This sweat-absorbing homemade deodorant recipe is easy to make and will keep you smelling amazing all day! The deodorant takes under 10 minutes to make and has been a daily staple in my beauty routine for over 14 years.
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In 2008, I started my natural living journey by making DIY recipes, from homemade foundation powder to my favorite honey face wash to laundry detergent.
The only problem: I couldn’t find any natural deodorant brands that worked or the right ones for me.
I decided to experiment and make my own with a few natural ingredients known for nourishing the skin and keeping odors away.
The recipe I’m sharing today is the best recipe and the one I still turn to today when I want to make an easy homemade deodorant.
You may also like to check out my natural deodorant guide with my top store-bought deodorant recommendations (there are now some great natural brands).
Homemade Deodorant Benefits
- No Harmful Chemicals – Using a non-toxic deodorant is one of the best swaps you can make. Many commercial deodorants contain toxic ingredients like parabens, aluminum, dye, and triclosan. I highly recommend googling these ingredients to learn more about their effects.
- Simple Ingredients – My natural homemade deodorant uses shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, arrowroot starch (or cornstarch), and an optional essential oil for scent.
- Odor Control – Coconut oil is known for its anti-bacterial properties, making it a great option to control body odor (source). Baking soda is used for its deodorizing properties. An essential oil may also be added to help keep odors at bay.
- 12-Month Shelf Life – This deodorant will last just as long as regular deodorant, up to 12 months.
Before You Get Started: What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup refined or unrefined shea butter – A natural fat from the nuts of the shea tree. It’s safe for all skin types, won’t clog pores, moisturizes, won’t make your skin oily after application, and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (source) and anti-inflammatory properties. Unrefined shea butter has a strong natural scent. Refined shea butter is odorless. Both are great options.
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil – Coconut oil contains fatty acids, like lauric acid, which help with odor control.
- 3 tablespoons beeswax pellets – the glue that holds the ingredients together and creates a solid product. The wax also provides a protective moisture barrier to the skin and may also help to soothe the skin.
- 3 tablespoons baking soda – absorbs sweat and helps with odor control. Baking soda also makes a great body exfoliator and natural household cleaner. Baking soda can irritate, so reduce it to 1.5-2 tablespoons if you have sensitive skin.
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour starch or corn starch- A white powder that thickens sauces and makes gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. It’s highly absorbent, making it ideal for absorbing sweat without clogging pores.
- 15 drops of essential oil (optional) – Tea tree essential and lavender essential oil are my favorite options. Tea tree essential oil is anti-bacterial and fights odor. Use your favorite essential oil.
Equipment
- Use a small sauce pan to create a double boiler by adding water to the saucepan and placing a heat-safe bowl on top. This method protects the fragile ingredients from burning.
- Use a small or medium heat-safe bowl (glass or metal) to create a double boiler and melt the ingredients. I recommend keeping a bowl just for DIY projects. Clean with soap and water after use.
- 4-ounce storage jar or two 2.5-ounce empty deodorant sticks/tubes
How to Make Your Own Natural Deodorant: Recipe Steps
- Step 1 Combine Shea Butter & Coconut Oil – Place the shea butter and coconut oil in a small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup. Place the glass bowl on top (or sitting inside) of a saucepan partially filled with water (about 1/4 way full) over medium heat (this creates a double boiler to protect the fragile ingredients from burning). Melt the ingredients (approximately 1-2 minutes).
- Step 2 Add Beeswax – Once melted, add the the beeswax and stir frequently until all the ingredients are liquid. Remove the bowl from the heat.
- Step 3 Add Baking Soda & Arrowroot Starch – Quickly add the baking soda and arrowroot. Stir the baking soda and arrowroot into the liquid ingredients.
- Step 4 Add Essential Oils – If using, add the essential oils, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 5 Pour into a Container – Pour the deodorant into a 4-ounce Mason jar or two 2.5-ounce deodorant tubes. The deodorant will solidify as it cools.
Once the deodorant is fully cool, it’s ready to use.
How to Use This Deodorant
- Use this homemade recipe just like store-bought deodorants.
- Deodorant in a Jar – Remove lid, scoop a small amount (dime-size) from the jar (using your finger) and apply it under the arms.
- Deodorant in a Stick/Tube – Remove lid and roll under the arms.
- Reapply the deodorant throughout the day, as needed.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil – Instead of coconut oil, sweet almond or jojoba oil are lightweight oils that work well.
- Mango Butter – Some people are allergic to shea butter. In this case, mango butter may be used instead. Cocoa butter is another option; however, using this ingredient will result in a hard final product that may be difficult to apply.
- Tapioca Starch – Tapioca starch may be used instead of cornstarch or arrowroot starch.
- Vegan Deodorant – To make this basic recipe vegan, you must substitute beeswax for plant-based wax, like soy wax, carnauba wax, or candelilla.
How to Prevent a Rash From Natural Deodorant
If you experience a rash or discomfort from this recipe or any natural deodorant, here are a few tips to try.
- Don’t Use After Shaving – It’s best to shave several hours before using this deodorant, as the baking soda may irritate freshly shaven skin. I recommend shaving at night and applying the deodorant in the morning.
- Avoid Essential Oils – Essential oils can be irritating for some people. Some oils, like cinnamon, may also have a burning sensation on the skin, as they’re known as “hot oils.”
- Use Less Baking Soda – Baking soda can irritate; using less may help if you have sensitive skin.
Best Essential Oils for A Fresh Scent
Here are a few of my favorite essential oils for a great-smelling deodorant. Use one oil or a combo of a couple of different oils.
- tea tree essential oil
- lavender essential oil
- peppermint essential oil
- lemon essential oil
- patchouli essential oil
- grapefruit essential oil
- bergamot essential oil
- geranium essential oil
- Plant Therapy Deodorizing essential oil blend
How to Store & Shelf Life
- Store up to 12 months at room temperature.
FAQs
- Is this recipe an antiperspirant, too? No, this recipe is for deodorant, the better option for odor control and absorbing sweat. It’s best to avoid antiperspirants as sweating (through your sweat glands) is the body’s natural way of regulating temperature.
- Can I make homemade deodorant without baking soda? Yes, you can; however, the deodorant will be less effective. Use more starch to make up for the lack of baking soda.
- Is this deodorant okay for daily use? Yes, I use deodorant daily.
- Do you have an excellent store-bought deodorant recommendation? I use the Native brand (easily found in many stores). Here’s a list of my favorite natural deodorants.
- Can I skip the beeswax? Yes, you can. If you skip the beeswax, the deodorant won’t be hard enough for a deodorant stick/tube. It will be more of a soft paste and should be stored in a jar. There’s no need to melt the ingredients if you choose to skip the beeswax, as long as the oil and shea butter are soft enough to stir with a fork.
More Natural Beauty Products
- Lip Balm – Naturally moisturize your lips with this 3-ingredient shea butter lip balm recipe.
- Body Butter – Use shea butter to make a luxurious homemade body butter to moisturize the whole body.
- Honey Face Wash – Use honey and castile soap to natually clean your face and remove makeup.
- Best Natural Face Moisturizers – The best natural moisturizers for all skin types and budgets.
- Best Store-Bought Natural Deodorant – Don’t want to DIY? I’ve gathered my favorite store-bought deodorant brands.
DIY Homemade Deodorant with Lavender
This sweat-absorbing homemade deodorant recipe is easy to make and will keep you smelling amazing all day! The deodorant takes under 10 minutes to make and has been a daily staple in my beauty routine for over 14 years.
Equipment
- 1 small-medium saucepan to make a double boiler and melt the ingredients
- 1 small-medium bowl to make a double boiler and melt the ingredients
- 1 4-ounce mason jar with lid or 2 2.5-ounce deodorant tubes for storing the deodorant
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shea butter refined or unrefined
- 2 TB virgin coconut oil
- 3 TB beeswax pellets
- 3 TB baking soda
- 2 TB arrowroot flour starch or cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 15 drops favorite essential oil see notes below for recommendations
Instructions
- Combine Shea Butter & Coconut Oil – Place the shea butter and coconut oil in a small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup. Place the glass bowl on top (or sitting inside) of a saucepan partially filled with water (about 1/4 way full) over medium heat (this creates a double boiler to protect the fragile ingredients from burning). Melt the ingredients (approximately 1-2 minutes).
- Add Beeswax – Once melted, add the the beeswax and stir frequently until all the ingredients are liquid. Remove the bowl from the heat.
- Add Baking Soda & Arrowroot Starch – Quickly add the baking soda and arrowroot. Stir the baking soda and arrowroot into the liquid ingredients.
- Add Essential Oils – If using, add the essential oils, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 5 Pour into a Container – Pour the deodorant into a 4-ounce Mason jar or two 2.5-ounce deodorant tubes. The deodorant will solidify as it cools.
- Once fully cool, the deodorant is ready to use.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- Store at room temperature for up to 12 months. If the deodorant is stored in a jar, seal with a lid after each use.
How to Use:
- Either scoop a small amount from the jar (using your finger) and apply it under the arms. Or, if using deodorant tubes, roll under the arms. Reapply the deodorant throughout the day, as needed. Do not use after shaving as the baking soda will burn.
Notes
Sensitive Skin – See notes above in the article if you have sensitive skin. You may need to skip the essential oils, reduce the baking soda, or avoid using this product after shaving.
My Favorite Essential Oils for Deodorant: tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, lemon essential oil, patchouli essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, bergamot essential oil, geranium essential oil, Plant Therapy Deodorizing essential oil blend
Refined vs. Unrefined Shea Butter
- Unrefined Shea Butter – This type of shea butter contains all its natural nutrients. It has a strong, earthy scent and cream color. Some people don’t like the scent.
- Refined Shea Butter – Due to the refining process, some of its natural nutrients are removed, making it odorless and white.
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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I have a question.. how much beeswax do you use in terms of a measurement of weight? I get solid 1oz bars of beeswax. I would like to try your recipe but beeswax effects the consistency so much that you have to get it right or waste ingredients because it’s too solid or too runny. I know you know that I just didn’t want my question to sound rude. I hope I hear from you soon so I can get started!
Hey Steph, I completely understand :). I just weighed 3 heaping tablespoons of beeswax pellets on my scale and the total comes out to 1.08 oz. So I’m guessing that one bar would be fine.
I love this post!! Your pics are so beautiful 🙂 I’m super motivated to try this since I’ve heard so many good things about the primal pit paste. My question is this… For the jar version of PPP they don’t use beeswax and you added it for this diy version. I’ve tried diy versions without the beeswax and really like the dry aspect. Does beeswax make the deodorant slightly more tacky and stickier than the PPP version? Have you noticed that it reduces sweating more than the PPP without beeswax? And lastly, what main difference did you see between your DIY and PPP? I’m super excited about trying this diy but was also wondering if I should keep the beeswax in the recipe or omit it. Thanks so much in advance for any info!! 🙂
Hey Kay, Thank you so much!
I haven’t tried making the recipe without beeswax. If you’re going to store the homemade version in a jar then the beeswax could probably be left out. I like having a harder substance, provided by the beeswax. I haven’t noticed the beeswax reduces sweating.
I’ve been traveling a lot over the last two months so I haven’t had time to make another batch of homemade deodorant. I purchased PP last month and haven’t noticed much difference between my homemade version and PP, other than the fact that my jar version has a bit more of a tacky texture when scooping it from the jar.
If you make the deodorant, I’d love to hear what you think as a fellow PP user.
I love your organic recipes! but i wonder, if i make a deodorant spray version what ingrediants that i should skip? can i replace voska with another thing?
Thanks. 🙂
Thank you, Gift! It’s so great to hear you’re loving the recipes. I would try this recipe for a spray deo: http://wellnessmama.com/22357/spray-deodorant-recipe/
I have been following your posts for quite awhile and I finally got time to try a few recipes. This deodorant is amazing, I’m in love! It works so much better than any Otc product. Thanks.
Yay, Cristie! It’s so great to hear you love the deodorant!!
I like the idea of a “cream” deodorant. I have yet to try my own homemade deodorant and this sounds like a good idea.
Anna
Hey Anna, Thank you. Enjoy!
I tried your deodorant recipe. Came out well, but doesn’t works for me. I’m sticking 🙁
What you would recommend to change in this case.
Hey Nora, Each person is so different. You could try increasing the baking soda in the recipe–by 1-2 TB. That would be my top recommendation. The baking soda should help with the stink factor. Let me know how it goes!
I just posted a comment and then realized my email had a typo. Wanted to share the correct one.
I wanted to first say that after being afraid to try a natural deodorant, I couldn’t be happier with how your recipe turned out for me. I think I struck gold on my first try! I had beeswax pucks and I think I over measured by a bit so it’s slightly sticky once applied, but I’ll adjust the next batch. I was wondering.. In your story you said that looking at the ingredients of your favorite deodorant, one of them was vitamin D, but I don’t see it listed in the recipe. Is there a reason why or was it maybe forgotten? In my next batch, should I add that, and in what amount?
Hey Shaylin, That’s awesome! It’s great to hear that you love the deodorant. The natural deodorant I used contained Vitamin E, it can certainly be added to this recipe. I left it out to keep the cost low for people. Vitamin E is amazing for the skin and acts as a preservative. I would add it with the essential oil, and only add about 1-2 teaspoons. Enjoy!!
I’m dying to try this recipe but all i have are Beeswax ‘pucks’… Would you be able to provide a weight for the ‘3 heaping tablespoons’ of the Beeswax pellets?
Thanks!!!!
Hey Nadia, The beeswax pucks will work if you grate one with a cheese grater, and then measure out the grated shavings. I’m guessing that 3 tablespoons is a bit more than 1 ounce?
Hi Kristin!
I recently made my own deo, but it stains, I think because of the coconut oil in it. Could I substitute the coconut oil in this recipe with something like cocao butter, or would it be too funky?
Hey Dee, I’ve never tried leaving out the coconut oil, but it’s worth a try! I think cocoa butter may work nicely.
Hi Kristin! I live in South Texas, and we see many triple digit heat days here in the summer. It doesn’t take much for my current homemade deo to melt, especially when traveling (I’ve actually had to put my deo in a cooler while traveling on vacation..lol). I can’t wait to try this one, but is it pretty good at withstanding the heat and remaining solid? I’m assuming that adding more beeswax would help with that, but I don’t want to throw off the ratio of active ingredients so that it remains effective for me. 🙂
Hey Fallon, I completely understand hot ;)…Florida is probably pretty close on the heat scale to Texas. I travel with this deodorant frequently without any melting issues, so I think it will hold up to the hot weather without adding extra beeswax.
Hey Kristin, I have all of the ingredients for this recipe except bees wax. Would it be alright without it?
Thanks!
Hey Brooke, The deodorant will work great even without the beeswax; however, the consistency will probably be more like gritty lotion versus a hard deodorant. 🙂
Hey Kristin! So I’m just wondering – the first ingredient listed on PPP is baking soda, which leads me to believe it is the main ingredient (ie largest quantity) in their formula, but this isn’t the case with yours. I have tried DOZENS of natural deodorants and PPP is the ONLY one that has worked, so I’m nervous about botching the recipe… What do you think?
Hey Tanya, Yes, you’re correct! My fear in using too much baking soda is many people may notice their skin is irritated (a common side effect from baking soda). You can definitely add one (or two) tablespoon more of baking soda if your skin doesn’t react to the amount in PPP.
Hi, can I substitute arrowroot flour for any other flour or starch?
Hey Hela, You can try corn starch. I haven’t personally tried this substitute (so I’m not sure if it will be too harsh), but arrowroot is the sister to corn starch (a corn-free thickener).
Corn starch works well in this recipe for my sister and me!
Awesome, Andrea!
This is a wonderful recipe! It took me a long time to find a “natural” store bought deodorant that worked for me, but to be completely honest, I never really loved it. It worked well, but it was a very hard stick deodorant and rough on the skin when applying. This recipe not only banishes odor (yeah!) but it feels so good putting it on in the morning. And I think that anything you have to put on everyday, should make you feel great putting it on everyday! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much, Emily! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the deodorant. I felt the same way about many of the natural alternatives I attempted to try over the years. Enjoy!!
What essential oil could I use to make this more of a manly scent for my husband? He doesn’t want to smell like lavender. 🙂
Hey Paula, You could add sandalwood, cedarwood, and/or bergamot. Those are a bit more “manly” ;).
Is lavender oil required? I’ve seen that on a few recipes. Can I just replace it with more “manly scents”?
Hi Meyer, no it’s not required. You can use whichever essential oil you’d like.
LS Team
Hi!
I’ve seen a couple different recipes for deodorant and am really wanting to use some Bentonite Clay, however I think I would like the consistency of your recipe better (due to the beeswax). Do you have any suggestions on how to add it with your recipe or what your thoughts are on the clay?
Thanks!
Teuila
Hey Teuila, I’ve played around with adding clay to this recipe and really enjoy the end product. It’s a great addition to homemade deodorant. I recommend adding 2 tablespoons with the baking soda and arrowroot powder/flour.
Hello!! this recipe looks so nice, but i did it like 12 hours ago and the deodorant doesn’t solidify. The oils are coming on the top and i don’t know how to save that. Should i wait longer or should i put it on the fridge? The temperatures here are a bit high, is this maybe the problem?
Thank you!
Hey Marina, Hmmm, I’m not sure what may have happened. I’m sorry your deodorant didn’t turn out well.
The deodorant definitely should solidify and the oils should remain in the mixture. Is the coconut oil coming to the top or the essential oils? Is the deodorant separated? Definitely try putting it in the fridge…the cold will help the coconut oil solidify. Also, feel free to email a picture to [email protected]. A picture may help troubleshoot the issue :).
Also, I think the mixture should still work without the solid state (that’s just the beeswax) since it’s rubbed into the skin.
I prefer to use a solid deoderant. Can this be made with more beeswax so you can put into deoderant tubes?
Hey Sally, This deodorant is solid once it cools. It can easily be poured into a deodorant tube instead of a jar. You could also add more beeswax if you’d like, just to make sure it performs well in the tube. I’d probably only add an extra 1-2 tablespoons.
I was wondering if the deodorant leaves any stains on clothing. I tried using a deodorant that wasn’t an antiperspirant, but I had to stop because my sweating caused me to worry about pit stains.
Hey Tiffany, I haven’t had any issue with staining with this recipe or Primal Pit Paste. I think the baking soda really helps! I also don’t wear a lot of whites…kids ;).