This post was most recently updated on June 1st, 2021
It has been a long time coming, but I finally have a recipe for an effective all natural deodorant for you that works really well. Actually, I have three natural deodorant recipes for you!
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One is a simple, every day deodorant that will work well for most people, the second is a stick deodorant with or without baking soda, and the third is a heavy duty natural deodorant that will calm even the toughest body odor.
Both of these recipes contain baking soda, however, if you make it and you find the baking soda is irritating your pits, you can make it a baking soda free deodorant by replacing it with more tapioca starch.
If you find this recipe useful, be sure to check out my friends at the Herbal Academy’s course on making your own wonderful skincare at home.
What is so Wrong with Commercial Deodorant?
Commercial deodorant contains a list of ingredients as long as your arm, including aluminium which has been linked to both breast cancer and Alzheimer disease.
They also contain Triclosan. Triclosan can irritate your skin and cause contact dermatitis. The FDA classifies triclosan as a pesticide, while the IARC has it listed as a possible carcinogen.
RELATED: Why I don’t use shampoo
About the Ingredients in the All Natural Deodorants
*If you are in NZ, these items are available both here and here.
Baking Soda
If you have been hanging around the crunchy/natural circle for any amount of time, you will know that baking soda fixes EVERYTHING. It is a great deodorizer.
However some people do find that it can cause a rash on sensitive skin due to its high pH.
You can use this recipe to make a natural deodorant stick without baking soda in it, if you are intolerant to the baking soda however.
Coconut Oil
If baking soda won’t fix it, then coconut oil will. Attributed with all sorts of magical properties, it is an anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal. Killing these baddies stops the stink.
It is also very moisturizing and absorbs quickly into your skin.
Diatomaceous Earth
DE is almost entirely silica, which can be quite soothing for inflamed skin. It is also an anti bacterial.
Tapioca Flour/Starch
Tapioca (or arrowroot) is a very fine, silky powder which can absorb large amounts of moisture without feeling sticky.
It is perfect to use when you are trying to make a natural deodorant that helps keep your pits dry.
Kaolin Clay
Clays are great at absorbing impurities and toxins as well as moisture. They are gentle and help make the deodorant more soothing on your skin.
You can use kaolin clay, bentonite clay or even diatomaceous earth or a combination of these as the clay in the deodorant.
Neem Oil
The stronger deodorant also includes neem oil.
Neem oil is from a tree native to India. It is a totally natural anti fungal, anti bacterial and can be used as a bug repellent. It is quite strong smelling so just a little goes a long way.
Tea Tree Oil
Also known as Melaleuca Oil, it is anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral and a perfect addition to this DIY deodorant recipe.
All Natural Simple and Effective Deodorant
You will need:
5g/.15oz Beeswax
30g/1oz Coconut oil
20g/.7oz Tapioca starch
5g/.15oz Diatomaceous Earth or one of the other clays
30g/1oz Baking soda (or more tapioca starch)
4 drops of lavender essential oil
4 drops of citronella or lemon oil
In a small pot melt the beeswax and the coconut oil over a medium heat watching the whole time (it is flammable if it gets too hot!).
Whisk in the the rest of the ingredients and pour it into a wide mouth jar while it is still hot or it will set in the pot and you will be sad. I use aluminium pots, the irony is not lost on me, but because the mixture is not reactive, you will not end up with metal in your deodorant. I like these aluminium pots.
To use, scoop out a pea sized piece and rub it on to your armpit. Repeat on the other side. Give it a little minute to soak in and then continue to get dressed.
As there is no antiperspirant in this, you may find you need to apply it more than once a day, especially if you are working hard, it is very hot or you have just swapped over to using a natural deodorant.
All Natural Simple and Effective Stick Deodorant Recipe
You will need:
15g/.45oz Beeswax
30g/1oz Coconut oil
20g/.7oz Tapioca starch
5g/.15oz Diatomaceous Earth or one of the other clays
30g/1oz Baking soda (or more tapioca starch)
4 drops of lavender essential oil
4 drops of citronella or lemon oil
With more beeswax, this recipe is suitable to pour in to cardboard tubes to use as a stick deodorant. Simply follow the above directions.
Depending on the size of your tube, this should make 1-2 tubes.
These are the stick deodorant containers that I use:
If you need to make a natural deodorant stick without baking soda, simply swap out the baking soda in this recipe for more tapioca starch, and to help combat odor causing bacteria I would suggest adding a few drops of teatree oil.
All Natural Heavy Duty Deodorant
You need:
50g/1.7oz Coconut oil
20g/.7oz Beeswax
20g/.7oz Neem oil
5g/.15oz Almond or apricot oil
20g/.7oz Tapioca starch
10g/.35oz Baking soda (or more tapioca starch)
15g/.5oz Diatomaceous Earth
10g/.35oz Kaolin clay – white clay is best, as the darker stuff can stain your clothes
20 drops of Tea tree oil
20 drops of either lavender or bergamot essential oil – or another choice that you love.
In a small pot melt the beeswax and the coconut oil over a medium heat watching the whole time (it is flammable if it gets too hot!).
Stir in the the rest of the ingredients and pour it into either a wide mouth jar or a reusable deodorant stick applicator. This mixture sets quite firm, so I prefer an applicator like this one.
Make sure you pour it while it is still hot or it will set in the pot, if it does, simply heat on a gentle heat until it is melted again.
To use simply rub on your underarms like you would with a “normal” deodorant.
Notes on Using Natural Deodorants
As these recipes do not contain any antiperspirant, you may need to re-apply it later in the day if you are really sweating.
It will take your body a time of adjustment to settle into using a natural deodorant. The length of time it lasts varies for everyone.
This is because your body has had its pit-pores blocked up for so long, they need to clear them out. You will find that your BO will be much less if you drink plenty of water and eat a clean, real food diet.
Remember to be sure to check out my friends at the Herbal Academy’s course on making your own wonderful skincare at home.
What is your favorite natural deodorant? Tell me about it in the comments below!
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