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 made the deodorant with coconut oil and Shea butter with beeswax pellets and lemon and purification young Living oils. I found it left stain ‘wet looking marks “ on my shirt. Will the baking soda and arrowroot stop this?
Hey Rita, This can happen with natural deodorants. My guess is that this can be caused by the oil in natural deodorant. Baking soda should definitely help this.
Ficou perfeito!!! Durou o dia todo e a consistência bem melhor que todos os outros que eu já havia testado antes. Parabéns! Obrigada
I absolutely love the natural deodorant and it works so well, but I’m having a real problem with it leaving oil stains on my clothing. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a solution?
That’s really kind, thank you.
Whoops, should have replied on thread above. No idea where my phone will post this comment tbh!
Hi! Could you tell me how much 1/4 cup of shea butter is in grams please? Thanks, from a UK person who doesn’t understand cups 🙂
Hey Victoria, 1/4 cup of shea equals 48 grams :).
Thank you!
Hi again! I don’t suppose you have all of the ingredients in grams? I think I’ve made a mistake somewhere along the way as mine is rock solid! Thank you!
Hey Victoria, I do. When I wrote my body care book I provided the gram measurements, so I’ll send them to you via email.
Okay seriously this recipe is AMAZING. I was living a clean lifestyle but “regular” deodorant was the hardest thing for me to give up even though it is one of the worst things for you. I gave it up and started reluctantly using the natural deodorant. It took awhile for my body to get used to it but even after it did I would have to reapply multiple times a day. I found this recipie and knew I had to try it. I had nothing to loose. I’m from MN and just made it last week and loved it but I knew it wasn’t put to a strong test in -15 degrees, I am currently vacationing in Grand Cayman where it has been 85 degrees, humid and sunny. I have also put this deodorant to the test with high intensity workouts. Needless to say I have tested this recipe and I LOVE it. It works so good, I feel so comfortable and confident that my natural deodorant is working! Love love love. Will never buy natural deodorant again. Thank you Live Simply!
Hey Maddi, Yay! I’m so glad you’re loving the deodorant! Thank you for sharing.
When I made this I had to wing the wax component since I had a solid chunk. My deodorant is not a solid per say as applying I have it in a stick deodorant type of container but I use my fingers to scoop out a smidge and then I apply by rubbing into the skin. It’s really moisturizing and I never have any fall off. Perhaps I added slightly more beeswax which is why it seems to stay together and then melt into my underarm area. It seems grainy or sandy at first but rubs in very smoothly.
Hi, thank you for the recipe, I was actively searching for a good deodorant and this one actually works 🙂 What I wanted to ask you though about the texture, is it supposed to be smooth like cream/butter/oil ? With smooth I mean specifically the baking soda, which does not dissolve when I mix it in, it is like a mild exfoliator with tiny sand-ish pieces and a bit uncomfortable, it actually falls off my skin again while i apply it. No matter how hot I make the oil or how much I stir, it does not want to dissolve 😀 Do you have an idea how it can be fully dissolved to avoid that exfoliating texture?
Hey Marie, I’m so glad it’s working for you! This will always have a sandy texture. Primal Pit Paste is the same way, which is what this recipe is modeled after. I’m not sure if there’s a way to get around this texture.
Kristin can you post the weight of the of the bees wax. I can only get my bee wax in chunks from a local guy. Then I have to grate it bit it’s not in pellets
Hey April, Definitely! I’ll do that today :).
Hey April, I measured 22 grams :).
Thanks Kristin that really helps. I tend to use a scale instead of measuring as often as I can and oven put wts in recipes when I make them the first time but without the pellets I was at a loss!
Thanks for the recipe! I, too, have used Primal Pit Paste for years and love it : )
Have you ever tried making the PPP Popo Powder? It’s the best body powder ever and I’d love to find a recipe!
Hey Lisa, I haven’t picked up the Popo Powder yet. Let me see if I can find it and try making something similar. I’ll let you know!
Sounds great! It’s my favorite of all of their products!
Hey Kristin! So I made this and unfortunately the baking soda gave me a rash 🙁 I have seen quite a few recipes that use Bentonite clay instead. Do you think that’s worth a try??
Hey Julie, Bentonite clay swells when it comes in contact with liquid ingredients. So you may need to increase the “liquid” measurements. Another option is kaolin clay which doesn’t have the swelling issue. I first had an issue with baking soda, but it was due to shaving before applying the deo–just a little tid bit ;).
Do you think I can melt it, add the baking soda now?
Hey Radha, I’m not sure, but it’s worth a shot.
I made the deodorant without baking soda and increased the quantity of arrowroot starch. The consistency was perfect, first week went great. This week I’m noticing that it isn’t lasting longer than 4-5 hours, I’m sweating more than ever and getting stinky armpits. Before trying this recipe, I was using a natural deodorant for over 2 years so I’m used to it. What do you think could be wrong? I don’t know if I should increase the arrow root?
Hey Radha, I personally really need the baking soda–it’s the best way to fight against the smelly pits. I know many folks go without it, but if you’re finding the deodorant isn’t working (without the baking soda), that’s probably the issue. I wouldn’t increase the arrowroot. This isn’t an antiperspirant, so it won’t keep the sweat away (something that’s important for the body and many deodorants block from happening). During the really hot summer months, I may have to apply the deodorant twice in a day–depending on my activities and if I’m spent a lot of time in the heat. I have do the same with Primal Pit Paste. Hope that helps!
Can I make it without using the arrowroot powder/fluor and, if so, what can I use instead (or what should I add more of)?
Hey Angela, You may be able to use cornstarch instead of the arrowroot.
Hi, Kristin! I made this for my son and husband and it came out perfect! They say it works great (no smelly armpits, yay)!
After using it for about a week or so, though, my son began to develop a rash. Could it be the baking soda or arrowroot powder that irritated him? If so, can I replace it with something not as harsh?
My husband is doing fine, however. He loves it! Thanks for your help and I love your website!
Hey Linda, I’m so glad the guys are enjoying the deodorant. Yes, I think it’s probably due to the baking soda. Some folks don’t tolerate it. You could try replacing it with bentonite clay–I would use a bit less. Or even reduce the baking soda amount, just to see if less baking soda would help. Another option is to replace the baking soda with more starch.
And I’m so glad you’re enjoying the site :). Thank you!
Hey Kristin!
Love your site! I just made the deodorant and so far I like it! (I used some from the bowl after I poured it to put on). ???? It’s still a little wet after 20 minutes but I put it in wet. I also only did about 2 tablespoons of beeswax so it’s not so hard (it’s already solidified nicely). I was wondering though, why mine came out so orange in color compared to yours, especially since I used less beeswax?
Hey Jennifer, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog! The difference in color is probably due to the ingredients used–I’ve noticed that different brands can vary in color and produce different color shades in the final product.
Hi! I love your blog and enjoy trying out the recipes. I’m slowly moving over to diy products and am interested to try out the deodorant. I don’t have arrowroot powder and saw in an earlier comment you mentioned it was for thickening. Do you think xantham gum would work in its place or is there another benefit other than thickening provided by the arrowroot powder? Have you tried adding magnesium oil to make this a combo anti-perspirant? I’m just running through ideas so any feedback would be great!
Hey Hannah, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog and recipes. You could try adding organic cornstarch versus the arrowroot. That would be my top recommendation. I’m not sure xantham gum will work in this situation, or how it will react to the skin in deodorant form. I haven’t tried adding magnesium oil, yet, but I keep hearing great reviews from people who use this. It’s worth a shot!
To help with the skin irritation from the baking soda, I found if I put a light layer of coconut oil as a primer, it makes this a non-issue. I’ve been using PPP for about a year and do this whenever I shave or if my skin is irritated. It doesn’t change the effectiveness of the deodorant at all. I’m looking forward to trying your recipe!
Great tip, Rebekah! Thanks for sharing!
Would you have any essential oil suggestions to add for underarm skin lightening? Thank you!
I seem to be allergic to baking soda. I’ve found that arrowroot doesn’t absorb enough. So I copied my favourite baking soda free deodorant & the magic ingredient is milk of magnesia. I’ve used milk of magnesia on its own & it works amazingly well. It even worked for me on some hot, sweltering days here & let’s just say I’m one of those people that can get stinky. LOL.
Hey Hazel, That’s so fascinating.
Hi there! Love your site btw 🙂 I just made this deodorant yeaterday and put it in an old deodorant container , worked great but it turned out really hard to rub under may arms… I had to rub hard. I did what the instructions said, but do you have any ideas i can try to soften it up just a bit?
Hey Jocelyn, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the DIYs. The deodorant is on the harder side. The only thing I can think of now that it’s in the tube is to somehow spoon it out, reheat the mixture, and add more Shea butter or coconut oil. That may be a lot of work.