh lemon, would it definitely need to be refrigerated? Thank you in advance for your time.
I use the lemon essential oil(EO) as it wont spoil and the scent is stronger. Lemon juice also contains water which can cause your deodorant to emulsify. You dont want that. Keep in mind though that the EO is basically concentrated so you mix in drops. Try a few drops first, then add more or less based on your personal preference. Lemon EO also has beneficial properties such as antimicrobial etc.
Also the lemon EO comes from the rind, so it is completely different then lemon juice. Just FYI. Lemon EO is not very pricey though, citruses are usually very affordable.
Thanks for this. Found your site sometime last year. I’d been searching forever for a natural deodorant that actually WORKS. Who would have figured it would be one I could make myself–total bonus! I just used up the last of my first batch and am about to make another.
I just want to thank you so much for this recipe. Both myself and my hubbie (believe it or not) have been testing this out for the last few days…two words….LOVE IT!!! I’m still finding it hard to believe that this deodorant eliminates the body odour. Not only does it eliminate it but it lasts amazingly throughout the whole day and into the next
Thanks again!!
Made this last night, used it today, LOVE. I added tea tree oil to the mix and it smells sooo beautiful! It was a CRAZY day and the deodorant really kept the ‘funk’ in check. I will be using this for the forseeable future, thank you SO MUCH!!!
Oh wow – been desperately looking for a natural deo, and I have all the ingredients for this at home! Can’t wait to go and mix it up. Thank you so much for this!
I just made this yesterday. LOVE IT!!! I have bought some tea tree oil that I would like to add to it. Can you tell me how much I am supposed to add? Thanks!!!
Wow great article I can’t wait to try this. I always had a bad smell using regural deodorants until I started using natural deodorarnts that ca be found in organic stores. One good trick that really helps to reduce odor is to apply vinergar at night. It is great at killling any bacteria that is causing bad odor.