This is the top homemade recipe posts that I shared here on Passionate Homemaking in the very beginning that has been passed around the internet in incalculable ways, so I thought it was fit to re-share it with you all in our top 10 celebration! Did you get a chance to try it? Our family continues to use this recipe to this day.
Republished from March 21, 2008. Updated to include FAQ’s, photo, and video tutorial.
Did you know that nearly all commercial deodorants contain aluminum salts, usually aluminum chlorohydrate? Manufacturers like aluminum because it effectively suppresses perspiration but the metal has a dark side once it makes its way into our body. Aluminum toxicity It has been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other health issues. It is especially important for women to take thought to the harmful aluminum materials in deodorant as it has been linked to breast cancer, being that the breast tissue extends up into the armpits.
Most commercial deodorants also contain parabens, which act as preservatives and stabilizers, but which like aluminum can be absorbed into the skin. Parabens mimic estrogen, and though the amounts we absorb on a daily basis might be small, over time, the accumulation can be significant.
Did you know you can make your own wonderful effective deodorant with just a few completely natural ingredients? This recipe is awesome! It’s even edible! It is frugal and very effective! Aaron & I have been using it for over two years now, and it has worked wonders. It smells wonderful, but very faint. For years I tried every natural alternative on the market without much success. It has been successfully tried by hundreds of readers! Coconut oil is an all natural oil that has wonderful anti-bacterial and immune boosting qualities. It can effectively nourish and moisturize the skin. This recipe is also very frugal, costing less than a dollar per batch.
Ingredients:
6-8 Tbsp Coconut oil (solid state)
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch (arrowroot is preferred)
Directions:
- Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder/cornstarch.
- Slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon or hand blender until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should be about the same texture as commercial deodorant, solid but able to be applied easily. If it is too wet, add further arrowroot powder/cornstarch to thicken.
- You can either scoop this recipe into your old deodorant dispensers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. Makes about 1 cup. This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.
For a picture tutorial placing this recipe in an old deodorant container, visit here.
UPDATE (5/17/12): Today I tried using a immersion hand blender to make the deodorant, and it worked surprisingly well. It took maybe 10 seconds to combine the ingredients without a mess or heating and melting the ingredients too much, which is the main concern when using a electric mixing alternative. If it becomes too liquidy, it is difficult to apply, so limit your mixing to no more than 5-10 seconds for best results. It firmed right up when I let it sit for a bit in the storage container. Great option to simplify the process!
Check out my video tutorial for a visual guide through this recipe. Excuse my nervousness….yes, this is the first time I have gotten behind the camera for this site!
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar0BF6hMuGE
Frequently Asked Questions
Since the original publication of this post, I have received numerous repeated questions. I have compiled them all here.
1. I am having issues with an itchy rash under my armpits. Any solutions?
Baking soda can be an irritant for some people. Sometimes this may be a detoxing method of the body to remove impurities in your skin from previous standard deodorants. If you wait it out a few weeks, it may disappear altogether, as it happened with me. If not, try decreasing the baking soda by 1 Tbsp and replacing with more cornstarch/arrowroot powder. Itchiness can also often be related to applying this too soon after shaving. Wait an hour or two after shaving to apply. Add 1/4 cup shea butter or cocoa butter to the recipe for its healing benefits is another alternative. You also can try using arrowroot powder as it is more natural on the skin or make sure to choose a talc-free cornstarch. The final option is to apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel/juice to your skin for its healing benefits before applying the deodorant. It will help cool, refresh, and prevent irritations to the skin.
2. Can you use any other oils for this recipe?
It is possible to use other oils on this recipe, such as sweet apricot oil, but we do not recommend other oils simply because they are not as effective as coconut oil with its anti-bacterial benefits. Apricot or olive oil also remain liquid in form, and thus make this messy to apply. Coconut oil remains solid under 76 degrees, so it is perfect for deodorant. You can use palm oil as it is another natural oil that is solid at room temperature, but again not as effective as coconut oil.
3. Will this deodorant stain my clothes?
Not likely or not any more than a standard deodorant or antiperspirant. I have only noticed slight staining on white garments, but this can be avoided by soaking with soap after wearing and before washing. Dishwashing soap and hot water are very effective stain removers.
4. What kind of coconut oil can I use? Is there a recommended brand?
It is recommended to use a high quality coconut oil purchased from a health food store, if possible. I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs coconut oil for its superior quality and benefits. Other recommended brands include Nutiva, Tropical Traditions, and Wilderness Family Naturals. You can also use refined coconut oil, as that version is suitable for the skin but not recommended for consumption. Refined coconut oil will be cheaper in price.
5. Can I add essential oils to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add various essential oils for the added scent, but beware that essential oils can cause irritations. Start with making a small batch to make sure you do not react. Tea tree oil is an excellent oil to add for its pleasant scent (men and women alike enjoy it), and it has great antibacterial qualities.
6. Is there any solution for preventing this from melting? (Note: coconut oil melts at 76 degrees).
If you live in a particularly warm climate, add a little melted candelilla wax or beeswax to the mixture. Store in your fridge, if necessary. For summer travel, I recommend storing in a cooler. Remove from cooler or refrigerator 10 minutes before use to allow it to soften slightly for application.
7. What’s the benefit of using arrowroot powder over cornstarch?
You are free to use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as desired. Arrowroot is a more natural thickening agent alternative. I use arrowroot powder as an alternative to cornstarch in all my cooking. Arrowroot powder is available through your local health food store, Whole Foods, Azure Standard, or Bob’s Red Mill.
8. I am allergic to coconut oil, is there any alternatives?
I have heard people experiencing success by replacing coconut oil with equal quantities of shea butter and cocoa butter. You can also use palm oil because it remains solid like coconut oil. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil for the antibacterial properties.
9. I am heavy sweater? Is this an antiperspirant?
No, this is not an antiperspirant, so you will sweat but it will definitely be decreased quantities. Sweating is a natural bodily process that is necessary for health in removing toxins from your body. I am definitely a heavy sweater myself, but this deodorant works to remove the smells like nothing else I have ever tried. I do recommend multiple applications if you are doing strenuous work or exercise for it to be effective.
Learn more about the benefits of coconut oil and all its wonderful uses here.
To read all the reviews on this recipe, check out the original post here.
Can I point out that arrowroot powder can be an abortificant? I wouldn’t touch it pregnant…
I will definitely experiment with this recipe! I prefer making my own foot and underarm deodorants, but my husband has a preference for the ready-made products. He’s been using a brand called Lavilin, for both his underarms and feet. He’s said great things and I doubt I can get him to switch, but will try with this recipe!
I love this deodorant and have used it off and on for several years. It was always difficult finding a container that wouldn’t leak if I was in a warmer place, however. On this last batch I put the deodorant in a mini mason jar and BAM! Perfect! It’s airtight and doesn’t leak.
I have a newborn and was concerned about breastfeeding and all the chemicals in traditional deodorants so decided to go natural (along with other diet changes too). But the “natural” store bought ones just didn’t work for me. I made this recipe two days ago and am totally in love!! It keeps me dry and stink free! May have to adjust for more cornstarch in warmer months because I sweat a lot but Thank you so much! I love your site!
I made this today using my kitchen aid stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Seemed much easier than doing it by hand. I just mixed it until it was the consistency I wanted and put it in a jar. Thanks so much for this recipe!
This is a great post for natural deodorants! I recently made my own: http://theactivefeed.com/2013/09/26/homemade-deodorant/ I noticed most recipes call for arrowhead root, is this just to thicken it up? Or does it help with the BO?
If underarms become irritated wash area with one tablespoon apple cider vinegar mixed in cup of water before going to bed or 30 minutes prior to applying deordorant. Be sure to allow underarms to dry before applying deordant. Rash and itching will clear up!
I made this yesterday and used this morning. I love it! It’s the perfect time of the year with the weather cooling down to switch to all natural. I have been using a crystal for a few weeks and really was not that impressed. This is wonderful! Thank you for a great recipe.
This is a fantastic recipe! At least, it got me started. When I first made this according to the directions, it was a bit too soft and “liquidy” for my taste. I added equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch until it was harder….but then when I used it, I found that the baking soda was WAYYYYY too irritating and even caused some raised rash! I was devastated because I loved the idea of this…so, I began using MORE cornstarch. I find that if I use 2/3 cornstarch to 1/3 baking soda with the coconut oil and essential oils, I’m able to get a very thick consistency. Now I’m jumping for joy because I use a thin film….it leaves NO white marks, and I stay dry and stink free ALL day with just one application!!! I didn’t get this lucky with the store bought “natural” deodorants, they never worked! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! I’m set for life now!!! LOL
I used arrowroot starch instead of corn starch – it is very silky. And remember, you can totally omit the baking soda. Just use the starch and coconut oil.
Hi, I’ve been wanting to use this (just waiting for my other one to die), and wondered about baby powder. I love the smell of it and it’s the only kind I ever buy. I know you can add essential oils but what about baby powder and how much of it?
Corn starch is the main ingredient in baby powder.
Have you ever come across Lavilin? It’s aluminum-free and I’m totally obsessed with it! I really think it’s one of the best out there. What are your thoughts?
Courtney
Ok so I made this today (I chucked away all commercial deodorants since I’m going natural and I’m on a iodine protocol as well), but something must have gone wrong. I first made it to a heavier consistency like in your video, but when I applied it, it’s very visible on my armpit, it’s basically small pieces that come off when I lightly rub the area.
I then tried to make it softer, more like a cream, by adding more coconut oil (in liquid form), and that was ok when applying, but later on again, when I brushed my fingers on the armpits, the pieces were coming off from there as well, just as before.
I used cornstarch, baking soda and coconut oil (plus essential oils).
The other thing is, no matter what and how much essential oils I use, the only smell I feel is coconut, nothing else.
Any idea?
Use Less. Try using a very thin layer. I apply with a popsicle stick.
What about your coconut oil? I use all natural and cold pressed I found at Sam’s. I barely smell any coconut…..and I didn’t use any essential oils as I am still trying to figure out my personal favorite scent.
I also had itching on my armpits so I read somewhere to add Shea butter (the best mositure ever!!) so I added 2 tablespoons and reduced the baking soda to 1/8 cup and I haven’t had any problems since. I add tea tree oil as well. I also rub a little shea butter over my armpits before I use the deodorantand I haven’t had any problems! I love this deodorant
I WANT to make this for my son, wondering if it would hurt to add a fragrance oil to it or can u only add essential oil?
I would stick to essential oils, the point being to eliminate any artificial ingredients. The oils in the candle isle are most definitely not safe for skin, but there are some “masculine” smelling oils out there for fragrance (i.e tea tree, eucalyptus, grapefruit).
HI! I just made your deodorant but am wondering: what happens when you put the deodorant on? Will it dissolve or do you just put on a small amount and then you can’t see it? I’m just worried if it’s visible on your underarms. Thank you for the amazing recipe. I’m sure it’ll work wonders!
I have been using this for over a year and love it!! I will never go back to traditional deodorant! I do have one question, though. I finally got my husband to try it, but the two times he used it, his sweat ran down his sides and left what looks like baking soda deposits on his shirt and skin. Has this happened to anyone else? I wasn’t sure if it would get better with use or if this is just how his body reacts to it. Thanks!
One word: Lavilin!!
The BEST all-natural deodorant I have ever come across! And I have tried them all!
Find it here: http://www.microbalanced.com
Thank you for posting the info on Lavilin! It is great! No more baking soda and homemade remedies for me. Put some on Friday night, today is Tuesday, no smell whatsoever….awesome product!
I’ve made this homemade deodorant and have been using it for about four days I smell my arm pits all day just to make sure its working, and it actually works better than my regular deodorant, no sweating, the only thing that I have noticed is a little itchiness and by the end of the day an odd smell, I thinking from the baking soda and my body chemicals. Still not a stinky or musty smell and you will have to be right up under my arm to smell it. I may try to add essential oils later. So I will continue to use this ! Thanks for the recipe.
This works great. It does tend to melt a little in the warm/hot weather so I pop it in the fridge. I add about ten drops of grapefruit essential oil to it and it smells very clean and fresh. I notice that it does stain dark clothing under the arms, but it washes out with mild soap and water. I prefer to roll with the occasional stain to avoid putting toxic chemicals under my arms that may be absorbed into my body. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Lindsay’s method works great, i use to just simply use coconut oil and nothing else, but with the 2 powders mixed in, you get better results.
just a note, its good to sweat, its actually natural for humans to sweat from our glands as this is a way to release unwanted liquids form body, so go with the flow and live your life with a more natural outlook
the itchy rash might be a fungal infection. I am diabetic and made this with a refuced amount of cornstarch and worked great, till about two days later.im very prone to fungal infections and since cornstarch is still a sugar im sure this is the culprit. id advise diabetics to find a substitute for corn/arrowroot starch and use tea tree essential oil as its an antifungal.
Hm..well I was getting the rash- but while I was using the Tea Tree oil in the deodorant, actually. So for me, that probably wasn’t it. (I’m also not diabetic.) But when I would be sure to scrub my pits at night before I went to bed, I had no rash. So there are several solutions to this, it seems.
I’ve noticed that NO deodorant has worked for me since i have become pregnant. Definitely going to try this hopefully with success! No one wants a stinky massage therapist
I’ve been using this for a few months with pretty much perfect success. I’m amazed that even in really hot humid weather I still don’t smell. But I think due to the coconut oil (and forgetting to wash it off one night), I developed 2 ingrown pimples that hurt. Might have clogged my pores.
I use coconut oil as my moisturizer and its great, but also noticed that it cloggs my pores especially on the chin area. So I use apple cider vinegar as a microdermabrasion effect or soda with water
clears it all right.
do you mix anything with the apple cider vinegar?
no, I don’t dillute it. just pour it over your cotton petal and straight on your face.
of vinegar.
just I have to rinse it quite well with soap as I hate the after smell
do u mean you mix it with bake soda and water it just said apple cider vinegar or soda with water so is it bake soda and water or bake soda and apple cider vinegar thanks jenny
You can always just moisten your fingers with coconut oil, smear a thin layer under your arm, then dab over top of that with some baking soda. No mixing, doesn’t matter what state the coconut oil is in (liquid, solid, doesn’t matter, i’m just rubbing oil into my skin with my fingers). WORKS AMAZING. I keep smelling myself throughout the day because I cannot believe it works so well!
Interesting…I had just ran out of my batch and was looking to change it up a bit when I saw your post so I thought I would give it a try. To make a long story short your version exceeded my expectations. I will definitely continue this inthe future.
I meant the coconut oil with baking soda dusted on after and not mixed version from Christine. I applied it the morning after my shower, then wound up outside all day in over 100 degree weather unexpectedly and was soaking in sweat before lunch time. And sweat the whole day through with not ever even worried or sensing any possible hint that I might need my backup deodorant. This alternative well exceeded my expectations. Thanks for sharing…
Tried this and it does work great! Thanks Christine!
Hello. I made this recipe two days ago and it really works. However, I noticed that my underarms started turning scaly and darker (I am African American). I thought that homemade deodorant was breathable? I do scratch under my arms (because I sweat a lot). Is there any solutions to heal this condition? What am I doing wrong?
this happened to me, only i got pink bc im pale-pale
ive heard from some one that they simply wash their pits at bedtime and that eliminates it. also, some people back-off the amount of baking soda they use and that helps.
i just remade a natural deodorant using the above-ish recipe (i used 8 TBS of coconut oil and 1/4 c aloe butter also). im hoping that the extra aloe butter and washing my pits will make it so that i dont get all scaly and peely. ive done it for two days thus far with no problems.
HTH
so ive been using this pretty regularly for a week+ and i think if i were using it *everyday*, and not rinsing my pits before bed, i would have the same scaly-peelyness i had the previous time i tried to make a baking soda deodorant. i mean, baking soda acts as an exfoliant on skin, so this isnt a huge surprise i guess.
im also learning that im kinda sensitively skinned.
i do alternate with just plain coconut oil…some days i dont leave the house, so i dont see the point in ‘wasting’ real deodorant on my pits
still not stinky so, i guess it all agrees with me for the most part.
this stuff really does work and the lime smells lovely too.
Oddly enough, any deodorant that has baking soda in it turns my clothing yellow. I have no idea why, but every single natural deodorant with baking soda turns my whites yellow. The color comes out, but I guess it’s just a chemistry thing. It definitely works, though, so I use it only when wearing dark colors.
are you high or on drugs? you sure act like it man.. yeah man..
I made a large batch some time ago and am about to make more. My husband also uses it, and it’s safe for the kids, who sometimes want to use deodorant like us. Our oldest is at the age where he is just starting into puberty, so it’s perfect for him. I use essential oils as desired to scent it, and made him a woodsy blend with evergreens and cedar oils. I have tried many health food store deodorants, but they didn’t work for me. This stuff works!!! I apply after showering, and I still don’t stink the next day! Thanks so much for the fantastic, super easy recipe!
I made a batch of this a few weeks ago and it works better than any anti antiperspirant or deodorant that I can buy at a store. It applies nicely and I don’t have to use much. It smells really nice and works all day.
Hi! I prepared mine with liquid coconut oil, baking soda, baby powder and vit. E… Was there something wrong about this? I did not sweat much but I did stink!:(
Unless your baby powder was pure cornstarch (most aren’t), the other ingredients in the powder counter-acted the other ingredients in your deodorant.
Sweating is actually a good thing, but that’s another thread
I suggest using pure cornstarch (cheaper than baby powder anyway – AND just as good for a real baby) or the arrow-root that others have suggested.
Also be sure you have enough baking soda – some people need a bit more in the ratio due to natural aroma.
I personally don’t use the coconut oil (I’ve tried and didn’t care for the results because I do want to sweat); I found when I first switched to (at the time) just baking soda, I sweat a LOT for the first couple of weeks (and stunk on the one side where I have a breast lump) and was re-applying 2 or 3 times a day. After that the sweating reduced SIGNIFICANTLY, the smell faded; and by the time I switched to baking soda and cornstarch, I was never reapplying unless I was running a lot on a given day (but I’ve had to reapply commercial deodorant in those situations as well) – and no more smell.
Thus, some of the smell might be your body releasing built-up toxins too.
I made a small batch of this tonight with a few drops of tangerine oil. It smells like candy. I will update in the next few days as I put it to the test to see if it can keep my pits smelling like candy. I haven’t found a non chemical deodorant that keeps my armpits smelling nice.
Glycerin irritates my skin – this recipe makes me very happy because most health food store deodorants have glycerin.
I made this recipe and it worked great. I sweat a little (in the Florida heat) but the smell is completely gone. I don’t smell at all and that is what I really wanted to fix anyway. My problem is now that I’m three weeks in, I’m getting a bumpy red rash and my pits feel a little raw. I want to make it again… and I thought it was the corn starch that was the problem… now I’m reading that it could be the baking soda. Wondering which one I should leave out, because I really don’t want to give up on this deodorant! Ideas??
It is important not to use the normal baking soda which contains aluminum (sold in grocery stores), you should read the container and check. I bought mine at the pharmacy where they have pure baking soda (Sodium hydrogen carbonate). Might help, and it’s healthier
Kamilla- Nope. Urban legend there. NO baking soda contains ANY aluminum. Check it out! http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-baking-soda-anti-hoax
Agreed with Maggie – BAKING SODA is the common name for “sodium hydrogen carbonate” – and thereby contains ZERO aluminum.
The culprit that most people are thinking of is baking POWDER which is a composite of baking soda and cream of tartar (when made at home); but does contain aluminum when purchased from most stores (anti-caking purposes).
Baking SODA is NOT equal to baking POWDER.
(this topic comes up on EVERY natural deodorant topic I’ve seen).
I had the same issue…..what I found was that scrubbing my pits with a washcloth at night before I went to bed basically made the issue stop. Worth a try to see if it helps, if nothing else!
Hi Could I use tapioca starch instead of the arrowroot? thanks
Initially, this formula worked great for me. However, after a while I started getting large itchy, burning rashes whenever I put it on. I have very sensitive skin so I believe my body was irritated by the baking soda. It would go away after a few days of putting aloe vera on it but every time I tried the deodorant again (making a new batch) it would reappear. I couldn’t use it anymore. I came across others who have had the similar experience.
I was determined to find a homemade recipe that worked for me and I believe I found it. Omitting the baking soda completely, using coconut oil, arrrowroot powder, and adding a few drops of vitamin E oil to the recipe has been working on my skin thus far. I put in a few drops of clove oil my first batch but I think I may try tea tree oil next.
Hi,
Thanks for this great recipe! i will never be buying store bought deodorants again. I didnt want to take out my blender so I melted my coconut oil by placing the container in hot ( not boiling water) Adding everything else was easy, i mixed with a metal spoon and poured in into a container where it soon cooled down and solidified. The mixture was very effective, and for my second batch, I added some sieved( very finely sieved) ground nutmeg because I love the scent of coconut and nutmeg. No itching, I actually feel this combo is more effective in reducing body odor.
I tried a version of this previously but I think this looks better w the cornstarch added. Can’t wait to try it. I plan on linking back here from my (very new) blog. Any other readers out there come and give me some love!
Great recipe – I’ve made some up and found it effective! You mention the hazards of aluminium (as we say here in UK), but I think you forgot to note that the baking soda / bicarbonate of soda used for this recipe should be ALUMINIUM-FREE.
Best,
Rach
Rach- it’s a total myth, actually. ALL baking soda is aluminum free. You can read about it here: http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-baking-soda-anti-hoax
It is actually baking POWDER that possibly contains aluminum. Baking SODA is a pure substance; baking powder is a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar (the homemade version anyway) – why they add aluminum I don’t understand (ostensibly for anti-caking, but I don’t have that problem with any of my homemade stuff…)
Shortly before I got pregnant with my first girl, I read about the dangers of aluminum in anti-perspirants. I didn’t think much of it at first but started to come across more and more research linking aluminum in the brain to Alzheimer’s and other scary diseases. That was all I needed to know. Did a ton of research on natural deodorants in the market, and Lavilin consistently got really great reviews. Figured I’d try it out and I’m so happy I did! I’ve got 4 kids now, and I make sure all of them use it. My husband loves it as well. We feel a lot safer using Lavilin!
oh my!!! For 30 years I have been using Health Food Store deodorants that DO NOT work. This recipe WORKS!! Agrees w/ my body chemistry. I’m so happy to have found it. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
the only issue i have with this is if it’s really hot, it liquifies. ugh. and i don’t like to keep it in the fridge, because then the coconut will harden too much. maybe i should add more arrow and soda.
I had the same problem with Health Food Store deodorants. They don’t agree with my body chemistry and I end up smelling worse than if I hadn’t used any at all. Hopefully I will have the same luck as you.
Jolie – I’ve had a very similar experience as you. Transitioned to Lavilin when I first got pregnant 12 years ago. My husband gave it a shot shortly after, and since then we’ve been a Lavilin family! My boys like the roll-on since they don’t need to dip their fingers in the cream, but my husband and I both use the cream – more effective in our opinion. Apparently the foot deodorant is great too!
Fantastic!!!!! After years of switching brands, going back to a brand i thought i would do some research and found this. Store bought deodorants work for a while, then become less effective and/or cause a severe itch. I can go back to a brand after a while before it starts bothering me again. This home made mixture is fantastic. I did not mix it well or it was just too grainy for me at first cause it went on very rough and was very painful. So i remixed and strained it. Ended up with a very silky smooth mixture that goes on great. I jogged yesterday in near 90 degree heat, and no odor….none!!! Assuming no future issues, i will be using this for a long time.
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I have been skeptical to try this, not sure why though. I ran out of store bought deodorant Sunday night and knew I needed something. I was thinking about doing just baking soda but knew that wouldn’t work all day so figured I would search this recipe up again. Made it while I was getting my daughter ready for school, applied it and at the end of the day, NO SMELL!!! LOVE IT! Thank you again!
I used the same measurements listed and mine came out really liquidy. I had to add a TON more conrstarch and baking soda to thicken it up. Do you think it will still be as effective?
One other reason for this is that you may not have been mixing it long enough. The mixture seems to cake or clump up before it blends and it takes longer than you might think to get to proper consistency.I usually blenduntil it gets a texture similar to creamcheese and I usually use a fork because whisks tend to cake up too much for me. Some use a spoon press technique.
I personally only use the baking soda/cornstarch – I like to just pat it on and it’s faster for me personally. It works great. I may need a new application if I’m working hard physically, but that’s all
Doesn’t coconut oil make your hair grow faster? I don’t want my underarm hair to grow faster! Haha
I have heard that too, but actually for me my hair under my arms has thinned out (just a little) since Ive been using this. Maybe a good thing? Lol.
Just wanted to say thank you for this, ive been so scared to use regular store crap, and what they sell in health food stores is at a ridiculous price! thank you again
can i use lavender oil instead of tea tree oil … and can i use coconut oil that you you apply on your hair,its in liquid state,is it the same as the one in the solid state?
Yes, you can use the oil oh your preference and I believe that lavender essential oil also has some antimicrobial properties.
If the coconut oil is pure, it’s the same. Coconut oil becomes a liquid at approximately 75 degrees and up.
Yes, you can use the oil of your preference and I believe that lavender essential oil also has some antimicrobial properties.
If the coconut oil is pure, it’s the same. Coconut oil becomes a liquid at approximately 75 degrees and up.
Can I add shea to the coconut oil? If so- would you melt it a little first or work it in? Any thoughts?
I add about 3-4 tablespoons of shea butter and melt it with the coconut oil, mix in the rest, and then let it solidify in my container of choice. I had to quit using the deoderant because it turned my pits raw and rashy, but the shea butter completely solved it!
I don’t understand, I’ve made this and it’s not really possible to smear/spread it. I can big chunks of white that I have to remove with a towel.
I does get liquidy, but when putting it under my arms it it sticks together, if that makes sense.
Also the area around is all white and so are my clothes.
Please help!
I *get* big chunks
This has happened to me also before. What I did was take a small chunk and rub it between my fingers to soften it before I applied it. I hope that helps.
Im concerned about the appearing white part of your comment. This has never happened to me. What exactly is happenening that is turning white?
Thanks for your reply. I do rub it between my hands or fingers and it does go soft, but chunks remain.
I also tried making it warm(er) with the blow dryer. It went really smooth but didn’t solve the problem.
I’m gonna try a new batch.. Don’t know what else to try.
I’ll let you know!
About the whiteness, I think it could be the baking soda..?
For the “clumpiness” the only thing I can think of is the ratio of corn starch is too high. For the whiteness, if you are talking about the deodorant, that’s normal. The baking soda, corn starch, and coconut oil (when solid) are all white. I haven’t used arrowroot powder yet but I expect that if its not, it should be close and not change the color much. But let me know if the deo stains any of your clothes white. From my experience it dissolves in sweat and doesn’t leave a residue but I have been using it primarily with white t-shirts.
I have seen countless other comments from women on this site and others that praise the deo for not staining clothes. I usually put it on and GENTLY rub it in before putting on my shirts. Not even run, it’s more like smooth it on so that its not chunky. If I am using an old deodorant case, this isnt necessary because my body heat can melt it as I apply it so it goes on easier.
One thing I forgot though…since it is oil based it CAN stain clothes if youfrom get it on your clothes Before you apply it. This has happened to me slightly on accident at the bottom of my dress shirts but in an inconspicuous area and as I. Was applying it. No stains anywhere else.
Was thinking of treating it with a little dishwashing soap to get it out, but its not really a problem for me and more of a lesson/reminder to be more careful next time when I apply it.
The stain was not white though and looks more like a wet spot except since its oil it wont dry out. Any whiteness from accidently touching something dry can be brushed off before it melts to prevent possible stains as well.
this recently happened to me when I accidently got a little on my black pants as applying but lightly brushing it out with a paper towel worked fine with no stains.
I just use the baking soda and cornstarch – it works great, no clumping, just pat it on and go. (some falls off onto the sink, but I use that clean the sink
).
I am doing my best to get to a more natural way of life this is bringing mr one step closer thank you so much !
Thank you so much for this! When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago, I started looking into possible causes for it, and changing some things in my life so that I can be extra-careful and hopefully avoid it. I made this recipe a few weeks ago, and it works WAY better than the natural deodorants I have been using for the last year and a half. It hasn’t stained my clothes, and doesn’t wear off in a few hours. I’ve actually gone 2 days without realizing it! This weekend, I made a batch for my mom and threw away her aluminum deodorant. So simple and effective.
Thank you so much for making this available! I was just looking into a natural, healthy alternative to deodorant after reading an article on the effects of parabens in standard deodorant & their contribution to breast cancer. Anything that furthers my health & the health of others is golden in my book.
Thanks for the recipe. I have always worried about what the ‘ingredients’ of commercial deodorants were doing to my body… I love how this includes coconut oil – I have read of so many benefits that coconut oil has. We really need to be shouting about the health benefits of it from the roof tops and it is one of the very few oils that doesn’t break down with heat.
A friend of mine was given some of this by a friend of hers. It was coconut peppermint deodorant. She let me use some of it. I WAS BLOWN AWAY!!! But I have a few questions that don’t appear to have been asked on this site yet, as my friend has been unable to contact her friend about it.
First, how much peppermint do you suggest I add in ratio with your recipe? Also, what is the consistency of the deodorant like? The one my friend’s friend had made her was the same consistency of a regular old stick of Sure. How do you suggest I get it to that consistency?
I’ve just made this and can’t wait to try it.
I was thinking though, is it an idea to warm up the oil a little so that the baking soda dissolves and so you don’t have the problem with itchiness or rashes?
For me, I think it was the corn starch that caused the rash and the itchiness. I was getting a bad rash after using this a few days and it didn’t go away until I stopped using it for a few days. The rash and itching seem to come when I have been using it continuously for at least a few days and not right away. Lately I have used a baking soda and water paste that has never itched or caused any rash. It usually lasts me at least 24 hours so it’s good in a pinch but it’s not quite as convenient and this deodorant lasts longer. I’ve been having trouble finding beeswax to help thicken the deodorant and take the place of the corn starch though so now I think I’ll just try baking soda and coconut oil by themselves and see how that works.
Beeswax can be purchased at Amazon.com for about a dollar an ounce. Be careful not to use too much, it will make the deodorant hard. It adds a great smell though!
Thanks SarahBeth! I was looking locally and not really thinking to look online.
Do you have any brands that you would recommend?
To answer the other question…Even as a liquid, the baking soda doesnt dissolve like it does in water…its better to apply it in solid form. but I’ve also used a spray mixed with distilled water, baking soda and salt (you can use sea salt if you prefer). It works, but the paste is stronger and using the spray is a little unsettling because you have to figure the right ratios for the strength you need. Common rule is equal ratios of salt and baking soda to keep it ph balanced but the amount to add to the water to be effective from person to person and would take some experimenting. Do not use a paste made with dry salt. It is too abrasive for skin. Salt should be used dissolved only. I hope this wasn’t TMI.
Thanks for the reply. Not tmi at all, the more the better
i made a very similar recipe:
½ c Shea butter
½ c Coconut Oil
¼ c Candellila wax
¼ c Beeswax
½ c arrowroot powder
¼ c baking soda
1 tsp Vit E oil
EOs
i melted my oils for the powders to disperse…works awesome as a deodorant….after a week i noticed the skin felt different, but i didnt care since i was having awesome no-stink results. but unfortunately, after about 4 weeks of daily use, my pits are peeling, literally sloughing off skin!
ultimately, i dont think dispersement was the issue. i think its the baking soda. sad that im apparently sensitive to it. i might try doing a kaolin clay/arrowroot mix, but i doubt it will have the same deodorizing power baking soda has.
This is probably the wax. It is plugging your pores and you are not getting proper circulation
This is a great recipe. I have just started using coconut oil on its own as deodorant and it works well but in the warmer months it feels a little like sweat so i added the Bi carb to dry it up a bit.
I just made this and forgot the cornstarch. The consistency seems fine. I doubled the baking soda. Do I need to go back and add it?
Is this just as effective for other areas of the body…like my nine year old’s chronically smelly feet?
You can use white vinegar;) It’s natural and works with some patiente;) I read it on http://www.everydaytrick.com
There are other interesting tricks too overthere
Perfect! I just bought coconut oil so we could make our third batch of deoderant and needed to come check your recipe – and there it was. I’ve really enjoyed it. Our almost 2-year-old likes to put use it too, sticking her hand down her shirt just like mommy and daddy
Hi, I was just wondering which type of coconut oil you buy. The refined or unrefined? And do you use the same kind for cooking and body care? Thanks!
I used unrefined coconut oil for all my needs because it just keeps it simple.
Love this! We actually already make this and it is wonderful!
I’ve been looking for a natural deodorant recipe, this sounds like something I can do! I have all the ingredients on hand, can’t wait to try it. Always so nice to meet a fellow Believer in Jesus Christ on the web! Thanks, Anna
NEVER STOP SHARING THIS! I’ve been using this for a few years now and am always telling everyone to try it. It works so much better than any commercial deo I ever tried and it smells way better. I smell much better, too! When I first switched, it seemed to draw all the toxins out of my body and I don’t stink anymore. I only wear this stuff every 2-3 days (about how often I shower). We have been trained to think we need all these harsh cleaners and chemicals but if we let our bodies work the way they were designed, they work better!
You have inspired me to try this recipe. Thanks for commenting.
This is actually how I found your blog – by searching for a homemade deodorant.
And, it’s ultimately what got my skin care business running.
This is a fantastic recipe! I’m really happy I came across it. I’ve tried using just baking soda and water in the past and found it was too harsh on my armpits and caused a lot of irritation and discomfort! Drugstore deodorants never did work for me as far as eliminating odor, but this sure does. It’s been about a month since I started using this recipe and I am very happy. I am much more confident now when I’m out and about because even when I am sweating (which is pretty much all the time), I know I don’t have the odor that I had in the past. I also feel good knowing what’s in my deodorant. I just apply this on clean and lightly exfoliated (with a soft sponge) armpits and I’m ready for the day.Thank you for this recipe!!
I hope you’re still checking comments… I’m not in the US so I could inadvertently get something wrong. So, you say baking soda, is that sodium bicarbonate on it’s own or mixed with a crystallized acid (usually cream of tartar)?
Second, if closely related, question, if baking soda is the one with acid then your statement about it being a potential irritant makes even more sense. So, if so, is the acid important, or would it be better to try to make this with acid-free sodium bicarb?
Thanks in advance for all help, and I can’t wait to try this!
Merope
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate — baking powder is the one with the crystallized acid.
This sounds like a great recipe, I’ll definitely try it out!
But I was just wondering: are you implying, that only women can get breast cancer? It is not so! Men have nipples and they can get breast cancer, I think it’s around 5% of all who get breast cancer. Just IFY.
Great video! I’ve made my own toothpaste with coconut oil as a base, and can’t wait to try your deodorant recipe. Seems SO much more healthy than the store-bought varieties. I have everything on-hand except for the arrowroot powder. BTW, what else can I use the arrowroot powder for? Thanks!
You can use arrowroot powder for anything where you would use cornstarch. I use arrowroot for thickening in cooking because most corn products are contaminated by genetically modified corn – it is wind pollinated so the altered corn pollen floats in the air and lands on other corn crops. I’ve read that about 95% of all U.S. corn crops have been polluted now.
Arrowroot used to be very common in the past, but cornstarch being cheaper, now arrowroot is a specialty item.
Also, kudzu powder can also be used for thickener – I don’t know how well it would work for this deodorant recipe.
When I got pregnant with my little one, I started looking into more natural skin care products. I actually tried this first and we (my husband and I) have been using it for about a year now and it really does work! My husband even says he likes it better than his old stand by. I have included this with my homemade Christmas gifts this year – especially the new moms on my list.
I even did a blog post on it!
http://simplyprimalfamily.com/2012/11/30/easy-homemade-all-natural-deoderant/
I just have to say; I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU!!! Thank you so much for the video. This is just what I have been needing in my quest for all natural deodorant. Some years ago I found a recipe for natural deodorant that was 1 part baking soda to 2 parts cornstarch and although I used it for a while, it was very inconvenient because it was a powder. This is the answer to my prayers. I do have one question though, how would I incorporate the benefits of lemon into this recipe? Would I use the essential oil or could I use a fresh lemon? If I used the fresh lemon, would it definitely need to be refrigerated? Thank you in advance for your time.
I use the lemon essential oil(EO) as it wont spoil and the scent is stronger. Lemon juice also contains water which can cause your deodorant to emulsify. You dont want that. Keep in mind though that the EO is basically concentrated so you mix in drops. Try a few drops first, then add more or less based on your personal preference. Lemon EO also has beneficial properties such as antimicrobial etc.
Also the lemon EO comes from the rind, so it is completely different then lemon juice. Just FYI. Lemon EO is not very pricey though, citruses are usually very affordable.
Thanks for this. Found your site sometime last year. I’d been searching forever for a natural deodorant that actually WORKS. Who would have figured it would be one I could make myself–total bonus! I just used up the last of my first batch and am about to make another.
I just want to thank you so much for this recipe. Both myself and my hubbie (believe it or not) have been testing this out for the last few days…two words….LOVE IT!!! I’m still finding it hard to believe that this deodorant eliminates the body odour. Not only does it eliminate it but it lasts amazingly throughout the whole day and into the next
Thanks again!!
Made this last night, used it today, LOVE. I added tea tree oil to the mix and it smells sooo beautiful! It was a CRAZY day and the deodorant really kept the ‘funk’ in check. I will be using this for the forseeable future, thank you SO MUCH!!!
Oh wow – been desperately looking for a natural deo, and I have all the ingredients for this at home! Can’t wait to go and mix it up. Thank you so much for this!
I just made this yesterday. LOVE IT!!! I have bought some tea tree oil that I would like to add to it. Can you tell me how much I am supposed to add? Thanks!!!
Wow great article I can’t wait to try this. I always had a bad smell using regural deodorants until I started using natural deodorarnts that ca be found in organic stores. One good trick that really helps to reduce odor is to apply vinergar at night. It is great at killling any bacteria that is causing bad odor.
Lindsay, about 5 years ago, God told me to stop using store deodorants/antiperspirant. I did not know why at the time, but obeyed. I started using plain baking soda, (anthill in palm, dampened to paste), not knowing what else to do…but it inflames the skin. Over the summer didn’t want bright red armpits, so i back to store bought. Got convicted; so i apologized to God, and asked him to show me a better way. The data was in me, to combine cornstarch and some essential, as an idea, already, so this is a confirmation to truth data that is inside me, only now i have a recipe to use containing amounts, thanks to you. This is an answer to prayer; thought you should know.
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done
an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to
you.
hello, i just started making home made deorant for me and my family.i use cornstarch cause arroroot powder is dificult to find in my country. but as soon as i tried it it was annoying and it was inchy too. so i dont know what to do. i really have decided to stop using the deorants they sell , but what should i use and be sure that it will not be harmfull (cancer etc.) ,and i am confused. should i use tea tree oil or not ? how about eycalyptus?
thank you
Hello! I make a similar deodorant that I sell by combining organic virgin coconut oil, baking soda and essential oils. I omit cornstarch and arrowroot entirely.
In the past, I have tried using both powdered and cream formulas using cornstarch, but the results are terrible: I either develop an itchy, terrible rash in my undersarm area or painful lymph nodes there. I am allergic to cornstarch, apparently (I can’t use it in homemade makeup, either). Instead of arrowroot, I just omit these ingredients entirely.
I use less baking soda than your recipe, but I find the coconut oil even alone to be effective.
Just a note to all to please avoid cornstarch–opt for arrowroot instead, or leave these out entirely. Works wonderfully. The addition of essential oils is nice, too!
I don’t know if this has been mentioned, but the amount of coconut oil equates to about a 1/4 C scoop as well, so if you get annoyed at scooping the CO from your (yay Pampered Chef!) measuring spoon, you could just use that same scoop to get your oil as well. Worked great for me when I just tried it. (Yes, I am slow on the make-your-own-deodorant bandwagon. First day using it today and I LOVE it so far.) Thank you so much for the video tutorial. It really does help to see it.
I made this deoderant w/ cornstarch and used it after shaving my armpits and ended up having to go to the dr. b/c of a lump under my armpit. Come to find out it was a swollen lymph node b/c cornstarch encourages yeast growth. I must’ve nicked my skin and then the cornstarch caused an infection. Dr. said not to use cornstarch at all. I would highly suggest using arrowroot powder for this recipe.
I just made a batch of your deoderant and have been using it for 3 days now. The only issue I have found is that it seems to really stick in clumps on my skin. I think this will be an issue if I use it and want to wear a sleeveless top. Is there something more I could add to the mixture to make it maybe more creamy?
Try mixing with a stick blender or hand mixer it get it more smooth. It shouldn’t be a problem if mixed properly.
Thank you so much for posting this wonderful recipe! It really works great
(I’ve been using the deodorant for almost five months now). My armpits love the coconut oil and another great thing is that after using this deodorant for about a week I noticed that for some bizarre reason I’m sweating less (though I’ve never been a heavy sweater). So thanks a million!
I am a rural mail carrier, which means I drive around for 4-6 hours a day in all kinds of weather with my car windows down. Even if you use air conditioner the vehicle gets sweltering hot by about 11am. ALL of one’s no-no places get really swampy, really fast!! This really works, you will sweat-but you won’t stink. I made mine about the consistency of toothpaste so that it rubbed into the skin (less white residue). Also added tea tree oil, rosemary oil for added anti bacterial properties, and a couple drops of patchouli for scent. Could also be rubbed under the bosom, butt cheeks, and thighs…just a thought!
This deodorant works unbelievably well. Unfortunately I was one of the ones who got a rash. It wasn’t itchy, though. I have posted about this deodorant on my blog.
I definately want to try this. I will try adding the beeswax to make it a litter firmer…I live in south Louisiana. I am thinking of adding Lemongrass EO since I read it helps with excessive pirspiration. I am still researching and will let yall know if I try it and it works.
I love this recipe! I made it a couple months ago for myself, and now I’m making a batch for my mom for mother’s day. For my mom I added a teeny bit of vanilla infused jojoba oil. Thanks so much for sharing – the video tutorial was really helpful!
I have noticed two kinds of raw virgin coconut oil. One is refined a bit to remove the smell and taste for cooking purposes. The other is not and has a nice cocnut smell. Alone the taste to me is not all that strong but when cooked with other foods I like the touch. It also seems to moisturize the skin much better than the other one and some people even use it in their hair. But I haven’t tried that yet. I actually like how it moisturizes my skin better than aveno. It is pure oil so when first applied it is a bit oily in comparison, but that,fades quickly and my skin feels so much better. This one should work well in your deodorant without the coconut essential oil, unless you prefer a strong scent. If you would like I can send you a brand name or a link to amazon for the brand that I have found to work well for me. Not all brands have the smell/taste.
I can’t believe this works. I was a skeptic, but it’s amazing. First day using it here in sweltering Florida, and I had to run after 2 toddlers outside this morning. Needless to say I was sweating like a pig by the time I was done and my underarms smelled fresher than the rest of me by far. I’m thinking about adding some kinda coconut like scent to it….I’ve always liked the way suntan lotion smells. Thanks for this!
~E
Oh, I just threw out my empty deodorant dispenser and now that the weather is getting warmer, switched from my natural brand to a national brand (with reluctance, though I’m sure my co-workers appreciate it). I can’t wait to retrieve that dispenser and try this out. I’ll probably mix in some beeswax since it does get rather hot here.
I’ve been just using Coconut oil for about a week now. The Baking Soda irritated my husband’s and my armpits. We both just love the coconut oil and are amazed it works so well alone.
For two years I have used the regular recipe for this and just the last month I have developed terrible rashes in my armpits. I’m guessing it must be because of the baking soda also. So I have gone to straight Coconut Oil just like you, and it’s working just fine. It’s such a relief as I did not want to have to go back to conventional deodorant.
I’ve been using this recipe for a while though, unfortunately, it doesn’t work for me. But it did work when I used conventional baking soda (which contain aluminum like regular deodorants). The moment I switched to an aluminum-free baking soda, the deodorant no longer held me :[
That could be just a psychosomatic response as there is no aluminium in any baking soda. Some baking POWDERS has aluminium but that’s not what you’re supposed to use in the deodorant. Crunchy Betty researched it a bit: http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-baking-soda-anti-hoax
Actually .. there are a lot of baking sodas out there that do not contain aluminum.. Arm and Hammer is one.. (Canada) You must have as well in your region. If you can’t find in the grocery store.. a health food store will definitely have one
I love homemade deodorant. I can’t believe I ever used the commercial brands. I use Kenedi’s recipe over at Real Food Whole Life. It’s a probiotic deodorant recipe and has worked beautifully for us.
Where can you buy the essentials oils such as the tee tree, and the yummy smelling ones?
Try your local Farmer’s Market first. I know in Oklahoma the OSU OKC Farmer’s Market has a great selection of homemade essential oils. There are also some recipes online on how to make your own essential oils. Finally, they usually have them at most health food stores. Check either in baking or beauty.
DoTerra has great organic oils too. You can Google reviews of them. Make sure you know where your oils are coming from, how they are processed/distilled, and how they are stored. They can actually be harmful if not created properly. http://www.doterra.com/
I just found your site, and I love it! I did feel compelled to put on here though, I used to have to use those silly clinical strength deoderants from secret and the like… and apply them more than once throughout the day. all my shirt were ruined and everything. Than accidentally grabbed an arm and hammer all natural deoderant…
I pretty much don’t have problems… I’m inclined to think that most store bought deoderants MAKE you sweat…
anyhoo, thank you for having a site like this.
I have been using the Arm and Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant and come to find out one of the ingredients is Triclosan. Crap! They take out the alum and parabens but throw in the pesiticide Triclosan. Difinately be making my deo from now on.
I have been using this recipe for 2 years and while it works amazingly well, it leaves my my shirts stained. I have been going through shirts like crazy bc of staining and I don’t know what to do? Any ideas of how to pretreat my underarms before washing? I really don’t want to use regular deodorant, but I ruin shirts like crazy with this stuff. Does anyone else have this same problem?
Have you tried any stain remover? We just use a natural stain remover but haven’t had any problems. The environment may be the difference since we are in the NW.
I just (1/3/2012) saw your video showing how to make deodorant. You suggested using tea tree oil. PLEASE DON’T USE TEA TREE OIL! Tea tree oil is estrogenic which means that it produces estrogen in the body. Most breast cancers are “estrogen-receptor positive” therefore one should especially not be using it in the underarm, breast, lymph node area (lavender is also estrogenic). I’ve lost three friends in the last four years to breast cancer, ages 53, 45 and 37 years old. I had breast cancer in 2005–breast cancer is at epidemic proportions. Using tea tree oil defeats the purpose of using a natural product to avoid the chemicals that could cause cancer. I repeat: DO NOT USE TREE OIL.
Hello, Do you have studies proving this about tea tree oil? Or are you speaking of the one study of 3 boys who lived in the same environmental area and used hair products with tea tree oil and lavender? That study is extremely flawed if that is the one you are referring to.
Know this is a few months later, but I had the same problem. What I found worked (even after months of coconut oil build-up) is just some simple dishwashing soap rubbed into the underarms before washing. I then just threw ‘em in the wash without rinsing. They came out oil-free. :0)
I’m sorry if this is a repeat question. There are too many comments for me to have time to read through them all. I was wondering if certified organic cornstarch would still have talc in it. I’ve been using organic cornstarch for a while in order to avoid GMO’s. I also thought you should specify to use an aluminum free baking soda or else you still won’t get the complete benefit of avoiding the aluminum that is in commerical deodorants. Thanks for sharing this. I saw it a while ago and had a friend who tired it and likes it and I finally got around to making it myself today. I’m hoping it works well!
I used this recipe for about a year, but got frustrated with how it was too oily on my skin. It’s didn’t seem to absorb so it rubbed off on my clothes. By the end of the day I would have dark spots on my knit shirts. I was somewhat okay with this until it stained a button down dress shirt. I was wondering if anyone has altered it so it is not as oily (i.e. with beeswax, another kind of butter, etc). I tried adding some shea butter, cocoa butter and beeswax but I stunk so bad that even my sweater or sweatshirt over my knit shirt stunk. UGH!
Hello, I have not tried your recipe yet but I have been looking for a cheap non-toxic deodorizer for the last several months. Everything I have tried just doesn’t seem to work very well. I did notice though that if I used straight coconut oil as a lotion along with my spray deodorant the smell was noticeably reduced than just using the deodorant by itself. I’m looking forward to trying your version. Thanks for posting this!
OMG! Thank you for this. I just tried it out and I cannot believe how well this works. I am just amazed. Thank you thank you!
Oh..and the eo’s I use both for scent & antibacterial, but it sounds like it works fine w/o, too. Anything that concentrated should be used very sparingly and it’s a wonder you weren’t on fire dabbing it on full strength.
By small scoop, i’m guessing between 1/2 -3/4 teaspoon. I think the rubbing part is what actually irritated my skin the most…so I just have soft/buffed hands instead, now. My skin is so sensitive, I can’t wear shirts that are tight around the arms, but I haven’t had any staining…I just put my makeup on before my shirt. The only thing I have noticed is a little white on very dark sleeveless shirts that has come out every time in the wash…similar to storebought deodorants, but not as much- If it’s a special occasion top/dressa container of alvera rollon deodorant around. It has only one somewhat questionabe ingredient and I only use it once in a while, which sure beats the daily aluminum.
HTH
Hey, Jamie..
Isn’t this stuff awesome? Seriousy doesn’t allow any odor! I have super sensitive skin and it gave me a horrible rash, too, after a couple weeks. Here’s what helped me:
1. I used another kind for a day or two while I healed a bit.
2. I shave 1st thing when I get in the shower and wait 5 minutes after getting out of the shower before applying to give my skin a littlle time to recover.
3. I melt a small scoop between my palms and lightly pat it on…no smearing or rubbing, which is abraisive w/ the bs.
I used equal parts bs//coconut oil//arrowroot and a very few drops teatree/peppermint eo’s…I haven’t changed the recipe…just the appllication…and I have no probs whatsoever now.
So I have already done 1. – switched back to my old store bought deo for the last 3 days (and tried to go deo-less some of the time) in order to help my arms heal.
Already do/did 2. since I generally wait at least 2 hours if not over night between shaving and applying homemade deo.
Haven’t done 3, and wondering about how well/fast the coconut oil sinks into your skin just patting it on. I admit I have been rubbing it in quite well, thinking I was doing myself a favor so as to leave less residue on my clothing, but in reality perhaps making things worse on myself. So if you just pat it on lightly, does it leave any kind of grease stains on your underarms of your shirts? I have shirts that fit pretty snug under my arms, so I was fearing grease stains from the coconut oil. Do you not find that to be the case? Also, can you give me an idea of how much you mean by “smalls scoop”?
One last thing – do you think the TTO or pepperment are particular helpful in the preventing of rashes, or you just have them for the smell and antibacterial nature? I ask because I’ve already broken out in under arm rash due to TTO, although it was in a much higher saturation at that point – but I admit to being very reluctant to trying it again after 3 months of misery under my arms from that time. So can I just leave those oils out or are they likely very helpful?
Thanks!
Jamie
Jamie,
Yes, you could use the deodorant without the essential oils. But before you do, I might recommend trying the peppermint alone or “cutting” the essential oils before use. To cut, you would take a few drops of your essential oils and mix with about 1-2 cups of cutting oil (such as almond or olive but the least scent the better usually). There are other sites you could check for more details on how to do this. It is done regular for massages and aromatherapy. Then add the drops of the cut oil to your homemade deodorant. Keep in mind though that one of the reasons TTO is used in this is because of its antimicrobial properties. Several oils have that property (including peppermint) but TTO is one of the few that includes antifungal properties. This helps to preserve your deodorant…so if the deodorant might be sitting on the shelf awhile, you might want to include some essential oil as a precaution.
Hey there, I know this was a while ago, but what I do is after I shave I just use coconut oil under my arms for that day, and switch back to the coconut oil deodorant the next day. I was surprised how much the CO by itself worked! And it doesn’t irritate at all!
Hope that helps some people who are having the sensitive issue.
Okay, so I have some fabulous news and not so fabulous news.
I am one of those seriously hefty, seriously STINKY sweaters, and this homemade stuff has knocked the stink RIGHT OUT OF MY PITS!! Seriously nothing has ever worked this amazing before (including swabbing my pits with Tea Tree Oil, which I have done before, but ended up with a skin rash because of it and had to abandon it). I literally became giddy with excitement when it was time to put on my deo in the morning and would smell my underarms all throughout the day, just to enjoy the stink-free coconut smell.
So, the bad news. I most definitely did start to develop an under arm rash after using this for 2 weeks. I was so upset that my miracle deo was giving me a rash, that I didn’t acknowledge that fact for a good several days. Unfortunately it was true. I was even waiting until the following morning after shaving to apply it, lest it give me rash. So, in reading your paragraph about what to do for the itchy red rash, you mention I think just using arrowroot and coconut oil, instead of adding baking soda – is that right? (Sorry I was slightly confused by that.) I don’t have shea butter or cocoa butter around right now, so the quickest fix for me would just be using arrowroot and coconut oil if you thought that would be less likely to offend my skin’s very clearly, sensitive sensibilities, but still be deodorizing – (is it still deodorizing, btw, without the baking soda?)
Any additional help you can give me even beyond your paragraph of suggestions would be awesome! (Mostly because I don’t have either one of those extra “butters” on hand, and I’m so desperate to use this deodorant again since my regular deo can’t hold a candle to this stuff.)
Also, admittedly I don’t get a shower every day (hey, what Mom does?) and so there were times when this stuff didn’t get washed off daily. Do you think if I washed my underarms every night before bed to remove the BS, that might help? I’d like to think I could wear my deo 24/7 but perhaps 16 hours out of 24 is better than nothing.
Sorry for the book! Thanks!
Also – maybe I’m putting too much on??? Can you give me an idea how much you put on? like 1/8tsp on each underarm? Less, more?
First I must share with you, my last name is Odor. With that out of the way:).
I was a little skeptical at first about the whole “home-made” deodorant. I am a pretty hefty sweater (I blame it on my dad’s genes:) ), and the only thing that ever helped with that was the clinical strength deodorants, but those are so expensive. So I thought I’d give this a try. AND IT WORKS! I made half a batch just to see and I don’t think we’ll ever go back to regular deodorant. There definitely is still some sweating (as you said, it’s not an anti-persperant) but the sweating is not as bad as before, especially considering it doesn’t smell! And I love that it is un-scented. I typically equate the “fresh scent” of my deodorant with b.o. because when you’re sweating is when you smell your deodorant most.
Anyway, I love this and am so excited to start making other household products!
I like Shalom’s idea. I would like to know the answer too. It sounds like it would be worth trying. How would you clean out all of the old gunk so you had a very clean container to start with?
It’s not easy to get commercial deoderant containers clean, believe me! In fact, it was so difficult that I realized just how much of this stuff must be left on our armpits after even the most through shower! I’m too grossed out to use the commercial stuff now, and would rather do without entirely!
Anyway, the way I was finally able to get a sparkling clean container was by boiling a kettle full of water and pouring it in the container. I let it sit for a minute, then dumped it and filled it again. After a few times, I let it cool enough to handle then attacked it with dish soap. Voila! Clean as a whistle.
i am so excited to try this!! i am a gross, smelly sweater and i’ve tried salt blocks for deodorant and other natural things but they didn’t help at all, so i use the anti-perspirant with the most aluminum… i know, ugh. that said, i’m really excited to make this and see how it works. i think the coconut oil and tea tree will really help with the BO smell. i’ve been using antibacterial body wash for years, (seriously, i need to) but i’m going to try making some modified body wash using dr bronners, coconut oil and tea tree oil, inspired by you! i hope it goes well!
thanks for this blog.
For several years I have been using hydrogen peroxide + aluminum-free baking soda as a deodorant. I keep separate containers of each in the bathroom. The hp is in the store bottle. The baking soda is transferred into a small glass jar. Just rub on a splash of the hp, then rub on a pinch of the soda. Works great – besides being nontoxic, it is much more effective than commercial preparations!
Oh my, I have been wanting to replace my normal deo for a while. I tried a roll on natural/aluminium free kind, but it definately didn’t work for more than 12 hours for a sweater like me. Plus overnight_no way. I finally made the recipe you posted and WOW! I LOVE it! I travel alot with our ministry and with three little ones I don’t often get a chance to reapply deo throughout the day- this worked like a charm. I put it on Sunday Am, we were gone all day long with three different services, I sweated profusely(it’s JUNE!) when we got home at 11:00pm, NO SMell whwatsoever. I even went the night without reapplying and still, no smell in the morning. The stuff is amazing. The only time I had a little problem, was when I had just shave and Applied it a little too quickly. I keep mine in the fridge so it won’t melt and usually dab it one for a second or two to soften it up, but skipped it and just put it on quickly. I did chafe a little that day, but the next day I was a bit more careful and no problems since. Thank you so much for posting the recipe! (Sorry to get so long winded!)
I like the idea of adding a touch of honey to this. I think that instead of an essential oil, I will put in a few drops of real vanilla extract that I made. I will try some with and without honey. That should be heavenly, and maybe help keep the bugs away too?!
Hi there,
I am beyond excited to try this recipe this week, and if I love it (which I know I will), I’d like to store it in shallow, non-plastic, leak-proof containers (I’m thinking a big one for home, a little for my purse, and little ones to give to au naturel friends!) I’m finding it very difficult to find this kind of thing in glass, but I found these:
http://www.specialtybottle.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=55
which seem to be made of tin. Should I be concerned at all about anything leaching into the deodorant? (I’m thinking more about something being harmful to me more than making the deodorant ineffective.)
Thank you to anyone for any feedback!
Laura
I have been using this recipe for quite some time now and LOVE it. It has diminished my sweating and I don’t ever get a metallic smell anymore, plus it washes off nicely, unless store-bought deoderant. As we get closer to summer though, I’m noticing oil marks on my shirts during the day. It doesn’t stain, but it looks terrible! It’s so embarassing. Is there anything I can do?
I have that problem too, but I don’t know what to do about it. If it gets really bad, I just go and change my shirt. Sorry that I can’t help you better!
What about garment shields, also called dress shields and underarm sweat pads? I’ve seen them at fabric stores, and *of course* Amazon sells them.
Finally got around to making this, thanks so much for the great tutorial! I added Lemon and Tea Tree oils to the mix and the scent is so fresh!
I’ll be sharing this with my readers on facebook and twitter.
Thankyou so much for this recipe. I’ve seen natural deodarants going for as much as $18 and they all have this “gooey texture”. I love the smell of tea tree and consistency of this diy deodarant. I live in the SW and it was warm when I made it so I used minimal oil and extra organic cornstarch. Works better than the way more expensive stuff.
Thanks so much for this! I have have used this recipe for about 3 weeks total and it work great! It’s gotten up into the 90′s here and I’ve had no smell yet! I have supper sensitive skin so this is the recipe that I use: (this makes enough to fill 1/2 of a empty deodorant dispenser)
1/8 C + 1 T. cornstarch
)
1 T. Soda
3 “fingers” shea butter (just dip your finger in and what comes up is a “finger
1/8 C. coconut oil
1 T. beeswax beads
I mix up everything but the beeswax, then put it all in a glass measuring cup along with the beeswax. Heat at 30 second intervals until it is smooth. Poor into a empty deodorant dispenser. (buy cheep deodorant , take out all the deodorant out, then use)
I just wanted to let you know that we couldn’t find coconut oil anywhere locally and I was so eager to try this, I used olive oil. I had no idea if it would work or be too oily but it has been absolutely amazing. I have tried every kind of natural deodorant I could find over the years and have found that they just don’t work. This one is amazing, even working better than the commercial brands.
I’m excited to try to coconut oil when I can get my hands on some!
Thank you so much!
Hi Lindsay! Love this recipe. I will be making it for the second time and wanted to try your alternative of less baking soda and adding shea butter. Is the shea butter extra or does it replace some of the coconut oil? Thanks!!
Either way works.
My husband and I travel regularly to Haiti and are wondering how much beeswax you would recommend adding to keep it solid.
Also, I cannot thank you enough for posting this recipe. I have spent years trying to find a deodorant that works for me, so you can imagine my joy and relief when I came across this, tried it and loved it! My husband loves it so much that he’s using it, too :]
Very excited to try this!!!!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I recently have been asked to go “mild to fragrance-free” at work – this was the perfect solution for me. It still smells nice to me (because I’m so close to me…lol), but isn’t overpowering to everyone else like my store-bought version was.
i tried it today and it worked perfectly. I love it i will never use anything else. great tip.
I just made this recipe and I have a tip to make it super quick and easy to mix. Use a hand-held pastry blender like you would use to make pie crust. My mixture combines super quickly and required a lot less CO with the pastry blender.
Great recipe that I have been using. Honey is a great anti-bacterial and my boyfriend asked if I would put some in the next batch. I did and it works great. When we sweat now…the mixture mixed with the sweat has a faint smell like a tropical pineapple drink…what a pleasant surprise.
Let me clarify…be sure the honey is RAW. RAW honey (not processed honey) is what has the anti-bacterial power.
When the weather is warmer would it work in a roll on dispenser or would the powdered ingredients not work well with the dispensor?
Try persimmon and pomegranate for an added scent.
I used rice powder/flour instead of arrowroot or cornstarch and it worked great.
I had to mention your website today – on my new website (www.ekofriendly.com). I must say, I am sooooooo grateful for this deodorant recipe! I eat lots of curry type food…and it tends to seep through my underarm pores (sorry for yucky description). Anyway, I now have my friends and even husband using this deodorant. They all love it! God bless you. I love the rest of your site too! Thank you for being such a blessing!
I am getting a yellow stain on white clothes, within mins of applying. If I used a refined coconut oil (instead of raw) would it help? How can i get this not to happen? It’s kinda a deal breaker for me
This stuff is amazing. I have really sweaty arm pits and I haven’t gotten funky all day. I’ve tried the store bought natural ones like toms of maine and jason organics, both didn’t do much for me. This recipe works wonders. My arm pits smell like maccaroons and I love it. Thanks!
Hi – I tried your recipe (just today) and love the idea and had a lot of fun making it and scooping it into a little container… but while i am really interested in the benefits of the coconut oil, i really don’t like smelling so coconutty… i used an organic unrefined expeller-pressed coconut oil from spectrum organics that says it is suitable for medium heat cooking and use as a moisturizer – i know it is not the best oil, but i wanted to make a trial batch right away… could i use another oil, or a combination of oils to minimize the coconuttiness? or is there a brand that smells less like coconut that you can recommend?
thanks so much for any advice and for your blog, which i love
I would recommend simply adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give it whatever scent you like.
i used lavender but it still smells coconutastic.. maybe i just need a few more drops – thank you for your reply!
Isobel, from what I understand, the refined coconut oil (for the Spectrum brand, it says ‘suitable for high heat cooking’ or something like that) smells less coconutty. It’s been a while since I bought the refined version, but I remember not liking it as much for cooking because it didn’t smell & taste as coconutty as the unrefined variety. HTH!
I came across this deodorant recipe a little over a year ago. It works wonderfully! I even turned my mother on to it shortly after I started making it. Neither of us have purchased store bought deodorant in over a year! I do have to echo some other comments however and say that if you shaved in the shower, wait a little while to put on the deodorant. I have had several less than pleasant feeling experiences by not waiting. Great recipe!
I’ve never used arrowroot so, I need to know are there brands to avoid? Which brands of arrowroot are preferred or recommended?
Besides using arrowroot in DEO what else would I use it for? In place of cornstarch, ex. to make gravy?
Thank you
arrowroot can be substituted for cornstarch in all your baking/cooking. it works beautifully and is so nutritious for you because it is an herb as well! I don’t have a particular brand to recommend.
Sadly, this recipe broke my underarms out into a rash. I was so disappointed; I really wanted it to work. But, I did see where someone suggested the Crystal stick deodorant – which I bought from Amazon – & have been very pleased with the results! I hope this homemade recipe works for others, but for those of us who aren’t able to use it & still want a natural alternative to name-brand antiperspirants, I highly recommend the Crystal!
Thanks for this – My husband just whipped some up for us and has it setting in the fridge. We also made your Cranberry Orange Coconut Cookies tonight. =)
In Mexico people used to put some fresh rosemary in rubbing alcohol and use that as a natural deodorant. My uncle was very allergic to “modern” deodorants, so he used rosemary-infused alcohol instead. After 3 months, his armpits would not stink, even after exercising! I came across your website and decided to use rosemary essential oil in this recipe and it is FABULOUS! Thanks for the recipe!
I melted my oil before mixing so it was easier. I used low temp and it hardened back up when it cooled. It works really well. Also my husband had very bad foot problems so I told him to try that on his feet and it cleared it up fast. He has tried lots of things too. I was wondering though, do you think if I add peppermint oil to the deoderant it would make a better foot powder.
Wow!
I currently buy deodorant for $11 per stick because it’s the only thing that even resembles working properly. I am very curious to try this.
I know you said it’s mostly a deodorant and not an antiperspirant, but does it work somewhat as an antiperspirant?
Just curious, thanks.
Also, I just found your site and am enjoying it very much. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I would say so.
I too am a believer in this recipe. I never have B.O. now, and that’s saying a lot. When I first tried it, I got a rash after about 1 week. After reading some of your tips, I cut the baking soda in half, and added a few drops of tea trea oil. I think I may have had to add a little more arrowroot to make it a little stiffer to make up for the lack of baking soda. But, so far, no rash! Here’s to hopin’!
Sorry, I meant that I replaced some of the coconut oil with a little shea butter and cocoa butter.
Love it, love it, love it! Thank you for this recipe & for all you do here. I’ve been using this deodorant for a year now, and it’s even been effective here through the Texas summer. I replaced some of the shea butter with cocoa butter. I cleaned out used applicators (2.6 oz each) and filled those with this natural mixture. I calculated the cost to be only $1 per applicator! WOW!
looking forward to trying this.
This is on my list of things to try!
Great post with several fascinating suggestions! Can’t say I totally agree with everything you have said here, but there are a few critical recommendations you have highlighted that can be quite usable on natural health and related topics. Please keep providing more recommendations on this topic and related issues, as there are quite a few folks who are trying to understand the costs and benefits.
My husband I are almost ready to make our third batch. We went to Disney World this last week and this recipe held up through the heat and humidity perfectly!! I was worried because last time I took my Secret and it failed miserably on me. I will never use anything else but this and will be making batches to give to family and friends.
I actually don’t think you can do better on price, even with homemade, than the “Crystal Deoderant Stick” (found on Amazon, and maybe Target). It’s just a chunk of mineral salts, who knows where it’s mined – no other ingredients. I put it on while I am still dripping wet from the shower and it is very effective for at least 24 hours. One stick lasts my husband and me for a good year or so!
The price is definitely lower that way. But I’ve found that his recipe actually works much better than the crystal type I have been using for years.
I really like this deodorant recipe. After my son was born in February of this year, I decided I wanted to try a natural deodorant (to maybe help prevent any chemicals from possibly soaking right through to my breasts. Don’t know if this was a legitimate worry or not, but better safe than sorry.) Anyways, this recipe worked great for me. He is now 8 months old and I’m making my second batch today. It lasted so long and I never had odor issues. And I am happy to be using more natural products without breaking the bank. Thanks again!
I switched for my baby, too! Her little hands kept finding their way into my armpit, and the thought of her getting deodorant in her mouth appalled me. I’ve never gone back!
Hi Lindsay, i’m excited about your recipe! thank you for posting.
i noticed you said on the video you preferred arrowroot over cornstarch because of talc.
but cornstarch doesn’t contain talc. ???
Yes, cornstarch does contain talc, unless it specifically states that it does not. Talc would not be listed on the ingredients.
I made a batch of this in the original form and so far, I have been pleased with the scent and the effectiveness. However, I did not like putting my finger in the jar and rubbing it on my underarms so I was aiming at a solid form like the commercial sticks. I experimented with the formula, adding yellow beeswax pastilles (from Mountain Rose Herbs. Thank you again for the information source) to make it more solid. I GOT IT!!! Use Lindsay’s original formula (reduced the coconut oil a tad), however add 2 tablespoons of yellow beeswax pastilles. So: 1 part arrowroot, 1 part baking soda, 1 part coconut oil, and 1/2 part beeswax pastilles. It needs to be heated for the beeswax to melt. You can use a pyrex cup in a double boiler or in the microwave on medium power. I pour it while hot into an empty deodorant container. Make sure your dispensers have a solid bottom and not holes. I used 2 large Arm and Hammer empty deodorant containers. When completely cooled, it has the texture of lipstick and rolls perfectly without crumbling or “rubbing off” too much. I will use this forever for TY again!!!
Hi =)
Thanks so much for posting this alteration to the recipe! I had tried the deodorant recipe before, but it required just a bit of rubbing to get it on, which irritated my sensitive skin. I had to discontinue use for that reason alone…the actual deodorant worked really well for 24 whole hours until my next shower (many natural deodorants have left me waking up feeling a little too natural…not the case with this;)…plus, I didn’t want to have to scrub under my nails “again” every time I applied deodorant. Also, when I put it in a deodorant stick before, it just crumbled. I just happened to have ONE beeswax tart left and immediately made this recipe up. If it works as well as I’m hoping, I’ll probably be making another batch to tuck in Christmas presents this year. =) TFS!
Sometimes my deodorant (this recipe) will melt, such as during travel. Does this change how effective it is? I have applied it when melted and after it has resolidified.
Thank you!
No, it is still as effective.
Haven’t read the comments, just felt compelled to share with anyone who might feel the same as me on this. Life is finite, we’ve only got a certain number of hours on this planet, so if we can save time, that’s a very good thing. I spend a lot of worthy time on DIY stuff, a firm believer in it. I use almost no mainstream products, use all homemade cleaners, never eat at restaurants, never go to mainstream docs, healthfood freak, borax enthusiast, and all that…
But, thankfully, I’ve discovered a few things that are easy in this arena. I no longer waste time with all this business of mixing up homemade deodorant. Years ago, I had tried baking soda and was not happy with it, got white powder-y stuff on my clothes and didn’t seem like it worked on odor at all. Now I know why…
I recently tried baking soda again, did it right this time. And now it’s a joy–how easy it is
I saw a youtube on it that helped.
But here’s what I do and it works like a charm. First, I never use any type of soap, leaves a film, alters pH and is likely the main culprit of odor (among so many other issues). I bathe with salt/soda/borax mix — mostly salt (exfoliating and anti-bacterial). Right out of the shower I swab underarms with witch hazel followed by a swab of hydrogen peroxide (not sure the HP is necessary every day), which I see as a double-whammy in keeping bacteria at bay. I keep a tiny little jar filled with baking soda (’cause you don’t need to use much), moisten finger with water or witch hazel and just dab tip of index finger in it. That’s all ya’ need, just rub it on underarm, rub it in well. Done
You don’t need a bunch of residue hanging out under your arm for it to be effective. The small amount works and consequently it won’t come off on your clothes. First time I did it like this, I was amazed that I had zero smell at the end of the day. I love it.
Dove
Dove,
Thank you so much for this. I tried your method and it works. And works quite well. I haven’t had any issues. Granted it’s winter time so I’m anxious to see how it works in the heat but no issues up to this point. Also, I use soap (Dr. Bronners or Kirks Castile) and haven’t had any issues with this not working.
Question…..do you still use this method when traveling? I was thinking the coconut deodorant might be the way to go for travel because it is less to pack but was curious what your experiences were.
Hi Chris,
For me, I don’t like the thought of oil being in my deodorant–especially in summer. I’d be worried about getting an oil stain on my clothes. And I just don’t feel it’s necessary. Although I adore coconut oil and use it inside and out daily.
So yes, I would take my tiny jar of baking soda when traveling. Witch Hazel is also a staple–a wonderful product. I generally swab it all over body after shower, and I would not leave home without it. Same with hydrogen peroxide. Just so many uses for it. But if for some reason, I forgot or simply couldn’t take those products with me (in smaller containers–note, never put HP in glass), then I’d still just use the fingertip of baking soda for deodorant. You could always dab it a second time during the day if you felt it might be necessary.
I know many people say they have bad reactions to baking soda and tea tree oil. So did I initially. I now feel my reaction to them was a kind of detox. With the baking soda from residue still in pores from previous mainstream deodorants. My thoughts are similar about tea tree, but I also originally used too much of it straight. It is a powerful substance and a little (just a drop or two) goes a long way. But also, I feel it may do a type of detox on the skin. If you can get through that initial reaction/detox, these products are wonderful and very effective.
Dove
I TOO HAVE BEEN USING THE COCONUT OIL, ARROW ROOT POWDER, BAKING SODA DEODORANT RECIPE (WITH THE ADDITION OF TEATREE OIL AND ESSENTIAL OIL FOR FRAGRANCE) FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND FOR A WEEK NOW I HAVE DEVELOPED AN IRRITATING RASH I WASNT SURE IF IT WAS THE SOAP I SWITCHED TO BUT AFTER TALKING WITH MY MOTHER WHO IS ALSO USING THIS RECIPE DEVELOPED THE SAME RASH AND USES A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SOAP THAN ME I FIGURED ITS THE RECIPE (WHICH IS A MAJOR BUMMER BECAUSE I LIKED THE RECIPE A LOT UNTIL THE RASH). I USE COCONUT OIL TO COOK A LOT OF MY FOODS SO I FIGURED IT CANT BE THAT (TO BE SAFE I HEARD SHEA BUTTER IS A GOOD SUBSTITUTE) SO I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE BAKING SODA (SINCE I HEARD IT CAN ALSO CAUSE A RASH) OR WOULD THE RECIPE WORK JUST AS GOOD OR SIMILAR WITH OUT THE BAKING SODA? ANY ADVICE?
I’m a huge stinker, so I was a little scared to give it a try, but I’m hooked! I’ll be buying some oils to start adding to it and will work on getting the nerve to give it as Christmas gifts! : ) I cut the recipe in half and keep it in a tiny jar in the bathroom. I, too, live in Phoenix, so the coconut oil isn’t very solid.. soft but manageable. Thanks for the recipe!
Now that winter has hit and the coconut oil has solidified, I’ve decided I like it MUCH better softer/melted! Now, I warm it up with a blast from the hair dryer for better smearing. I use a craft stick to smear it on, and never get my hands dirty. Thanks again for the easy recipe!
I have used Salt Crystals as a deoderant for over a year now and love it. But I like a nice smell too, so I’ve been using another organic deoderant spray in conjunction. It’s pricey, so I’ve been looking into how I can make my own. The ingredient list is very simple and straightforward, and I think I could copy it very easily (because I LOVE the smell… it’s like a spa).
Anyway, the number one ingredient is alcohol (you could use isopropyl rubbing alcohol or vodka!) followed by a list of essential oils (lemon peel, sage, patchouli, and tea tree to be exact). I’m going to try it! Obviously it makes a liquid deodorant spray, which I happen to prefer, and that’s nice because I can reuse my current spray bottle! Sweet. 
I’ve been using this for the past month with great results – I’ve never had such an effective deodorant! Thanks!
Hi Lindsay, I made myself a batch as per your recipe and I am most pleasantly surprised! I love the fact that the baking soda and cornstarch absorb the moisture, and peppermint and tea tree essential oils in combination with the coconut oil really do a good job at keeping odour forming bacteria at bay. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
I can’t wait to try this! I am allergic to coconut oil, has anyone tried Mango butter? It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and an antioxidant. I will have to melt it to add everything, but then it stays solid and melts at body temp so it should work well in an old deo stick. I love the stuff so I think I will be using Mango butter, just wondering if anyone else has tried it!
This is an amazing deodorant recipe!
My daughter and her family came from Germany to visit this summer and she had found this recipe and wanted to try it. I was a little skeptical, but went along with her in finding all the ingredients. We used Bob’s Mill -no aluminum brand baking soda.
I have now been using the product for over 2 weeks and have had no BO smell, even after working outside on a very hot day. Also, in the morning of the next day, I still noticed no smell and then I wash up and put on a fresh application for the day. I am so excited and amazed at how great this deodorant recipe works… better than any commercial or natural product on the market that I have tried.
Thank you so much!
I am looking forward to sharing it with others.
I have to say, I was a little skeptical when making this. I have tried may natural deoderants, and always ended up a little stinky by the end of the day. I LOVE this recipe. I used followed it exactly with a few drops of tea tree oil. I did use cornstatch, I couddn’t find arrowroot powder, even at my natural stores. My armpits look so pretty, I just want to wear sleeveless shirts to show them off. No clumpy deoderant, even my razor is appreciating the switch.
I have not stunk once since switching, even in the heat and humidity I come out smelling nicely. And I haven’t even noticed an increase in sweating since not using and anti-prespirant.
Thank you so much for sharing this alternative to store bought natural deoderants. I am so happy to find somethign that finally works for me, and is safe to use.
Still loving this deoderant recipe. I think I may try adding in the beeswax and attempt to put it in a deoderant container again. Right now we are using a wide mouth short canning jar. Tried it in the deoderant applciator but it just clumped, and smeared and hurt our armpits.
My husband switched over to this as well, however he is now able to go without deoderant 95% of the time with no odor at all. He’ll use it for a busy day at work but most of the time he is now able to go with out deoderant at all!
Thanks again for a great recipe!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lindsay this is by far and wide the BEST deodorant ever, my Hubby loves it and I have even caught him talking about coconut oil benefits with his Buddies. This has been a wonderful blog for the wellness of my family and I do so look forward to such useful info put into a very family centered blog. Thank you for sharing when I know the time you take must be precious.
Hi thank you for sharing this.
. i started to then get some redness. one day it ended up melting and i had to get it more solid again, and i have to say it works pretty great still but i have very red underarms! my fiance is telling me to quit using it, and i keep saying it will go away. i am using it every other day right now. i am also swabbing with witch hazel and my shower soap is dr bronner’s lavender. my underarms dont itch and they really arent all that painful unless they start rubbing on clothes or something. do you think this is some type of reaction? my body getting used to it (i used dove for years before).? or possibly because it liquified, then solidified again, changing chemistry?
the first couple days after i started using it, everything was great. So i thought i would have no issues. then i started getting a little irritation. then i had some dark patches, and little dark spots i could scrape off.
thanks for your help! and your recipe!
(oh and i used arrowroot, aluminum free baking soda, unscented coconut oil, just a couple drops tea tree and peppermint (its a very mildly scented))
It’s likely you’re reacting to the baking soda. Try remaking it using less baking soda and more arrowroot powder (or just adding more oil and arrowroot powder to what you have now to dilute the baking soda). If you still react, you may be allergic to one of the ingredients (try applying a small amount of each to the underside of your wrist at different times to see if one causes a reaction).
You could also try applying aloe vera gel to your underarms and letting it soak in before applying, shaving the night before and applying in the morning, or both. I’ve done this when I’ve had reactions to it (although not as badly as you’ve described).
I’ve had a similar problem. At first I thought it was really bad razor burn, but now I think I might be reacting to the baking soda. It’s such good stuff though! I want to keep using it. Are you having better luck now?
It is the peppermint oil. Menthol, a volatile oil, and the main ingredient in the mints, also is in peppermint. Different oils (brands) have different concentrations of Menthol. I would suggest comparing menthol percentages, and get a lesser concentration of it. Should take care of it, since it sounds more like you are having burns from the menthol.
I use a similar product but it’s predominantly coconut oil.
I melt or semi-melt about 3/4 C coconut oil, mixed with a few tablespoons of baking soda and organic corn starch (enough to keep the coconut oil from solidifying completely when cold). I also mix in one drop each combined of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary essential oils. Love the smell and they have good anti-bacterial/anti-fungal qualities.
I pour this mixture into a 1/2 pint wide-mouth mason jar and let it cool to room temp. Depending on the time of year, it will be more solid or liquidy. I apply by scooping (or lightly digging) out a finger-full for each side and rubbing it in. For all but the few days before my period starts, I can usually get by with one application for 2 days; always at minimum, a whole day.
Be aware that what you eat has a LOT to do with body odors/under arm odor, so if you’re eating a lot of processed foods/sugary foods, you’ll probably notice more odor, sooner.
Also, I hardly sweat much anymore. I think it has to do with the body balancing things out, once you’re no longer inhibiting normal function of the sweat glands with antiperspirant (similar to the principle of your hair being less oily once you’re no longer stripping it every day with shampoo).
I am loving your site. Such a wealth of information and you are so young. I’m 40 and thought I was doing pretty okay with being health conscience, but now am realizing…um…not so much. As I was reading about the soap nuts (which I can’t wait to order some and try them) I found on one site something called a Mineral Salts Deodorant Stone. It supposedly leave a thin film of natural minerals that not only helps control perspiration, but odor as well. It also claims that it lasts a year! I was just wondering have you heard of this type of product and what are your views about it?
I have a tub of coconut oil in my bathroom that I use as an overall body moisturiser. When I am done showering, I simply melt about half a teaspoon of coconut oil between my palms and add a drop of two of lavender oil and rub that into my armpits. It really couldn’t be easier. The lavender oil is antibacterial and soothes your armpits after you have shaved, but most importantly it really works!
Liesl,
I LOVE lavender oil… i was wondering with your recipe (love the simplicity) if it leaves any residue or staining on your clothes. if so, how do you remove?
No. Only possibility is on white garments, but no more than any other commercial deodorant. I find it normally washes out just fine. A little oxygen bleach is a natural stain remover if you have any problems.
what kind of lavender oil do you purchase?
I love this recipe and for a few days it worked great! But now halfway through the day I get smelly. I don’t consider myself a heavy sweater, but I do live in humid Oklahoma. I noticed that other people commented that they don’t smell anymore…I want that! Any suggestions? Is this just an adjustment my body is going through?
Hi Debra,
I think the key in home made deodorant is the right oil (essential) which kills sweaty bacteria on a surface of your skin.
I just made another batch for my husband with peppermint and it’s even better then with orange essential oil.
I have been using homemade deodorant for a few weeks and it’s amazing: no smell during a day (after applying in a morning), going to a gym afterwards makes me sweat but no smell again, taking shower before bed and not applying it usually gives me some smell by morning but not anymore, day application is enough even after washing it off.
Store deodorant used to give me smell, had to freshen up 2 times a day but not anymore.
I suggest kokum butter, beeswax and grape seed(walnut) oil plus peppermint. If it’s too salad, melt it and add career oil (walnut, grape seed).
Thanks, but I just use Lindsay’s recipe and add tea tree oil. Maybe I need more tea tree oil?
I live in GA and due to our budget we keep our thermostat set around 78 degrees. I’m thinking I’ll have to refridgerate my oil to get it to a solid state to make my deoderant and then keep it in the fridge so it doesn’t melt. Is this really worth it? Will I really have to take it out of the fridge for 5-10 minutes before applying it? Thanks for the help/encouragement.
You can apply it when it is solid and firm but it just takes more effort. This may be totally fine if you are using an old deodorant dispenser.
we live in nor Cal and boy its hot this summer, I find keeping it in a wide mouth jar even when melted works wonderfully .
Hubby and I are getting ready to make our second batch and I just had to thank you again. This is the best stuff we have ever used- far above all store brands and natural brands we have tried. It took a bit of time for our bodies to adjust to it, but once they did, there was no more odor at all. I sweat terribly working out at the gym and I NEVER have stinky underarms anymore. Secret didn’t even take care of that in the past. I’m so happy we are using something natural on our bodies! I’m off to make us more, and my sister-in-law and mother-in-law have asked to try a batch also. Thank you so much!
I tried to modify this recipe a little bit because I am in Phoenix and everything melts, including skin
2 TBS beeswax
2 TBS Kokum butter
3 TBS Baking soda
2 TBS Arrowroot powder
3 TBS Almond sweet oil
3 TBS Baobab oil
10 drops Orange oil
10 drops Ylang Ylang oil
Melt in double boiler beeswax and Kokum butter, mix in soda and powder until they dissolve. Add baobab, almond oils, orange, ylang ylang essential oils. Pour into deodorant container, wait for an hour. Kokum butter is the hardest available on the market. Since I live in AZ, I need something that wouldn’t melt quickly. So far I am really happy with this deodorant.
I find this interesting, because your recipe doesn’t have any coconut oil in it! The main point of using coconut oil as the base for the deodorant is because coconut oil has anti-microbial properties. Hmm. So, the orange oil is antibacterial enough to keep the bacteria down so the sweat doesn’t turn stinky? I know people add beeswax to the basic recipe to help harden it even more…I wonder how adding some beeswax AND this Kokum butter stuff to the coconut oil would work.
Now I have to go look up what, exactly, Kokum butter is! *giggle*
Thank you for sharing your recipe!!
When I used the basic recipe (coconut oil, bi-carb and arrowroot powder), it worked perfectly but it gave me a rash, so I tried just using the coconut oil by itself and it had virtually no effect. I was as stinky as usual, only I smelt a little more coconutty. I tried the bi-carb by itself and it worked nearly as well by itself as the combined ingredients did (only it doesn’t last as long) and my rash disappeared. I think the bicarb does the bulk of the work in this recipe.
I made this about a couple of months ago and I will never use anything else!!! It is amazing how well it works…even better than the chemical filled stuff from the store! LOVE it!!! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
I made a batch several months ago, and am now on my second batch. I’ll never use anything else! I keep one jar for the majority of the deodorant, then use another jar for mixing in essential oils based on what I’m in the mood for – lemon, tea tree, lavender, etc. I LOVE it, and am very impressed with its ability to eliminate odor ALL day, even in the hot seasons.
I did find that through time, a charcoally stain emerged on my lighter-colored clothes. I used H20-At-Home’s Netepur natural stain remover soap, and it came right out. If you haven’t heard of them, H20 is a France-based company that uses all natural ingredients for home cleaning (mostly specially designed chiffonettes & water), and personal care. I recommend them if you’re frustrated with toxic store-bought stuff and aren’t making cleaners at home. http://us.h2o-at-home.com/.
Thanks Lindsay for all of your awesome information!
This sounds really cool! Actually, my sister makes deodorant too, and it sounds very close to what she does! I might have to try it sometime! As a matter of fact, I am a true lover of coconut oil and find many uses for it. My sister makes chapstick which I love, and hand lotion(which isn’t as great since it’s rather greasy)and their main ingredient is coconut oil. I’ve also heard of it used for a sunscreen(I think I tried it once). I use it in cooking sometimes as well. It’s great stuff!! =]
I also have a question. You said you can put the mixture into an old deodorant container; how would you recommend doing so? Could you melt the coconut oil and pour it in? If you melt it, does it maintain it’s bacteria fighting properties? Or just spoon it in? Can’t wait to try it! And whoever suggested the amount of lavendar – thanks! I was curious about how much to add. Would that be true for Tea Tree Oil?
No, just scoop it into and level it out with a nice or spoon. Melting it with disrupt the texture. Add only a few drops of essential oil.
i have a question – i made this deodorant and have been having occasional burning armpits! i stop using immediately, give my pits a day or so off, and then try again. sometimes it’s fine, others, it still burns. i had this problem w/ tom’s of maine, too…any thoughts?
thanks!
It could be that your body is stripping itself of the toxins from the standard deodorant. This is not an uncommon process of adapting to the all natural method.
I have this problem too, but it’s only after I shave. It happens with both Tom’s and this recipe. It usually helps to wait awhile (if possible)- 15-30 min after shaving, but sometimes still burns. I just have to suck it up, and it goes away in a few minutes.
Love it! Thank you so much! Such an easy recipe and works GREAT! I added 8 drops of Lavender oil and it has been going wonderfully!
Thank you for posting this! I made some the other day and it works great as well as I had fun making it, thanks for the video too!
I wanted to let you know how very thankful I am that you shared this recipe! I have been searching for a long time for a deodorant that actually works and have spent a LOT of money trying everything. After all my searches, I made this deodorant and it REALLY works!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
I accidentally used refined coconut oil to make this deodorant and I have noticed bumps on the sides of my underarms (which is odd, because the deodorant doesn’t really touch that area). I also started using the same coconut oil (refined) as a face moisturizer because I ran out of the virgin oil, and I am getting some bumps on my face. Could this be because the oil is refined? I have always heard the refined oil is suitable for personal care uses, but the only consistent factor between the bumps on the sides of my underarms and my face is the coconut oil. I added some essential oil to the deodorant, so maybe that is contributing to the problem….?
I used extra virgin organic unrefined and am experiencing the same problems.
But I am beginning to think that I’m having reactions to it, due to the fact that I’ve used the normal commercial deodorants since I’ve needed them, and now I’m using something natural. I also tried a commercial natural deodorant and I’m still having issues.
I’m gong to try and use a thin layer of CO and let it dry then apply the deodorant. (I’ll use the commercial natural one to begin with. I want to make a new batch of deodorant decreasing the baking soda as well.
The reaction is pretty bad at this point, as I’ve tried different things to no avail. So i plan on going w/o, and let the skin heal itself, w/a thin layer of organic aloe vera gel. From past experience this should only be a few days. And it has already been 2 days since I’ve applied deodorant.
thanks! have been using this deodorant for about a year now and really like it.
one comment: you say cornstarch usually contains talc. Are you talking about cornstarch sold as baby powder? I use cornstarch from the spices aisle of the store. Both Argo and the store brand (Shur Fine) say “100% cornstarch” on them… I think the requirements for cornstarch sold as a food product are much more stringent than cornstarch sold as an after-bath powder…
I understand that talc is a non caking agent that is added to all cornstarch unless it specifically says “no talc”.
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lindsay, did you ever try a fork instead of a spoon to mix? It might be less time consuming.
I have to laugh now about the tea tree oil… i guess people like different scent, tea tree oil to me stinks.
I'm really disappointed, I applied this yesterday, and had to change my shirt before I went to work. I had grease marks under my arms, at the bottom of my shirt etc.
Did I add too much oil?
When you melt it as you did it will definitely affect the mixture and effectiveness differently.
Oh, I got excited in the grocery store today. They had organic extra virgin CO, by Nutiva!!!! I never saw it before! I bought CO off Amazon, that's virgin.
What's the difference between virgin and extra virgin?
Well I made it! I got lazy, while stirring it, so I melted it in the microwave. I only used 3 tbsp, and it's now a liquid mixture. I put it in the refrig to go back to a solid state.
Does arrowroot have an *odd* smell to it?
Well I ordered tea tree oil (was WAY too expensive in the grocery store), and orange essential oil, and CO. I already have CO… but I wanted to get the organic virgin CO. I bought some baking soda (w/o the aluminum), I thought I bought arrowroot on Amazon, but I didn't. So I'll be making yet another trip to the store for it.
I'm excited to be able to make this!! my CO, and oils were shipped so they should arrive soon!
Hi – Here are a couple of articles about aluminum in crystal deodorant. They're very eye-opening! http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/most-co… & http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/most-co…
I have bought some products from this company, Bubble & Bee, and I have loved them! The owner, Stephanie, is also very helpful and answers emails promptly and honestly and unbiasedly.
Thank you for this video!!! It really helps seeing how making deodorant is done! I'm excited to try it! Should I use extra virgin coconut oil instead of refined coconut oil? Will the extra virgin coconut oil work better than refined?
Both kinds of coconut oil will work equally well for this recipe.
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I've been making the transition to making my own beauty and household products. I can't wait to try this recipe. I will forward this to my “green” friends as well. One question: Do you think I could put this in a food processor to blend, or would that be more hassle than it's worth?
I would imagine that would work fine but it would probably be a pain to scoop out!
I just recently became very sensitive to the deodorant I was using (Tom's of Maine Apricot). I found this recipe today and made it about half an hour or an hour ago. My armpits are already feeling better! I love the smell. I also added just a few drops of peppermint oil as an added antiseptic.
Thanks so much, Lindsay! (Lindsey? Lyndsay? So many ways to spell it!)
Alright, I just made my first batch and am now on day 4 of testing. So far, so good! I’m pregnant with my second child and love the idea of using something so edible (if not all that tasty) near my nursing baby’s face, especially because it has already withstood a full day of work, a long walk with my daughter and an evening onstage. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Still using this- it’s been a few months, and now hubby is using it too- we both love it and have had such great success with it! Thanks again! Vicki
I take deep water aerobics once or twice a week, & a couple of other simple & natural products in my swim bag: a locally made beeswax soap/shampoo bar, distilled vinegar – both for my skin & hair, also for my suit after I’ve rinsed it – cuts the chlorine! & a 4 oz container with coconut oil with a few drops of lavender Essential Oil. Straight coconut oil makes great ‘lotion’ for any time – but esp helpful after swimming in chlorine! I just whipped up a new batch of the deodorant, & refilled my wee container.
What a sweet video – does make it so clear! I made a similar natural deo several months ago – which also worked great!! Mine called for a few drops of Neem Oil (which I had
which boosts the antibacterial properties! I love making kitchen cosmetics & potions, always feel good about using them. I keep some in my swim bag, as well as in the lav. & have also used it for toothpaste (my mom & dad brushed with salt & soda at times).
Another note on coconut oil – I have been using it in my massage practice for about a year now & love it! Several clients had a small patch of fungus (one for over 10 years) – the patches are now gone!! One client has a slight scar, as she’d tried scrubbing it with salt, tea tree oil, etc – NOTHING worked as well as the pure coconut oil!! (I use OG, but not virgin in my practice – the Aunt Patties)
Thanks for sharing this!
Blessings
Hey, I just BARELY made some of this and my coconut oil was already really soft and almost liquidy. So I ended up adding a bunch more cornstarch than the recipe called for just to thcken it up some, but now it has the consistency of a glaze-like frosting… until I put it in the fridge at which point it becomes almost too hard to be maleable… Do you think it’s the temp? I don’t think my house is much warmer than 75 degrees. Or do you think it’s just a lower quality oil? I’m using unrefined oil I bought at a health food store about a year ago, but it doesn’t expire until august, so I’m just confused as to how to make it be the right semi-solid consistency.
Thanks for any help anyone has to offer…
AAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT believe that this works on my persistently potent pits!!!! You’ve made my day. NOTHING works as well for me as this all natural 3 ingredient deo! Unbelievable! Can you tell I’m excited! It’s not even greasy! Thanks Lindsay…so much!
O.K. I’m SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sad! I started getting a rash. : ( I read the frequently asked questions, and can’t decide if I should keep the recipe as is, and apply aloe vera, OR replace the coconut, OR cut back on the baking soda. What do you think my first step should be. I really would like to make this work.
Hi!
I use a little bit of baking soda (must be Bob’s Red Mill- it is very fine- the other brands are too gritty and can come through the clothing)- and a little bit of water to make a little paste.
It is AWESOME!!! I will never go back to anything else! I only put it on once in the morning and I am good to go!
I took the plunge & tried this & it works great! I do have a minor irritation problem – developed after a few days — I don’t feel anyting, but there are a few red spots. I will try the tip of applying sraight coconut oil first & then the deoderant.
Using the coconut oil first and then the deoderant worked for a while, but I did end up having irritation & sadly had to discontinue. I may try making agin in the future with less baking sodea.
Question.. do you rub it in like lotion, or just apply it and let it dry?
Either way works!
I tried this recipe when you had originally posted it- but developed a severe rash. I was so excited that you put some possible remedies for that, and so I tried it again, and I tried all of them, but still got a rash. I also get a rash from Crystal Rock and Toms of Maine, but not from store bought? Do you happen to know why that would be? Anyways- I love all your tips on your site, keep up the good work:)
I am sorry to hear this. I do not have any other suggestions to make, unfortunately. Can you live with it? Is it painful? I guess you just have to way the pros and cons.
My husband and I had a similar problem. What worked for us was putting coconut oil on our pits BEFORE applying the deo. Now we have no problems at all!
It’s really unbearable! I will try that Jessica! Thanks. Do you put the deo on while your armpits are still wet from the coconut oil, or wait a little bit?
I am starting to get a rash as well. It has been after 3 days of trying this new recipe. Hopefully applying the coconut oil before will resolve this!
I started getting a rash after about 4 days of use. I’ll try the coconut oil first too.
This stuff is FANTASTIC!
I had been meaning to try this for several months, but was unable to find coconut oil, so in the mean time I tried Toms of Main. Toms was great and worked for about 4 months (basically the cold weather here in TX), but left me stinky with a peeling rash. I needed something better without returning to Dove.
I’ve been using this recipe for 3 weeks now and everything is great! No rash, no smell, and not much sweating either. This deodorant does feel a little gritty as I rub it in, but it’s definitely not bad thing (just remember, a little grit is better than aluminum).
Thank you for the recipe! I will definitely work on passing this along.
i used this recipe for toothpaste, adding some thieves and peppermint essential oils. works great! thanks
Thanks for this! Ive been wanting to try it for quite some time now, as all store-bought deodorants make me itch, and I finally made some up a few days ago. Ive been using it for 4 days and its great! AND my armpits have stopped itching
I love the smell of the coconut 
I really hope this will work out for me through the summer months too 
thanks again!
The baking soda i buy for cooking is labeled aluminum-free …. doesnt regular baking soda have aluminum anyways? Id imagine its still far less than regular deodorant? You did a great job on the video, I want to try this out. thank you!
Thank you for this informative post. I’ve read your previous posts on deodorant and the creams and wanted to make them but I’ve been unable to order the coconut oil and shea butter from mountain herbs. The out of stock notification has been on the site for about 2.5 months, maybe longer.
You can find it through other sources as well. Check out vitacost.com for great prices. Just look for raw shea butter and virgin cold pressed coconut oil for the highest quality.
thanks Lindsay
I just had to let you know that I have been using this for four days now and am amazed by how well it works. I’ve tried so many natural deodorants in order to avoid all the chemicals in the traditional ones, and none of them have worked for me. I was ready to give up when I came across your blog and this recipe, so I thought I had nothing to lose by trying it. I’m so very glad I did- thanks so much!
I’ve been using this for ~4 days too! It really works, better than some of the natural ones that I have tried as well. I am pleasantly surprised. Thanks!
All of these wonderful testimonies have convinced me to make some too! My daughter and I are getting ready to do that today =) Now that I read the label on my “natural” deodorant, I cannot bring myself to continue using it, which means I am out of deodorant!
I’m excited to try this!
Thank you for this post, Lindsay!
Karilee
I’m definitely going to try this. I’ve been using a Deoderant Crystal, for the most part, but I’d like to try something else. Also, you’re adorable
My mum and I have been using this receipe for about 5 months now, and we love it. …I’ve even convinced a couple of friends to do the switch-over. The thing is that we’ve both have discovered that over time our armpits are a lovely shade of dark brown. Anyone else find that their skin is slightly discoloured? I think it might be the coconut oil, but what do you think?
@ erika -i am hispanic and have always had darker colored under arms. i’ve been using this recipe now for almost 6 mo. and have found my underarm area actually lightening! i love it. the only down side is having to treat my white colored clothes b/c they tend to turn dark due to the oil. but i’d rather do that than have alum. in my body.
I just made it for the first time! I’m so excited to try it! thanks for the recipe
Someone may have already mentioned this…. but I just wanted to share that I have started mixing my deodorant in the food processor and the consistency is FABULOUS!
Alright. I finally got inspired enough to try this. (Your video worked!)
I was very skeptical for a long time (and secretly wished it would work).
It wasn’t that I doubted you – I just doubted if it would work for ME.
I, too, have tried numerous natural deodorants and have found only ONE that semi-works for me. (It requires multiple applications throughout the day, etc.)
So – I made some the other night around 10 pm (after watching your video) and tried it the next day. I am speechless. It works better than ANYTHING I’ve ever used, including all the conventional brands. (And I’ve even purposely applied it only once each day to test it’s effectiveness.)
It’s only been three days, but I know when a deodorant’s NOT working for me -like within the hour!
Thanks so much for the recipe! I am SOLD!!!
(I’m passing it along to everyone in my co-op.)
Appreciated the recipe as the original one I had seen used cornstarch. Just made my first batch last night and it’s working great today! Thanks!
Okay, love the video. You are adorable and so much fun. This looks too easy not to try! Thanks for all you do.
Bless you!
shannon
I’ve seen this recipe before, but I’ve always been reluctant to try…. I figured it just wouldn’t work as good. But saying your husband uses it too sort of pulled me to the other side.. *lol* I mean.. it just isn’t the same when a little lady says it works, right?
But ehmm.. it works! (surprise!)
We now have a batch with added lavender oil and yes.. my husband loves it too and it even works for him
Greetings from the netherlands!
very cool. Thanks for the recipe.
I have been using this since you put it up last time, and have gotten several of my friends, my mom and my sister-in-law hooked on it. I completely love it, and cannot imagine going back to nasty commercial deo. And just as a testimonial, I used to consider myself a “sweater” but no more! I love that I never have to have that moment of panic when my deo quits working — this stuff lasts ALL day, even through my workout.
I have used this recipe for quite a while now and really like how it works. My mom has even been using it for several months. Would you believe that I made small jars of this for a couple of my friends? I told them that I didn’t think they stunk, but that I wanted them to use a healthier alternative to commercial deodorants. They got a good laugh out of it, though. I hope it will make them think about what is in their deodorant if nothing else. Thanks for all of your great ideas and information.
From what I have read, most baking soda has aluminum in it. I found an aluminum-free baking soda by Bob’s Red Mill. Do you consider the aluminum in regular baking soda to be significant? Do you know of any other sources of aluminum-free baking soda? Thank you for the recipe.
I did extensive research on it and found that baking powder is the one that usually has aluminum in it. I could not find any other conclusive evidence beyond rumors that baking soda contained it.
Yes, ONLY baking POWDER contains aluminum. Baking SODA is pure sodium bicarbonate. If something is labeled baking SODA, it does not contain aluminum.
I loved the video. You are so cute! I remember seeing this recipe last year, and I thought if I ever had a large quantity of coconut oil, I would try it. I bought a gallon from Mountain Rose, which I love! So, I’m glad you reminded me about this. I can’t wait to try this along with your diaper rash cream.
Thanks Lindsey. Looking forward to trying this out and the video gave me the motivation I need! I really appreciated it and you didn’t look a bit nervous! Great work.
Thank you for sharing the link to Skin Deep, In a journey to purging things in my home and living a bit more frugally I had decided to not buy any more beauty products till I had gone through what I already had… something that is not always easy since I am a Mary Kay Consultant for my family(meaning I just order enough to keep the consultant status for a year active) but after doing some soul searching and wanting to obtain a more natural and healthy life style I knew I needed to find out if MK was in fact a healthy choice for myself and my loved ones… I remember that a while back you had a link to a website that gave a list of the dangers in the cosmetic world and I was happy to come back for a visit and search for that link on your site… the Skin Deep cosmetic safety data base was an answer to a prayer as it showed me the dangers MK have in their products it was also sad one at best too seeing the high toxic ratings they have
I have been a MK user for 13 years as it was the only line of products that didnt break my skin out and left my skin feeling soft, but I know now that having soft and blemish free skin is nothing compared to keeping my temple healthy before the Lord…. Thank you for sharing this link and being a beacon of wisdom to us who are still learning and growing especially for this Unsophisticated Farm Girl
Hi Jeanne,
I thought maybe you could find something useful on this site. I have found solutions to our families problems there – and finally have all of our products chemical free.
http://www.ahealthcafe.com/more4you
You did great in the video!!! I’ve been using just plain coconut oil w/ essential oils for a long time now as my deoderant, which works really well for me. But I think I’m going to try adding the baking soda and arrowroot next time! I’m due to make a new batch probably tomorrow, so this was very timely!
Thanks!
THANK YOU for revisiting this recipe! I tried it based on your original post, and loved it for about 2 weeks. I believe I used cornstarch (no talc), expeller pressed coconut oil (didn’t have virgin on hand at the time) and I added a few drops of organic lemon essential oil since I didn’t have the nice coconut smell like I would with virgin. It smelled great, and went on great from an old deodorant dispenser. After the first week or two, I noticed that I started getting a red bumpy rash on my armpits. Not sure if it’s the baking soda or the cornstarch, but I ended up having to stop using it. I will definitely try a small batches experimenting with the baking soda and arrowroot (thanks to the reader who mentioned tapioca powder too!). LOVE the video, by the way. Great job!
I had a reaction to it after a couple weeks, but realized it was razor burn from shaving that was slightly aggravated by the deodorant. Once I started using more emollient products to shave with, I stopped having irritation.
Lindsay, I love this deodorant and have now shared the recipe with my mom and mom in law! They are both excited to get a healthy deodorant alternative that actually works!
Hey Lindsey!
I’ve been following your blog for a while, although I rarely leave a comment (I guess I figure why bother when you have 200 other comments to read lol) and just wanted to say how much I love your blog! You’re so encouraging and uplifting!
We’ll definitely be trying the deodorant recipe once we run out! Do you think fragrance oil would work just as well for scenting?
AWESOME post! Loved the video! More posts with videos!
How do you know if your corn starch has talc in it? What brands are talc free?
I thought maybe it would be listed in the ingredient list, but it wasn’t…Does this mean it doesn’t have any?
I found cornstarch will say clearly if it is talc free. I found talc free at Fred Meyer Nutrition but I am sure it is available at other health food stores as well.
I’ve made this and love it! Thanks for the recipe and I shared your video with my friends on Faacebook!
Thanks so much for this very informative post. I have actually been using your recipe for about a month and I am thrilled with the results. Before now, every once in awhile, I would get it into my head to try out another natural deoderant, knowing that I did not want the aluminum in the regular antiperspirants. However, each one failed me and I kept giving up. For the first time, I have something that actually works! I am very excited. I am glad you posted the tip about adding beeswax, since I was wondering how to keep my deoderant from completely liquifying in the summer. Storing it in the fridge is also, of course, a good idea. It is a very slight inconvenience, but worth it to avoid aluminum. I hope lots of your readers will give this a try.
I have been using this for about a year and it is AMAZING!!! Thank you for posting this recipe. I never smell like when I used the natural commercial products;)
Love it! Thanks!
I am so incredibly excited to try this! Thanks so much for putting up the video – I really like to be able to see what it looks like as it comes together.
And you did a great job – my 2.5yo son even sat through the video with me!
I am wondering if I’ll have to scale back on the baking soda, though, because I seem to be a little sensitive to it. We make our own toothpaste (hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, tea tree oil and peppermint oil!) and my lips and gums seem to get irritated and dried out if I am not careful with the soda. I have incredibly sensitive skin anyway, so yeah – I’ll be trying it out and adjusting as necessary, I suppose!
Thanks again!
Okay. I admit it: I’m a sceptic. But I would really like to find an inexpensive, natural deoderant. I’m down to the last scrapings of my current anti-persperant so I’m going to try this recipe. I really hope it works as well for me as it seems to have worked for you and so many other commenters!
Great video and fantastic job! Appreciate the recipe.
So happy to see this follow up posting. We (DH and I) are ready to take the plunge and give this a try. By the way, love Mountain Rose. Ordered from them and love their service and product.
Wonderful! MUST try this!
Awesome video, Lindsay! I’ll be making this today
Did you used to have shea butter in this recipe as well? I tried one with shea butter and coconut oil and it was too greasy.
No, that is an optional ingredient.
Thanks for the video! I am going to try this as soon as my deodourant runs out. I have tried several of the “green” alternative and never been very happy with any of them. This looks great, and will be sooo much more frugal too.
Thanks cath
Does anyone know anything about potassium alum? I’ve done a bit of research and it doesn’t seem to be an aluminum product (or at least not one that can be absorbed into the skin). My husband and I use “Crystal” roll-on deodorant (which contains potassium alum, but not aluminum chlorohydrate) with great results. I have been unable to find a price on coconut oil that fits into the budget, so we’re still going the way of store-bought deodorants. Who has the least expensive coconut oil available online? I have yet to find an affordable product in the Rochester (NY) area.
Mountain Rose Herbs has the best coconut oil prices online that beats anything I can even find locally or through our organic co-op, both for refined and unrefined. It looks like they’re out of stock right now on unrefined, but hopefully not for long.
I’m on my second day with this deoderant and I love it! I was using the mineral stone, but still would stink later in the day, but with this I still smell fresh all day long and don’t have sweaty pits either, I’m very impressed. I did not scent it and can smell the coconut a bit but it’s not bad. Was pretty easy to make too, though I think next time I’ll try it in the food processor or melting it down first as I keep our house cool in the winter and the coconut oil is very hard.
Lindsay, I found this recipe on your blog about a year ago and have been using the deoderant ever since! My armpits used to get very inflamed and sometimes infected after shaving and were even worse when I had to put deoderant on because of bad body odor and lots of sweating….since I started using this it helps sooth my armpits after shaving instead of irritating, I no longer have body odor 98% of the time (it was previously just masked by the fragrance in the deoderant) and I sweat less.
Thank you SOOO much for posting this! it has seriously changed my life! I love it!
I just wanted to chime in and say that I’ve been using this deodorant for over 6 months now, and LOVE it! (I shared it with my family, and they are all hooked as well!) In my opinion, it works BETTER than any conventional type I have ever tried! I also just wanted to add, that I too am a heavy sweater, and found that I sweat *less* when using this all-natural recipe! Thank you again Lindsay for sharing this recipe!
Thanks for this recipe! I have used it for about a year and absolutely love it. Even living in the desert during the summer, I had no smell issues. I was so impressed that I made it for the other moms in my playgroup. Thanks again!
You are cute, cute, cute. I too have been using this deodorant for a while, like 6 months and am still on my first batch. I added lemon grass essential oil, which I love. I was wondering what tea tree oil you use as mine smells horrible and I would never dream of using it for a pleasant smell. Thanks.
Just ordered and received a number of plastic jars for lotion…..maybe I will work this recipe into the mix!
I’ve been using your recipe to make my husband’s deodorant for quite some time now. Thank you.:) How do you get your coconut oil into the glass jar???
I melt it down over low heat in a large pan and then transfer to the glass jar, or I just scoop it out of the large 5 gallon container and smoosh it into the jar.
Thank you.:)
I am so excited to have found your blog! This is so awesome! Thanks for sharing!!
I have been using this recipe for about 6 months. I love it. It keeps the smell away, and more importantly I don’t get that funky deodorant mixed with sweat smell anymore. I use refined coconut oil from the grocery store and standard cornstarch, although I am going to look into arrowroot powder now that I’ve read the explanation. I use an old deodorant container. Goes on nicely. Thanks Lindsay!
I make a coconut deoderant and have been using it for maybe 2 yrs. I no longer have to rotate my natural deoderants, and feel that my persperation has decreased now that my lymph nods are not being compromised. I love it! Many people can use coconut oil alone. However, coconut oil DOES STAIN clothes!!! My husband cannot use it, as he has hairy armpits. While it absorbs quickly into the skin, oils do not absorb into hair resulting in almost ruining a large amount of dress shirts/ clothes. Thankfully I have no problem with it!
Hi Lindsay,
I agree with everyone that you did a fantastic job being on camera =) And the video is very helpful!
I have been using a “natural” deodorant that I purchased from the health food store for several years now. It only has to be applied weekly and I have even gone as long as a month. I thought it was my answer, but after seeing your post today, I looked up the ingredients and I am disappointed. (so thank you for posting!) They use talc and petrolatum. I don’t know how I missed that before.
The last several months I have been using a less expensive one which does not have the petrolatum, but it still uses talc. Talc must clog up the sweat glands or something =)
Anyway, both deodorants have two ingredients which they claim is the reason their deodorant is so effective at killing the bacteria that cause the odor. I would like to get your opinion on these ingredients, which are: calendula extract and arnica extract.
Both deodorants also have a zinc oxide base. Do you know anything about that?
I will do some research myself, but just curious if you know anything off-hand about why these two ingredients work so well.
I’m definitely going to try this. A friend of mine swears by it, and I can tell ya, I’ve never smelled any foul odors from her! It also looks pretty economical to make – which appeals to the cheapskate in me. Yay for tutorials!
Thanks for this video; I’ve made this before, but it’s great to have a visual reference as well! I now know what I did wrong, lol! I also have to add that you have a beautiful kitchen!
OOOhhhh-I can’t wait to try this. It will have to wait until I’m in the land of the available though.
We’ll be in the area on furlough in May though so I imagine I will do some stocking up those items!
Sounds really simple and effective! Also, I think you did a GREAT job on the video!
Great video! Can anyone comment on deodorant stones/crystals? I’ve used one for a little over a year and it works, but I’ve always been skeptical of what they are made out of…?
I have been using this for about a year now and really like it. I did have to make a revision as it turns out I am allergic to both arrowroot powder and cornstarch. I use tapioca starch (powder) instead and it works beautifully. I also add a few drops of tee tree oil and lavender essential oil. Thank you Lindsay for a great recipe!
GREAT job on the video! You didn’t seem nervous at all!! My hubby and I have been using this deo for probably over 6 months now and we LOVE it! We both noticed a little irritation a couple days after we started using it. So before we put the deo on we rub a little of the coconut oil on our pits first, and now we don’t have any irritation at all. Also, I noticed a big difference in using the arrowroot instead of the corn starch… there were would be random times when my pits would burn when we were using the corn starch, but now since switching to the arrowroot I haven’t had any burning. The deo is FABULOUS! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Thanks Linds!
Great video Lindsay! More please! Blessings, Kelly
Fun! You did great! I agree, it was wonderful to hear your voice and “see” you in action. Loved hearing Titus in the background, too.
I need to buckle down and try this recipe TODAY. It’s been on my list…so thanks for reposting and updating.
Great video, I just melt my coconut oil and add in the other ingredients and I was wondering if there is a reason why you don’t do that?
It’s another step that I believe is unnecessary.
Well it sure does save a lot of time it seems like.
I also just warm the coconut oil until it is a liquid. I find it much easier and quicker to mix. For the colder months in the northeast, pouring it into a paper cup works well. It will become a solid then I just rip the cup as I need.
I have loved the ease and cost effectiveness! My husband does get a rash from it but I haven’t determined if it’s the baking soda or coconut oil that’s the cause.
Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas!
Love the tutorial!! I have been wanting to try this and watching you do it helps so much!! Keep ‘em coming!
I made this deodorant yesterday night but without the essential oils ( didn’t think of it at the time) and it does have a “grainy” feel to it, but it smells pleasant. This morning my husband was getting ready to go to work and although I was still half asleep he mumbled something like “I’m not sure about this,” but I’m pretty sure this deodorant will work because of all the baking soda. I would just like to mention how bad the store deodorants are. I still have some of my old deodorant which is by Nature’s Gate Organics. It works O.K. for me, but not for my husband. So he is using old spice. One of his favorite shirts that he has needs to be washed separately. It is new so I washed it about 3 times and every time the shirt smells like his deodorant. This is not normal. If the smell does not wash off, what is the deodorant doing to his body? His deodorant is greenish-bluish and his armpits are starting to turn that color. This is what made me try your deodorant. Thank you Lindsay for your video, you are totally the camera girl. I could imagine you as a host of a health show or a cooking show. You have the looks and you have the language skills. Keep it up.
SO awesome!! Thank you!
P.S. you were SUPER cute in the video!
I loved the video tutorial and I hope you consider doing more in the future! I’ve used this deodorant for several months now and I love it.
You didn’t look nervous at all! So you hid it well
Great job!
I love the video
No seriously, it’s so nice to hear the voice to your blog!
You’re an awesome video star!
Thank you for showing how you made it! I might try it, but for now I am quite happy with applying just baking soda to my armpits…
My husband and I have been using this form of deodorant for about one year now with excellent results! My husband is allergic to the aluminium in most store bought deodorants. . . his armpits were turning colors! I am so thankful that I found this recipe on your blog. It has been great and we love it!
I loved seeing you on camera! Great work!
I have a question. Maybe I missed this but…is there a way to apply this deodorant without scooping it out with fingers requiring a hand washing and possibly under fingernail scrubbing?
Try the old deodorant dispenser. You really don’t have to wash your hands afterwards. Just rub it into your hands!
I was skeptical about this recipe at first. But, after trying some natural ones from the store that didn’t work I gave this a try and it works great! Thank you for the recipe.
This stuff is awesome! I have passed this recipe along to over ten people who know use it daily! I have been using it for 10 months and will never go back to my old stuff!
How fun! I loved “meeting” you! Thanks for the post.
Your video was great! Hope to see more of theses
Now I am off to make some homemade deodorant.
I am going to do this TODAY – thank you for re-posting this and making the information so accessible!
BTW your video was great – it was fun to ‘meet you’ virtually. I loved how you didn’t apologize for the baby noises in the backround! LOL
This is my favorite blog!!!
We’ve been using this recipe for a few months now. It works great! Even my husband likes it — he has never liked regular deoderants. He is a youth pastor and one application in the morning will take him through a busy day of staff meeting, youth group prep and evening youth group (including vigorous games of dodgeball/ultimate frisbee/broomball/floor hockey) and he still smells good when he comes home! Old Spice didn’t work nearly as well! We put it in an old deoderant dispenser for easier application.
Well done video. I enjoyed it and am ready to make my own deodorant now. Thanks for being brave and getting in front of the camera!
i’m going to try this. i’ve found that my body has adjusted to using arm and hammer’s natural deoderant, and i no longer sweat as much as before. (at one time, i even used a prescription deoderant, and i’m very sensitive to odor.)
my sister was just diagnosed with breast cancer, so aluminum is an even bigger concern for me.
thanks for the updated information.
Thanks for this. Right now I am using plain baking soda. It’s a little messier to apply, but it works well at eliminating odors.
I also use plain ‘ol baking soda and do not smell at all. Remarkable. I do, however, notice slight yellowing at armpits of white t.shirts – may need to wash them more frequently.
I’ve been using this deodorant for a couple of months and have found it brilliant. Would highly recommend it. I added a few drops of lavender essential oil and love to gentle fragrance. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Amy