I’ve been thinking I should do a post about what many of you have been asking me about lately, the natural deodorant I use and make. It’s a super simple recipe that smells great and it really works too! You just need a few simple ingredients and this recipe should make enough for 1 person for about 3 months. If you have ever thought about switching to natural deodorant you should do it!! It’s much better for your body not to use aluminum which is found in many of your every day general deodorants, especially us ladies since aluminum has been linked to breast cancer. Here is my recipe:
Natural Deodorant
2-3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1/8 Cup Baking Soda
1/8 Cup Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch
Mix the baking soda and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) together and then slowly start to add the coconut oil. Mmmm..smells so good…but don’t worry you won’t smell like a coconut all day! I like to buy organic, unrefined coconut oil so that it is the least processed. Coconut oil will be in a solid state up to room temps of 76 degrees so your end product will be more of a very thick paste. You can store your deodorant in a plastic food container, an old baby food jar (hey, why not repurpose!) or even your old empty deodorant container. I usually keep ours in the fridge since I like it pretty hard and that way I can just rub the “stone” on. But, if you like you can keep it out of the fridge and just rub it on by dipping your fingers into it kind of like a lotion.
Coconut oil is really good for you and has lots of antibacterial properties, that’s what makes it work so well as a natural deodorant. You can also use coconut oil as a replacement for butter or vegetable oil in your baking. It has a shelf life up to two years. I hope you try this, it works amazingly well!
The basic ingredients…minus the baking soda…oops, I forgot to take a picture of that one!
A picture of what the thick paste should look like
After I put mine in the fridge it becomes rock-like, then I just pop it out of the container and rub it on…Presto! homemade good-for-you deodorant!
I’m allergic to coconut…do you have any other suggestions for the oil base?
Thanks!
I use baking soda mixed in water then put it in a spray bottle. I also add some essential oils (lavender, tea tree oil…) it works really, really well! It actually controls my odor problem better than traditional deodorants.
I use baking soda and water in a spray bottle. I also add some essential oils, I like lavender. It works really good! I’ve always had difficulty with traditional deodorants working. But this controls my odor problems!
Try Olive oil. It is also very good for you and is used as a carrier oil.
Maybe beeswax or shea butter?
I’m allergic to eating coconut but can apply and eat the oil with no problems. Not sure if this is true for you, but you could rub a very small amount on a tiny area of your wrist if you are not sure. I would try this test a couple of times before making the deodorant,
I’m going to try this! I have such a difficult time finding deodorants that work for me and these ingredients are all things that I can use for other purposes if the deodorant doesn’t work out for me.
I also have a hard time finding deodorants that work well- (I guess it’s the italian in me- who knows) I JUST yesterday read this online and tried it last night- Use lemon juice under your arms. I know it sounds crazy, but even after 2 applications of deodorant, I’m still a little stinky at the end of the day. It absolutely and instantly neutralized any hint of odor!! I am odor free the next morning as well! I am sooo happy to have found this tip!!
I too found store bought deodorants to be a problem. They caused bumps in my arm pits that were very painful, plus I had to reapply several times a day, which compounded the problem. Then I found a Pin recommending alcohol. So simple, I got an old spray bottle that had contained a hair product, cleaned it out, then poured in 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. About 10 short sprays does the trick. I do not have an odor problem, and have not for over a year.
I tried adding lavender to the alcohol for the scent, but even one drop caused irritation.
Hi RevAnne!
That’s a good question…I would think you could substitute cocoa butter or shea butter to get the same consistency of the coconut oil. You may need to add a few drops of an essential oil like tea tree, lavender or lemon to get the antibacterial effect.
This is great, and so easy. Thanks for sharing!
Tea tree oil is a great idea…I may try this. I’m allergic to something in the stick & spray deodorants (lots of allergies 🙂 ), and I’ve begun to react to the cream deodorant I’ve been using. Thanks for posting this!
I hope that you don’t mind, but I posted a link to your deoderant recipe on Facebook today. I have been using it for a week and it is AMAZING! No more smelly me!
@Norwood Mama-
Thanks for linking this to Facebook! I’m glad you are loving the deodorant! Good stuff 🙂
-Maggie
I know this an older post, but I had to stop by to tell you thanks for this recipe. I have tried natural/organic deodorants before with no success, so I was skeptical, but this one totally works! My kids keep me hopping and often a little sweaty, and you can’t even tell! Thanks for sharing! (I linked to this post on my blog for anyone wanting the recipe.)
Okay…I should have come back to this sooner, but it took me a while to make this deodorant. My formula: 3 T shea butter, 2 T each baking soda and cornstarch, 3 drops of tea tree oil.
I love it! It doesn’t stain, I don’t react to it, and it works really well. I’ve always been a heavy sweat-er, and so I occasionally use a commercial light body spray later in the day, but this is the best stuff I’ve used in a while. And best of all–I don’t appear to be allergic to it. Time will tell, but this one’s a winner. Thanks so much.
Hey Mommabear, would you mind if I reposted this recipe to my own blog, with links and attribution?
Have been trialling this deodorant for a week now. My family are TERRIBLE sweaters and we had a heatwave – days in the 30s – sometimes even 40s (that’s centigrade).
Guess what? I don’t smell of BO! Not even slightly! The worst I got was a slightly damp scent at the end of the day, when my clothes were wet through from just the sweat of ebing in such heat. And even that disappeared when the clothes dried out in the clothes hamper, before I put them in the washing machine (yeah, I sniff tested. I have an 18 month old. I sniff worse things than old BO on a regular basis XD).
I’m super excited to have discovered this recipe and I’m not sure I’ll ever buy another commercial deodorant EVER (if I’m ever without, I’ll just make a amd dash for the health food store).
Aphie-
I am so happy that you have had such good results with this deodorant!! You may definitely post this to you blog…the more people that get the idea to use natural vs store bought the better!!! Have a great day!
-Maggie
A really great idea! I’ll link this to my blog so I can share with my readers. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Maggie – I’m so excited to try this!! I have been using the crystal deodorant and lately I’ve noticed it not working as well all the time and didn’t want to go back to commercial deodorants! I’ll let you know how it goes!
Jamie
Hi Maggie,
I just stumbled upon your blog and must say that I love it!!! I now have several projects added to my must make list.
I was wondering if this deodorant is safe to use during pregnancy?
You can e-mail me at cindysmith032680@gmail.com
Thanks in advance,
Cindy
How do you get your comments to be numbered?
I googled online how to number the comments. I wanted to let you know that I shared this post on my blog. Here is the link: http://koolbeenz-blog.blogspot.com/2011/05/smashed-peas-and-carrots-natural.html
Maggie, I have stumbled upon your blog by Pintrest of all places, and am literally about to make this deoderant right now! I had to go to the store to get some coconut oil and am so excited about trying this!
I also made some bath salts from your recipe as well.
You have been so inspiring to me!
Thank you!!
-Nicole
I am so excited to try this. I love when I can make natural things because buying organic can be expensive. What are some other things I can use Coconut oil for? Also, besides whole foods (because I dont think there is one close to me) where can I get arrowroot?
I have used coconut oil to make balms and lotions. it can be a really good hair conditioner too apparently. A friend just uses it straight as a moisturiser…
Hi Michelle!
I’m so happy you are going to try this, it really is the best deodorant!!
I have since bought arrowroot powder at the local grocery store in the spice section, so check there first!!
You can use coconut oil in baking as a replacement for the oil…it’s a healthy substitute…if you google it you should see lots of recipes!!
Have fun and let me know if you have any other questions!!
This may be a really weird question, but if you’re using an oil will it leave grease marks on your clothes? I figure probably not but wanted to check anyways, thanks so much!
I’ve been using it now for 2 weeks under the almost 40C of Spanish sun and it is great!!! I’m “cocking” it now for all my family…!!! THANKS!!!!
Hi there! I just have to say I love your blog! You have inspired me to start my own. I’m so glad you posted this recipe, I’ve been using it for months now and I love it. Hope you don’t mind but I’m spreading the word on my blog but did give you credit for it. If your interested my blog is- http://girlwholovestheworld.blogspot.com/
Have a question. Once you put it in the fridge do you leave it there and get it out everyday or leave it out like regular deodorant. thanks
Do you melt the coconut oil first?? I am so excited to try this,
Do you melt the oil first?? I can’t wait to try this!
@Michelle-coconut oil will either be a solid at a colder temp or a liquid at a warmer temperature, so depending on if you want to apply it as a firm stone (rub on) or using your fingers like a lotion will depend on where you keep it
@Jenbooks-There is no need to melt the coconut oil, it will naturally be in a liquid state at warmer room temp. You can easily mix in the other ingredients even if it’s in a softer semi-solid state! Have fun!
I am so eager to try this! I found it via Pinterest. 🙂 thanks so much!
I am echoing the question–does the coconut oil stain your clothing? I will check back for the answer?
Nope! Never had a stain in all the years I’ve used it!
What do you think is better to use…the arrowroot powder or the cornstarch! I am anxious to try this, but don’t have any arrowroot powder in my cupboard. Wondering if I should make a trip out to the store before I try this or if I should just give it a shot with the cornstarch! So excited that this is even an option!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
They both work great, enjoy!
Where do you buy the coconut oil. I shop at Trader Joes and the Super Markets and have never seen any to the best of my knowledge.
I have found it in many of my basic grocery stores, even Walmart. Look in the baking aisle next to the oils!
Thank you!
KJO
First time I bought coconut oil was at Trader Joe’s… 🙂
Does this work well as an antiperspirant as well? If not, do you use anything for that? I sweat pretty heavily and wondered what may work for that.
This is soley a deodorant not and antiperspirant. I think it works great, though maybe I am not much of a sweater? 🙂
Thank you so much Maggie for this awesome recipe. I didn’t measure out 1/8 of a cup exactly so it made it kind of thinner, still solidifies in the fridge though. I’m so excited about this!
Now, onto finding homemade toothpaste!
YAY! Hope you love it! Baking soda is a great all natural toothpaste…give it a whirl!
I’ve recently started using the miswak, which is a natural toothbrush that does not need toothpaste. 😀 Try checking it out, I love it.
WOW, I cannot get over how well this WORKS! I was completely skeptical and a week in to using the deodorant, I am still odorless!!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, I’ve always battled with body odor and to have found this seems so unreal to me!
So glad it works well for you!! Hooray for natural!
mine was definitely more powdery than pastey like yours. 🙁 my coconut oil is solid at room temp – does that make a difference? I am bummed this didn’t work at all.
Yes your coconut oil consistency plays a big part in this. You can add more coconut oil at this point until it is more pastey. Next time just add the cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda a little at a time until it is the right consistency!
I just made this today and will be trying it out tonight for a busy night at the restaurant I work at. So many of my friends asked me for the recipe, that I copied and posted this page to the picture I posted on facebook. I hope you don’t mind! Many of my friends and I are trying to go more natural in the products we use. Do you happen to have a favorite shampoo and conditioner recipe you recommend?
Hi fellow anon,
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) makes a great shampoo – Google around for recipes. Many websites suggest just mixing it with water, but I like to add in some corn starch (for thickness), and I soak the water in oats for a while first, which leaves my hair shiny + glossy. Apple cider vinegar is a perfect conditioner – mix with water + apply to hair, leave in for a few minutes then rinse!
Others recommend making shampoo with castille soap as a base (e.g. Dr. Bronner’s), which is gentle on skin and can help provide a thicker consistency. However, if, like me, you are trying to give up all shop-bought products for beauty, then I definitely recommend baking soda as a shampoo. It also has a lot of other uses so I’d stock up!
Be careful how much cornstarch you are using. Over time it can clog up your pipes and is very expensive to have fixed. I use baking soda and water, when my hair was waist length I only added enough water to to about 1/4c baking soda to make a paste and rubbed it onto my scalp then rinsed my hair very well. Now that I have cut my hair chin length, I just add a couple Tablespoons of baking soda to about a cup of water and just pour it on my hair. I use apple cider vinegar as my conditioner.
Has anyone tried pouring this into an old deodorant container and maybe place it in the fridge upside down to keep its shape?
Yup, you can totally do this but you need to keep it cool of it will leak out in warmer temperatures!
Just made this and added some lemmongrass essential oil. Smells so good! My coconut oil is the Kelapo brand and it’s fairly solid at room temp and this recipe still worked. I’m hoping to be able to bring it with me when I travel so hopefully it won’t melt at room temp later. We shall see! Thanks for a great recipe!
Definitely travel with it in a baggie just in case! 🙂
found this on Pinterest today and will be making tomorrow. I’m on a switch to natural/homemade kick and this is perfect! Plus I have everything i need in my cupboard 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for posting your recipe … I made it and am completely amazed by how well it works – in fact, it works far better than any store bought variety I have ever tried. I also like how nice it is to not have a heavy perfume residue on my clothes like I get with the commercial brands. I will definitely be sharing this link with my friends!
Thanks again!
~KM
I made this today and love it! It’s 102 here and it works great. I added 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Thank you!
Can you use grape seed oil instead of coconut?
I have a sensitivity to normal deodorants which end up giving me a rash if I don’t wash them off with soap every night, but all the natural deodorants I’ve tried don’t actually keep the stink away for a whole day.
I tested this deodorant for a month of very hot weather and several long gruelling hikes…it is fantastic! I just rinse the deodorant off with water at night so the next morning I don’t get a powdery buildup. Day after day no rashes!
I’m so happy with the complete lack of smell both from the product (I use the scentless coconut oil) and from the sweat…I hate scented products. I’m going to be recommending this deodorant to everyone I think will listen. Thank you so much for the recipe.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this deodorant and have been using it for the last three months. I’m baking under the 40 degree Italian sun but i dont smell AT ALL!!!. I added 4 drops of tea tree oil as i like the scent but alSo going to try lanvader oil next time.
Thanks for posting this..i’m also spreading the word 🙂
For those of you who have made this or are going to : if you’re going to use baking soda, make sure it’s “aluminum-free;” otherwise, it defeats the purpose of staying away from aluminum like that in commercial deoderants. I use Bob’s Red Mill “Aluminum-free” Baking Soda, you can get it almost anywhere.
FYI most baking sodas DO NOT contain aluminum. Some baking POWDERS do, but not baking soda. I know Arm and Hammer baking soda does not contain aluminum. http://www.gapalicious.com/2011/05/09/does-arm-and-hammer-baking-soda-contain-aluminum/
That is a great idea, thanks for sharing!
Just and FYI, men get breast cancer too 🙂
My hubby and I have been using this. It works way better than boughten stuff. My hubby noticed that when he was in his truck and used boughten deodorant (not antiperspirant) his armpits got sore and he stunk sooner. Only I add vanilla essential oil and have been experimenting with adding a little beeswax so that it doesn’t have to stay in the fridge…
I gotta give this a try. I don’t like using aluminum products and am allergic to something in a lot of roll-ons and deodorant sticks. I am limited to the products I can use so am fearful that someday “my” brands may become discontinued. I’m a guy and sweat like a guy, so I let you know how I like it— Jim
I’ve been using this for about two weeks now and am getting pretty bad razor burn. I have tried using witch hazel to calm it down, but it isn’t working too well. Do you have any suggestions for this? It does a good job controlling odor, but is getting kind of painful 🙁
Hmm, my first thought is that you might be allergic to an ingredient. My second thought is that you may need to use it in the soft state or close to liquid form as if you are using it in the solid state it may be too rough for you?!?
I use it in a spray. Just filtered water, baking soda and then I add some essential oils. (tea tree for the anti bacterial benefits and lavender for the smell)
It’s much gentler on your skin this way, I have extremely sensitive skin.
Also, for the first few months my skin started to turn almost black! But then it settled down and I have no problems. I wonder if it was my body De-toxifying from all the chemicals from regular anti deodorants?
Adjust the ratio to have more oil & starch… less baking soda. Should help with the red/soreness.
I was having a problem with a lot of irritation and rashiness after trying this the first time… stopped using it until the rash died down, tested it on my wrist to see if it was an allergy… I didn’t react on my wrist, so I think it might have been that I was using it as a solid and the scraping was causing the irritation. I’m going to try it again with a little more coconut oil to make it more or a lotion consistency, and try with cornstarch instead of the arrowroot, since I know I’m not allergic to the other ingredients. I did add tea tree oil for it’s antibacterial properties, and because it has a nice fresh scent.
Where would you find arrowroot at Wal-Mart or local grocery store? The closest Whole Foods is over an hour away.
Have you tried amazon?
I haven’t seen it in local stores, but I get my herbs and spices at MountianRoseHerbs.com
I just asked about the arrowroot, my email is daninorris_11@yahoo.com
Costco sells coconut oil….can not wait to try!
Thought I’d share for those allergic to coconut: I discovered lime juice for underarm odor a couple months back. I didn’t get a chance to try recipes like this yet, but’ll say that the lime juice has been the best thing for me, after trying several commercial (incl. natural) deodorants. I’ve had really bad odor since last year with trying to take off weight and added stress recently.
I buy organic lime juice to avoid other chemicals. Use it in a 3oz bottle you can get in the travel section of just about any department store. Just 1-2 spritz under each arm and rub is enough to last me between my morning and evening showers. I suggest not using right after shaving, so I shave in the evening, and by my morning shower my skin is healed enough to not sting when I spritz.
I’m glad I stumbled upon your recipe, though. I’ve been thinking that my son’s skin might be too sensitive for the lime juice when he starts needing deodorant. Thank you for sharing!
I want to reuse my old deodorant canisters & keep them in the medicine cabinet not the freezer. Don’t want it to melt at room temp. so should I put bees wax in it? Any suggestions?
As long as your house is not super hot it shouldn’t melt. I keep mine in the bathroom and it stays in a semi-soft state, not liquid!
OMG!!!! I have been trying different shop bought alumninium free deodorants for years, they are expensive, some don’t work well and others are highly perfumed and cause me to feel sick and get rashes. So when I came across this recipe I thought I just had to give it a go, and oh my am I glad that I did!!!! It is absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!!! Thank you soooooo much!!!!!!!!
Yay! I am so glad you loved this recipe! I have been using it for years and it still works well!!