Deodorant. Most of us can’t live without it…. 😉
Unfortunately, most deodorants on the market are made with toxin ingredients that are hazardous to our health. A common ingredient used in most antiperspirants is aluminum, which has been linked to breast cancer and has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Coconut oil is a wonderful product to use as a base for deodorant because it kills fungi, yeast and bacteria. Baking soda helps to neutralize odor, the arrowroot powder helps to absorb moisture and the added essential oils are also anti-bacterial.
Coconut Oil Deodorant
Ingredients:
- 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda
- 1/4 Cup of Arrowroot Powder
- 4 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, Soft (room temperature)
- 1/4 tsp essential oils
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together until combined.
- Store in an air tight container.
- You can melt and pour the deodorant into empty deodorant containers.
- If you have sensitive skin you will want to cut the baking soda down to 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder.
- ¼ Cup of Baking Soda
- ¼ Cup of Arrowroot Powder
- 4 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, Soft (room temperature)
- ¼ tsp Essential Oils
- Mix all ingredients together until combined.
- Store in an air tight container.
- You can melt and pour the deodorant into empty deodorant containers.
- If you have sensitive skin you will want to cut the baking soda down to 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder.
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Or can you replace the arrowroot powder with cornstarch?
Yes!
Do you need the arrowroot powder and the essential oil?
The essential oils are optional but you need to use a starch with the baking soda. Arrowroot or cornstarch work best.
thank you for sharing the great recipes –
Researcher, Dr. Pendleton, whose data pointed to an association between aluminum use and Alzheimer’s has retracted his statements as no one had been able to replicate his work. He stands by his data but it has to be replicable in order to be considered valid. In other words it’s not a good idea to say aluminum causes Alzheimer’s. Thanks. bb
“…aluminum, which has been linked to breast cancer and has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
There is no mention of a cause, only that there has been research saying it could be associated somehow. There’s nothing wrong with letting people know that. For some, the possibility alone is enough to avoid it. It’s up to the reader to do their own research and decide for themselves. I choose to avoid it, but to each his own!
4 Tablespoons equals 1/4 cup so its interesting that you made the coconut oil measurement different than the baking soda and arrowroot powder.
To Victoria. Possibly Bc easier for some to cut back the baking soda using Tbl. In place of Cup measurement.❓ 😀
I have used cornstarch in my deodorant as well.. have not used arrowroot… can I add cornstarch to this recipe, if so how much do you suggest and will I need to increase my coconut oil?
I’m wondering how others have dealt with the foul smelling, old coconut smell that eventually builds up in the armpit of clothes? I love natural deodorant, but eventually it ends up ruining my clothing, so I’m wondering how others deal with this issue.
I’ve made this deodorant several times and it works great. The problem is that I don’t need to make it very often so I can’t quite remember how I make it. I made a batch last night and it’s as hard as a rock. Harder than it’s ever been. Did I do something wrong? I used refined co. Should I have used unrefined? Would that make a difference? It melts with the warmth of my fingertips but usually I can get a little pea sized glob on my fingers and I cannot this time around. I prefer the other consistency. Thanks.
I love how this works, but, I get really itchy bumps under my arms. Is there a way to fix that? Thanks!!
A lot of people are sensitive to baking soda and that’s where the itching and redness may come from. Cut back and the soda and add more arrowroot or cornstarch
This is cool. I’m starting learn about all the nasty stuff people put in our everyday items and wondering why.
I will for sure be trying this. And I love everyone else’s comments so I know what to kind of expect, even though every woman is different. But I’m ecstatic. I know my man will be too.
Thank you so much for this and your article on 100 uses for coconut oil. I’ll enjoy trying it with EVERYTHIG.
Cheers, Hannah
I’ve just made my 3rd batch from this recipe. Could not find affordable arrowroot powder so I bought unmodified organic potato starch instead. I also used whatever oil I had on hand (morning glory). At first I had no problems and no odor! However, I discovered that if I shaved too close/hard it would burn when using this deodorant. So I learned to use coconut oil and go easier when shaving and no more burning! I’m looking forward to trying the addition of beeswax and shea butter to help with hardening. In the winter I put this in one of my used deodorant containers and it worked great. Summer is different… I keep it in a minced garlic jar. Using two fingers you do have to rub it in/around a bit so all spreads evenly without beads, etc. Twice a day, once in morning and then after work when changing to do gardening/housework. 🙂
Could you please tell me where I can find arrowroot powder. All I can find is arrowroot flour. Thank you
As far as I know, arrowroot flour is the same thing as arrowroot powder. I used arrowroot flour and it worked perfectly. It wasn’t that expensive either. I bought it at a bulk store.
Target has the Bob’s Red Mill brand.
I noticed a couple of people were having problems with irritated skin. I don’t think it’s necessarily the baking soda, but because you’re sweati g so much. I’ve had that happen also, but only when it gets very hot. One person mentioned using a lot of sage essential oil as it works as an anti-perspirant. Would that be correct?
I’ve been having issues with armpit odor for a very long time. I’ve recently discovered baking soda helps, i used it for a few weeks bc it was giving me such a bad rash that I had to stop (it was working too). I then finally started using coconut oil by itself and it works wonderfully too, just hate that it’s always so oily and the odor comes back after a long day. I even tried mixing some baking soda with the coconut oil but that was no help either. I tried going back to using baking soda recently and instead of giving me a rash it leaves my armpit super dark and leathery feeling. I want to continue using baking soda bc it’s the only thing that really helps but I can’t have my skin all leathery. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance.
I’m glad that I run into your posting. I’m very frustrated because after using very small amounts of baking soda as
Deorant, I cannot continue with the skin rash and thickening of the uderarm
skin. It is the only thing that has worked foe me. I’m sad because I had to go back to the regular deodorant that I thought will never use again. Did you find a solution to your problem? I’m afraid to try the coconut oil deodorant because it might stain my clothes. Sad and frustrated.
I made so last night and used it today. It is keeping the order down but the Arrowroot and soda are in balls under my arm. Do ya’ll heat this up to dissolve them?
Okay, so I’m somewhat new to the whole DIY natural scene, but am totally jumping in as best I can! So, I made this deodorant, added some grapefruit & tea tree EOs, & have been using it for a week now. So far, no BO whatsoever! I’ve also noticed, which may sound weird, but my skin tone in my armpits are evening out. They used to have kind of red splotches in them that I just figured was irritation from shaving or whatever, & they are totally going away!
However, I do have a question. I am sweating more (but with no smell!) since there’s no antiperspirant (from what I understand), is there something that can be added to help cut down on the sweating? Thanks so much & I am SO enjoying all the wonderful things I’m finding on your site! Thank you for putting in the effort & sharing it with us!
Can l mix coconut oil with coco butter.
Never tried coconut oil deodorant. Anyone here have experience with Lavilin? It’s been recommended to me by my dermatologist, but I don’t know much about it.
I have tried the Lavilin, I got the “sport” version. While it smelled great at first, it doesn’t seem to last that long for me. I also noticed I was getting itchy from it, i stopped using it and went back to my regular. I am still searching for a better option.
I’ve used Lavalin and it’s a good product, all natural. It has a very pleasant smell not overpowering in any way, but it does have some cons. It’s quite expensive for such a small container and following the instructions to apply weekly, may only last about a month. Secondly, if you don’t apply it before bedtime and wash it off in the morning as directed, it can block your sweat glands and cause painful lumps. Since I’ve found this recipe; this is what I use, it works great for me. The greatest expense being refined coconut oil but coconut oil has so many uses that I consider the cost to be negligible.
I make my own using = parts of baking soda and cornstarch and several drops of lavender essential oil. It works GREAT. So great that the measurements don’t have to be exact. But the essential oil is the key. You NEED to include an antibacterial essential oil. I tried it w/o the lavender and I stunk. 🙁
Does anyone know if you could substitute the corn starch for tapioca starch?
Regarding the recipe, 4 tablespoons equal 1/4 cup, FYI.
Can I not use baking soda??? Cuz I had a bad skin irritating reaction to my pits!
This deodorant works great! Much better than the store bought products.
I have been using this for the last 2 years and love it. I use it with cornstarch and baking soda and only once did I have trouble with a break out but I used too much cornstarch in that batch.
I mix it together and when it is the consistency of paste I spoon it into an old deodorant container and leave it in the refrigerator so it stays solid. It is weird to go to the refrigerator to put on my deodorant but well worth it.
I will never go back to chemicals again.
Does this deodorant stains your clothes?
what is the purpose of the tea tree oil? can you add a different oil? which ones?
Tea tree oil kills all the yucky stuff and smells really good. It’s good for getting rid of warts and other infections so I suppose that is why she suggested it instead of a different one.
I made a mix and put it into a jar, it hardened and then I decided it would be hard enough to go into an old deodorant container, so I melted it the microwave… probably too long. When I took it out it was foaming. So, I’m wondering if I’ve deactivated the baking soda and if it’s a waste of time to use this mixture as deodorant and I should chuck it out and start again.
What do you think?
It should be alright. Even if the baking soda was foaming up, the properties are still there. Baking soda foams up when mixed with very hot liquids (like boiling water), but is still able to clean and deodorize properly. Take care 🙂
Keep the coconut butter/oil out of microwave. MWing changes the chemical make-up ;(
It does the same thing to food.
OMG! This really works! I already had a big tub of organic extra virgin coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch, and a wee bit of lavender oil. After years of using Secret Clinical strength, I decided to give this a try. I expected to stink and go back to the chemicals. I had previously tried a deodorant crystal with disappointing results. But it’s been almost two weeks, and no B.O.! When I shave my pits, I rub them with just plain coconut oil, and 12 hours later apply some of the mixture. (I apply twice daily.) And it’s so economical. This mixture will last a long time. I put it in a small wide-mouth mason jar, so that when I travel, and if/when it gets liquidy, it won’t leak everywhere. Same with plain coconut oil for moisturizing.
I just put a few drops of Lavender oil on a cotton ball and wipe under my arms. Works great for me. It’s also easy to store a small bottle in the cabinet. I’ve never had a problem with the Lavender oil causing skin irritations. Your results may vary.
I purchased natural deodorant made with those ingredients and it seems I’m allergic to the arrowroot powder! I make most of my own hygiene/beauty products and use coconut oil, baking soda, and EO’s all the time with no issues whatsoever…but if I use the deodorant (which I LOVE – works and smells GREAT) I break out after a few days. It goes away if I stop using it and go back to my old Degree.
What should/could be used to replace the arrowroot and has anyone else heard of/experienced this? I saw some people suggested cornstarch but are there other suggestion?
Thanks!
I must have really sensitive skin I’m looking for a receipe without baking soda it burns my skin, any suggestions. Thx
I’ve been using this and it’s great! but I started to notice my under arms became VERY DARK 🙁 plus it became very itchy (especially on my left armpit but my right is just fine no darkness, no itchiness).
I wonder if anyone else has experienced this??? And is there a solution I can do to get rid of the darkness that occurred???
Suggestions, anyone please….
Did you use cornstarch? This happened to me while I was pregnant, it turned out to be a yeast infection. Because I was using a natural deodorant, I was sweating more… more sweat = thriving conditions for yeast, and cornstarch = food for yeast. Not pleasant. I would recommend just using arrowroot, baking soda, coconut oil, and maybe tea tree and LOTS of sage essential oil, like 50 drops. The sage is an antiperspirant, if that was an issue you were having as well. You may need to get an OTC cream to apply under your arms to get rid of the infection. Of course I am not a doctor, so you may want to talk to yours before proceeding… I just had a similar experience and thought I may tell my tale. Good luck!
Would this work in the container that has the top with little holes in it?
Good question Carla! Yes it would work so long as it’s not too cold where you store it 🙂
My concern with the coconut oil is if it will leave an oil spot on clothing?
Yes it will, but mostly on tighter shirts and t shirts. i use mild natural dish washing detergent before the wash on those stains. It is one step extra when doing laundry, but it pays off from the health point of view.
Im really excited to try this! Thanks!
Fabulous recipe, thanks can I suggest adding a little Grapefruit oil too as it “eats” odors and has other antioxidant and beneficial properties for skin.
Love this idea! I have bentonite clay that I will substitute for some of the baking soda. Detox deo! I think I’ll have some fun with my eos too. Maybe make a manly one for my hunny with frankincense, clove, orange and cedar or eucalyptus. I think I’ll use geranium and lavender, maybe some ylang… Oh this is going to be fun!
I’m wondering about the cornstarch as well.?
its the baking soda!! breaks my pits out. I have to greatly reduce the amount used. I do mostly corn starch, little baking soda, little extra coconut. I do use the shea and beeswax. As for essentials I generally add lav, mel, very few rosemary.
Totally making this! Thanks!
i use cornstarch in it all the time. i’ve had no issues with it. just don’t use immediately after shaving
Thanks for the reply. Why not after shaving? Is the cornstarch irritating?
Will this hold shape?
It’s good for cooler weather and colder climates (works great in Canadian winters) but will melt and liquefy when it gets hot (currently in a heat wave).
You can add 1 tbs of beeswax to this to make it more solid, but it will still be quite soft in heat. If you want a really solid deo use at least 2 tbs, but if you use too much it will be difficult to apply. Take care and good luck 🙂
Thanks, I wanted to make deodorant, but didn’t find those containers anywhere. Probably just didn’t use the word “container” when looked for it 😀 Thank you for the recipe:)
I have a similar recipe and it’s great, but I need to tweak it a bit more to keep the “odor” away. I’ll be adding beeswax to see it it also helps.
Would adding a little wax to this to help it have a more solid state still be effective?
I’ve made salves with beeswax and oil and it really helps. Your can gently melt it on a double boiler with the Coconut oil then add everything else and even pour it into an old deodorant tube that you’ve boiled clean. Just make sure it has a solid bottom or you’ll have a mess!
I am wondering if anyone knows if aluminum in baking soda is the same aluminum in reg deo.?
Aluminum is in baking powder, not baking soda. You can use baking soda and cream of tartar to make non-aluminum baking powder.
what is measurement on that mix
I have a recipe to make baking powder that instructs to use 2 parts cream of tartar with one part baking soda.
You can also purchase non-aluminum baking powder. It is clearly stated on the label.
I added 1 more tablespoon on Beeswax and reduced the coconut oil by 1/8 cup and added 1/8 cup shea butter it keeps it nice and solid. I was having trouble with it melting to with the warm weather. Works great with this change.