Homemade deodorant that actually works can be difficult to create. In a natural beauty routine, DIY deodorant may be scary to attempt (after all, no one wants to stink).
However, with the right combination of ingredients, you can smell fresh as a daisy and feel great about the ingredients used on your skin. And, this recipe is so simple!
With ingredients like coconut oil, bentonite clay, and essential oils, this all natural deodorant isn’t just non-toxic – it’s actually good for your skin, too.
Read on for the best homemade deodorant recipe I’ve come across! It’s detoxifying, easy to make, and it’s a natural deodorant that WORKS!
Body odor. Not something I’ve relished as I tried to find a natural solution for deodorizing my pits.
If you’re reading this blog, I’m assuming you want to live as naturally as possible – yet, no one wants to smell bad while doing it. And let’s face it, some of those “all natural deodorant” sticks just don’t work.
But we also don’t want horrible chemicals clogging up our pores and seeping into our bodies. Most commercial deodorants and anti-perspirants contain parabens, aluminum, silica, triclosan, propylene glycol, and other yucky things. Many of these are linked to cancer (particularly breast), skin irritation, and other problems according to Organics.org.
Even so-called “organic” brands of all natural deodorant can contain ingredients that are less than stellar for your health.
Let’s think about this whole sweating thing for a minute. God created our bodies to sweat and get rid of toxins. The anti-perspirants that contain aluminum clog everything up, literally blocking the release of those toxins.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this can’t be good for our bodies. A deodorant without aluminum is essential.
But I still want to smell pretty. What’s a crunchy girl to do??
Enter the best homemade deodorant recipe on earth.
Guys, I can’t take credit for this one. The original homemade deodorant recipe comes from Nadia at Body Unburdened. I just tweaked it a little bit and saw the idea elsewhere to pour the mixture into empty deodorant canisters to make a homemade deodorant stick.
It works just like regular deodorant but it’s SO much better for you! I’m not much of a numbers person, but I’m pretty sure this recipe is also cheaper than store-bought deo.
As opposed to commercial deodorant which puts toxins into your body, this homemade natural deodorant does the opposite and actually pulls toxins out of your body! Wow.
Related: Best Healthy Living Resources List
A side note: If you’re an avid store-bought deodorant user, it may take your body a little while to adjust to the all natural deodorant – you may sweat a little more for a time. Just apply the homemade deodorant more frequently to combat this. Your body WILL adjust – and you’re doing yourself a favor!
Homemade deodorant ingredients + what they do:
1 cup coconut oil:
Coconut oil acts as the base for the homemade deodorant and gives it a creamy texture. It has awesome anti-bacterial properties. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to store the deodorant in the fridge if it starts to get melty.
1/2 cup beeswax pastilles (optional):
Beeswax helps to solidify the deodorant for use in the stick containers. The pastilles or pellets are easier to measure and use than the beeswax block. Feel free to omit this if you keep your home cool or live in a cooler climate, or if you want to store your deodorant in a jar instead. It is advisable to use beeswax if you live in a warm climate, since coconut melting point is 76° F.
6 tablespoons baking soda: Neutralizes your pH and helps with body odor to create a baking soda deodorant. If you would rather have a homemade deodorant without baking soda, here’s the best sensitive skin deodorant recipe with no baking soda!
6 tablespoons corn starch:
The role of cornstarch is to absorb excess moisture from the skin.
2 tablespoons bentonite clay (optional):
Bentonite clay is the detoxifying ingredient in this recipe. This homemade deodorant with bentonite clay also absorbs excess moisture and heals the skin.
30 drops essential oils:
Tea tree essential oil is great for it’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, but you could also use lavender, orange, rosemary – use your imagination! I love that this deodorant can be tailored to whatever scent you want. Plant Therapy essential oils are my favorite – they are wonderful quality for the price point.
Please note that this recipe makes enough to fill 2 empty deodorant canisters, plus a little extra.
Related post: All Natural Home Spa Day Routine (with DIY recipes)
Psst…before we get to the recipe, grab the “DIY Skincare Recipes” digital download/printable below for free, which includes this and 6 other awesome homemade skincare recipes.
Natural Homemade Deodorant Stick Method:
Start with 2 empty deodorant canisters. You can split the recipe if you only have one. Just wash it out and you’re good to go!
If you don’t have a deodorant canister already, you can order them or just put your deodorant in a small container and spread it on with your fingers (a bit messy, but it works). Check out these empty containers.
Melt the coconut oil (and beeswax, if using) until it’s in liquid form. I just stick mine in the toaster oven for a few minutes, or microwave for a minute or two. Mix together thoroughly.
Mix the dry ingredients together with a fork.
Add all the dry ingredients and essential oils to the melted liquid mixture and stir with a small whisk or fork until it’s nice and smooth.
The mixture will be the consistency of gravy and should look something like this. However, if you are using beeswax, it will be thicker – more like peanut butter.
Then pour (or scoop) it into your empty deodorant canisters.
Refrigerate for several hours until the mixture is solid. You may need to let it sit at room temperature for a little while after this if it’s super cold. It will soften a bit and enable you to twist the deodorant up and down.
Your deodorant is ready to use! I’ve noticed that it goes on a little thicker than store-bought, so you won’t need as many swipes as usual for good coverage.
More DIY body care recipes to try:
- 5 Minute, Non-Greasy Body Lotion with Coconut Oil + Aloe
- Homemade Magnesium Body Butter
- Easy DIY Foaming Hand Soap
- Homemade Mouthwash that Works
Once you start making this deodorant, you’ll probably never want to stop! So simple, frugal, and good for you.
UPDATE: This is my husband’s all time favorite recipe. I love it too, but lately I’ve been gravitating toward this sensitive skin deodorant recipe. It’s perfect if you have any rashes or irritation going on (this can happen to some people using deodorant with baking soda).
Natural Homemade Deodorant Recipe Notes:
- If your skin gets irritated, use less baking soda. It will still deodorize with less chance of irritation.
- If you have any issues with the bentonite clay getting on your clothes, you are probably using too much deodorant. Try using a smaller amount and make sure it is absorbed fully before getting dressed. Alternatively, you can omit the bentonite clay if you wish.
- When using bentonite clay, it’s advisable to only use plastic or wooden utensils instead of metal. It is thought that the detox effect of the clay actually pulls metals from the utensils into the mixture. I accidentally used metal for this batch, as you can see in the photos.
- If you don’t have stick deodorant canisters, you can just use small jars or containers and apply a small amount with your fingers.
Related post: DIY Magnesium Lotion
Homemade Deodorant Recipe Card
Homemade Deodorant That Works
With ingredients like coconut oil, bentonite clay, and essential oils, this all natural deodorant isn't just non-toxic - it's actually good for your skin, too.
With ingredients like coconut oil, bentonite clay, and essential oils, this all natural deodorant isn't just non-toxic - it's actually good for your skin, too.
Ingredients
- 3 empty deodorant canisters
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup beeswax pastilles
- 6 tbsp. baking soda
- 6 tbsp. cornstarch non-gmo
- 2 tbsp. bentonite clay
- 30 drops essential oil lavender or other
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, melt the coconut oil and beeswax in the microwave 1-2 minutes until melted. Stir together thoroughly.
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Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients slowly, stirring frequently with a small whisk or fork to combine.
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Add essential oils of choice to deodorant mixture and stir well.
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Carefully pour or scoop into empty deodorant canisters. Refrigerate to harden.
Recipe Notes
Deodorant stays fresh around 2 months at room temperature.
Beeswax is optional. If you choose to omit, store deodorant in small containers (not twist up deodorant canisters) and apply a small amount with your fingers.
Also check out my “Things I Love” page, where I share the BEST resources for healthy and non-toxic living. You’re sure to find a treasure!
Not keen on making your own deodorant? Or need a backup in case you run out? Here’s our favorite non toxic brand – Schmidt’s. It keeps you dry and smells heavenly. They have lots of natural scents to choose from. It even has husband’s stamp of approval.
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Would you ever try making your own homemade deodorant?
With Joy,
PIN IT!
Wonder if melting a bit of bees wax and mixing with this mixture, would help when it’s hot, so deodorant doesn’t melt. Hmmm, may have to try, but first need to research the affects of bees wax in deodorant.
Charlene, I am planning to do another version with beeswax. This recipe is perfect except for in the height of summer – in a warm place it can get melty. Another idea is to store it in the fridge.
Yes Charlene, I believe adding bees wax would work great. Haven’t had a chance to try it yet, so let me know if it works for you! Thanks for reading <3
Charlene, I just updated the post and included beeswax in the recipe. I tried making it this morning, and it works great! Will definitely help with the melting effect. And beeswax is good for the skin, too.
Post has been updated to include beeswax. Thanks for the suggestion!
i think if you add beeswax it might clog your pores…
Love this recipe. I made sample for friends/ family to try. I’m worried about it melting out of the twist up deodorant canisters. Any advice on how to ship them?
It would definitely depend on the climate, if it’s too warm they might melt. Good luck and thanks for the review!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve been looking for a good alternative, but had pretty much given up on anything homemade that actually worked. Looking forward to trying this! 🙂
Yay Beverly! So glad and I really hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂
Thank you for your comment, Julie. That is a great idea to use the baking soda; I will give it a try! I find the recipe in the post works really well for us. I did mention that if your house gets pretty warm, it’s a good idea to store it in the fridge. I am interested in trying a recipe with beeswax in the near future.
Tried this… easy to make and worked wonders. Thank you for your post
Yay! I’m so glad!
Works great but baking soda is too harsh on my skin and ended up with red welts under my arms. Wish I could find something without baking soda that actually works.
I have an upcoming sensitive skin deodorant post in the near future! NO baking soda in this one. Keep your eyes peeled! Thanks for the suggestion. (Sorry for the delayed response. I had a glitch on my blog and it wasn’t displaying any comments).
Try using less baking soda. I had the same problem. Stopped using the deodorant for some days for my armpits to heal and then started using one with a much lesser concentration of baking soda. Surprisingly I’m still smelling good and have no irritation. I even smelled good on the days I used no deodorant, I guess I had too much baking soda stored under my armpits.
That’s a great tip! I’m planning an upcoming deodorant recipe for sensitive skin, so stay tuned for that 🙂
Okay I’ve tried this, it does keep me dry, my only problem is that I have to put it back into the fridge, to keep it from getting soft. What’s the remedy for this.
The recipe has been updated to include beeswax. Thanks for your suggestion! (Sorry for the delayed response. I had a glitch on my blog and it wasn’t displaying any comments).
Hi Lorraine! I’ve recently adjusted the recipe to include beeswax, which helps a LOT. Glad you’re enjoying the recipe! (I apologize for the delayed response. A glitch on my blog was preventing me from viewing comments.)
Thanks for sharing this! I was SO excited to find your blog that mixes faith & nature. It’s very refreshing. I love this recipe & it seems so easy so I definitely will be trying it. I tossed my deodorant (kept the containers!) before ACTUALLY having a plan (oops LOL) so I decided to buy the Schmidt’s Rose Vanilla, I found it on sale at my local store for like $7.95 vs $12 on Amazon so I went with it. You use SO little, like 1/4 the amount of regular, and I live in Texas haha, so it was worth the money. Plus I knew I could never afford to make Rose and Vanilla essentjal oil scented deodorant bc those oils are so expensive! It was an awesome little splurge to celebrate me cutting out toxins. I have been wanting to make my own deodorant though for backup or to keep a travel size in my purse & really like this recipe. Arrowroot is really cheap at my local store so I buy it vs the organic cornstarch but they should work the same. Thanks again! If it turns out pretty or cute I’ll post it on my IG & tag you. 🙂
Awesome, Tara! Thanks for your interest and support of the blog! I’m a big Schmidt’s fan too. Glad you’re enjoying the recipe, too! I have a sensitive skin version coming up too, so stay tuned for that. And yes, please tag me on IG, I’d love to see your creation, cute or not! (Sorry for the delayed response. I had a glitch on my blog and it wasn’t displaying any comments).
Thanks for sharing this! I was SO excited to find your blog that mixes faith & nature. It’s very refreshing. I love this recipe & it seems so easy so I definitely will be trying it. I tossed my deodorant (kept the containers!) before ACTUALLY having a plan (oops LOL) so I decided to buy the Schmidt’s Rose Vanilla, I found it on sale at my local store for like $7.95 vs $12 on Amazon so I went with it. You use SO little, like 1/4 the amount of regular, and I live in Texas haha, so it was worth the money. Plus I knew I could never afford to make Rose and Vanilla essentjal oil scented deodorant bc those oils are so expensive! It was an awesome little splurge to celebrate me cutting out toxins. I have been wanting to make my own deodorant though for backup or to keep a travel size in my purse & really like this recipe. Arrowroot is really cheap at my local store so I buy it vs the organic cornstarch but they should work the same. Thanks again! If it turns out pretty or cute I’ll post it on my IG & tag you. 🙂
OH I also wanted to add that Geranium essential oil is a great one to use as well because it is a natural deodorant! The Schmidt’s one I have definitely has Geranium in it, it’s a scent you can’t miss. I bought Healing Solutions brand for like $7 on Amazon and it has amazing reviews, better than any other brand. If you haven’t used it before it takes some getting used to but it’s so strong it will last forever bc one drop is literally enough to scent a whole room lol.
Thank you so much for the Geranium suggestion! I will definitely look into that, it sounds divine!
This really works! I made this about 1 month ago and it really works. I was outside today in 90+ degree weather and it kept me dry. I used ylang ylang for the essential oil. It is nice and refreshing. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Yay, Lois! I am so glad you are enjoying it! I really like Ylang Ylang, too. 🙂 (Sorry for the delayed response. I had a glitch on my blog and it wasn’t displaying any comments).
Hi, Mary! I LOVE this recipe! It absolutely works! I still smell clean even after my hot yoga sessions! It’s the first natural deodorant that I’ve used that I don’t smell “ripe” at the end of the night or the next morning.
Question: The formula is a little soft and tends to seep over the edges of the tube and get caught in the cap crack. I make the formula exactly as you described above (except that I use a double boiler to melt the coconut oil and beeswax instead of melting in the microwave). Any recommendations for firming it up a bit? Perhaps, more beeswax? Or, less coconut oil?
Thanks,
Jamie
I am SO glad you’re happy with it, Jamie! That is awesome! I would say experimenting with the ration of beeswax and coconut oil is a good idea if you’re having issues. Maybe try adding some additional beeswax first? (Sorry for the delayed response. I had a glitch on my blog and it wasn’t displaying any comments).
Hello! Would you say that you think the betonite clay also helps thicken the mixture, or not? Thanks!
Mary
Yes, I think so Mary! The beeswax helps a lot, too. I didn’t use it at first, but now I do, and it’s a lot better.
Loved your article! I will be trying the beeswax on the deodorant since it melted on me…
I actually have a really good recipe for make up and you may already have the ingredients in your pantry.
Ingredients:
Jojoba oil (as a base)
Zinc Oxide (optional, for sunscreen protection, non-nano)
Moroccan Red Clay (this is for color)
Cocoa Powder (more color)
Bentonite Green Clay or Bentonite Yellow Clay (Depending on skin color or corrections)
Arrowroot (change the consistency of the makeup)
Instructions:
Pour some Jojoba oil in a plastic container, the quantity you want to make, and add in Zinc Oxide, the more you pour the whiter the base will be and depth of coverage will be better, I typically put 1/2-1 tsp, but I am very fair. Then add in 1/4 Bentonite Clay if you need it or want the benefits and mix until there are no lumps. This is the hard part, add in a little cocoa powder and the Moroccan Red Clay slowly until you get the color that matches your skin. You will need to test it several times. The Zinc will make it harder to achieve the color and you will use more clay or cocoa than if you don’t include it. Bentonite, if green will make it darker and helps hide redness, so it will be a delicate process (you can also omit it and you don’t have to worry about it). Depending on your preference of makeup foundation, liquid vs solid, use the arrowroot to change the consistency. Make sure you test it between adding amounts because it will change the coverage and or the color. If you like the powder form just omit the jojoba oil.
I did not include exact measures because everyone is different and this will be a truly custom color depending on what you are trying to accomplish. I made my liquid a bit heavier than store brands and apply with a brush. The heavy cream like one I apply with my fingers, and use a brush for the powder. This liquid will not work with a sponge as it tends to clump because the sponge absorbs the oil. I also made cream eyeshadow with colored clays and shea butter with a little arrowroot and white clay to play with shades.
I hope you try it and find that it is not hard to DIY your make up.
Wow, that is amazing Diana! So cool you figured out a way to DIY makeup! Hopefully I’ll have time to try this someday. Do you feel like it has a smooth finish and wears well? And yes, the beeswax really helps this recipe.
Hi my mixture looks to be separating, what do recommend?
Hi Courtney! Is the solid finished deodorant separating, or the liquid? That hasn’t happened to me before. Did you heat it up thoroughly and stir really well? Maybe it’s a climate thing?
I just made this recipe and the bentonite clay didn’t mix well with everything else. I’m very sure that I followed the measurements on the recipe. I microwaved the coconut oil and beeswax for 2.5 minutes items and it was hot and melted after stirring. But when I put the dry ingredients in, the clay sunk to the bottom. I stirred and stirred but it didn’t mix. I just kinda stirred while spooning into the containers. It probably sunk to the bottom while it cooled but didn’t know what else to do.
Oh no, I hate that this happened to you Heather! Maybe it’s because you used a different brand of clay? Not sure…
Mary, Excited to make this for our family! Thinking I’d like to make in bulk and have some backup sticks. Just one less monthly chore. What is the shelf life for it? I didn’t see any mention in the article so good at room for a longtime I assume? If I use deodorant containers would I do best to refrigerate the backup sticks not in use?
Thanks so much!
Great questions, Adam! I’ve never kept a batch around that long so I can’t definitively say. To be on the safe side, I recommend a shelf life of 3 months. That being said, the sticks would probably last longer, but you’d have to just try it and see! Let me know what your experience is. And no, I don’t see a need for refrigeration unless you’re omitting the beeswax. Best of luck!
Hi I just made this recipe. I used the beeswax and it is too solid to use. Does anyone have a troubleshooting fix?
Sorry you’re having issues, Cheryl! Climate seems to affect it some. We live in a really warm climate. Maybe try reducing the beeswax by half and see what you think? Best wishes and hope to see you around the blog more (you can follow on social media :D)
Mary I’m excited to try this out. I’ve been looking for a natural diy deodorant. Can you please list the brand of the items you use to make this deodorant? I’ve noticed final products can vary if I’m not using the same brand of products. Thank you.
Thanks for your comment, Natalie. Each of the products linked within the post will work great. Glad to have you here!
Bentonite clay is not dissolving!! It looks like kitty litter in the bottom. I heated mine on the Stove then removed from heat, added dry ingredients and have been stirring for ten minutes. It’s heavy on the bottom not dissolving at all!! Any suggestions?
Oh no, Jashelle! I’m sorry. Maybe it’s the brand of clay? I’m sure each brand is different. It might help to whisk the dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet ingredients.
Has anyone had issues with ” staining” from the coconut oil on your clothing from the homemade deodorant?
Sorry you’re dealing with this, Jill. Perhaps try using a little less, and letting it absorb a bit before getting dressed. Hope that helps.
You do realise you use antiperspirant when you sweat excessively don’t you?
It does not mean you don’t sweat anymore. Just less. Deodorant is all about masking the scent that develops when sweat meets your skins bacteria.
Right, I just think tampering with our body’s ability to release sweat might not be the best option. But you do what works for you!
I am super excited to make my own deodorant! However, my husband is very allergic to all things coconut. Are there any substations for the coconut oil?! Thank you!
Thanks for your comment! I am pretty sure you can make it with most mild skin oils, like jojoba for instance. The beeswax will help it solidify. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
OK so I just made a batch and I used a metal whisk ND melted it in a metal bowl is this batch garbage? It turned out well and constancy with beeswax was perfect
I’m not sure… I’ve read that bentonite clay draws/leaches out metals so that’s why I recommend not using metal.
I don’t own a microwave. Can this be double boiled instead? Are there any changes I should made before hand?
Yes you can use a double boiler.
Have you ever researched melting/cooking anything in a microwave? I’ve read it changes its molecular structure. Heating over the stove is so much healthier. Looking forward to trying this recipe.
I just made my first batch of deodorant. I’m not sure what I did wrong but I ended up with 5 full containers and a little left over.
It’s in the refrigerator now, I hope it firms up!
By far the best natural deodorant recipe I’ve found! We tried to do a hard reset in our bathroom this year. That included making some updates to the actual bathroom and our hygiene. We wrapped up the actual bathroom renovations with a hardwood floor refinishing a month ago, so now we are looking at ways to create a more natural bathroom routine. This deodorant is the only one that has truly worked for us and makes us feel fresh. Any ideas on natural soaps?
The only thing is I had a problem with odor after 8 hours. Do I need to add more baking soda or corn starch? If so, how much? I don’t want to irritate my skin. Maybe I just need to get use to it.
Well I would say just reapply if you are able. We don’t want to completely stop our bodies from sweating as it’s a good detox. Glad you like the recipe!
This is my second batch. Love this recipe. Thank you
I’m wondering if the oil in the recipe will leave marks on my clothing?
It’s possible… maybe just start with a little bit to see how it does.