Easy DIY Awesome and Effective Deodorant
If you’re a regular reader, you know that I’m on a search for easy ways to detoxify my household. We started with much of our food, and I’ve been working toward cleaning products and personal care products.
Since my time as a Mamavation Mom, where I went through a detox and fitness bootcamp, I’ve been searching for a deodorant that wouldn’t cost me an arm(pit) and a leg and would still work well enough to keep up with my needs.
For a while, I just went without deodorant at all. Except for days when I was running, it was rare that I exerted enough energy to sweat and thus smell. I only broke down and wore my traditional deodorant if I was going in public or if Aaron begged me (and if he’s asking me to do something, it’s necessary).
I finally finished off the traditional deodorant that I had on hand and decided it was time to make my own. Pinterest came in handy, and I found this awesome recipe for deodorant.
Making it was super easy. I started with the dry ingredients and put the corn starch (1/4 cup) and baking soda (1/4 cup) together. I used a fork to mix them evenly.
I did heat the coconut oil (about 5 tbsp) in the microwave for about 30 seconds to get it soft enough to mix with the baking soda and corn starch. I stirred those three ingredients until they were smooth and resembled a thick lotion.
After I made sure they were completely mixed, I added in 10 drops of my chosen essential oil. I decided to use Simply Aroma’s Simmer. It’s described as a “hormone blend for her,” and it smells divine. I used it a few weeks ago to help me with crampy cramps (I just used about a tsp of fractionated coconut oil with a drop of Simmer and rubbed on my lower abdomen), and it totally worked. Then, I smelled so great the rest of the day. I just knew it was the smell I wanted for my deodorant.
Once everything was mixed together, I used a spoon to transfer the mixture into my old deodorant tube. I filled it to the top and then put the cap on. Since it was still a liquid, I placed my creation into the fridge to solidify.
Later that day, I took it out of the fridge. NOTE: It wasn’t quite ready for me to use yet since it wouldn’t move UP when I turned the dial. I had to let it get to room temperature first.
The real test came the next day when I ran my 2 miles. It’s warming up here in my neck of the woods, so I knew that I would be sweaty. The result? It totally held up. I did not smell like I’d just run 2 miles (like I used to when I was going sans deodorant).
Did it keep me from sweating? No. But sweating is ok. Plus, this isn’t an antiperspirant.
So tell me — what scent would you or will you use when you make your own deodorant?
I can’t wait to try this recipe, thanks for sharing.
I really like it! I hope you do, too!
I have used vinegar for years but would like to try this recipe. My question is after it’s refrigerated and hardened, does it have to stay in the refrigerator between uses or can it sit on the counter?
Mine is sitting on my counter in the bathroom. We keep our house at about 72, and it works just like regular deodorant.
I like citrus scents. Those are invigorating, right? I’m not sure I would actually make my own deodorant, but it’s an interesting idea.
I like citrus scents as well. I just made this recipe last night using lemon essential oil, and lime essential oil. Even though I ended up doubling the recipe, I ended up adding way more oil than twenty drops. I did about 60 drops of lemon and 40 drops of lime. The reason I kept adding more was because the coconut oil was quite fragrant and kept overshadowing the delicate citrus smell. I was somewhat worried it would cause the deodorant to not harden correctly, but I did. And it smells heavenly! I am anxious to see if it really withstands the test of a run…fingers crossed, because it was super cheap to make! =)
I love the idea of the lemon and lime. I’m currently using Simply Aroma’s Peel – which is a citrus blend – and it’s divine! And yes, the cost is totally amazing. Have you run yet?
I have run – yes. I did not smell at all. I was more wet (obviously), but the smell was gone. I found that on days where I’m hormonal and sweating like crazy (right before my period), reapplying during my lunch break at work staves off any unwanted odor. I’m not sure if I need it during those times, but it’s a chance I’m unwilling to take while I’m at work. Since I did the cleanse, I DO feel like my armpits do not smell one iota as bad as they used to. There are days I forget to put it on, and I make my boyfriend smell me to make sure I don’t stink. So far, so good. The oils I used are from Earthfare, and I believe they are the Simple Aroma brand also. They’re nice and aromatic, but not unpleasant to the senses. Since doing this cleanse and using this recipe I’ve inspired three people to do it also. Granted, they were skeptical at first, so they would randomly to a “pit-check” at work to see if it works. I passed every time. Thanks so much for this recipe – it’s AWESOME!
I’m so pumped to hear that this worked for you! And I understand reapplying, for sure. If I skip a day, things can get “weird.” 🙂
All you have to do is add a few drops of pure essential oil citrus to your mixture.
I am nervous to try natural deodorant, but I know I need to make the switch. I like this DIY one and I might get the nerve to try it for myself!
The only thing I caution you on is to keep in mind that during the detox period, which lasts a few days, you may smell a little unpleasant. If you wash your underarms 2-3 times per day and then reapply the natural deodorant, it helps.
This is totally true! I definitely went through a period where I had to readjust. Thank you for this reminder!
I know we need to make the switch, but I’m nervous. I have to buy the super strength since I had my son – lol.
Does it do anything for the um, wetness though?
Just my 2 cents worth. I started using a natural deodorant a few months ago. My recipe is a little different, in addition to the baking soda, corn starch and coconut oil (all natural), mine adds bentonite clay, arrowroot powder and I also use some jojoba oil to make it less solid.
Anyway, regarding your question, I used Arrid XXX dry for years due to a sweating issue. I was nervous about trying a natural deodorant also.
But after giving it a try, I found that yes, I did sweat quite a bit the first 2 weeks. It was unpleasant, but I heard that this would go away.
And it did.
I no longer am wet or sweaty even in warmer weather, or even under stress. It’s been a cool spring where I live, so I haven’t tried it in 90 degree days yet, but I am feeling confident.
I have heard about the bentonite clay! This is my first attempt at a homemade deodorant, and I was super pumped that it was worth my time!
Let me know how it goes when you do hit the hotter temperatures. I’m okay with sweating since that’s the body’s natural reaction to help us cool off! But, I’m curious to see how my body reacts as I use this longer.
And thank you so much for stopping by and chiming in! It’s awesome to get several ideas and experiences!
Just reporting back on how my homemade deodorant works in hot weather.
I am finding it works just fine! On a very hot day when I am out and about, or working in my garden or just generally getting a work out, I do want to either have a shower afterward, or at least change my top. But then, with my old store bought antiperspirant I would want to do that also. So there is no difference there.
And amazingly, after the first couple of weeks of getting used to the new deodorant, I have almost no sweating. My husband has reported the same.
Now, I have heard people say that sweating is good, and I agree, but if my underarms have chosen to not sweat much, that is fine by me.
I am sure that my underarms really are sweating, but no more than the rest of my body.
I never knew about even organic corn starch being GMO. It seems like we can’t trust anything.
Hi Pamela! I’m so excited to hear this! I love my deodorant. The only time I feel horribly sweaty is after running a few miles. That’s to be expected!
What essential oils did you choose to use for you? for your husband?
Here is the actual recipe from this blog: http://bodyunburdened.com/diy-all-natural-detoxifying-deodorant/.
I found that baking soda was too harsh for my skin, so I worked out some changes for me. My husband has no probs with the baking soda, so he gets the original recipe. I added jojoba oil because I made this in the winter, and we keep our house at 68 degrees. The coconut oil turns into a rock at that temperature! =) This batch has lasted for months.
The essential oil I used was Purification from Young Living. I had heard many good things about this oil for deodorant use. I also use Native American Nutritionals oils and will try a different essential oil for the next batch. Perhaps Rosemary or Thyme, they both seem to be good for the immune system. Suggested also is Tea Tree, Bergamot or Lemon.
Detoxifying Deodorant
My changes to the recipe are first, original recipe in brackets.
5 T organic virgin coconut oil
1 (4) T baking soda
5 (3) T arrowroot powder OR organic corn starch
3 (2) T bentonite clay
20 (5) drops essential oil
1-2 T jojoba oil (optional)
Mix well. Store in a glass container away from any metal, because the bentonite clay reacts with metal. Which is why we are adding it to the deodorant, to help remove metals from our systems.
Cheers! Pamela
I don’t eat cornstarch so I don’t want to use it ON my body either. Is there an alternative item for the cornstarch in this great homemade deodorant? Thanks!
Hi! Yes, I’ve learned that you can use arrow root powder to replace. I know you can find 100% organic! Good luck, and please let me know if you try it out.
Just skip it and do the rest – you don’t need it. oh – you can use arrowroot powder or other substitutes, but really you don not need them. Straight coconut oil works just fine without anything else…
Hi, everyone! I love the clean, natural smell of the original formula . I live in a very hot climate area, so I prepare my deodorant using the same ingredients, but in a different ratio. (I also notice that the baking soda burned my armpits’ skin and it was neccesary to rebuilt the formula). I had to lower the soda – cornstarch ratio (from 1:1 ) to 1 :2(less soda / more cornstarch). Due to our local temperatures, the deodorant stays liquid, so I keep it in small jars. I’ve had to add some more coconut oil every now and them to keep it smooth.
Great tip, Angel! Thank you for sharing. I know many people’s bodies react differently to different recipes, ratios, etc.
Add some beeswax to keep it solid in warmer weather.
Ooh! Good idea. When I run out, I’ll be trying some new ideas based on the awesome comments you are all leaving me!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. ..I’m going to try Bergamot essential oil in my recipe. ..
I could see bergamot as a great addition to this recipe!
I’ve used a bit of peppermint oil and found it was very refreshingly cooling to my armpits. 🙂 I blended it with only baking soda and coconut oil and patted a tiny amount under my arms.
It also makes a fantastic toothpaste. 🙂
This sounds like a great idea especially in hot weather!
After going antiperspirant free I used just baking soda for a while and then my daughter introduced me to Primal Pit Paste. Your recipe looks similar with the addition of beeswax to firm it up for hot weather. I’d like to try making this myself and appreciate you posting a recipe.
Personal note: I don’t seem to perspire as much as before and it’s been almost a year; these solutions are deodorants only and not antiperspirants which to me are not good–our body has to cool itself somehow!
I have heard such awesome things about Primal Pit Paste. To be honest, the chemist in me wanted to try it for myself (and save some cash!). I’ve seen the beeswax suggestion and will have to try that out!
And I agree about the antiperspirants. 🙂
I’ve recently become very interested in making my own natural deodorant, but it seems that using coconut oil would cause some staining on my clothes…?
I really haven’t noticed any staining. I’ve worn all colors (wearing white right now), and no stains have shown up.
I’m a massage therapist and I use coconut oil on my clients. I switched to using coconut oil from grapeseed oil specifically for the ease of washing my sheets. It doesn’t stain at all!
This is awesome! Glad to hear that you’ve met such success!
Hello!! I love this idea, I have been using apple cider vinegar very diluted, for more than a year and it works wonderful. I put a small amount in my hand towards the end of my shower and rinse it gently. I have had no new boils underneath in my armpits!! Which I have had trouble with for about 4 decades, off and on. Great site, I think it is my first time reading your blog, love it!!!
I have heard of people using ACV! I’m glad it works for you. And thank you!! Hope you’ll come back to visit again!
I haven’t used deodorant in years.
My recipe includes alum, baking soda, and mild baby powder. Mix it together then use after your bath when your pits are still wet.
I am happy to have figured out a way to go basically deodorant free. Thanks for stopping by!
My natural deodorant is “deconstructed”‘, using some of the same ingredients as yours but I alternate between using coconut oil topped with baking soda and using a mixture of 4 drops lavender and tea tree essential oils followed by the baking soda. I like to mix it up. I think that for me, anyway, my body does not accommodate to either one, so they work equally well.
Lavender and tea tree would be a great blend to use. And smart idea about mixing it up and doing something different each time!
I started using this dyi deodorant with lavender in12/2014 and no more pit odor!! Had some sensitivity at first but after two weeks or so nothing. I tried the old container but now I put in glass jelly jar.. Worth a try for skeptics.
Lavender would be a great smell, too. I just really happen to like the blend I used. Maybe once I run out, I’ll try some lavender. I did go a while without basically anything, so I think my skin had a chance to detox a bit.
I just use a thin slice of lemon. After ya bath squeeze itt into your armpits. Let the juice dry on your armpit skin before wearing your shirt. I perspire a lot ybut don’t smell.
Woah, really? This is an awesome idea!
Well, I have some issues with corn starch – as most of it is GM (genetically modified) esp in the US and is super pesticide laden. Organic is better, but my research says it’s still not okay as the GM corn crops have infiltrated the organic corn and so the altered genetic material is in all corn and triggers the immune response regardless.
Oh, and by the way, there is no aluminum in baking soda this is some sort of urban legend – baking powder may contain aluminum but not baking soda – so what is that? uhm, misinformation, basically, that is still spreading thanks to people who do not do their own homework.
Personally, pure coconut oil works fine for me – no -it doesn’t render me ‘odor free’ but then, why do I need to be ‘odor-free? I am a real human. I sweat. I might even ”stinnk’ now and again and need a shower – so? what is this obsession with no odor?
Really? Have we been so brainwashed that we think we need to be ‘odor-proof’? and what is that? Dead? Life smells. Sometimes good – sometimes not so good but it has essence – if we find ourselves ‘stinky’ we can take a shower or soak in a tub and it’s all good.
What is this fear of – ‘smell’ ???
I totally understand the corn starch and GM issue here.
Love your idea about going ahead and smelling. I just really do like the smell of the oils I used in this recipe. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and joining in the conversation!
Death smells even worse. 🙂
lemon and coriander work well together. i have been making my own for a few years now and it is perfect. thanks for posting. the more people realise they don’t need chemicals in their armpits the happier their bodies will be.
I agree. Before I learned about the chemicals that affect us, I was blissfully ignorant.
when i say lemon and coriander, i meant to say, as an additional scent to the above recipe, add some drops of each in organic essential oils, and mix it in well, it is fresh.
I understood! This actually sounds like a great combination!
This is SO important for healthy breast tissue as well…
The other AWESOME thing about this is you can make a big batch and it will last forever. I made this recipe and my small container has lasted well over a year! It is very cost effective 🙂
My preferred essential oil choice is doTERRA lavender. What’s on our bodies is IN our bodies, so I want to make sure it is 100% PURE Certified Therapeutic Grade essential oil.
Agreed! I love this recipe. Lavender would be a great choice, too!
Do you know what can be used instead of coconut oil? We are allergic
You aren’t the first to ask! I will see what I can figure out!
Shea butter would work instead of coconut oil.
Smart! Thank you for this tip!
Regular deodorants only works for me not a long time. I kept on switching from one brand to another before just to get rid of the wetness and the smell. Then one day I was getting tired of the switched, I tried a mixture of Baking soda and Lime or Lemon. It works good on me for awhile.
Now Im into Alum powder and it works better but I want to try your recipe too soon.
I think lime or lemon would be a great scent. I have heard of people just using lemon juice!
I made my own with some herbs and I have to warn y’all–don’t do it unless you like brown stains on your clothes! Haha! I will make the next batch with arrowroot as I’m allergic to corn and with EOs instead of herbs.
Oh my, the stains! I want to try arrowroot the next time I make it!
Does Arrow Root powder & Bentonite Clay have any fragrance or odor.I cannot use ANY Fragrance not even Natural Oils ….I have used BSoda and it’s Amazingly effective.Pamela your post is Very encouraging .Thank you.
This is a great question, and I’m honestly not sure of the answer. I would guess that they don’t have any ADDED fragrance?
Arrowroot is scentless, and clay smells a bit like… well, clay. Very faint earthy scent. If you get a pure clay (I like Redmond) there is nothing added and it really does’t smell.
I love Redmond! That’s the one I’m using.
The poster who says it’s ok to Stink…I knew right off it was a Guy .ONlY a guy would say something like that….What is our Problem w/ smell? Oh I don’t know Dean maybe you might want to have a girlfriend or a social life lol! 🙂
I just don’t like the smell of body odor, myself. 🙂
This is great recipe:
http://www.drozfans.com/dr-oz-beauty/dr-oz-homemade-deodorant-recipe-shark-tank-hosts-dr-oz/
Awesome. Thanks!
Hi Lydia,
Thanks for posting this.
I’m wondering – are there any other downsides to the final product apart from stains on clothes?
Thanks!
I haven’t seen any stains from my concoction. I will say that in sleeveless shirts, I may need to dab the deodorant a little more as the baking soda seems to clump up. But, if I put my deodorant on well before getting dressed, it gives my body (and armpits) a chance to figure it out.
Lydia – I was SO EXCITED to see that you used our Simply Aroma Simmer Essential Oil product in your recipe!
I would like to assure your fans that our products are organic and non-GMO as well as 100% Pure (TRIPLE TESTED!!!) Therapuedic Grade.
Rose-Marie
http://www.simplyaroma.com/roseknowsaromatherapy
Thanks, Rose! It’s so great. I don’t know if I can bring myself to try another one!
Going to try this. You said it was still a liquid before you put it in the fridge – did it not run out the bottom of the container?
I’d like to try this with Simply Aromas Slenderize oil! Wonder if it will help w Slenderize? If so you also try Ignite and maybe it would give me LOADS of energy! Lol!
It didn’t run out, no. It’s not like water, actually. It’s more of a melted goo. 🙂 Then, it hardened pretty quickly in the fridge.
If you haven’t tried Ignite yet, be sure to do a patch test. I’d hate to have that in my armpits and then have a reaction — it’s such a hot oil!
Hello,
Hubby Loved the deoderant.. but he has developed a dark look & rash like symptoms .
is there a recipe for men with this problem ??
Did you use simmer? I would use Patchouli and lemon for a man. It also may have been the corn starch. Some are very sensitive to corn starch. You could switch to arrowroot powder.
The most effective already made deodorant that I’ve used is from Primal PIt Paste. I got the unscented kind. It was great until I reacted strongly to the baking soda in it. I then went to their baking soda free one but the essential oils scents seemed too strong for me–actually most people are fine with the scents from their deodorants, I just prefer an unscented deodorant…is there such a thing, that is equally effective? I realize that the essential oils are there not just for the scent but have a purpose. Thanks!
I know that I use Simmer both because of the smell and the benefits (it’s a hormone blend that helps me CALM DOWN 🙂 ). I think you could use unscented deodorant, too!
Hi. I’ve been using just coconut oil and baking soda but would like to try this recipe. Since I live in 100 degree weather right now I was going to add some beeswax to keep it solid (as suggested earlier in the comments feed) but how much do I use?
This is a really good question. I haven’t tried beeswax in mine yet. Can you put yours in the fridge to help it stay solid?
I have made basically this recipe with beeswax. I usually do 1/4c baking soda, 1/4c arrowroot or corn starch, 3 Tbsp coconut oil, 1 Tbsp beeswax. It still gets a bit too soft if it’s really hot. I also find that keeping it in the fridge is a good solution. It’s not as offensive to put cold deodorant on as one might think. My husband calls it “refreshing”.
I want to add beeswax this summer when I make it. I’m sure it would still get soft, but I will say that this recipe is very soft right now. I just recently added Bentonite clay – and I really like it!
Have used this recipe for 2 years now and it worked great at first but now my skin is cracking and peeling getting all sensitive. Is there anything to add to it to stop it happening? I have friends to have also had the same problems.
I’m not sure! I wonder if you are using an essential oil that your body is reacting to differently?
Thankyou for sharing this recipe, I love that everyone has been tweaking it to make it perfectly their own.
I noticed that some are increasing the essential oil, upwards of 20 drops. This causes me to wonder if some of the adverse reaction isn’t only from the drying effects of the baking powder, but burning from the essential oils.
These should definitely be used with care, as they do much more than provide wonderful fragrance.
i make my own deodorant – pit paste – from Ava’s diaper cream, a couple drops of lavender essential oil, and Ava’s powder (kaolin clay and arrowroot powder). Very cost effective and the BEST I’ve found. Never irritating and I can even skip a day!!!
I’ve never heard of Ava. Will have to check that out!
Lemongrass & Bergamot are effective in deodorant mixtures. I love ’em!
Although Lavender and Tea Tree are effective, we need to evaluate our individual bodies’ reactions to them, particularly hormonal reactions. They can affect women negatively, particularly when used regularly or in several products at a time. Caution only. I have no problems with the lavender like others I know, but last year when I used too much tea tree oil over 2 months my hormones whacked out and I was a mess.
This blog is great, and I’m learning so much from you all!
Lemongrass and Bergamot sounds like an awesome combination!
Better than that, Lemongrass and Patchouli is my favorite mixture!
If you don’t have an old deoderant tube, what would be an effective way to store this so it can be used! 🙂 I look forward to trying it out!!
I would use something like a mason jar or glass bowl and then just apply with my fingers! Hope it works well for you.
Not meaning to sound stupid, but how do you apply the deodorant? Fingers? Sponge?
I have mine in an old deodorant tube that I used when I finished up. I know others who put it in a glass jar and just use their fingers to apply. And not a stupid question!
I made my own and yesterday and did an underarm detox last night. Today was my first day trying the deodorant. I perspired a lot and it lasted a good 5 hours. I started smelling a little and decided to wipe my underarms with a fresh lime and reapply. Since I am transitioning, I did not expect a miracle and I know it will take at least a week or two for my underarms to adjust. I will update you in two weekss. I used lavender and tree oil, shea butter, bentonite clay, beeswax and coconut oil.
The lime idea is so smart. And yes, I think it’s going to take a little while to get your body acclimated. Do let me know how you’re doing as time passes on!
can i just double the baking soda,i dont like arrow root or cornstarch,ive been searching the net for a answer ive used cocanut oil and bs only and it worked perfect but it was a fluke i addded the right amount,i also want to add vanilla essential oil,but dont know if a vanilla fragrance oil or extract would work bcuz its hard to find a real vanilla eo,any help from anyone would be appreciated
I think the vanilla would work well – in my newest deodorant, I’m using a blend called Peel that includes the vanilla essential oil. I think you could double the baking soda? I’m not sure. I’ve not tried that. Maybe just leave out the arrow root/cornstarch and lower your amount of CO? I’d play around. I know that baking soda can cause irritation for some people.
I do not like using the bad stuff but for several years I have armpit order…not sweating but just stink. Its embarrassing. Will this help with that issue? Iv tried so many natural things and nothing works.
It helps me! I don’t stink unless I skip a day or let too much hair grow under there. 😉 TMI, I know.
I’m starting to get into young living…I’m a big sweater…like,a man. The wet marks on my shirt are embarrassing. What can I make for an anti perspirant from scratch?
The deodorants I make don’t help with sweat, actually. I haven’t looked to figure that one out, yet!
Thanks for the recipe Lydia! For a guy, what would you suggest to use instead of the Aroma’s Simmer? Has your husband try it? If so, what does he use?
My husband hasn’t tried yet. He’s going to this summer when he isn’t so worried about grossing out his students – just in case. 😉 I’m going to use Patchouli in his!