Homemade Natural Deodorant

In this post I’m going to teach you how to make a DIY natural deodorant that actually WORKS! It’s really easy to make, not requiring you to melt a single thing or work with hot liquids.
Things are about to get a little personal here. We’re keepin’ it real today.
Let’s talk body stink for a minute.
As a mom of three little kiddos, AND being pregnant with number four, I sweat without even trying. And then there are times I actually try to sweat, like, you know, with exercise and such. And then I sweat even while I’m sleeping (maybe it’s the sweatshirt, sweatpants, fuzzy blanket, socks, and quilt…maybe).
I’m a mess.
I used to use a pretty top-notch anti-perspirant to keep things under control, but then I found out about some potential negative side effects from using aluminum based deodorants.
My beautiful sister in law first brought my attention to it back in college (she’s married to my husband’s twin, and we were roommates in college. We’re adorable like that).
She had cancer as a kid, and was very aware of some of the possible links between the aluminum found in the majority of deodorants and cancer, so she didn’t use the normal stuff. I had never even known there was another option!
So my journey to figure out a natural deodorant that worked for me began.
AND it’s been a reallllllllly long one!
Seriously.
(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but you will not be charged a penny extra! And mama, I never recommend products I don’t love or believe in. I so appreciate your support)
I have been looking and experimenting for the best natural deodorant for over 10 years now.
Some of the store-bought natural deodorants would work for a few days, but then would just seem to lose their potency.
Others never worked, but I was just hoping it was my body adjusting to the natural deodorant…but it was never my body adjusting. They just sucked.
So I started making my own. I used one I made with great success for about 2 weeks before my armpits actually started breaking out in a rash. My husband has been a trooper and has tried to switch to natural products with me, and he even broke out in a rash from it. His skin isn’t sensitive like mine, either.
Not. Good.
I finally found a store-bought natural option that really worked great for me, this Thai salt spray deodorant, but I just hated spending that much money on salt water (like, a whole $5 haha okay, I’m a cheapskate…or shall we say, frugal. Yes, that. Frugal sounds so much better).
DIY skincare is totally my thing, and I desperately wanted to be able to home-make something that worked.
Obviously you know the end of this story, because, well, I’m writing a recipe of a homemade natural deodorant right now. SO I FOUND THE ANSWER to all my sweaty, stinky, wanna-home-make problems!
This homemade natural deodorant is almost TOO easy. It seriously only has 2 main ingredients plus essential oils. Toss is in a jar (these are my favorite) Shake, shake. Boom.
Need a baking soda free deodorant? Check out this simple 2-ingredient deodorant HERE.
The only kinda weird thing about it is that this natural deodorant is powder. I’ve never used a powder before, so it was a mental adjustment. You will want to apply it with a big makeup brush (Elf sells really inexpensive brushes that are perfect for this) before you get dressed. This powder doesn’t turn your shirt pits white after you apply, but the powder can be a touch messy if you’re trying to work around clothing.

While I’m moisturizing my body in the morning, I just put my moisturizer under my armpits as well. Then I apply the powder deodorant on top, making sure I cover the area well.
Is it just me?
When I went “glamping” with my sister last weekend, she needed to borrow some of my natural deodorant (it’s ok, I borrowed her toothpaste. We all need each other). It was great to test this out on someone else’s skin before sharing this natural deodorant recipe with all of you!
I got a text that night after we had parted ways that she NEEDED this recipe for the DIY deodorant! She couldn’t believe how well it worked for her!
Um, enter ecstatic dance here!
I love it when things I’m excited about work for other people, too.
So if you want a healthier de-stinkifying option, but just haven’t found your natural deodorant soul-mate yet, give this natural deodorant a try!
And you might have everything you need in your cabinet already!

Homemade Natural Deodorant
What You Need
Small jar
Powder Brush
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
10-15 drops tea tree essential oil
10-15 drops lavender essential oil
Directions
- Combine baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils to a small jar and tighten lid
- Shake thoroughly
- That’s literally all you do
Note: shake before each use and apply powder all over armpit with an inexpensive powder brush. I also recommend applying it after a lotion like this one.
Want more homemade, natural products? Check out this post on a DIY natural sunscreen that has a bug-repellent bonus!

I’d love to know if you have found a DIY deodorant that works for you! Leave your comments below!