Switching to natural, homemade personal care products can feel a bit intimidating at first. Trust me, I’ve been there—wondering if a DIY deodorant could hold up during a long day of chasing kids, finishing up farm chores, or working at the library. But after trying this simple, effective recipe made with coconut oil, bentonite clay, and arrowroot powder, I’m never going back to store-bought deodorant.
Making your own deodorant is surprisingly quick and easy. No more questionable chemicals or synthetic fragrances—just simple, natural ingredients that actually work. Plus, you can customize the scent with your favourite essential oils.
If you’re looking for a way to cut out toxins, this homemade deodorant is a game changer. Let me show you how to make it—you might just find that it’s one of the easiest swaps you’ve made on your journey to a more natural lifestyle.
Why Choose Homemade Deodorant?
What we put on our body matters. Our skin is our largest organ, and whatever we put on it gets absorbed into our body. I don’t know about you, but I want to make sure that what I put on my skin isn’t going to compromise all the other hard work I do to stay healthy.
Many commercial deodorants and antiperspirants contain harmful chemicals including aluminum, parabens and synthetic fragrances that can cause skin irritation. This homemade deodorant recipe is free from these additives, so you know it is safe to put on your skin.
Antiperspirants will block your sweat glands to keep you feeling dry. But sweating is a natural way for your body to detox. This natural deodorant will support your natural body functions by not interfering with your detox pathways. Instead, it will help neutralize body order.
This homemade deodorant can also help you save money. While the initial cost for all the ingredients could be high (though you probably already have some on hand), you will save money over time if you make deodorant at home.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
• Coconut Oil: Forms the base of the deodorant. It ensures that the deodorant is easy to apply and its natural antibacterial effects help to control odor.
• Bentonite Clay: The detoxifying qualities of bentonite clay can help clear your detox pathways by binding to toxins and drawing them out through the skin. It can be helpful when you are transitioning from commercial deodorant to a natural one. Because of its ability to bind with toxins and metals, do NOT use a metal spoon to measure the clay. Choose a plastic or wooden spoon for this recipe.
Baking Soda: Just like in your fridge, baking soda will help to absorb odours. However, it can be irritating to sensitive skin. So do not apply on freshly shaved skin. If you do react to baking soda, never fear. Replace the baking soda with additional arrowroot powder.
• Arrowroot Powder: This ingredient is made from the starchy tubers of the arrowroot plants. It helps in moisture absorption and soothes the skin.
• Essential Oils (Optional): Provide natural fragrance and additional antibacterial properties depending on which ones you choose. My favourite combination is tea tree and lavender. But please feel free to use your own favourite oils.
Homemade Deodorant Recipe
- 6 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 tbsp baking soda
- 4 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 2 tbsp bentonite clay
- Optional: 10 drops of essential oils, I like to use 5 drops of tea tree and 5 drops of lavender
- 1 glass jar to store deodorant in
- Wooden or plastic spoon for measuring and stirring
First, you need to melt the coconut oil so it is liquid. It doesn’t need to be hot enough to cook in, just liquid enough to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. I like to melt mine in a homemade double boiler. Just a glass bowl placed over a pot of gently simmering water. Then I can mix my homemade deodorant in the bowl and save on dishes
Once your coconut oil is liquid, remove it from the heat. You can now add in all the other ingredients, except the essential oils. This will be very soupy, but as the oil cools it will firm up.
Once the deodorant is cool but still liquid, you can add essential oils if you’d like.
You can now pour your homemade deodorant into whatever container you are planning on keeping it in. Because this natural deodorant has no emulsifiers, it could separate a bit as it cools. You can mitigate this by stirring it occasionally as it cools to room temp.
If you do not like baking soda in your deodorant, feel free to substitute baking soda for more arrowroot powder.
How to Use and Store Your Homemade Deodorant
I store my homemade deodorant in a drawer in my bathroom. Because it is solid at room temp, if your room is cool the deodorant will be firmer. To maintain optimal freshness only use clean, dry hands to apply your deodorant. And use your best judgment when deciding how long it will last. If it smells weird or has things growing in it, it is time to move on. Throw out the deodorant and start again.
This jar of deodorant will typically last me 6 months, depending on how much I use it. Which, to be honest, is not every day. Especially if I am staying home. You only need a very small amount, think the size of a pea.
I just scoop out a pea-sized amount and rub it between my hands to warm it up. Then I put it in my armpits like I was applying lotion. It’s just that easy.
In my journey to use more natural and homemade beauty products, I have tried a lot of deodorants. This homemade deodorant has been in my personal care rotation for YEARS. If you are looking for an easy swap to make in your self-care routine, I would encourage you to give this deodorant a go.
Do you use a natural deodorant? Or maybe you have a favourite recipe? Let me know in the comments below.
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