The Best DIY Deodorant Recipe

Several years ago it was on my heart to stop using my mass-produced, toxic aluminum deodorant that I’d been using since puberty and replace it with something aluminum-free. When one of my favorite humans found a breast lump, I finally dropped the old deodorant like a bad habit. I tried several different kinds of natural deodorant, but my favorites were expensive and didn’t last long. Finally, a friend gave me a recipe I have been modifying since last summer. I finally have the right ingredients and I’ll never go back to store bought. It’s so easy to make! I’ve finally created the best DIY deodorant recipe and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Easy to Modify

This recipe is very easy to modify depending on your specific needs and skin requirements. I’ve played around with a few of the ingredients and I’ll share my recommendations below. If there’s something you don’t like, feel free to omit it. Or use one of the swaps I recommend. I double my recipe, but when you’re just starting out, make a single recipe so you can try your own brew and adjust as necessary.

Optional Ingredients

This recipe is more of a technique than something hard and fast. Once you figure out the basic ingredients and what your skin and body pH needs are, you can begin to play with add-ins.

Magnesium flakes are great if you are deficient or want to reap the benefits of that particular mineral. Add magnesium flakes while the coconut oil is hot and stir until dissolved completely.
Baking soda helps with odor absorption but can be abrasive to sensitive skin, so if you do add it then start with a small amount and work up if you can tolerate it.
Essential oils are a fun way to switch up your scent with each new batch, but always research what health benefits each oil brings as well as any precautions. Citrus essential oils can make your skin very sun-sensitive so be wary if you will have your armpits exposed to the sun.
Finally, the addition of charcoal powder is fantastic for odor and sweat absorption in this recipe, but it makes for a dark gray product. I love it since my wardrobe is primarily black and I no longer have to worry about white streaks on my tops. But this deodorant does leave marks on a white top (fortunately it comes out in the wash). To avoid this, omit the charcoal, or make half of your batch with and half without.

Ingredients you’ll need

To get started making this recipe, you’ll first want to gather all your ingredients first.

Here is what you’ll need:

1/2 cup

Coconut oil

1/2 cup

Arrowroot powder

1 Tbs.

Beeswax

1/2 tsp.

Vegetable glycerine

1/2 tsp.

Jojoba oil

1/8 tsp.

Activated charcoal powder (omit or use less for a “whiter” deodorant)

16 drops

Essential oils of choice for scent, optional (I used lavender, peppermint, cedar and wild orange)

Optional

Magnesium flakes (1 Tbs.) and/or baking soda (up to 4 Tbs.)

Please note that baking soda can be a skin irritant. Avoid if you have sensitive skin.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Add beeswax and coconut oil to a saucepan or double boiler on low to melt. Add magnesium flakes, if desired. Continue to stir until all ingredients are completely melted. Turn off the heat and add the arrowroot powder, stirring until the consistency is smooth. Add baking soda, if desired. Allow mixture to cool.

Step 2: When the mixture is cool enough that you can comfortably pick up your pot without getting burnt, add the vegetable glycerine, jojoba oil, charcoal, and essential oils. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Pour immediately into a container with a lid. You can also use cardboard deodorant tubes. I like these three ounce ones because they are biodegradable and hold a nice amount. (Y’all know I hate plastic.)

To Use: Use your finger or a clean popsicle stick to remove a small amount (about half a teaspoon worth) of deodorant from your jar. Rub between your fingers to warm and apply to underarms. Reapply daily or as needed.

This is the easiest recipe ever, and it costs pennies compared to other natural deodorants. Once you get the hang of what works for you, double or triple your recipe so you don’t have to make it as often. One batch lasts me 3-4 months.