After reading about the dangers of some commercial deodorants I switched to natural brands several years ago. Then I took it a step farther and began researching homemade deodorant. I experimented with this easy 3 ingredient DIY recipe and I’ve never had to go back.
It works even on the hottest days of summer. Now I don’t have to worry about reading labels and googling hidden names for toxic ingredients. Plus I cut back on some waste by not purchasing a new plastic dispenser every couple of months. For more information on reasons to make a switch to homemade personal care products, check out this post.
This recipe uses natural ingredients that you likely already have in your home. It benefits your health, your environment, and your wallet.
DIY Recipe for Homemade Deodorant
It doesn’t get much simpler than 3 ingredients. I always have coconut oil and baking soda on hand. I had to buy arrowroot powder for this recipe but it was inexpensive and it will last for a very long time. It also makes a great dry shampoo if you have lighter hair. It can be used as a thickener for all sorts of sauces (a non GMO alternative to cornstarch) and a flour alternative in baking recipes.
What You Will Need:
- a 4oz glass container (I use a little flip top glass container but you could also use a mason jar)
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 2-3 tbsp coconut oil (I use organic unrefined)
- 6-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
I add the baking soda and arrowroot powder to my container first and mix them to combine. After warming the coconut oil so it’s liquid, I pour in 2 tbsp and stir. If the mixture is still stiff or doesn’t combine easily, I will add another tbsp.
Finally I add my drops of essential oil and mix once more. Somewhere between 6-10 drops does the trick depending on your scent preference. My favorite scent is lavender but I’ve found sweet orange to be a great option as well.
Half the fun is trying different scents and blends. It’s also easy to double up the recipe and split it into different containers if your family members prefer a different scent or their own deodorant.
I use less than a dime size to apply to my underarms. This recipes lasts me about 2 months.
Notes:
In the summer it is best to err on the side of less coconut oil. Depending on the temperature of your home the deodorant can become soft or even runny. This is why I use a jar rather than a refillable deodorant stick. I prefer my deodorant softer though because it’s easier to apply.
In the winter, depending on the temperature of your home, you might want to store it in a warm place. Often we just put ours near the stove or coffee pot in the morning to help soften the deodorant by the time we’re getting ready.
Some people have a skin sensitivity to baking soda. You can try using less of it and more arrowroot powder to find the right ratio for your skin.
Other Recipes I Use These Ingredients For:
- I use baking soda in my simple dish soap as well as my basic homemade mouthwash and diy shampoo.
- I use coconut oil all the time! Unrefined coconut oil is in my homemade toothpaste, basic moisturizer, diy lip balm recipe, and beard balm for my husband.
- After purchasing arrowroot powder to make my deodorant, I stumbled on a homemade coffee creamer and use it as a thickener when I want some variety in my coffee flavors.
Have you attempted to make deodorant at home? Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions below.
