This is one of my favorite natural deodorant recipes because it’s simple to make from pantry ingredients and most importantly, because it works! I know everyone’s body chemistry is different, but for me, this deodorant keeps body odor away all day long without me having to re-apply every few hours.
There’s an optional ingredient: your favorite essential oil. I usually don’t add essential oils, but the last time I made this deodorant recipe I decided to mix Lavender essential and see how I liked it. It doesn’t make a huge difference in the scent, but it does add a little moisture to the consistency of the deodorant and makes it easier to apply. Tea Tree Oil is another good one to use in deodorant because of its antiseptic properties.
The finished recipe below makes approximately 4 ounces of coconut oil deodorant. This amount lasts me about 3-4 months.
How to Make Deodorant | DIY Deodorant
Ingredients:
5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
optional: 20-25 drops of your favorite essential oil, tea tree oil is a good choice for deodorant
Directions:
Combine equal portions of baking soda & cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for more sensitive skin). Then slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a fork until it is mixed well and is the consistency you desire. It should be about the same texture as the store bought kind, solid but able to be applied easily. Note that if you add essential oil, the consistency will become a little more moist. Scoop the mixture into clean empty deodorant containers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use.
Just a note: Coconut oil will liquefy in warm to hot temperatures. To avoid melt down, you may want to store this in the refrigerator. If my deodorant turns to liquid, I still apply and use it the same way, it still works.
*If you use this recipe to make your own deodorant, I do not recommend substituting unmentioned ingredients because I do not know how that will affect the final product. People with sensitive skin may want to use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. Use common sense and discontinue use of any homemade deodorant if a rash develops.
Measure ingredients according to recipe directions.
Use a fork or spoon to mix ingredients to desired consistency.
Once ingredients are mixed well and to desired consistency, you are ready to scoop it into containers.
Mike Davis says
Ha– we have just started this in our home–we started with the laundry soap and hand soap– then this with the deodorant–it seems to work well–and last a long time–we are trying new ways to cut back– not easy– but we are working on it–seems to find all the right size jars,and bottles ,withougt spending much was the hardest–and the first purchase to get everything we needed to begin was a little costly but now –the price is going down down down–only because we are not buying the commercial brands and trying to do it on our own–thanks for listening and keep up the great works!
Nicole says
Thanks for stopping by, Mike! You are right about initial investment, but I agree it really does end up paying off within just a few months or less. I have started saving all of our old hand lotion, soap, cream, etc. type of jars and bottles because they come in handy to refill when I make our own stuff at home.
Kudos to you on making your own laundry soap! That is a project I have yet to tackle, but really should try it. My mom always asks why I don’t make my own, yet. Maybe I will soon! 🙂 I am glad to hear the homemade deodorant works well for you. I love this recipe because natural ingredients are so much better for your body than store bought chemical deodorant AND it’s so easy to make + saves money. Hope you’ll be back again soon!