How to Make Your Own Natural Deodorant with Essential Oils

If you’re into DIY skincare, try making your own deodorant. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make a non-toxic paste for deodorizing your armpits. With just 4 ingredients, this simple deodorant helps absorb perspiration and fend off odors, without all the chemicals!

Homemade deodorant in a plain white plastic tube.

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I make a lot of my own skincare products already like soap, lip balm, whipped tallow balm, and sugar scrub. I figured I should try to make something new, so I decided on deodorant.

In my quest for a deodorant recipe, I came across many that required ingredients that I didn’t have on hand. So, I decided to make my own and test it, and guess what? I like it enough to share so that you can have non-toxic deodorant too!

Materials for Making Natural Deodorant with Essential Oils

To make two 2.5-ounce sticks of deodorant, you will need a few supplies:

I only had one empty plastic deodorant tube, so I made one stick of deodorant and put the rest in a small glass jar. The plastic tubes are nice because they make applying the deodorant less messy, but a jar that you can put your fingers in works just fine too.

Ingredients for Making Natural Deodorant with Essential Oils

I use organic coconut oil and non-GMO corn starch in my deodorant. Coconut oil acts as a binder, keeping all of the ingredients together. While this deodorant has no antiperspirant qualities, the corn starch does help to absorb both odors and moisture.

Baking soda helps to neutralize your skin’s pH and is an effective deodorizer. Baking soda can be irritating to some people and can cause a stinging sensation when applied to the skin right after shaving. If baking soda doesn’t agree with you, use can try using arrowroot powder or bentonite clay instead.

If you want scented deodorant, I recommend using essential oils. Some of my favorites are lavender, sandalwood, and frankincense.  

Directions for Making Natural Deodorant with Essential Oils

A bowl with corn starch, baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils ready to be mixed.
  1. Soften your jar of coconut oil in warm water, you don’t want it melted, just soft enough to scoop out easily.
  2. With a measuring cup, measure out ¼ cup each of corn starch and baking soda. Place in your mixing bowl.
  3. Add 6 tablespoons of softened coconut oil to the dry ingredients.
  4. With a pipette, add 30 drops of the essential oils of your choice to the bowl.
  5. With your rubber spatula, thoroughly mix all the ingredients. Make sure there are no small clumps of baking soda left behind.
  6. Carefully scoop the mixture into the empty deodorant tube or other container.
  7. Store in a cool, dry place and use as needed.

Tips for Using your Natural Deodorant with Essential Oils

  • You may find that you need to reapply this natural deodorant, it is perfectly safe to use multiple times a day.
  • If this deodorant gets too warm, it will melt. Don’t leave it in a hot car or you will end up with a mess!
  • Applying too much of this deodorant may leave oil marks on your clothing. These are washable, but annoying! To avoid this issue, only apply a small amount of deodorant and allow a few minutes for it to be absorbed into the skin before putting your shirt on.
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