This DIY Homemade Deodorant is super easy to make, and more importantly, it’s actually works. In fact I’ve found it works better than any of the commercial brands I used to but, and it’s made with completely natural ingredients!
This recipe has truly changed my life! I’m sure you’ve heard something along those lines before, but it’s true, and it could change yours as well.
I have tried so many different deodorants from the commercial ones containing aluminum to almost every natural brand that exists. Each one worked, sort of, to one degree (no pun intended) or another for awhile. I was never happy with what I was using until I found this recipe on Crunchy Betty’s site.
Over the last couple of years I have tinkered with the proportions and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The main complaint with natural deodorants is that they don’t seem to work very well. But that is definitely not the case with this one.
I have used this recipe exclusively for about 4 years now because it works so well. I’m happy to report no offensive odors, and best of all it doesn’t contain any scary ingredients.
One problem I’ve noticed though is that at warmer temperature, the deodorant melts and separates which is a pain. Every time it melts, you have to mix it back together for it to be effective. It’s not that big of a deal. But it does get annoying in the summertime when your deodorant separates daily in the heat.
I had several people write in to say they added beeswax to my original recipe, and it solved the melting problem. I knew I needed to test that idea out, and update this recipe with a precise measurement.
And so… let’s make this DIY Homemade Deodorant:
The key to the new version of this recipe is to make sure the beeswax is completely melted into the coconut oil before adding the other ingredients.
When the beeswax is completely melted, mix in the cornstarch/arrowroot and essential oils. This mixture is still liquid at this point, and you can pour it into a container. After a few hours it will solidify and it stays really stable as temperatures in the house fluctuate.
You can add a few drops of essential oils if desired. I have sensitive skin and usually leave them out. Although recently I made a batch with sweet orange essential oil, and that seemed to be fine for me. As an extra bonus, it smells like creamsicle ice cream.
Be sure to place your final product into a clean and sterilized jar. That way you make sure there’s nothing in your container that would contaminate the finished product.
Note: The first recipe below is the new more stable version with beeswax added. And the second recipe is the original I used to make.
DIY Homemade Deodorant
- Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon grated beeswax, 2 grams
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 drops essential oils, I love orange or lemon
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax together in a small saucepan over low heat.
- When the wax is completely melted, add the cornstarch/arrowroot and baking soda, and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Add the essential oils if desired, adding more or less to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
DIY Homemade Deodorant
- Total Time: 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 5 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 4 drops essential oils
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mash with the back of a spoon until thoroughly combined.
Notes
If you coconut oil is hard, melt over low heat, then mix together with the rest of ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
Not to say I’m shocked but this recipe works so well!! I’m thrilled. I’ve been buying natural deodorant for over 5 years and have tried them ALL…Toms, EOS, Earth Science, Jason, the Stone…nothing has worked like this recipe does. Don’t be surprised if it’s really gooey at first…I thought mine was too thin but it eventually thickened up after a day. I added 5 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil but can’t really smell it…other scent combo ideas are welcome and appreciated!
You can add a bit more orange oil until you like the smell. Try it in small batches though because some people have trouble with the citrus essential oils irritating their skin. I also like lemon or lavender, but lately I’ve been leaving it unscented and wearing my choice of essential oil as a perfume. That way, I’m not stuck with one scent!
hi, how long it can be kept?
My last batch kept for six months just fine. I’ve never had any around longer than that because I usually use my products up faster than they can spoil!
What is the best way to apply this?
I just use my fingers, usually a product will spoil faster if you touch it but it doesn’t seem to matter with the deodorant!
I can’t wait to try this, does it keep you from perspiring too, or just a deodorant?
I’ve found that it keeps me from perspiring better than antiperspirants used to, and it’s more effective as a deodorant as well! Most days it keeps me completely dry, depending on how much activity the day involves.
Hi love, great recipe!
I was just wondering if I can use cornflour? Is it the same thing?
Thanks x
I’m not sure because it would seem that cornflower means different things in different countries. Some places it’s almost the same as cornstarch, the cornflower contains a bit more protein. In other places, cornflower refers to cornmeal. So, long story short, if you can find cornstarch or arrowroot it would probably make your life easier!
Hi is cornstarch and arrowroot the same thing? You write one in the recipe but the picture shows the other.
Sarah
Yes, they have very similar properties. Arrowroot is a good substitute for cornstarch in cooking and in beauty products if you have any sensitivity to corn. Sorry about the confusion, I’ve fixed the post for the future!
Can I substitute the coconut oil with say, Almond oil?
Yes! You can substitute any oil that best suits your skin.
I made a similar recipe and tried it out. It irritated my underarms and haven’t used it again. Has anyone else had this problem?
I had the same trouble when I first tried homemade deodorant, but after several tweaks I came up with this recipe and it’s been good. You can also try using 6 Tablespoons of arrowroot and 2 Tablespoons of baking soda (it’s the baking soda that was an irritant for me). In addition, I don’t use very much when applying it.
I believe the baking soda was my culprit as well. I’ll try to tweak the batch I made because I hate to throw it away. Thanks for the tips!
I’ve had skin irritation too with a similar recipe. The baking soda makes it too alkaline without an acid balance. I added a couple teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to my coconut oil/baking soda concoction and it seems to have done the trick. Granted, it will fizz when you mix the two, but just give it a minute and it will settle down.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll have to give it a try!
I found your site through my cousin, Alison and I just need to tell you that I love it and really appreciate the effort you put into your content! I have been searching for years for a safe deodorant that actually works and now I’ve finally found one. I’ve been using your recipe with tea tree oil for a couple of months now and it works great! I’ve even made up batches to share with friends and family to convince them they don’t need that nasty stuff from the store. Thanks so much for researching it out and sharing the recipe! Now to convert the hubby – just a matter of time 🙂
Does this stain your shirts at all? I had a shirt get stained after using the recipe I was telling you about today. It also had coconut oil in it.
I haven’t had any problems with it staining my shirts, but I don’t use very much of it at a time. You can decrease the amount of coconut oil by up to 1 tablespoon. This creates a harder finished product which can be good in the summer when the temperature is warmer because coconut oil is more liquid the warmer it gets.