Natural deodorant…what a big topic. I think that a lot of us have come to expect disappointment when trying out new natural deodorant brands. I also think that’s slowly changing as the natural skincare market blossoms. The very sketchy ingredients in mainstream deodorant brands made us convert to the natural side of things years ago, and that’s right when our quest for the perfect natural deodorant began. Not going to lie, there were a lot of disappointments, but we’ve since found a few brands on the market that work, and work well. Our main realization, though, was that we can make an even more pure, more lush, and more effective deodorant at home, and for much less. Here’s that recipe.
All the ingredients in this deodorant are our trusted favorites. Shea butter, cacao butter, and coconut oil are luxurious, moisturizing, and anti-bacterial. There’s nothing worse than a deodorant that leaves delicate underarm skin irritated, and these three plant butters ensure that your skin stays supported and hydrated, while simultaneously neutralizing odor. Both baking soda and arrowroot powder are highly absorbent of both moisture and odor (think the box of baking soda that you keep in your fridge to make it smell fresher). Pure essential oils of choice add both their heavenly scent and even more antibacterial, bad-smell-banishing properties (see the recipe for our favorite essential oils to use here).
This particular formula works very well for us and at least five of our friends, but I also think it’s important to mention that there’s no one perfect recipe for everyone. Some people have sensitivities to specific essential oils or certain plant butters. I’ve discovered over the years that anything rose-scented absolutely does not work for me, which is a shame because I love rose. Numerous rose natural deodorants that I’ve tried have left me with a mild rash, and definitely did not work well with my skin in terms of odor. Another friend of ours gets occasional skin irritation from shea butter… The beauty of making your own products at home is that you can experiment, try on ingredients, and see if they work for you. If you have a natural deodorant brand that you like, but are interested in making your own deodorant, look into the ingredients. For example, if that deodorant has lavender essential oil in it, try adding some of that to your homemade formula, and you’ll probably strike gold.
For more natural skincare recipes, check out our Magic Moisturizer, and have a great Sunday :)
- 3 oz unrefined shea butter
- 3 oz raw cacao butter
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- about 60-90 drops favorite essential oil or a mixture of a few (see suggestions below)
- 3 tablespoons pure baking soda
- 20 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- antibacterial essential oils to consider:
- lavender
- tea tree
- rosemary
- geranium
- peppermint
- lemon
- lemongrass
- Melt the shea butter, cacao butter, and coconut oil in a medium saucepan on a double boiler. Remove from the heat and add essential oils, mixing them in. Gradually add the baking soda and arrowroot powder, mixing to incorporate as you go.
- Spoon the mixture between prepared, clean jars with a lid. Let the deodorant sit for the arrowroot and baking soda to fully absorb all the oils, about 24 hours. During this time, the mixture will transform from thick and creamy to a more hardened paste. Keep the jars that are not in use refrigerated.
- To apply, use a small wooden stick or a tiny spoon to scoop out a small amount of the deodorant. Rub between your fingers to melt and gently apply to your armpits, making sure to fully cover the area.
Caroline says
I would love to buy some deodorant from you! I think your Magic Moisturizer is amazing!
Anya says
Hi Caroline,
So happy you’ve been liking the moisturizer! And thank you for having faith in the deodorant, we’re thinking about it :)
Audrey says
Great! This and the moisturizing are my end-of-winter energizing project! Thank you for the recipe and inspiration :)
Anya says
Amazing! Thanks for the kind note Audrey :)
Maria says
This is lovely thank you! I’m currently using Schmidt’s and I love it, but i like the idea of being able to try it on my own. One question how many jars does this make? And how big is each jar?
Thanks!
Maria
Anya says
Hi Maria,
Love Schmidt’s! I always put it in random jars of different sizes, so I can’t say for sure, but I would estimate about 2 medium-sized jars.
Kamilla says
det så godt ut :D
Lasse Andreasen says
I really want to try this deodorant. I’m also trying out recipes for hand soaps so any input in that direction would be greatly appreciated.
Madeline says
I’ve made this deodorant and I made some incorrect measurement – mine is VERY hard.
Do you know if I can reheat the deodorant so as to add more shea butter, coconut oil and/or cacao butter to make it slightly less hard. Currently chipping at it with a spoon and then rubbing it vigorously with my hands :)
Thank you for your wonderful receipes!
Anya says
Hi Madeline,
Oh no! I haven’t tried this myself so not sure if it would work, but it might. Just melt everything gently on a double boiler. Please let us know how it works out if you try it :)
Madeline says
Hi Anya,
Thanks for the reply. I reheated gently in a double boiler as advised and added a bit of coconut oil. It is now the PERFECT texture.
Thanks for the wonderful recipe.
Anya says
So glad that worked out! Thank you for letting us know, I’m sure a lot of people will find this info useful :)
Maryellen Tilly says
Anya,
This deodorant is truly the best I have ever used for keeping odor to an absolute minimum. I tested it yesterday…, gardened all afternoon, and perspiring all day. Gave it the sniff test and i still felt fresh! thanks o much for another tried and great GOLUBKA recipe. <3 Maryellen Tilly
Anya says
Hi Maryellen,
This made my day! So happy the deodorant worked for you. I hope you’ll enjoy the moisturizer as well :)
Nadine says
Thank you so much for these DIY recipes! I just made my first batch, and I’m waiting for it to cool, impatiently. I used a mixture of lavender, palo santo, sage, juniper and hinoki (cypress) for a woodsy, unisex scent. My batch made 12+ ounces: I got 6 – 2 oz. containers plus several 1/2 oz samples.
Anya says
Hi Nadine,
Your essential oil mixture sounds amazing! Thank you for letting us know how much the recipe made for you, and hope you enjoy the deodorant :)
Dr Hemapriya MBBS,AFIH says
Hey,
This natural deo sounds awesome. Would love giving it a try. I have a quick question. Can i add powdered oats in it and use it as a kind of natural moisturizer and a deo? Excited to try! Thanks a lot for this amazing deo idea. Loved it :)
Anya says
Hello! I’m not sure about the oats, since I haven’t tried that myself. It should be ok, the only problem I can think of is that the oats can make the texture too powdery and might get on your clothes. Let us know how it goes if you try it!