I’m thrilled to have Stephanie of The Wannabe Homesteader sharing her natural deodorant recipe with us today!
I’ve always known that store-bought deodorants have some pretty nasty ingredients in them (they’ve even been linked to cancer) but I hesitated on making my own because I feared homemade deodorants wouldn’t really do the job.
I don’t mind sweating a little as that’s your body’s way of eliminating toxins, but I didn’t exactly want to walk around smelling “crunchy” if you know what I mean.
After trying two natural brands of deodorant (Tom’s and the Natural Crystal), and being sorely disappointed (ie. smelling crunchy by the end of the day), I decided to give this recipe a try.
Boy, I’m so glad I did!
This natural deodorant recipe works amazingly well. My only wish is that I tried it sooner!
Natural Deodorant Recipe using Coconut Oil
(this post contains affiliate links)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (where to buy it)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder (where to buy it)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (this will add an antiperspirant effect to the deodorant.)
- (Optional) essential oils–try tea tree, sweet orange, lavender, frankincense, etc. (where to get essential oils at wholesale prices)
How to make:
- Mix baking soda, cornstarch, and arrowroot powder in a bowl.
- Add coconut oil and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend into the dry ingredients.
- Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil (I used tea tree oil).
- Add more coconut oil or baking soda to achieve your desired consistency.
- Viola! Now you have easy-peasy, good-for-you, all-natural deodorant!
Other Notes:
- This recipe uses coconut oil which will liquefy at 76 degrees (it will remain solid at any temp under 76 degrees). I live in Florida and this deodorant stays a paste-like consistency in my bathroom. However, my husband uses the bathroom upstairs and at times, it turns into a thick liquid-y consistency. He doesn’t find it a problem, though. He just dabs his finger into it, messages it into his underarms, and then rinses his hands afterward.
- I’ve heard of people putting their homemade deodorants in cleaned-out store-bought deodorant containers but it didn’t work for me. My DIY deodorant leaked out the bottom of the container and was a gooey mess.
- Instead, I store this coconut oil deodorant in a small glass jar and I keep it in my medicine cabinet.
- To apply, I take a small amount and rub it together with my hands to soften and then rub it into my underarms like a lotion.
- Me and my husband both use this deodorant and absolutely love it. We’d never switch back to store-bought. You really must give it a try.
Other Natural Homemade Projects You’ll Love:
This recipe was adapted from Homemade Natural Deodorant: Recipes that Work on Squidoo
Stephanie is a self-described “average joe” who desires a more real, self-reliant lifestyle in an artificial and dependent world. She blogs at The Wannabe Homesteader where she and her family have fun stumbling over each other on their way towards self-sufficiency. She spends her days homemaking and homeschooling while dreaming about homesteading.
You’re killing me…we’ve covered soaps and deodorants, what’s next? We can either go to household cleaners or toothpaste
This is now on my “gotta try it” list.
And I’m glad to read two posts in two days!
db
LOL….Maybe toilet bowl cleaner?
I have some stuff in the works…
Speaking of toothpaste you can use as a pulling to pull bacteria out of your mouth simply swish 1 tablespoon full for 15-20mins (longer the better) before brushing in the AM!
I’m making this deodorant ASAP Thanks for the tip!
Vinegar. Vinegar. Vinegar!!! Works for all your cleaning needs
Just started looking into the DIY products. Have a list of a few things I need to pick up and I’m going to try it! Sounds awesome.
I Love, Love the coconut oil deodorant. It’s inexpensive and I love the light coconut smell. Now I have ideas for my Christmas gifts this year. Thanks so much! I am passing this on, for sure. Vicky
I wonder if the corn starch in the ingredients has GMO and if that can seep in throught the skin causing long term
side effects.
Try organic corn starch so there is no question on GMOs.
GMO isn’t as damaging as herbicides and pesticides. Just saying. As some of us tend to swing mostly (true) organic, and beware of the harsher ingredients. Just pray over everything before you consume it – Prayer CHANGES everything! – Because the LORD Loves to make all things new. Even the tainted is no match for GOD to change. Glad this tainted world is almost over.
Just wondering……coconut oil is very “oily” of course….did you ever have a problem with staining your clothes?
Coconut oil doesn’t stain at all! It washes out quite well. It also one of the best diaper rash creams and has no issues with cloth diapers. It seems counter-intuitive since it’s an oil, but seriously, no issues at all!
It has stained my clothes. But so has sweat and aluminum deodorant. I’m going to try adding some beeswax to thicken it in my next batch.
I just read this 50 ways to use coconut oil and can make toothpaste with it! Just mix coconut oil and baking soda!
Baking powder has aluminum in it. Can you use aluminum free
I’ve been using this for 2 years now and love it, though I don’t add cornstarch. I’ve found that adding about a tablespoon of vegetable glycerin helps make it much more creamy and easy to spread onto your skin.
Good to know about the glycerin– I haven’t tried that!
That is good to know! I am definitely gonna try that. Thanks for sharing Deborah
I don’t add cornstarch to my recipe, I just use the arrowroot. I have also added “exotic” ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter or other butters for a super moisturizing deodorant. I will never go back to the chemically laden commercial deodorants.
can I leave out the arrowroot?
I made mine with no arrowroot because i didn’t have any on hand, and it works great. I think better than secret or any other regular deodorant. Used tea tree oil too, just a few drops.
Where to get vegetable glycerine?
Health food stores usually have it… or you can get it online.
You can get vegetable glycerine at Walmart in the pharmacy section. I found it to be a lot less expensive than a health food store!
I avoid the “Great Value” line like the plague.
I used this for a while, but found that I had to wait for it to dry before putting my clothes on, otherwise I would get oil stains.
I heard that has happened to people but so far it hasn’t happened to me. When I made this particular recipe, it tended to be on the dry/powdery side. ?
This is very similar to the recipe I use. I don’t use cornstarch and do use an ounce of beeswax. This keeps it solid even in the summer, although it does get soft. Because of the beeswax I combine the ingredients on a warm stove and pour it into old deodorant containers. It works well, and given the similar application to store bought brands it wasn’t a hard transition. We are about to run out, so I need to make a batch this week, thanks for the reminder!
Good tip, I will try the beeswax. I think I would like to try some different oils as well. Tea tree is not my favorite.
I would love your recipe. I have hot flashes and I’m afraid to try the coconut oil recipe cause I know me I will get it all over me and my clothes.
Put a small pice of plastic wrap in the bottom of cleaned old DO containers and it won’t run out. Worked for me but the oil ruined 2 of my fav. shirts even after rubbing it in. there’s still some that will do it. I quit because I can’t afford more good shirts for this reason. A spray wasn’t strong enough for my hot fllashes and sweat times.
That’s funny because I never had problems with the oil. Maybe try reducing the amount of oil a bit?
My husband and son developed red irritated looking skin under their arms after using for a week. I have been trying to figure out what needs to be removed/reduced. The beeswax sounded doable, I have not tried glycerin either. If someone else has this problem please let me know if you were able to ‘fix’ it.
Love DIY!
That’s strange Edie… Perhaps they have a coconut allergy of some sort? Or mayeb reacted to the cornstarch… hmmm…
it’s definitely the baking soda- it’s abrasive and many people have problems with it over time. My sister made a homemade deodorant with just baking soda and cornstarch. While it was the only natural deodorant (health food store brands never worked for her) that worked for odor, it started to irritate her after awhile.
The second recipe I tried was similar to this and it worked for me and another sister but the baking soda became irritating to me after about a week. This sister was fine, though. So, out of 3 sisters, only one can tolerate the baking soda. I am searching for recipes without it, now.
It’s the baking soda. I use coconut oil for EVERYTHING but have the same problem with this blend. I love the fact that I don’t smell, but the burn/itch isn’t worth it. I found another one that changes the ratio to 1 part baking soda to 5 parts arrowroot and adds bentonite clay for sensitivity. As soon as my arrowroot gets here I’ll be mixing up a batch. Hopefully it will eliminate the redness and discomfort. I may try adding in some shea butter as well.
I’m wondering if substituting bentonite clay for the baking soda would work and not irritate. I use bentonite clay for a lot of things on my skin and it doesn’t irritate it like the baking soda does.
They are right about the baking soda. Not only is it abrasive, but can also make the deodorant too alkaline for some people. Try reducing the amount of baking soda to accomodate the pH of their skin.
It is the harsh baking soda. I had the same problem. Even tried reducing the baking soda, but then the deoderant wasn’t effective. I am back to using store-bought brands.
And I have tried it ALL!!
that’s a bummer, Jill. I will keep a look out for DIY deodorants that don’t use baking soda.
Jill: Please try our all natural deodorant from http://www.Back2Eden.net . We would be happy to even send you a sample to try first! Send me an email on our Contact Us page! -Angie
Wow, that is very generous of you! I am still looking for a good natural doedorant (right now I am choosing a lesser evil but not perfect Arm and Hammer). I will contact you through your site.
Jill,
Something that may work for you and it is very easy.
If you cut a lime in half and use that for your deodorant. Keep it in the refrig and use it several times and then discard.
I’m living in Ecuador right now and that works great.
Good luck.
Jill
Yes! You know- I JUST saw this on FB the other day and it intrigued me. Definitely gonna have to try it!
Ok, I know this is an old post but I couldn’t help but comment. I too have the same painful itchy rash when I use the awesomely wonderful homemade stuff – BUT, I just read an article on CrunchyBetty’s blog about this subject. She says that the people have a reaction to the baking soda b/c it is so alkaline (obviously) but that you can counteract this by cleaning your armpits with diluted apple cider vinegar (like 1 tbl vinegar per cup of filtered water) – that the vinegar will help restore the ph balance of your sensitive pits & you’ll be able to continue using you’re amazing homemade deodorant
Lord, please let this work – i’m tired of smelling awful or burning with pain…lol
Hey- I have never heard that about the ACV before- but it totally makes sense! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Jill. I feel your frustration about the deodorant bc storebought is expensive and possibly toxic, homemade is such a frugal option. I found another recipe using frankincense, lavender, lemon, and tea tree/eucalyptus – 10 drops each in a very anall spray bottle & top it off with witch hazel, or do the same in a roller bottle but top it off with fractionated coconut oil & roll on. I’m thinking of alternating between all of these recipes including baking soda deo
by the way, I enjoy your blog very much! I live in an apt, but after nursing school in a year am going to start looking for land – then raw milk, grow my own and make my own everything – here I come!!
Hey Sarah!
YES! I also recently tried a straight EO deo blend, and just added some FCO in there to stretch it. I had really good results and plan to keep experimenting. 
So glad you are enjoying the blog.
This is a great deo, for those who don’t have a problem with baking soda. I LOVED a recipe similar to this because it WORKED until I started getting a red rash, due to the baking soda, my husband also. We even did the PH thing with the ACV but it didn’t work for either one of us. So I cut the Baking soda out and replaced with Arrow root ,..but it totally missed the mark with odor control…so it was back to the drawing board for me…
So I tried
3T Shea Butter
3T beeswax (generous)
3T Coconut oil
6 drops each of ;
sage
peppermint
lemon
lavender
frankincense
It’s been a few weeks now, no redness for either my husband or I. He plays tennis, so sweats ALOT! and it’s working great for him! I like it for me, it’s still not as great as the initial baking soda recipe for longevity but I’m super hormonal this past yr, with menopause so that could be a major factor….Feeling like a homicidal maniac may have a tad to do with that alos! lmao! (kidding ofcourse…most days)
If it is the baking soda alkaline base that is the problem, couldn’t you just add citrus or lemon oils to the deodorant and cut out a step of washing with smelly vinegar?
Or wash with lemon juice?
Try Crystal Salt Deodorant from Health Stores or online. You just wet it and rub on your underarms. It works and lasts a very long time.
Tea tree oil can do that! I have experienced it being a skin irritant.
baking soda overtime can irritate skin.
I’ve used plain coconut oil, and have great results.
Me too… dont know why people want to mix and add things to it..
So, you’re saying that just plain ol’ coconut oil under the arms works for controlling odor and sweat?
I have read to decrease the baking soda as many people get this reaction. I have cut mine at least in half. You can always increase it by small amounts as long as you don’t get the reaction. I agree that some essential oils can be very harsh. I love lavender and have never had any problem with it.
Try arrowroot powder and less or no baking soda. My first batch I made make my underarm skin dry and red, then I made some without baking soda – it doesn’t work quite as well for odor but the arrowroot seems to be the fix for me. Hope it helps. Feel free to play with the recipes on a smaller scale to find out what works for your body type.
I made this and was loving it for about a week – 10 days and also developed red, itchy skin. Would love to figure out what it is as it works so well otherwise. Soda? Mine feels “grainy”. Maybe too much of something? Let me know what any of you discover, please.
Glycerin is highly allergenic for folds with sensitive skin or roseaca.
My husband had a problem similar to the rash you described we just reduced the amount of baking soda and added a lavender or or citrus oil to calm the effect.
I also omit the arrowroot powder.
MOST BAKING SODAS HAVE ALUMINUM… THE VERY THING IN NORMAL DEODORANTS THAT CAUSES ALZHEIMER’S!!
It’s actually baking powders that sometimes contain aluminum. Baking soda does not.
Read the package. I read it DIRECTLY from the Arm and Hammer Baking Soda package. It has to do with processing.
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, nothing more. Bob’s Red Mill sodium bicarbonate is mined from the ground in a crude form, while most other baking sodas are formed by a chemical reaction. The end result is the same: pure sodium bicarbonate.
Chemically speaking you could use powderized sea salt as a baking soda sub.
The baking soda is causing the rash. It is too harsh. The unfortunate thing is that the recipe works really well but then I had to quit using it because I got a red rash after a week or so.
It is most likely the baking soda.
Cornstarch!
You can use (food grade) diatomaceous earth instead of baking soda, it will never make you itch and it kills bacteria and gives you a load of minerals. I use this in my deodorants and for multiple other things. I put it in my coffee, every morning…super good for you. You can clean your sink, faucets, endless…
This is great! I can’t wait to try it, and I actually have all of the ingredients on hand. I’ve been using just straight lavender oil on my underarms now for several years, which works good, BUT……sometimes I still cheat and use the nasty stuff for situations when I want to be absolutely sure of no “crunchiness” to use your words.
haha! The next time I make this, I was going to try lavender instead of tea tree oil, but I didn’t know you could use just lavender oil under your arms? neat!
Jill, it probably depends on how sensitive your skin is whether you could do straight lavender oil on your pits. Doesn’t bother me but I’ve heard some people can’t do it. Might depend on the quality, too. Some people I know delute it with sweet almond oil if they are sensitive……
Yes- I agree. Each person tends to react differently to straight essential oils, so it’s best to test on a small area first. Or, just dilute with a carrier oil.
I add it little bees wax to mine in the summer time becasue it gets up to 120 in the summer time. In the winter it doesn’t get much above 60 inside so I don’t need to use the wax.
I used this recipe and it is vefy grainy. I wanted to try adding bees wax. How much should I add. Thanks for your help. Lorri
this sounds really great. I plan to try a batch after the holidays. Thanks for sharing.
you’re welcome Marlo and Merry Christmas!
I don’t use the arrowroot and it works great! I’ve been using it for several months now, through the summer and hot flashes! lol The recipe actually works better than any deodorant I’ve bought. The measurements don’t have to be exact; just use a little more coconut oil than the dry ingredients. I put in a drop of lavender essential oil because I like the smell, but I don’t smell “floral” after using it. If the house is cool, the mixture is solid, but just dig a little glop out and start smearing it around under your arm, and it liquifies quickly. I’ve never had any stains or residue on my clothes, at all. Love it!
Glad to see a recipe that doesn’t require beeswax – will try this soon! Thanks for sharing!
I used this and it is great for odor control but my armpits turned red and peeled from the baking soda. Same thing happened to my husband and his skin was so raw that it made him sweat worse and he couldn’t wear any deodorant for a week while he healed. I have found that reducing the baking soda by at least half is ok for me but my dh refuses to try it again as he works in a professional Fortune 500 company.
Interesting. I would have never guessed I may attempt to make my own deodorant one day, but then again, why not? I am going to give this one a try. Thanks for the info.
You Betcha! Happy deodorant making!
The last time I used baking soda to prepare something I almost got arrested :S
I made a very similar version of this for myself and I simply adore it. My husband uses the crystals and although it’s effective it’s not foolproof. It might sound super crunchy but the only way to tell if it works is the sniff test. Checking out the crunchy level at the end of a 30 something C degree day (nearing or over 100F) wearing the homemade coconut deodorant and I got a huge noseful of… NOTHING! Yep, it’s brilliant. I use grapefruit oil in mine as it’s an uplifting smell and it smells like lemon slice. Love it!
Oooh, love the grapefruit oil idea!
How long does a “batch” stay “fresh” for? Or is there no expiration date? Just curious as this is something I’ve been trying to find a decent recipe for to add to my homemade skin care line. I like to put expiration dates on my products so I was just curious. This sounds fantastic compared to any of the DIY recipes I’ve found for deoderant. My other half and I are both extremely sensitive to a lot of store bought products so this will be great to try! Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Tasia,
I can’t say for 100% sure, but I’m thinking that it probably wouldn’t expire anytime soon.
saying that, and not saying anything at all is basically the same..
I make a 3X or even 4X recipe so I don’t have to make it often. For my husband me, it lasts for almost a year with no sign of deterioration.
This is an excellent recipe! I was using powder ones (which are messy) and this sounds perfect! Store-bought personal products are (generally) not healthy at all.
My husband cant use deorderant…only cornstarch i really would like to try this with him!
Why can’t your husband use deodorant? Just wondering…
He has skin issues and deorderant has like zinc and other metals that make him break out..
This is a GREAT recipe for deodorant and it WORKS!!! I sell an all natural homemade deodorant in my line of products at http://www.Back2Eden.net and the recipe is very close to this one. Please check out some of my other all natural homemade products!
My homemade deodorant is in a recycled deodorant tube and is currently much too hard to even use. Must give your recipe a try. Thank you for sharing it.
I’ve tried Toms, too, and was also a bit stinky by the time the day was over. Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to try this out.
Hope it works well for you Marienne!
Has anyone added bentonite to their deodorants? How does it stack up?
I tried a recipe with beeswax, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and Shea butter and it didn’t work at all! I’m looking forward to see if this blog recipe works.
I’ve not tried bentonite– however, I’ve heard people raving about it for so many applications… So I hope to buy some soon and start using it!
I thought about making this myself, but I’m concerned about oil stains left on my clothes. Has anyone had that problem? I’m currently using rubbing alcohol and it works really well for me. But I would like to have another option if my skin becomes to dry.
Hi Lesha,
I have heard some people complain of stains, but other folks say they have zero staining problems… I’m thinking it probably depends on the ingredients in the deo, plus what type of detergent you use. So, a trial run might be your best bet.
Just curious if you can think of an alternative to using the baking soda! I am allergic to gluten and can’t use Baking soda for anything with putting it on my body or in food.
Can you help?
Thanks,
Paula
Paula, baking soda is gluten free. it is baking powder that can sometimes contain gluten as it’s starch. I am allergic to gluten and don’t have a problem with baking soda. There are several gluten free brands of baking powder, as well.
What’s the arrowroot for? And what does it do? Also,what the best and easiest way to store the deodorant?
I am allergic to coconut and really want to make a dyi deodorant but can’t find any site showing a recipe without coconut. Does anyone know a recipe without coconut?
You can mix a simple powder of equal parts baking soda & corn starch… just pat it under your arms!
You can just stick it into an old deodorant stick. The kind that is made for gel deoderants its much easier this way
I made this deodorant and liked it a lot, kept it in the bathroom and used it for about two weeks, but this morning I noticed that it was very foul-smelling, as if it had gone rancid. I had scented it with chamomile essential oil. I wonder if I should have kept it in the fridge. I must say that most of the coconut oil that I used in it had been home-made, a by-product of my home-made coconut milk. Maybe the traces of coconut milk in it is what spoiled? Do you know?
I’ve heard some deodorant recipes specify that they need to be refrigerated, but as written, this one shouldn’t. (All the ingredients should be stable at room temp.)
I’m thinking it is the coconut milk by-product you used– I’m betting it’s slightly different than the actual coconut oil the recipe calls for.
I have been using just coconut oil with nothing else added for a coouple of months now as deoderant with no problems at all. It sounds a little crazy, but I truly have no odor issues with just the coconut oil. I saw another poster who also uses coconut oil by itself. Of course, we have not hit the dead heat of summer yet, and I don’t sweat much, so I imagine I may want to try adding baking power/corn starch, etc. if the coconut oil alone stops doing the trick. If you use coconut oil with or without the additions in this recipe, I reccommend you let it soak in before putting on your clothing. I also use cooconut oil as an all over moisturizer – I mean all over – and I have no issues with oily clothes. It does leave my skin smooth, soft, and well-moisterized. My skin is pretty dry though and soaks things up well. My husband has naturally oily skin and things tend to stay on top of his skin instead of soaking in. If you have an oily skin type, I imagine you could have some issues. Do remember that a little goes a long way. I can really slather it on because of my dry sponge skin, but you may want to take it easy if you don’t soak in oils well.
Great tips Summer! I love coconut oil.
I started using coconut oil as a moisturizer on my face but was told to only do while my skin was still moist from washing so it would not sit on the surface. Works great. Maybe this theory would work for those who have oil stains on their clothes. Am making this recipe today, btw. Thanks!
I too have been using pure coconut oil as a deo and it has worked great but also it is still cool out. Im a bit nervous to try it in the heat of summer but I will update to let ya know!
I use coconut oil for every part of my body. It never stains my pillowcase or my clothing. I use it to clean my underarms and my feet in the shower. I do use a small amount of deodorant soap afterward. It work wonders on my Rosacea. I use nothing else on my face. Coconut oil is a light sunscreen, as well.
I have very fine hair. I condition it overnight and it shampoos out easily. I can now go up to 3 days without shampooing my hair. My grays have slowed down, too.
I do oil pulling every morning. It cleans my teeth, keeps my gums healthy and clears my sinuses. OMG, I LOVE this stuff!
. .
Hello thanks for the wonderful it will save my family of five a bunch of money & we are on an all natural kick and want to know what goes on our body. I guess it takes 30 seconds for a chemical to enter the skin & in your bloodstream so yeah we are concerned parents. Anyhow I seen you mention that your finish product does not stay solid and that makes since cause coconut oil is hard under 76%. So I’m wondering if you add a butter like shea or an even harder one like kokum butter if that would help? Just a thought o hope this helps.
Thanks Jessica Agee
Find US on Facebook @Brandica/Piqua,Ohio/spa
4 tbsp is the same thing as 1/4 cup.
This didn’t work for me at all – I ended up with a powder. I’d had to have added a couple of jars of coconut oil to make it work; and therefore had to bin the lot. I’m in the UK, and had to translate the cups into grammes; apparently a cup is 125g. Maybe something went wrong in translation, but I can’t see why. Also, for how long does this keep?
Sarah, I’m in South Africa and I always have the same issues with the measurements. To answer your second question first, this doesn’t last very long outside of the fridge so I always make small batches as I won’t be running downstairs each morning to get the deodorant. I use 15ml coconut oil, 10ml each of the bicarb and arrowroot powder, 5ml corn starch and 2 drops of essential oil. That makes about a week’s worth, which is about how long it lasts for me in summer. With your cooler climate you could probably get away with making double the amount. Do try to make it again, it’s a super fantastic recipe, I’ve been using it for about 6 months and I don’t even get sweaty armpits under the hot African sun
I also had problems with irritation when I used the original recipe. I made a new batch without baking soda and no more irritation!! And it still works great!!
Very good to know Patricia– It seems that everyone is a bit different as to what items they are more sensitive to.
OMG, I love it. It works better than any deodorant I’ve ever bought. I had no issues or problems like some of the other people. I will never switch back. Thanks so much.
I just made this with sweet orange essential oil. Excited for the results, and it smells so good! Thank you for the recipe and inspiration.
Oooh, I love orange EO!
I made a round of this and scented it with a couple drops of lemongrass essential oil, few drops and you end up smelling like fruit loops, bet the teens would dig it but I will be trying a different scent next time
You know, lemongrass isn’t my most favorite EO– although I know other folks like it.
The good thing about making things yourself is that you can scent it however you like! 
I’ve been using this recipe for a few months and I just love it. I use the coconut scented coconut oil and add dried, ground cinnamon to it and scent it with orange essential oil. You know, the ‘regular’ old cinnamon that comes in a spice bottle and you shake it over pancakes. I use the SMALLEST amount that I can coax out of the bottle, only about 20 little ‘bits’. Oh my goodness, the coconut, cinnamon and orange makes the most divine smell in the whole world, but it’s not overpowering that I end up smelling like a Christmas cookie.
Oooh my… LOVE the cinnamon/orange idea. I am SO trying that!
Jill, I used to brush my teeth with bicarb (you guys call it baking soda), but I read somewhere that it’s too abrasive and will weaken tooth enamel over time. So googled some more and now I just brush with coconut oil. I like the coconut flavoured oil and recently added a FEW grains of ground cinnamon and a drop of orange oil and it’s like brushing my teeth with desert. I can only imagine how kids will love this and so what if they swallow their toothpaste
PS. I melt the oil a bit before I stir in the orange oil as I feel it blends better. If you add the cinnamon at this stage just give it a stir before it’s totally hardened again as the cinnamon will sink to the bottom. Also, I find that agitating the oil a bit as it sets prevents it from setting rock hard so it’s easier to pinch off a bit for the toothbrush.
What quantities did you use for this kid friendly toothpaste?
I go easy on the essential oil, just a drop or two into a small jar of coconut oil, but the cinnamon is totally to taste.
It’s been several months since my previous comment and I have some feedback that may be of interest. I’m prone to having sensitive teeth, but since I’ve been brushing exclusively with coconut oil I notice that it’s much improved and I feel almost no sensitivity at all. I can even drink orange juice again without squirming!
Coconut oil will also whiten your teeth!
If I can’t find arrowroot powder, is there a substitute? Is tea tree oil safe if I’m pregnant?
You can use cornstarch instead. I personally feel comfortable using meleleuca on myself (tea tree) when pregnant. However, I always recommend that folks do the research for themselves.
Ok so just add additional cornstarch? I’m new to DIY body products so I do want to make sure I’m doing it right. I’ve read a lot of mixed feelings about pretty much all essential oil use during pregnancy. The two I was interested In we’re tea tree and lavender. I thought since it wasn’t much it would be ok, but I like hearing your opinion. Thank you!
Yep- I would just do extra cornstarch.
Hope you like it!
Hey there,
First let me say that I love this site! You have so much useful info! Anyway, I tried to make this and it was just to dry! I couldn’t get it to hold together at all! I had to add way more of the coconut oil and even added veg. glycerin. Has anyone else had this problem? My finished product was pretty creamy but still crumbled during application…any thoughts would be appreciated!
Couldn’t you just add more coconut oil?
hello there
i love the recipe you put up about the deodorant
anyways i had read an article about antiperspirant in deodorants is believed to cause breast cancer …. i will skip the cornstarch!
love your website!
I have made this deodorant and it’s fantastic. A far superior recipe than one I tried before elsewhere. It has a smooth, yet medium firm consistency, and just glides on. I perfume my coconut oil with amber, and I love it, just a gentle fragrance. I also reduced the Bicarbonate of Soda amount by half (learned that lesson). Have been using for 3 months, and absolutely no issues. No staining, bad odour or anything. This recipe is in my favourites
This deodorant is great, but the baking soda made my underarms raw, red and itchy! Because I’m a Black woman, the skin under my arm looked so dark, it was awful. No more baking soda for me!
You know, I’ve heard some folks saying the same thing. I think baking soda is an irritant to some folks. Sorry you reacted to it!
My mom is a breast cancer survivor- so ive spent the last 7 years trying to find a deodorant that works that does not contain aluminum or alum and none of them work! So it was time to take things into my own hands haha… So, I made this deodorant last night, and used half the amount of baking soda just because of all the comments I read. So far so good! We will see what happens tomorrow when I get my intense work out on! My question is though, does this need to be refrigerated? Bc on the coconut oil it says for freshness to keep it refrigerated and I saw a few comments about ppl saying it smelled rancid after a few weeks, but she said she has used coconut milk. Does anyone else refrigerate this? (Seems a little inconvenient to have to put your deodorant on in the kitchen every morning haha)… Thanks!!
If you live in a warm climate, or your house is hot, you might want to refrigerate it so the coconut oil doesn’t end up melting. (It’s turns liquid at about 76+ degrees). I hope it works well for you!
Thank you!! It hasn’t melted so far! I was just curious if it would “keep” longer in the fridge. Thanks for the info!!
I wonder if during storage in an anal crack, would it change the flavor or the taste of
the crack. Just like the old phrase: “It’s only as strong as the weakest link”.
If you’ve been on the Internet for a while, you have heard about the differences between WEP and WPA and why the latter is better for network security. If these foundation cracks are not repaired immediately, aesthetic and repair problems are not the only problems; health hazards may also begin dominating homes. If you are filling in a missing piece — build the melted plastic welding rod off the edge the plastic item little by little. There are many forms of cocaine which range by intensity.
Wish I’d read all the comments about the baking soda *before* my partner (with very sensative skin) tried this.
I made my own “spray” deodorant as I was tired of having to use my fingers to rub my homemade deodorant on every morning. BTW, I LOVE homemade, natural deodorant and I have used this recipe for months with absolutely NO problems, no staining, no irritation and best of all…no smell even if I miss a day or two. My spray deodorant is simply rubbing alcohol and a few drops of Bergamot and Lavender in a spray bottle~
I love natural deo too! And Bergamot is one of my favorite oils!
Can you add benedryl cream to the deo. to help with sensitive skin ??
Hmmm… I’m not sure. Anymore, I steer clear from over-the-counter stuff like Benadryl, so I really don’t have experience with them. I think your best bet would be to just substitute or omit the ingredient that is causing the irriationa.
There is overwhelming publicity out there about the negative effects of aluminum in anti-perspirants. That’s enough for me to stay away from anti-perspirants and use a natural deodorant instead. Lavilin is the one I use. It’s an excellent product that always works. I buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lavilin
I’ve never heard of Lavilin– will have to check it out!
Great!!! Let me know how it goes!
Returning to make my 2nd BATCH! I love this stuff. I used to have some odor even when I used deodorant but I swear, this stuff is AMAZING! I will never go back. I omitted the Arrowroot simply because I didn’t have any and it works fine without it. You don’t need tea tree because Coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal already. I did add a couple of drops of pure essential oil. It’s not needed because if you use a good coconut oil, it already smells amazing. The combo of grapefruit + this recipe is so yummy. It’s island and citrus together. So nice! The amazing brand I used was: DR. BONNER’S FAIR TRADE ORGANIC (fresh pressed virgin) COCONUT OIL *whole kernel/unflavored. I bought several jars because it was on sale and I use it in place of oil or butter in all my cooking.
Wahoo! SO glad to hear you are enjoying it K! (And I am a huge fan of grapefruit too!)
I have made this recipe and have experienced the red, sore underarms.
Is there something I can do to salvage this recipe? Would softening it up and adding glycerin help?
In the meantime, I have found that coconut oil and lemongrass work great for me! I had made a lotion that was supposed to be good for varicose/spider veins (1 cup coconut oil and 50 drops lemongrass). I have discovered that I love lemongrass for many different things. I works for the veins, helps with the cottage cheese at the back of my thighs, works as a mosquito deterent and a deodorant! I love muti-use products!
I made this recipe and I love it – it works better than any I have bought. I have on and off had the rash so I will try to reduce the baking soda next time to see if it helps. No problems with staining as long as I make sure that I get the deodorant rubbed in all the way. Thanks for a great recipe
Glad to hear this Melodie! It definitely seems to work better for some people than others.
This is such a good idea. I’ve been looking for a healthy, frugal alternative to the chemical laden brands and I
will definitely give this a try. It’s also a great resource for the self-sufficient family.
I’m fairly new to the natural thing. Can you tell me why you need to add coconut oil? I’m usually hot and I sweat a lot so I’m nervous about using coconut oil. I was wondering if I could substitute something else, but didn’t know if coconut oil was essential to deodorant.
Thanks!
For those of you having trouble with baking soda try milk of magnesia (it can get a little messy tho so usse a bottle with a pump) or try cheap vodka or Everclear with a few drops EO (you can also dilute this with a bit of water or aloe vera if you want). These work for me but just becareful not to shave then spray on the vodka deodorant (OUCH!!!!)
Cool- I’ve never heard of anyone using milk of magnesia before– thanks for sharing!
Please remember to use organic ingredients as much as possible. Cemical processes to refine or purify an ingredient or pesticides used on the individual ingredients are still something to be aware of that may cause irritation or even defeat the purpose of your precious time in creating an alternative deodorant option.
Typo: *Chemical, of course.
I made this totally scatterbrained today and forgot the arrowroot powder. Can you tell me what it’s used for and if the batch I have now is still good? I’ve already dumped it into baby food containers.
I would still give it a try– I think it’ll probably still work!
How do you get your deodorant liquid? I’ve mixed all Ingredients but I can’t use it as a deodorant cause the mass is to sticky for spraying.
Is it necessary to add some water maybe? Thanks.
This recipe is designed to be more of a solid deodorant–I’m not sure it’d be possible to turn this particular recipe into a liquid.
Lavilin is all class! Smells fantastic, lasts a week, and it’s completely natural! Love it!
this coconut oil is cool becouse it could even work 4 lipbalms
you are right
I’m a Lavilin girl. Always will be!!
See Lavilin reviewed here: http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/07/any-of-these-hippie-deodorants-work.html
I’m in the UK and I’m pretty sure cornstarch has another name here! Does anyone know what it is? Thanks
Cornstarch is the same as Cornflour
Thanks for sharing this. I have only found one commercial deodorant that doesn’t make my armpits itch like fire ants and it has been discontinued! I bought up all the stock I could find, but will need to find something when my stockpile runs out. Gonna try this!
I have to second the vote for milk of magnesia – no prep required, just put it in a pump spray bottle. It’s wet, but not enough to leave white marks on your clothes. My husband and I started using it a few weeks ago and we are blown away – no body odor! Totally amazing, as well as easy and cheap! Give it a try – you’ll be glad you did.
Ok… now I gotta try it!
I’ve been using this for a year. I love it, and will never go back. I finally started making because my breast were hurting, they quit when I started using it. In the summer I do still sweat but don’t smell. Hopefully adding cornstarch will help as I don’t add that. I use eucaliptis oil and sweet Orange.
I have a question. Is there anything that can be used in place of the corn starch? I am allergic to corn so i can’t use it, but would love to try this recipe!!!
I made this same recipe from a different site and it left rings in the pits of al the shirts. I’m sure it’s from the baking soda but don’t want to cut it out entirely. Still need it to be like a deodorant. Straight coconut oil does NOT work for me. I’m a sweaty person. Plus I’m still dealing with hot flashes from chemo so I need it to WORK. This is one area where I’m having a hard time not buying the “bad for you” stuff. I have a hard time dealing with BO from myself or anyone else.
You could try putting a little colloidal silver in it. When I smell crunchy but don’t have time to shower, I just spritz with colloidal silver and it instantaneously smell fresh and clean.
Didn’t you know that baking soda contains aluminium?
Baking soda does not contain aluminum–it’s some baking powders that do rather.
I’m sharing this article from the National Cancer Institute regarding research on breast cancer and the relationship (if any) between antiperspirants/deodorants. The research findings have been mixed and it’s not accurate to say there is a link between breast cancer and deodorants or antiperspirants. This report concludes.. “Because studies of antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer have provided conflicting results, additional research is needed to investigate this relationship and other factors that may be involved.” Here is the whole article:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo
Just the possibility is enough for me!
Has anyone tried adding probiotics to this recipe?
My current Facebook status…..
Morning Moment At Albertsons…
Me: Do you have Arrowroot? I’ve looked and looked and can’t find it.
Store Manager: Hmmm…I don’t think so. What would you use Arrowroot for, if you don’t mind my asking.
Me: Oh. I’m going to try to make my own coconut based deodorant.
His face was priceless. Lol. Yeah. I’ll be ordering it off of Amazon.
Here’s a link in case you’re as crazy as me. https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/12/diy-coconut-oil-deodorant.html
BWAHAHAHA!
I’ve TOTALLY been there!! 
I’ve been making this for nearly a year now. We minimally heat and cool our house (40-95 degrees F) and DH does manual labor, so it’s been through the ringer. I use old deodorant tubes and we keep it in the fridge. I omit cornstarch, and decrease the baking soda by half to prevent rashes. It works perfectly!
I made it and its very hard. Is there something I can do to make it a creamier consistency? I tried adding more arrowroot and I think its even harder now. More coconut oil?
I added a tablespoon of olive oil to soften mine and it worked perfectly!
By the way, I have mine in a halfpint canning jar and rub my fingertips on the surface to get some to rub into my underarms.
I have made a version of this before and like how it works to control odor, BUT, my main issue with it is that when I sweat (that is a good thing, right? Sweat is a natural body function), the wet patch that forms dries to either a yellow ring (on light colors) or a white ring (on dark colors).
What can I do about this?
Remember corn starch is GMO unless it’s organic. Don’t want to absorb that into through your armpits.
where do I buy organic baking soda in mid Missouri?
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An old fashioned, yet very effective way to ward off underarm odour is to take cotton wool, soak it in good old fashioned rubbing alcohol and swipe your underarms with it. It kills off the ‘odourific’ bacteria. Then dust talc or corn startch if you like — I only do that in the direst of summer months. My mam taught me the alcohol-swish trick — it works well. You can always keep a tiny bottle in your purse and can certainly use a tissue or bit of toilet paper if you’re out and about or at work. When I was busy working, I used purell — quick dash into the ladies – quick smear of purell with toilet paper and voila! A refresher! If you are sensitive, a dab of aloe gel does wonders and isn’t greasy!
i made this too and was amazed that I had no odor even after exercising, but then the skin under my my arms turned red, was so sore and started peeling! sadly I switched back, but I may try again with glycerine, shea and cocoa butter–which I already have around the house for my hair–and decrease the baking soda, increase the cornstarch and add arrowroot…
Thanks for the tips and inspiration!
Just made this and I love it already!!
I made and use this recipe, minus the arrowroot because I didn’t have enough, and it totally works! :). I used a little lavender essential oil in mine. I also got it into an Old deodorant container- put the mixture in freezer and allow to harden a good bit quickly, then press into the molded bottom, which will keep the rest from leaking out. I then keep it in the freezer. It stays solid and it’s refreshing to put on!
Thanks so much for the recipe!!
YAY! So glad it’s working for you!
I made this and followed your recipe exactly although I used 2x the amount of sweet orange oil because I couldn’t really smell it with the recommended amount.
I. Am. Converted.
It smells amazing for one. I never smell. Ever. Even after going dancing until 4am and sweating like a beast. I don’t think I’ll ever use anything else.
I love comments like this Kelly!
SO happy you are lovin’ it!
I must be the only person this natural deodorant doesn’t work for. The original recipe irritated my armpits (skin peeled totally off) so I tried just the coconut oil and I would smell by mid day. I tried less baking powder still I would smell. Then I tried the coconut oil with tea tree oil and still I would smell especially the left arm for some reason. Ive caved and went back to deodorant when I really needed not to smell on special occasions but Im determined to find something natural that works
I’ve heard several people say the same thing– I think it really depends on the person.
Try substituting the baking soda for diatomaceous earth (food grade)
My cream deodorant keeps turning grainy. Is this because of the soda? Does anyone have this problem or know how to fix it?
I tried this recipe, but like others, I found that after a little while, my underarms were red and irritated. I think I will try the recipe without cornstarch and see if that helps.
I’ve added about 1-2Tbs of melted beeswax to this recipe. Helps it stay solid at room temp (you can put it in a deodorant container) and makes it easier to apply. Seems to boost the antiperspirant aspect a bit, too.
Good tip!
FYI- Tea tree oil is a phyto estrogen, and I am VERY allergic to cornstarch. The woman who commented on the men having rashes, that could be the culprit. My understanding was that the arrowroot was to thicken it, so perhaps adding more would help. Also isn’t their a aluminum free baking soda, cause I think one of the problems with commercial deodorant was the aluminum in it. I may be wrong
This deoderant is the best.. I overused store bought for many years… I have tested it all day at work and through 2 crossfit workouts so far!! It’s amazing!
Deodorant , sorry for the misspelling
I have a suggestion, if the baking soda is irritating but you still need something effective on odor how about adding some bergamot oil? its a natural deodorizer and smells refreshing, not to mention uplifting … just remember that it can become photo toxic when exposed to sunlight, but usually your arm pits dont get much sunlight
Great tip– I love bergamot!
Its a good recipe and it works. My only concern is I heard that coconut oil promotes hair growth thus it may contribute to more hairy armpits. Or am I wrong? Any ideas or thoughts on that?
Hmmm… I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone complaining of that while using coconut oil deo, but I suppose it’s a possibility!
Marinal is actually right.It happened to my mon;a bad experience
Do you have a deodorant recipe without baking soda? It give me a rash…
How sweet! I have fallen in love with it!!! I’m an avid DIYer and always try to be busy with some new projects. Was searching for a unique idea to start. The idea of Natural Deodorant made me stop and crazy to make it asap! In a hurry to start. Wish me good luck Jill!
I started making my own deodorant at home and it works so much better. I’m using refillable roll-on bottles like these https://amzn.to/2Nq9VMc. I also waste less plastic doing this way.
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This makes some sense. I also prefer natural deodorants than store-bought ones. I have this feeling that I’m safe from chemicals.
Beard Acne
I used a natural deodorant that was mostly made of baking soda and coconut oil so I bet this is like the DIY version of that. I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing this natural remedy to stinky pits!
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