A creamy blend of natural ingredients, this homemade deodorant is easy to make and perfect for sensitive skin. Made with a blend of coconut oil, shae butter, and essential oils, this DIY recipe will leave you smelling fresh all day.

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Metal tin with homemade deodorant in it and a blue linen behind it.

My quest for a natural deodorant has been hilarious. I have tried over 30 natural brands. And though I have some I don’t mind, I only have one or two I LOVE.

This DIY deodorant recipe is a go-to of mine when I’m sick of buying and trying. It’s easy to make and instead of a stick, is a cream-based recipe you can spread on.

It’s made with all-natural ingredients that help soothe the skin and you can use any essential oils you enjoy to scent it.

All in all, it’s a great recipe to keep on hand when you’re trying to cut icky stuff out of your lifestyle (learn more about 10 healthy living swaps!).

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy: You only need a handful of DIY ingredient staples for this homemade deodorant recipe to come together.

Smells amazing: Not only does the deodorant smell fresh but the scent lingers and stays with you longer than store-bought blends.

Natural: Skip the aluminum and other ingredients thrust into mainstream deodorants and take comfort in knowing exactly what you’re putting on your body.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Below is a quick shot of everything you need for the homemade deodorant to come together. Know that the coconut oil is measured solid.

I think you could sub tallow for the coconut oil to make this recipe even better for sensitive skin but I haven’t tried.

Cornstarch can work in place of arrowroot powder if needed.

Ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and shea butter in white bowls with text labels over top.

Expert Tips To Make It

Like any DIY recipe, make sure to keep water out of the double boiler and the jar you pour the natural deodorant into. Water in the recipe causes it to go rancid long before it should.

Make sure that you whisk the baking soda and arrowroot powder until no little clumps remain.

Give it 1-2 minutes before mixing in the essential oils. You want the mixture to be warm but not super hot so as not to damage the oils.

Though baking soda helps control body odor, some people are too sensitive to it. If this is you, try scaling it back. You can omit it all together but know that it won’t work as well.

This homemade deodorant was not made for super hot climates. It is best stored in a dark place. If you plan on taking this to the beach you may need to sub out some of the coconut oil for cacao butter (about half a tablespoon) to keep the texture.

How To Make..

Step 1: Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler and then whisk in the baking soda and arrowroot.

Step 2: Add in the essential oils.

Arrowroot powder being added to a glass measuring cup with oil in it.

Essential oils being added to a glass measuring jar.

Step 3: Portion into a jar and let sit until it solidifies.

metal tin with homemade deodorant in it that hasn't set yet.

Transition Tips

If you’re new to homemade deodorants, know that there is a transition period. Remember that deodorant isn’t to stop you sweating, just to control the odor. When you’re new, you may have to reapply as your body gets used to it.

Remember to drink lots of water to help flush your body and adjust.

How To Use It

If you haven’t used homemade deodorant before, it’s simple. You can either use the tip of your finger, a popsicle stick, or a wooden spoon to scoop out a pea size amount of cream. Use your finger to rub it on your underarms.

Keep in mind that if you usr your finger, make sure your hand is completely dry. Getting moisture into the jar will cause the DIY deodorant to go rancid- learn more about natural DIY products.

Two fingers holding up a metal tin with homemade deodorant in it and a blue linen behind it.

Essential Oils For Homemade Deodorant

Truthfully you can use whichever essential oil blend you enjoy. However, below are my favorites.

For women:

Lavender + mandarin orange
Lavender + grapefruit + clary sage
Geranium + citrus

For men:

Lemon + Rosemary
Bergamon + rosemary + sandalwood
Lemongrass + melaleuca

Best Natural Deodorant To Buy

As I mentioned, I have tried them ALL. If you want a natural deodorant and you don’t want to DIY all the time, try using this tallow-based deodorant from Perma Earth. It's soothing, refreshing, and smells AMAZING.

More Natural, Homemade Skincare Recipes

Homemade Deodorant Cream

Easy to make and scented with your favorite blends, this homemade deodorant is made using shae butter which is great for sensitive skin and essential oils to leave you smelling fresh all day.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Sitting 1

Total Time 5

Servings ounces

Equipment

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Coconut oil
2 tablespoons Shea butter
2 tablespoons Arrowroot powder
1 tablespoon Baking soda
10-15 drops Essential oil

Instructions

In a double boiler, gently melt the coconut oil and shea butter until fully liquefied.
Remove from heat and stir in the arrowroot powder and baking soda until fully combined.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then add your chosen essential oils and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a small jar or container and let it cool completely until it solidifies.

Notes

To Use: Use a small amount (pea-sized) and apply it to your underarms with your fingers.

Like any DIY recipe, make sure to keep water out of the double boiler and the jar you pour the natural deodorant into. Water in the recipe causes it to go rancid long before it should. Learn more about the do's and don'ts of lotion.