Now it’s time to get personal and gross. I haven’t been happy with store-bought deodorant for years now, but didn’t realize there is an alternative until I jumped on the green bandwagon. The store-bought ones just don’t work well for me, and when the weather warms up and the pits are exposed, I get nauseating whiffs of BO and the artificial fragrance of the deodorant. Blech! It’s way worse now that I have the nose of a bloodhound after having been pregnant a few times.
But this one is a deodorant I’ll keep in the bathroom a long time because it actually really works, contains no scary chemicals and I’m crazy about the fragrance that the lavender, tea tree and coconut oils leave behind.
Stinky Pits Research
If you are a little nerdy like me and enjoy some cold, hard facts, then keep reading. Otherwise, skip down to the recipe!
I decided about a month ago it was time to make a change, especially after reading of the aluminum in commercial deodorants that has been linked to endocrine disruption in the body, as the chemicals mimic estrogen. What the heck does that mean? Here’s what wikipedia.org states:
“Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with endocrine (or hormone system) in animals, including humans. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Specifically, they are known to cause learning disabilities, severe attention deficit disorder, cognitive and brain development problems, deformations of the body (including limbs); sexual development problems, feminizing of males or masculine effects on females, etc. Any system in the body controlled by hormones, can be derailed by hormone disruptors. The critical period of development for most organisms is between the transition from a fertilized egg, into a fully formed infant.“
Wow, now I understand why pregnant women are shying away from deodorant and buying all natural options.
But I still had to check for myself, to see if the levels of aluminum are actually hazardous, and because I can be nerdy and enjoy research. I checked the handy dandy EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (my new best friend!) and the National Cancer Institute to find out. According to the database, my go-to deodorant, Secret Powder Fresh, gets a score of 3 for hazardous on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the most hazardous. At first, this appears not so bad, right? But a closer look reveals that out of 8 ingredients, only one ingredient has good data to back it up. The rest have limited to no data at all to test the hazard level of each ingredient. A look at Lady Speed Stick, my other go-to stink reducer, shows the same results.
The National Cancer Institute reports in this article that:
“Because studies of antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer have provided conflicting results, additional research is needed to investigate this relationship and other factors that may be involved.”
A scientist I am not, so my conclusion is that it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, I found the easiest recipes I could find online and whipped up my own. My recipe is a combination of one from How About Orange and Passionate Homemaking.
The Recipe!
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder (I used cornstarch)
- 4 tablespoons organic coconut oil (Buy at Tropical Traditions* (hand made!))
- 5 drops of organic Tea Tree Oil (Or Buy at Mountain Rose Herbs)
- 5 drops of organic Lavender Oil (Or Buy at Mountain Rose Herbs)
Or, for a man’s version, you could include these essential oils:
5 drops of organic Tea Tree Oil Or, add Cedarwood Oil, Eucalyptus Oil or Sage Oil. All of these smell woodsy and manly, in my opinion. There’s really no right or wrong, it’s whatever scent you (or the man in your life) will agree to wear!
Combine the baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl.
Stir in the coconut oil. It is difficult at first, but will start to soften after you put in some elbow grease.
Add your essential oils of choice. I added Lavender and Tea Tree Oil specifically because they have antibacterial properties and I use them a lot in my homemade cleaning products.
Stir it all together and you’re done! It took me less than five minutes to make this, and it is so cheap, too! You only need a smidgen on the tip of your finger to spread over the pits.
The mixture does harden after a few hours and becomes a deodorant-like texture, but it’s still possible to smooth it on with da finga because it softens with body heat. I store mine in a tiny rubbermaid container that holds like 1 strawberry (honestly, what is supposed to go in it?). I never use it otherwise, so it made a perfect pit stink preventer.
Some Tips about Sensitive Underarm Skin and Irritation
Many readers have shared with me that they have problems with skin irritation with regular deodorants. I do still have problems with that, even with this recipe. Here is how I alleviated the irritation.
- Arrowroot powder is less irritating than cornstarch, and is a good replacement. It can be found in the organic/natural section of most grocery stores or it can be bought on Amazon.
- After shaving, I first apply plain coconut oil to my underarms. Then, I either apply the deodorant (if I’m leaving the house) or wait a few hours to apply it if I’m staying home. It has worked very well to prevent red bumps and irritation.
Disclaimer: If you order by clicking on any of coconut oil and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.
Don’t you just LOVE this stuff?! This is pretty much the same exact recipe I use – I even use lavender too because I use it in EVERYTHING!
I also heard sage works well as a men’s version, but I wouldn’t know, b/c I’ve subjected my poor husband to the lavender version as well lol. Is that weird? I like the way he smells, so I guess that’s all that matters, right? 
I also scoop it into an old deodorant stick and keep it in the fridge where it stays hardened. Just a 1-2 roll and it melts instantly as it hits your skin. It takes some getting used to, to remember to head over to the fridge when you want to put on your deodorant, but now it’s just normal – leave shower, enter kitchen, open fridge – like second-nature now.
Here’s my post: http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2010/10/14/how-to-make-your-own-deodorant/
Oh, great! I’ll hop over to your site and check out your recipe. I love lavender, too! It makes everything smell divine and love that it has antibacterial properties!
This is so cool! I didn’t know you could make your own deodorant! Thanks for the recipe!
Yeah isn’t that so cool? Mine smells SO good!
Thanks for coming over to Naptime Review. I am following you back GFC! Look forward to following you
http://naptimeshopper.blogspotc.om
Sara, I am so blessed to have you pop on my blog today; otherwise I wouldn’t have found out your fabulous blog! Since I am obsessed about living an organic life, this post was a gift from heaven. I searched for organic (homemade) deodorant replacements and this sounds perfect!! Thank you for sharing!
Oh what a wonderful comment to receive! You’ve made all this work worth it
. I’m so impressed with your crochet designs. You are an artist! We have many things in common if you are also into an organic lifestyle 
So great idea! Now I am trying to be more eco-friendly with my cosmetics too. I am using an all natural salt spray, but I am not really satisfied with it. I will try your recipe!
Hanni
Oh cool, I haven’t heard of an all natural salt spray. If you try this one, let me know how it works for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks! Great recipe! I finally made some. Much better than just baking soda. And I know I won’t break out in a rash!
Oh great! Glad it’s working for you!
What a great recipe, Sara!
Jackie
Mountain Rose Herbs
Thanks for visiting, Jackie! Talk about good affiliate service…
I came here from Frugally Sustainable and this recipe is really neat, but I wonder does it dry quickly, to not stain clothes? does it last when you apply? (keeping aways stinkies) Thanks!
It dries very quickly! On very hot days, I do sometimes I apply it twice. But, most of the time, I just need enough to cover the end of my pointer finger and it lasts all day. I’ve never had it get on my clothes.
This is great! Thanks for sharing your recipe. I would like to try it out. My problem though is excessive sweating and sensitive underarms. I can’t use strong deos because my skin dries up and worse it slightly darkens.
It sounds like you have very sensitive skin. I hope this recipe works well for you – arrowroot powder is a good substitute for cornstarch if you have any irritation from this one. You can find it in the organic/natural sections of most grocery stores.
I’d never heard of the cosmetics database before and I checked my deodorant out. 5! Wow. This is the second “green” deodorant recipe I’ve found/seen in the last couple of weeks. I’ve got to make some. That and I’m going to check with the health food store in my town to see if they have Bragg’s ACV. I found you via Frugally Sustainable via http://lightlycrunchy.wordpress.com … so glad I did!
So glad you stopped by! I hope the deodorant works well for you. It took my body a couple of weeks to get used to it before it really started to be effective.
Just made this in less than 3 mins! I cannot wait to try it. I’ve had major issues (armpit skin peeling off and itching like crazy) with other “eco” deodorants like Tom’s and have been looking for a recipe. I’m glad I found your site!
I hope it works well for you, Julie! If you have any irritation, I would suggest switching out the cornstarch for arrowroot powder, which can be found in the organic section of most grocery stores, or at Amazon.
i also have a problem with itching with regular deodorant, so i tried a similar recipe and still have the same problem come back. i am currently a month into training my body to go deodorant free. I am finally itch free, the getting used to part is still a work in progress
love your site by the way!
Here’s a hint, Jessie, after I shave my skin is very irritated so I rub plain coconut oil on my underarms first, then rub the deodorant on. It has worked well for me. Plus, you get a wonderful coconut scent!
Any ideas to replace the lavender oil? I am allergic to lavender and I hate the smell.
Hi Karen, you could just completely omit it and put in a little more tea tree oil, but not too much because it does have a strong smell. Or if you really want to replace it, try Eucalyptus or Cedarwood or something like that. I thought about using citrus, but I’m not sure if it would irritate the skin.
Do you have to use tea tree oil? I am wondering this because I have just found out that I have a skin condition that causes rashes and scars when I use store bought brands so I have to make everything from scratch. So long story short I only had $50.00 that I could spare to get everything that I needed for everything and could only afford Sweet Orange Essential Oil. This is also the only recipe that I have found that uses ingredients that I have for the time being to get by. Thank You for your time.
I was wondering what would be a more manly replacement for the lavender oil. I am thinking of replacing my husbands commercial deodorant but he is afraid it wont smell good or manly.
Haha! I know what you mean. Sure, there are lots of other oils you could use. Eucalyptus or Cedarwood are both very woodsy and manly. Or you can just stick with the tea tree oil. Lavender isn’t necessary. Just add more of the tea tree oil.
ijust stumbled on this site this evening while searching something else…and, the funny thing is…i bought some of your deoderant today at a yard sale…the lady had made some and put it into small containers to sell…i bought it and used it for the first time this afternoon after a day of gardening…we went out for dinner and i smell fabulous…love the lavendar and tea tree…no residue on my clothes, nothing clumping or gathering in my pits, and no BO…i love it already and will make my own from now on…(probably can make a whole batch for what i paid for it at the yard sale!!)
That lady is smart to sell it, because it is SO cheap to make! Glad you found it and were courageous enough to try it. I hope you’ll like it as much as I do, and you won’t have to worry about any nasty chemicals!
Sara,
Coconut oil is like the staple oil for us Indians. We use it for cooking, moisturizing (we call it ‘oil bath,’ a weekly regimen!), and even on minor scratches and burns. I can’t tell you how much I like your idea. Thanks so much for this. Looking forward to more such amazing posts from you.
This is such a fabulous post! Can’t wait to try it, though I know it works because my friend suggested this and she is freakishly happy with your recipe
Thank you Aishwarya! So glad to hear your friend is happy with the recipe. It works very well! That’s so neat that coconut oil is so big for Indian people. I love it more every day and just ordered two more quarts of it the other day, actually!
Hi Sara,
I love your BS shampoo and ACV conditioner. I have been wanting to try out your deodorant but I live in a third world country and finding the different oils has been difficult. Would taking out the tea tree and lavender oil render it ineffective? Also how well does it work on sweat? Living on the equator make me sweat like nobody’s business.
Thanks so much!
Hi Megan! Wow, good question. To aid with the sweat protection, I might add a bit more cornstarch and play around with it. Adding more baking soda might help, too, but it can be irritating and the corn starch is not. The oils really do help with stinkiness but other essential oils could work well, too. Do you have access to any other oils? Like Sage, parsley, citrus and rosemary would work also. You could try it without the essential oils and it will work some, but I don’t think it will be nearly as effective since you live in a very hot climate :/
i love your deoderanrt recipe. it works great…better then store bought deoderant. Ii ran into two snags though–i followed your recipe but my mixture never did harden..it stayed liquidish. second snag is while it worked great i developed a wicked skin rash in the crook of my armpits. we arent talking just heat rash bumps but some serious, painful, red and swollen rashes. I am not allergic to any of the ingredients so i thought i would post this comment and see if anyone has any ideas of how to fix this…i dont want to go back to store deoderant now that i have tried thehomemade stuff that does so much better with the exception of the rash.
I had a very similar problem when I used a deodorant recipe similar to this, and my armpits not only were painful and red, but they cracked so for the longest time I couldn’t shave or use any deodorant. In the meantime I went with no deoderant for a while, but now, all I use is aloe vera gel with some tea tree oil in it. The main thing that causes BO is bacteria, and tea tree oil is antibacterial, so I just put it with the aloe vera gel to make a base for it. So far I’ve found it works pretty good, but summer will really test it out to see if it works.
Thanks for the great tip, Rebecca! You are exactly right – the B.O. smell comes from bacteria, and Tea Tree Oil and Lavender both zap bacteria. So, you were smart to create your own recipe like that. I’ve found what is irritating about this recipe is the baking soda, which does a great job of helping with perspiration. So, I never use this recipe right after shaving – I always wait for several hours or put it on the next morning if I’ve showered the night before.
Hi Jennifer! I’ve made the recipe three times and each time it has gotten much more hard, so I’m not sure what’s going on there for you. I have also had rashes with this recipe before and I included some tips in the post just at the end about how to deal with it. I’ve found it’s the baking soda that causes irritation. There are several things you can do that have worked for me: switch out the cornstarch powder for arrowroot, never put it on right after shaving (that’s when I always got a rash, so now I wait till the next morning), cut back on the baking soda to a few tablespoons or so – and increase the cornstarch, lavender or tea tree oil. I hope that works for you!
I just got all the ingredients and am about to make this for the first time. I was wondering though, is it 1/4 “cup” of cornstarch or arrowroot or is it supposed to be in spoon measurement?
Yes! Sorry about that error. I’ll fix it in the post. It’s a cup.
Thanks, Sara {:O)
Hi Sara,
I’ve been wanting to make deodorant for a while now, for my mom and I, but all the recipes I’ve found have coconut oil in them and we’re both allergic to it. Is there a good replacement for it?
Hmm, a replacement for coconut oil might be cocoa butter. Are you allergic to that?
Hi, Sara!
I made this a week ago and have come back to ask for help. First I’d like to give a little info on what led me here.
Over the last few years, I’ve been getting more and more serious about natural alternatives as a way of living. About a year ago, or so, I had tried using just baking soda as a deodorant. My grandmother told me it’s what they used in her day and she’s always given me great natural alternatives to just about everything. It burned like the dickens!! Accompanied by a rash. Being persistent in my search for a natural alternative, I stumbled upon your page. I figured maybe my reaction had to do with the fact that I used the baking soda alone and perhaps it would be better with ingredients that helped sooth. I made it a week ago and ended up having the same reaction. I was so bummed. I really like the scent and the idea that I found natural, homemade deodorant.
I’m a stubborn gal and didn’t give up. I thought that I’d try one more thing. I applied some of my sweet almond oil before getting out of the shower, hoping to sort of “coat” my armpits as this is a tender area, and then apply the homemade deodorant about 20 minutes out of the shower. Once again, I was pretty bummed. Although the reaction wasn’t as bad, it was there non-the-less and it was enough to make me realize I need to find another solution. Having kept in mind that both the almond oil and coconut oil are soothing, what else could I do? I had read somewhere that using Arrowroot powder can possibly be less harsh than cornstarch, but that didn’t seem to solve the problem in my mind as it’s the baking soda that seems to be my problem. More oils, less powders? Isn’t baking soda the active ingredient in all these recipes? If so, then I would have to figure out a way to use it, successfully, or go back to harsh, non-natural deodorants. Boo!! Hiss!!
Now, having said all that … I have used baking soda on my hair. Your recipe, as a matter of fact. I have no problem at all with baking soda on my body except for the armpits. I truly do not understand, but have a feeling I’m not alone. So, is there something I can do? Is the baking soda the active ingredient?
Any help is very much appreciated.
No worries, Cindee, many others of us have had issues with the baking soda. If I shave, I find I have to wait half a day to apply it after shaving. And those days I apply pure coconut oil to my armpits instead of deodorant. Coconut oil has some antibacterial properties in it and I’ve had success using it. The days when I don’t shave the deodorant doesn’t irritate me at all. So, are you applying the deodorant right after shaving? If so, I bet that’s the problem. If you’re not shaving and it’s still bothering you, then I’d decrease the baking soda, add more cornstarch or arrowroot and more coconut oil. It will be an experiment to create the right formula just for you, so I’d make small amounts and try it. Baking soda is the active ingredient for keeping perspiration at bay – it absorbs moisture.
I’m tellin’ ya…you hit the nail on the head when you talked about your pits…I have the same issue and nothing helps! I’ve even gone to a dermatologist, and they told me to soak in a bath of bleach and water!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU CRAZY???!! I think I was…cuz I tried it. I was desperate! Anyway, thanks for posting. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Oh wow, seriously? A bath with bleach in it? Why did your doctor suggest that? That’s totally absurd. Best of luck with this recipe!
Thanks for the recipe made it today minus the lavender. Mine turned out like the last photo. It was never like the more moist picture above. I hope it doesn’t turn too hard after a few hours. Love the smell of tea tree.
Hi Sheryl! If the deodorant does get a little hard, just add more coconut oil. I’ve had to do that on occasion and it didn’t change it’s effectiveness at all.
Thanks for this recipe! Can we substitute the cornstarch with cornflour though? Cos I’m currently out of cornstarch. Thanks again!
No, not really. Cornstarch and cornflour are totally different. The only substitute I know of for cornstarch is arrowroot powder. Sorry! It is really easy to find in the grocery store, though.
Okay. Thanks Sara! Your website is amazing, by the way! I’ve been trying out so many of your homemade products, and I’ve been recommending it to my friends and family as well!
Aw, thanks so much for the love, Shay! Glad you like it here
.
Hi Sara,
I made this after my mom alerted me to your site.. I LOVE IT!! I used everything you said, and I just went to our local health food store and got all the goods. I had used refined coconut oil in the past, but never the unrefined. Dear Lord, the smell of that coconut oil is intoxicating! I’ve been eating it
Anyway, I love the smell of the deodorant.. the coconutty, Lavender/Tea Tree clean-ness is perfect! I just need to empty one of my Degree deodorants out to make room for this goodness. I’m in the process of emptying a big ol’ lotion tub out to make your homemade body lotion too.
Keep up the awesome recipes!
Hi Miranda! I’m so glad all those recipes worked well for you. I love the deodorant, too, and have yet to switch back to store-bought since! Glad to have a new “friend” of the blog!
Keep in mind that after you shave your skin is very sensitive. You are supposed to wait at least 15 minutes after shaving under the arms before adding any topical (deodorant) to you. Otherwise you can clog up your pores and get very bumpy what otherwise is supposed to be smooth, I mean hello that’s why we shave there.
I can’t wait to try this, thanks for your great site and info…
Hi there, tried making this, and my pits are burning, angry and irritated. I think it may be the baking soda and arrowroot, as well as corn starch. I also tried a different recipe that used BS, and it did the same thing… what is a good substitute? I never thought of my skin as sensitive, but I guess I have it. Suggestions?
Hi Emily! Anything that happens to me it’s right after I shave, so now I apply straight coconut oil right after shaving and use the deodorant several hours later, or even the next morning since I almost always shower at night. I agree with you that it’s the baking soda and I do not know of a single good substitute except maybe probiotic powder. I’m not sure if it’ll work as well as I haven’t tried it, but I should! Corn starch is actually very healing to the skin, so I really don’t think that’s what’s irritating you. The other thing I’ve tried is to reduce the amount of baking soda and increase the coconut oil.
Hi Sara,
Thank you!! I love this deodorant! I’ve been using it for 3 days now, worked out 2 of those 3 days (with no nasty BO! I did reapply it at night and before my workout), and I love it! It did burn right after shaving, but your suggestion of using coconut oil first did the trick! (I only waited about 20 minutes). I’ve been searching for years for a good natural deodorant to no avail…. that was the last non-natural product left in my house! Thank you!
I also tried the apple cider vinegar conditioner on my thick curly hair, and a big thumbs up on that, too! It almost seems like the curls are curlier!
Thank you, Sara! Great stuff!
Hi Denise! Great to hear the coconut oil application worked for you. I only know what works for me, so it’s nice to hear from others! My hair has definitley gotten curlier since using baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Did you see my post on how I care for my curls? It has transformed my hair!
I made this up about a month ago and couldnt be happier! Coconut Oil is my new found love and this deodorant made me a believer in its amazing powers! I spent years switching deodorants every few weeks because they would work for a few weeks and then that wonderful intitial scent would leave and the musty pit/deodorant combo smell would take over and leave me and every shirt I wore smelling that way! This never loses its potency and I never smell anything under my pits or shirts other than lavender and CLEAN!!!!! This stuff works! Im sold and wont be going back to nasty commercial deodorant EVER!!!!!!
I’m chuffed to bits with this stuff, it’s excellent! I’ve been using salt rock deodorant for a number of years now as many other natural ones I’d tried from companies like Tom’s of Maine & Lush left my pits really dry & peeling – not pleasant! Thought I’d give this a go though as it looked really simple & yet another great use for coconut oil. Really pleased with it! No dryness or sweaty odours, I cycle to work & back 3 days a week & still get home smelling fresh. I used arrowroot instead of cornflour & added patchouli & lemon to the lavender & tea tree, & it’s yummy. Think I might try pouring the mixture into a mould to set next time so it’s more like a Lush-style solid deodorant bar x
I just wanted to say how happy I am to find a natural deodorant that keeps me from smelling my own B.O. !!!!
I have tried many different deodorants at the health food store by recommendations of others. They each would swear that this new deodorant would work for me because it worked for them. But it did not work for me. So I have gone back to store bought brands with Aluminum in them. YUCK!!!
Last week I made up a batch of deodorant from your website I was in awe! I have had my husband and other friends smelling me just to show them how awesome this stuff is! Thank you Thank you again:)
Hi Jamie! LOL! I’m just picturing your friends and husband being subjected to smelling your armpits – that shows you must have quite a personality!
I’m so glad this recipe worked for you! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave such a kind comment!
Do you have any clue what other oil you can use for this recipe? I live in a 3rd world country and we a)Don’t get coconut oil at all and b) if we would get it at any supermarket it would be more expensive than the price in US.
Thank you!
Sure, you could use any other carrier oil you like, it’ll just be more liquidy because coconut oil is solid below room temperature. May I ask where you live? Just curious! Another idea is to use more shea butter. Cocoa butter would also work, but I imagine that’s also hard to find.
I made homemade deoderant with the arrowroot then with cornstarch. Each time my armpits became irritated. Could I make it without baking soda and it still work? Have you heard of anyone sensitive to baking soda? I do have sensitive skin.
Hi Sue! Yes, it is the baking soda that is irritating you. It does the same to me if I apply it right after shaving. Is that when you are irritated, or is it anytime? I suggest decreasing the amount of baking soda and adding more cornstarch/arrowroot powder. Another idea is to apply coconut oil right after shaving, then apply the deodorant a few hours later. I’ve had success with that.
I totally love this deodorant! It works better than any I have ever used! I even wore it to the beach today and it passed the test. I am never buying deodorant again. I hate chemicals and I am trying everything on your site. Thanks for giving people an alternative.