Homemade Deodorant-Antiperspirant: Basic, Easy Recipe

cdemp11 is a world traveler, health nut, and aspiring writer. She loves to experiment with DIY, all natural beauty.

How to Make Your Own Cheap, Healthy Deodorant & Antiperspirant at Home

Ever wonder what is in your deodorant? What is it exactly that stops you from sweating? You may or may not have heard in the news in recent years that the ingredients commonly found in deodorants and antiperspirants may be harmful to your health. Aluminum, parabens, and other ingredients are believed to be linked to diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimer's. Numerous studies have been done, yet results show conflicting data. I don't know about you, but I don't want to slather on potentially cancer-causing chemicals daily if I can help it.

Here is an easy recipe for homemade deodorant, adapted from LittleHouseInTheSuburbs.com. It's quick, cheap, and chances are you already have the ingredients. And if your current stick of deodorant is running low, perfect! You can use the container for your new and improved, healthy, homemade deodorant.

Homemade Deodorant Ingredients

Lineup of Healthy Ingredients and Their Benefits

• Coconut Oil: Antibacterial (fights the odor-causing bacteria on your skin), adds a smooth texture and a light, pleasant scent.
• Cornstarch: Acts as an antiperspirant and helps keep you dry.
• Baking Soda: Helps fight odor.
• Essential Oil: Adds a clean, healthy scent. Choose your favorite!
• Tea Tree Oil: Antibacterial, helps fight odor.
• Old Deodorant Container: Allows you to apply your new, healthy, homemade deodorant the old fashioned way. No scooping out with your hands!

All of these ingredients are cheap and easy to find. Chances are you have most, if not all, of them in your home right now, and you can easily make multiple batches.

Recipe

• 2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
• 6 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 2-3 Tablespoons unrefined Coconut Oil
• 10-20 drops Essential Oil
• 10-20 drops Tea Tree Oil
• 1 empty, washed and dried deodorant container

Step 1

Measure two tablespoons of baking soda and place it in a bowl. Mix in 6 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Step 2

Add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil, followed by 10-20 drops of tea tree oil. Mix well.

Step 3

Add 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil to the bowl and mix well. If you find the coconut oil is hard to mix it, you may warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, but it can become a bit crumbly. Don't worry, though, it will all go into the container just fine.

Step 4

Make sure the container is clean, dry, and unwound, so that it can be twisted up later when it gets low. Pack mixture into the container, pushing it down with your fingers so that there are no air bubbles or gaps. We want to have a solid stick inside.

Step 5

When you are finished packing in the mix, wipe off the edges and place on the cap. Put the deodorant container in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the mix to set and firm up. You have just made your all natural, healthy, customized, homemade deodorant!

Some Tips...

• Since coconut oil liquifies above room temperature, you'll want to keep it in the fridge or freezer.
• To avoid marks on your clothes, put on your deodorant a few minutes before dressing, allowing it to dry completely.
• Apply lightly. You do not need a thick coating for it to work.
• Give your body a few days to adjust to the new ingredients before making a decision on how you like it.
• Enjoy your new all natural, homemade deodorant, knowing you are doing something positive for your health!

Please vote and leave a comment below

Make a Creamier Deodorant

• Creamy Homemade Deodorant Antiperspirant
  Make your own healthy and inexpensive deodorant-antiperspirant in this quick ten minute recipe. Its smooth texture and fresh scent will remind you of a spa.

Questions & Answers

Question: Does this homemade deodorant keep you dry?

Answer: Not really, it's more of a deodorant. You really don't want to stop the sweating completely as it's an important process for the body.

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Question: Does homemade deodorant make your armpit dark?

Answer: I have not experienced that, no, nor have I heard anyone say that.

Question: Does homemade deodorant give you a rash under your arm?

Answer: I have not had that experience. From what I've heard, baking soda can be irritating to some people.

Comments

Michelle Zigo on January 08, 2020:

Will this help with sweat?

Beanstalker on March 29, 2018:

Is this deodorant or antiperspirant, or both? I'm researching antiperspirants, and keep running into the problem of people not knowing the difference.

Melissa on September 05, 2016:

I made this yesterday and just tried it out today. Excited to see if it will work for me! Next time I would probably cut the recipe in half because it was a lot of deodorant for the size of stick that I was using. Also, I ended up mixing it some with my hands which helped to heat the coconut oil and allowed it to mix better with the ingredients. Thanks so much for sharing this!

Natalie on August 06, 2016:

I have been using this for over a week now. I am not a heavy sweater so this is quite effective as both an antiperspirant and deodorant for me. I followed the recipe exactly and added lavender as my essential oil (as that was all I had on hand), however I am developing a rash in my arm pits now from using it? Has anyone else experienced this? I thought maybe it would settle down after I got used to it but it's still there.

Karen on August 02, 2016:

I cant wait to try this. I have an allergy to the album in store brands. I have to look for one with the lowest alum content and use it very sparingly then pray my pits don't break out. This sounds great!!!

DrDylan on July 14, 2016:

Funs as this is, you know that shop bought antiperspirants are perfectly safe to use, right? The science that suggested otherwise has been disproven by subsequent science?

Sarah on July 11, 2016:

I made this deodorant and have loved it! I'm a heavy sweaty no matter if it's freezing out or super hot. It is amazing but after using it for about a month now my arm pits have gotten super dark from where the deodorant was and now my skin is flaking... Any suggestions on why? Thanks !

Tara on March 26, 2016:

I have been using it for 2 months and all was great but I think now it is not working. I find myself not making it an entire day now without smelling and it has been crumbling and falling from my armpit all the time now, i find pieces everywhere. . I haven't made any changes. Any suggestions? I was so excited to switch to natural, but now I may have to go back. :(

Hilary on August 18, 2015:

Is there a substitute for corn starch if you are allergic to corn?

Dovie on January 15, 2015:

Ive been using this recipe for three months now and love it! I used to get a tingling sensation and slight pain when I wore antiperspirant and that doesn't happen at all with this. Haven't tested it in the Texas heat yet, but it's doing just fine in our mild winter. I can go up to two days with one application, too.

Henriette on June 25, 2014:

Hi again... I live in Spain, that's why it's a little tricky to find coconut oil in the stores. But I will try the health food shop in town instead. Thanx for the tip about it being 'solid' tho'. The almond oil, I can find, is a liquid.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on June 17, 2014:

Henriette, where are you located? In the US, you can find coconut oil in any grocery store as well as costco and walmart. I'm not sure about almond oil as coconut oil is solid at room temperature, which helps give the deodorant mass and stability in addition to antifungal properties. You could try though! Let us know!

Henriette on June 17, 2014:

I'm having trouble finding Coconut Oil, so wondering if it can be replaced by another oil... Almond Oil perhaps?

Brenda on August 12, 2013:

I tried this recipe and found it to be better by melting the coconut oil so as to get it to mix with the dry ingredients better. I also purchased some empty deodorant containers from amazon.com because after trying 3 different containers, I couldn't get it to slide up. Lastly I added 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets (also bought off amazon) in order to solidify the mix as I live in a warm climate and the fridge idea would not be efficient for my household. Thanks for your recipe, after a few tweaks it's great!

Hodi on July 15, 2013:

Your instructions read to use unrefined coconut oil, but in the photo, you have refined coconut oil. Refined has a higher melting point than unrefined, which melts very easily. Which one do you recommend?

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on July 05, 2013:

It is just a deodorant. I'm like you though, I won't buy antiperspirant. Keep in mind that sweating has its purposes.

anni123 on July 05, 2013:

Does this work as an antiperspirant or just a deoderant? Cuz I sweat a lot but won't buy deoderant/antiperspirant with aluminum...

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on July 05, 2013:

Yes I also didn't have great luck using the screw stick. You're better off using several smaller more shallow containers.

Barb on July 05, 2013:

I tried this and it was pretty easy and mess free but my deodorant stick does not get pushed up at all. I melted it in a pan and tried inserting again to make sure the screw part was all the way down, makes no difference. I can't use it. Any ideas?? p.s room temperature made it get too soft to put on but in the fridge it seemed fine.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on June 03, 2013:

Spray?

Good luck!

Momof4 on June 03, 2013:

Ok...I made the spray...

:-(

Didn't work so well

:-(

Not terrible...not great

I'm sad about that, but not giving up. I'll try the solid soon.

Wish me luck!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 29, 2013:

Haha you're funny! I hope it works out for you!

Momof4 on May 29, 2013:

I sweat...a lot! I'm always pittin' out. It's sad...I'm a female and that just isn't acceptable for us! However, IF this works and I can sweat without smelling...I'm one step closer to a home run! Now, lets get this stuff out of the frig and into my bathroom!

Thanks for the recipe!

MysticMoonlight on May 21, 2013:

Sounds like a wonderful recipe, can't wait to make some. I've made my own, similar to this one only without the Tea Tree, and I like it. I will try with the Tea Tree next :) Thanks for this recipe!

Melody Collins from United States on May 21, 2013:

Wonderful recipe! I have been concerned with deodorant since I discovered that it is not entirely safe. Buying natural deodorant is so expensive. Even more so when you have 3 kids to buy for. This fits my needs perfectly.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 20, 2013:

Thanks for reading! I hope you like the recipe!

FullOfLoveSites from United States on May 20, 2013:

For some reason I have been avoiding anti deodorants sold in the market mainly because of the harmful alum content, turning instead to talc powder (isn't that weird)? I'm struggling on that until I found your hub. This will be exciting to make and use a healthier deodorant. Thanks so much. Up and useful, shared. :)

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 20, 2013:

Thanks Faceless39! I hope it meets your needs!

Kate P from The North Woods, USA on May 20, 2013:

I've been seeking the holy grail of natural deodorants for many years. The problem I always get is that you have to re-apply halfway through the day. I'll try this out..

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 17, 2013:

Thanks, Kevin Peter. It is very easy to make and much better for you! Hope you like it!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 17, 2013:

Ardot,

The same thing happened with my mom, and her experiences have caused her and the rest of the family to adopt much healthier, more natural habits. Hope you like it!

Kevin Peter from Global Citizen on May 17, 2013:

The natural deodrant sounds very good. The ingrediants are all easily available and can be prepared easily. I will soon prepare it. I have never thought of making deodrant myself. Quite interesting!

Ardot from Canada on May 17, 2013:

Awesome! My mom recently won a bout with cancer and she stopped using traditional deodorant... she will appreciate this very much.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 13, 2013:

I'm glad you like it, seven 365!

seven 365 on May 12, 2013:

I made this last weekend for my partner and myself, so far we both love it, thank you. LA, CA

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 04, 2013:

Good point edwardjones!

edwardjones on May 04, 2013:

make sure you find some organic cornstarch as 99% of corn products are GMO now!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on May 01, 2013:

Hope it works out for you!

Anna from New York, NY on May 01, 2013:

Oooh I never thought to make deodorant, probably cuz of all those natural deodorants I bought at Whole Foods that just didn't work so I gave up and started using the regular kind... until now. Thanks for the recipe, I'll definitely give it a try!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on April 19, 2013:

Great idea for some additions! Where do you buy your oils?

Laurel on April 14, 2013:

This was effective! But messy. Great start that I'll try o tweak. Also suggest geranium and lavender oils as they not only help the stink but repell insects as well (bonus).

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 29, 2013:

Great! I'm so happy it's worked out for you!

Guest on March 29, 2013:

I switched from antiperspirants to natural deodorants three years ago. I never found one to keep me "neutral" until this one - they all either were extremely perfume-y or I ended up stinking by the end of the day. I used eucalyptus oil in my version and I don't smell anything after a full day of work (including carrying boxes between buildings.) Thank you - this is what I've been looking for!

shellyl1107 on March 10, 2013:

I believe this to be just an deodorant and will not stop you from sweating that much. Also I prefer Arrowroot powder to cornstarch as I think the arrowroot powder makes the deodorant thicker

iguidenetwork from Austin, TX on January 24, 2013:

Some of the deodorants in the market today actually have carcinogens like alum, so for those who are seeking for a healthier deodorant I think this might be for them. Thanks for sharing. Voted up and useful. :)

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on January 18, 2013:

Good luck, and I hope you like it!

Amanda Eastman on January 18, 2013:

I am getting ready to make this right now. I have the ingredients on my countertop. I'm going to add another oil with the tea tree, and add them slowly. Thank you so much for posting this useful information!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on January 06, 2013:

A little. It goes on a little soft. That's why you really should put it on and let your pits dry before dressing.

Kathy C on December 27, 2012:

Question...if room temp or above makes coconut too soft, what does it do with the body temp? Do you end up with wet armpits?

Zuba on August 17, 2012:

I just finished making this recipe. I am really hoping it works because I have suddenly developed a horrible rash from the chemical filled ones. So I can't use them anymore. The one I made is very crumbly, even after I put it in the freezer. Is that normal?

Thanks so much for the recipe!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on July 13, 2012:

Great point! I like your additions to the recipe too!

joyfulexpress on July 13, 2012:

I just made this recipe and it is now sitting in the freezer. I used doTERRA's TerraShield essential oil blend which is a natural insect repellent with a fresh smell as well as ClearSkin blend which includes Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and several other anti-fungal and anti- bacterial essential oils. http://joyfulexpress.com

There is a doctor in Italy, Dr. Tullio Simoncini, who uses a baking soda solution as his first line of treatment for several different types of cancer with great results. It's awesome to have a deodorant that prevents cancer instead of having the potential to cause it.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on July 05, 2012:

Great! Hope it works out for you!

Elizabeth on July 01, 2012:

Ok, I've made it and it smells great, although I didn't use essential oil as I didn't have any aside from the TTO, which I think I used too much of as it is very strong. Placed in freezer for 10 minutes and then moved to fridge. I tried the regular recipe, not the creamy one. I have major sweating issues, seriously. Really hoping this works for me! I will post again after a week!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on April 26, 2012:

Mine didn't at all! Did u do big drops? I can't imagine why it would smell so strong from only ten drops.

Butterfly on April 26, 2012:

Yes, I was able to fill a big container. I think I threw the part that pushes the deodorant up. Lol..is it supposed to smell strong like tea tree?

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on April 26, 2012:

Uh oh. Were you able to use all of it to fill the container? See if you can unwind it before it sets. I put mine in the freezer to set. I hope it works out for you! Good luck!

Butterfly on April 26, 2012:

Okay, I made it. Really strong tea tree smell and I only used 10 drops instead of 20. I put 20 of scented oil. It's sitting in the Frig. It didn't look like the one on the site. Mine was more loose. :( I think I forgot to unwind my deodorant container.

Butterfly on April 26, 2012:

Thnx... Cute Yorkie

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on April 26, 2012:

I hope it works well for you! Remember to stick with it for a while and give your body time to adjust.

Butterfly on April 26, 2012:

No deodorant has ever worked on me, I have tried everything. Even prescribed deodorants. Praying this works. Just bought Sweat Block and they recommend a natural deodorant. Worth the try.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on April 26, 2012:

Male sure to let it dry completely before putting your shirt on. It should be fine. You might sweat more than your commercial antiperspirant but you shouldn't smell.

Butterfly on April 26, 2012:

Just bought my ingredient to make my deodorant. Will it seep through my shirt if it very hot out or if I work out?

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on April 24, 2012:

Haha! Your recipe sounds interesting. I like the idea of using vanilla! Thanks for the comment!

rlsoden4 on April 23, 2012:

My first foray into natural deodorant was the salt rocks (which was hit or miss for me.) I make my own homemade deodorant using a very similar recipe (baking soda, cornstarch, coconut oil and vanilla.) I love it. My husband thinks it's hilarious that technically, my deodorant is edible. Great hub!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on April 05, 2012:

Hope it turns out well for you! Please let me know how you like it!

Hally Z. from Madison, Wisconsin on March 31, 2012:

Thanks much for the advice. I already have shea butter and beeswax on order. I'm thinking of using 1/3 beeswax, 1/3 coconut oil and 1/3 shea butter in my next deodorant attempt. It'll probably resemble your creamy deodorant recipe. I hope this will allow me to take my deodorant with me when I travel, even if it's a hot 90 degree day. Thanks again!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 31, 2012:

Glad to hear that!

Also the creamy version includes beeswax, which helps to keep the deodorant solid.

Hally Z. from Madison, Wisconsin on March 30, 2012:

I'm going to look into shea butter anyway because I want to be able to take his deodorant with me when I travel. However, I did try the basic recipe yesterday and I smelled great all day, as well as through the night. Thanks much!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 30, 2012:

I like coconut oil because it's antibacterial and I'm not sure that Shea butter has that quality. I did include it in my creamy version due to its smooth texture and sweet smell. Check it out! Hope you like it!

Hally Z. from Madison, Wisconsin on March 29, 2012:

Thanks for the advice! I tried it briefly last night but I'm going to give it a full "go" today. Also, I was wondering- would shea butter be a better substitute for coconut oil, since it is solid at higher temps? Shea butter doesn't melt until its 89-90 degrees F. Thanks!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 29, 2012:

Hally, I have not had a problem with the deodorant melting all over me. Sure, it becomes soft when it hits your skin, but I've found that allowing your pits to dry for a minute does the trick. If you're not wearing a sleeveless shirt, be sure to apply and let it dry before putting your shirt on. Hope you like it!

Hally Z. from Madison, Wisconsin on March 28, 2012:

I just made this deodorant and it's sitting in my freezer as I type this. I have one question: how does this stuff not end up melting all over you? It was melting on my hands and dripping off as I was handling it. I'm sure that my underarm is going to be way warmer than my hands. Thanks!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 23, 2012:

Haha, it is nice! I've found that if your house is cool, it will still be solid, though a little soft. Coconut oil melts at 76 degrees, so the closer the room temp gets to that, the softer it will be.

Alexander Silvius from Portland, Oregon on March 23, 2012:

Hmmm, putting it in the freezer sounds like you get a little thrill every day when you put it on! Is there a way to get around the need for putting it in the fridge? Maybe there's a certain temperature that will help it stay in usable form? I'm only asking because in the future, I plan to wean myself off of the need for the grid - meaning very few perishable foods.

In any case, what a great hub, natural deodorant! I will probably try this. Thank you.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 23, 2012:

Thanks so much! I am not sure about the aloe vera, but it sounds interesting and it's worth a try! :)

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 23, 2012:

Thanks so much for your support!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 23, 2012:

Thanks so much! I hope you like the recipe! I definitely recommend the Creamy version!

Jasmine on March 23, 2012:

@Patrice: I'm wondering why. Fortunately, my old bookmarks are all there. I guess I'll bookmark the pages I like using some social bookmarking sites in the future.

PWalker281 on March 22, 2012:

HubPages has phased the bookmarking function out, Jasmine.

Jasmine on March 22, 2012:

I can't find the bookmarking tab either :( I'm going to save it elsewhere then because I'm pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to make a home-made deodorant. I have to give it a try! Great hub :)

PWalker281 on March 22, 2012:

Great deodorant recipe and easy to make - the best kind. I love coconut oil, always have some around, and as you said, the other ingredients are easy to find. I'm definitely going to give this a try when my deodorant container (the exact one in your photo) is empty. Voted up, useful, and bookmarked, too. And congrats on the hub nugget nomination - looks like you won.

Hmmm ... can't seem to find the little bookmarking tab.

BkCreative from Brooklyn, New York City on March 22, 2012:

Great hub and great info. I'll certainly bookmark and share. Great to meet you too. I'll follow so I can keep up. I'm all about totally natural products. Rated up and more.

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 22, 2012:

Don't you love how basic the ingredients are? I love how easy and healthy it is! Enjoy!

Angie Jardine from Cornwall, land of the eternally youthful mind ... on March 22, 2012:

I have always worried about shop-bought deodorants as I know they contain loads of aluminium so I was very interested in reading this hub.

Going out to buy some coconut oil now - everything else is right in the kitchen cupboard.

Well done and many thanks, cdemp11 ... voted up and useful.

John Harper from Malaga, Spain on March 21, 2012:

Could one add 'aloe vera' to the mix I wonder?

Voted up, sent to my list and FB'd great concept, good advice and well presented.

Thanks

catgypsy from the South on March 21, 2012:

Very interesting! I've never seen a make-it-yourself deodorant recipe before. Great Hub!

Sophie on March 21, 2012:

Sounds pretty interesting. Never heard of making your own deo... I will give it a try to this does sound simple too :) Welcome to HubPages. Have a lovely day!

Rachel Vega from Massachusetts on March 21, 2012:

I did try to find the coconut oil... and located it in my neighborhood market instead of trekking to Whole Foods. I'm going to make this as soon as my current stick runs out. Thanks, and voted up and useful!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 20, 2012:

Thanks! I am very excited to be nominated and to be a part of Hubpages!

Michelle Simtoco from Cebu, Philippines on March 20, 2012:

I continually am amazed at how we can make stuff at home. Awesome. Thank you for sharing this homemade deodorant. :)

Congratulations on your Hubnuggets nomination. Do read and vote this way please...https://hubpages.com/community/Mysteries-of-the-Un...

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 19, 2012:

Thanks! Hope you like it!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 19, 2012:

Thanks Marcy! I hope you like it and please check out the creamy recipe. It smells so good!

G Be-Shy on March 19, 2012:

Cool recipe

Marcy Goodfleisch from Planet Earth on March 19, 2012:

I never thought of using used swivel-up containers and making deodorant from scratch! What a great idea! I'm bookmarking this hub, and I plan to try it.

Thank you for this advice! Voted up, awesome and interesting!

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 19, 2012:

I know, it's scary how prevalent these chemicals are. It feels good knowing you are removing at least some from your daily routine!

GloriaW on March 19, 2012:

Can't wait to try - my daughter loves natural chemical free products.

Christina on March 18, 2012:

This recipe looks so simple with easy to find ingredients! I was just mentioning to my mom that there are aluminum-free deoderants on the market, but I didn't think about the parabens which are basically in every cosmetic item (lotions, creams, etc.) I am looking forward to trying this recipe out...Thanks Carrie! :)

cdemp11 (author) from GA, USA on March 18, 2012:

Haha thanks Lori! Hope you like it!

Lori McLain on March 18, 2012:

How fun to make your own.....I guess we can say it even SMELLS like a great idea !