Homemade Natural Deodorants & 5 Easy Recipes to Follow

Natural deodorants, especially homemade natural deodorants, are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking an allergy-free deodorant and potentially gentler alternative to traditional deodorants. As we mentioned earlier, many people are being diagnosed with allergies to chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants; the numbers keep increasing every day at an alarming rate.

Types of Natural Deodorants (Based on Their Main Ingredient)

Homemade Natural Deodorants & 5 Easy Recipes to Follow

If you’re thinking about making a homemade natural deodorant, then you’re in the right place! We’ve put together tested recipes for homemade deodorants that actually work, and we’re going to share them with you! Whether you’re a man or a woman, there’s a recipe for you!

Here’s a breakdown of some common types of natural deodorants:

Baking Soda Deodorant: A popular DIY option, baking soda deodorants neutralize odor-causing bacteria with their natural alkaline properties. However, as discussed earlier, baking soda can be irritating for some people.
Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch Deodorants: These natural starches absorb sweat, creating a less hospitable environment for bacteria and reducing odor. They are often combined with other ingredients like baking soda or essential oils for a more comprehensive approach.
Coconut Oil Deodorant: Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties and can help keep you feeling fresh. However, it can be greasy for some people, and solid coconut oil may melt at warmer temperatures. Due to its high nickel content, coconut oil may not be suitable for people with coconut allergy.
Clay Deodorants: Clays like kaolin or bentonite clay can absorb sweat and odor. They may also offer some detoxification benefits by drawing out impurities from the skin.
Essential Oil Deodorants: Many natural deodorants incorporate essential oils for fragrance and potential antibacterial properties. Popular choices include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and lemongrass oil. Remember, even natural essential oils can cause irritation for some individuals, so patch testing is recommended.

Pros and Cons of Natural Deodorants:

Pros:

A hypoallergenic deodorant solution offering a solution free of aluminum, fragrance, and other potential allergens.
It can be gentler on sensitive skin.

Cons:

It may not be as effective for everyone, especially with high activity levels.
Some natural ingredients can be irritating.
DIY options require preparation and may not have the same shelf life as commercial products.

Considering these different types of natural deodorants and their pros and cons can help you decide if they might fit your needs.

How to Make Homemade Natural Deodorants – The Recipes

Tips Before You Begin:

Patch test: Before applying the deodorant under your arms, test a small amount on your inner forearm for 24 hours to check for any irritation. This is especially important with essential oils, as sensitivities can occur.
Shelf life: Due to the lack of preservatives, homemade deodorants typically have a shorter shelf life than commercial products. Aim to use your DIY deodorant within 3-6 months.
Irritations: If irritation occurs after the patch test, there are only two solutions: Reduce the amount of the active/main ingredient used, such as baking soda, or completely eliminate it and try other recipes.

How to Make a DIY Homemade Natural Baking Soda Deodorant Recipe

Ready to experiment with a natural deodorant option? Here’s a simple recipe for a baking soda deodorant:

Ingredients for Natural Baking Soda Deodorant:

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
2 tablespoons baking soda (caution: may irritate some people)
3 tablespoons coconut oil, solid and at room temperature
5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional – consider lavender, tea tree oil, or lemongrass)

Instructions:

Prepare your container: Choose a clean, airtight container like a small deodorant stick tube or a tin.
Whisk the dry ingredients: Whisk together the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and baking soda in a bowl.
Melt the coconut oil: Using a double boiler or a microwave on low power (in short bursts and stirring frequently), melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid but cool enough to touch.
Combine and mix: Slowly add the melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly until a smooth paste forms. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more coconut oil, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Essential oils (optional): If using essential oils, add your chosen drops to the mixture and stir well to combine.
Fill the container: Carefully transfer the deodorant mixture to your chosen container. It may help to use a spoon or piping bag to fill the container neatly.
Cooling and storage: Let the deodorant solidify at room temperature for a few hours, or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once solid, store your deodorant in a cool, dry place.

Remember: While baking soda deodorants are a popular natural option, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with severely sensitive skin. Be mindful of potential irritation and discontinue use if you experience any discomfort.

This Baking soda option is the best natural deodorant for men due to its effectiveness in tackling stronger odors than the other recipes.

How to Make Arrowroot Powder Natural Deodorant Recipe

Looking for a natural deodorant without baking soda? Here’s a recipe using arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) for a gentler option:

Ingredients for Arrowroot Powder Natural Deodorant Recipe:

This recipe is without baking soda.

3 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
2 tablespoons shea butter
2 tablespoons coconut oil, solid and at room temperature
5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional – consider lavender, clary sage, or palmarosa)

Instructions:

Prepare your container: Choose a clean, airtight container like a small deodorant stick tube or a tin.
Whisk the dry ingredient: In a bowl, whisk the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) to ensure there are no clumps.
Melt and soften: Using a double boiler or a microwave on low power (in short bursts and stirring frequently), melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid but cool enough to touch. In a separate container, soften the shea butter using the same method until it becomes spreadable.
Combine ingredients: Add the melted coconut oil and softened shea butter to the arrowroot powder. Using a hand mixer or a strong whisk, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Essential oils (optional): If using essential oils, add your chosen drops to the mixture and stir well to combine.
Fill the container: Carefully transfer the deodorant mixture to your chosen container. It may help to use a spoon or piping bag to fill the container neatly.
Cooling and storage: Let the deodorant solidify at room temperature for a few hours, or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once solid, store your deodorant in a cool, dry place.

Remember: Arrowroot powder and cornstarch deodorants are a good option for those in search of a natural deodorant without baking soda due to irritations. However, their effectiveness may vary depending on your activity level. it’s best to experiment and find what works best for you!

How to Make a Natural Coconut Oil Deodorant Recipe

Coconut oil offers natural antibacterial properties and can be a great base for a simple homemade deodorant. However, keep in mind that it can be greasy for some and may melt at warmer temperatures. This coconut oil recipe is also a good option for those seeking a natural deodorant without baking soda, who are ok with the greasy nature too.

Ingredients for Natural Coconut Oil Deodorant Recipe:

4 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
4 tablespoons coconut oil, solid and at room temperature
2 tablespoons beeswax, grated (optional – helps with solid consistency)
5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional – consider lemongrass, palmarosa, or tea tree oil)

Instructions:

Prepare your container: Choose a clean, airtight container like a small deodorant stick tube or a tin.
Whisk the dry ingredient: In a bowl, whisk the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) to ensure no clumps are present.
Melt ingredients: Using a double boiler or a microwave on low power (in short bursts and stirring frequently), melt the coconut oil and beeswax (if using) until liquid but cool enough to touch.
Combine and mix: Slowly add the melted oil(s) to the arrowroot powder, stirring constantly until a smooth paste forms. If the mixture feels too runny, add a little more arrowroot powder, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Essential oils (optional): If using essential oils, add your chosen drops to the mixture and stir well to combine.
Fill the container: Carefully transfer the deodorant mixture to your chosen container. It may help to use a spoon or piping bag to fill the container neatly.
Cooling and storage: Place the deodorant in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to solidify completely. Store your hypoallergenic deodorant in a cool, dry place. Be aware: If the weather is warm, the deodorant may melt again. Consider storing it in the refrigerator, especially if you live in a hot climate.

Remember: Coconut oil deodorants may not be the most effective for everyone, especially with high activity levels. The solid consistency can also be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your preference. Experiment and see if it works for you!

How to Make a Natural Clay Deodorant Recipe

Clay deodorants offer a unique approach, absorbing sweat and odor while potentially drawing out impurities from the skin. Here’s a recipe using kaolin clay, a gentle option:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons kaolin clay
2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
2 tablespoons shea butter
2 tablespoons coconut oil, solid and at room temperature
5-10 drops of your any essential oil according to your taste(optional – consider lavender, clary sage, or palmarosa)
1 tablespoon water (or more as needed)

Instructions:

Prepare your container: Choose a clean, airtight container like a small deodorant stick tube or a tin.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the kaolin clay and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) to prevent clumps.
Melt and soften: Using a double boiler or a microwave on low power (in short bursts and stirring frequently), melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid but cool enough to touch. In a separate container, soften the shea butter using the same method until it becomes spreadable.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add the melted coconut oil and softened shea butter to the dry clay and arrowroot powder mixture. Using a hand mixer or a strong whisk, beat the final mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Adjust consistency: If the mixture feels too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Be careful not to add too much water, as it can make the deodorant too runny.
Essential oils (optional): If using essential oils, add your chosen drops to the mixture and stir well to combine.
Fill the container: Carefully transfer the deodorant mixture to your chosen container. It may help to use a spoon or piping bag to fill the container neatly.
Cooling and storage: Let the deodorant solidify at room temperature for a few hours, or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once solid, store your deodorant in a cool, dry place.

Clay deodorants may require some trial and error to find the right consistency and effectiveness for you. They can be a good option for those seeking natural odor control with potential detoxification benefits, as well as those seeking an option without baking soda. This clay deodorant is also a good option for men looking for a natural option without baking soda.

How to Make Natural Essential Oil Deodorants

Essential oils offer a natural approach to deodorizing with their antibacterial and aromatic properties. However, it’s important to remember that even natural essential oils can be irritating for some individuals. Patch testing is crucial! Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
2 tablespoons baking soda (caution: may irritate some people)
3 tablespoons coconut oil, solid and at room temperature
10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil(s)

Popular options for essential oils in deodorants include:

Tea tree oil: Known for its antibacterial properties.
Lavender oil: Offers a calming scent and may help soothe the skin.
Lemongrass oil: Provides a refreshing aroma with potential deodorant benefits.
Clary sage oil: May help regulate sweat production.
Palmarosa oil: Offers a floral scent with potential deodorant properties.

Instructions:

Prepare your container: Choose a clean, airtight container like a small deodorant stick tube or a tin.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and baking soda (if using).
Melt the coconut oil: Using a double boiler or a microwave on low power (in short bursts and stirring frequently), melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid but cool enough to touch.
Combine and mix: Slowly add the melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients, constantly stirring until a smooth paste forms. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more coconut oil, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Essential oils: Add your chosen essential oil(s) to the mixture and stir well to combine. Start with fewer drops (around 10) and increase gradually if needed.
Fill the container: Carefully transfer the deodorant mixture to your chosen container. It may help to use a spoon or piping bag to fill the container neatly.
Cooling and storage: Let the deodorant solidify at room temperature for a few hours, or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once solid, store your deodorant in a cool, dry place.

Remember: While essential oils can be a fragrant addition to a natural deodorant, be cautious and prioritize your skin’s well-being. Opt for dilution with carrier oils and always patch test before full application.