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If you’re tired of using deodorant that is full of toxins, this homemade deodorant recipe is just what you need. This all-natural DIY aluminum free deodorant recipe works amazingly, smells great and comes together in just a few minutes.
Deodorant is one of those things that no one should be without. After all, no one wants to be the girl (or guy) no one wants to be around because of smelly pits, right? For me, deodorants are something I’m quite picky about.
I don’t like store bought deodorant because I hate not knowing exactly what I’m putting on my body so when we started going greener and living more simply a few years back, I moved to learning how to make this homemade deodorant instead.
fact, this lavender scented homemade deodorant was the very first thing I made homemade when I started working on this list of things to make homemade to save money back in 2015 and I’m still making it today!
How to Make A Homemade Deodorant Recipe with Aluminum
I’ve tried a lot of homemade deodorant recipes over the last few years, but none of them were able to handle what a Texas summer can throw at it.
It ain’t pretty when the heat index outside is 112° F and you’re sitting on the side of a lake and your deodorant fails.
This homemade deodorant recipe though works incredibly well in those kinds of heats while being gentle at the same time. In fact, it’s gentle enough that both of my girls wear it as well.
That was exactly what I was looking for when I began making it; a homemade deodorant that would hold up under even the hottest Texas sun, but gentle enough not to irritate my skin.
What Ingredients Are in DIY Deodorant?
Part of the reason this lavender scented homemade deodorant works so well is because the ingredients are perfect to make a homemade deodorant with.
Beeswax is known for its skin softening qualities and in this recipe; also holds things together to form a sort of “gel.” The shea butter and coconut oil not only help moisturize dry skin, but combined they also help your homemade deodorant to glide or spread easily.
Corn starch and baking soda not only help to get rid of any odor, but they also help to absorb moisture from sweat.
Is there aluminum in baking soda?
I am not sure where this rumor began, but there is no aluminum in baking soda. Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate does not contain aluminum at all.
If you are interested, this site explains it better and in a bit more detail.
In any case, this particular homemade deodorant recipe is an aluminum free deodorant so those who are sensitive or try to avoid it can rest easy when using it.
What essential oils are in homemade deodorant?
As this deodorant is an all natural deodorant, it does contain essential oils. These oils help to boost the power of the deodorant and add their own benefits to the mixture.
Tea tree essential oil is antimicrobial so it makes sense to use it in a homemade deodorant. Odor is caused by bacteria on the skin so using an antimicrobial product can help to kill bacteria that help create odor.
Lavender essential oil is antibacterial as well which gives your tea tree oil a bit of a boost and also helps your finished product smell fresh, clean and soft. The two essential oils together create a very powerful combo for your homemade deodorant recipe.
Vitamin E Oil is used not only for its skin softening properties – seriously, try my homemade dry skin lotion recipe (Six Dollar Family) that uses it as a main ingredient! – , but also because it has a preservative effect on homemade beauty recipes. This preservative effect helps to give not just this homemade deodorant recipe, but all your DIY beauty products a longer shelf life if they are properly stored.
What Other Scents Can I Make This Deodorant With?
The batch in this post was done with a lavender scent, but you do not have to use lavender. If you’re not fond of the scent of lavender, feel free to experiment with other essential oils for scent.
For women, rose essential oil, geranium essential oil or or even peppermint essential oil are all fantastic options.
I also especially like using the Clean and Fresh essential oil blend from Simply Earth (Six Dollar Family).
You will need:
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp. shea butter
- 2 heaping Tbsp. beeswax pellets
- 3 heaping Tbsp. cornstarch
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. Vitamin E Oil
- 7 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Empty Deodorant Tubes
Homemade Deodorant Recipe
Equipment
- Empty Deodorant Containers
- Medium Saucepan
- Fork or Wire Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 2 Tbsp. Shea Butter
- 2 Tbsp. Beeswax Heaping
- 3 Tbsp. Cornstarch Heaping
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. Vitamin E Oil
- 7 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops Tea Tree (Melaluca) Essential Oil
Instructions
- Add the coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and shea butter into a medium saucepan and melt it slowly over low heat stirring often.
- After the mixture has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda and corn starch using a wire whisk
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, but no so long it thickens too much. Add the essential oils and stir to combine. Pour into empty deodorant containers and allow it to sit for 8 hours or until it is fully hardened.
Notes
- The beeswax pellets will melt slower than the other ingredients. Be sure to watch the mixture carefully and stir often so it does not burn.
- As with any recipe containing cornstarch, it will thicken as it begins to cool. While you do need to allow it to cool before adding the essential oils, do not allow it to cool enough to thicken. Doing so will make pouring impossible.
- For best results, use within 90 days and store in the fridge for long lasting shelf life. Bring to room temperature before using, however, please note that coconut oil begins to melt at around 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Just made this. Very simple and smells heavenly. Can’t wait to use it. Just did an underarm detox so waiting 24 hours before applying deodorant. Will update.
How did you do your detox?
Lex, I removed as many chemicals or things I had reactions to as possible. Then I added Dandelion Root Tea mixed with cranberry juice and tart cherry juice to my breakfast each day until I was feeling better.
Update: I have worn this natural deodorant for two days in a row. LOVE IT!
I have been using another homemade deodorant recipe that works well, but does leave grease stains in my clothes. But the proportions of coconut, beeswax, & Shea butter are different. Hoping this works AND doesn’t leave oil marks.
I find this recipe very interesting and I’m trying to get rid of commercial deodorants so this one seems a good choice. I don’t want to sound picky but… any substitute for beeswax? Thanks in advance
You could try shea or cocoa butter but I don’t believe it would firm up as well.
Q: about the Cornstarch as am anaphalactic to corn products of any kind: I saw somebody mentioned arrowroot to sub for the Baking soda- would that do for the Cornstarch as well. I had used a store-brand unscented product for many decades and they are now gone: most scented products either myself or my spouse react to so I am willing to try with your suggestion.
I’m not actually certain Kari, but arrowroot should work just fine.
Helloo
I just found your site, and am very happy. I too am in Texas. So many of these DIY projects are not suited for those of us in Texas [90F average temp]. Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely sign up for your site. Wishing you success.
Dee B. Houston,TX
Hi Dee! Glad you found us. For things such as this deodorant, I recommend keeping it in the fridge (toward the front of the fridge) for Tx temps unless you keep your a/c at 72 or below. It just helps keep it fresher longer. When you’re ready to use it, just allow it to come to room temp for a few minutes. I take mine out of the fridge when I get in the shower and by the time I’m done, it’s ready to go usually.
I can not wait to try this! I’ve been switching alot of our daily products to homemade and deodorant is something I have ben fighting with. I have not made any homemade but have been using olive oil. This has seemed to work ok but I also live in Texas and it is not cutting it for the summer heat. I saw your homemade shampoo recipe, would you happen to have anything for conditioner? T.i.a
Lizzy,
White or apple cider vinegar makes a great conditioner. Add a few drops of an essential oil you like the scent of if you want to cover the smell, but the vinegar smell will dissipate once your hair is dry (or should).
Hi Stacy love love this deodorant
Thank you
My daughter has struggled with different deodorants. It either doesn’t keep her dry or doesn’t work and she ends up stinking. But I found your deodorant. It not only works beautifully for her but my autistic son, who has huge issues with textures and scents asked for some. My husband has also asked for some. I’m quite impressed with it and we probably will never go back. Thank you so much.
Also for those wondering about the jar. I was able to pour mine in an empty deodorant tube and let it cool and it was perfect
Hi Laura!
Did you try using the cocoa butter because that’s what I have on hand as well. Just wondering how it turned out?
Thanks,
April
I have. As long as it’s solid when you to make it, you should be fine.
Hi! Could you put this in a mold? Would it be hard enough? Thanks!!
Lindsay, you most likely could. It hardens in a deodorant tube so I don’t see why a silicone mold wouldn’t work as well.
Since cancer diagnosis in 2018 I now only use organic body products. One of them deodorant I have using an organic in this cute little jar I found online. The ingrediants are the same in this recipe. I will now make my own. The one i currently use I don’t sweat, pleasant lavendar smell. I use a bamboo tiny spoon to scoop out a little bit then use finger in massage into armpit. Thanks for the recipe, I also make my own cleaning supplies and use a shampoo bar if you never try you must. I ditch all the plastic containers toxic stuff
what will happen without using beeswax?
Jeanette, the beeswax helps to thicken it. It would be watery and runny without it and not usable as a deodorant.
Hi!, I am wondering if it leaves residue or stains on clothes.
thanks
I have never had that issue Andrea.