Sweating is the body’s natural way of eliminating waste, making it essential to allow this process to occur. However, when it comes to our underarms, most of us rely on deodorants to prevent unpleasant odours.
While effective, commercial deodorants can sometimes come with unwanted side effects, prompting many people to explore alternatives.
Homemade deodorants offer a natural solution, giving you complete control over the ingredients you apply to your skin. By crafting your own, you can avoid harsh chemicals, tailor formulas to suit your needs, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Curious about how to make your own deodorant? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, taking a look at the key ingredients and their benefits, so you can create a product that works perfectly for you.
In This Article
Homemade deodorant recipes
With baking soda
You can easily make your own homemade deodorant using just a few natural ingredients: baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil.
While some people prefer to melt the ingredients together using a heat-safe glass jar in a bowl of boiling water, this method can result in a mixture that feels overly oily, even if frozen to solidify it.
Fortunately, melting isn’t necessary, simply mixing the ingredients thoroughly will give you great results. Here’s a breakdown of why each ingredient works and a simple recipe to try.
Why These Ingredients Work
Baking soda
Baking soda is a common household ingredient that you most likely already have at home. When added to your homemade deodorant, it helps to neutralise odour-causing bacteria and absorb moisture, making it a great choice for those looking for long-lasting odour protection.
Arrowroot powder
Arrowroot powder absorbs moisture and contributes to the smooth texture of your deodorant, ensuring it applies easily and feels comfortable on the skin.
Castor oil
Castor oil is another great addition to homemade deodorants due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also helps to moisturise and soften the skin, making it a great all-around ingredient for a homemade deodorant.
Essential oil
Essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Plus, they add a lovely scent to your deodorant without the use of synthetic fragrances.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons castor oil
- 5–10 drops of your favourite essential oil (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or lemon)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and arrowroot powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add the castor oil and use a spoon or your hands to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Add the essential oil and mix again to incorporate.
- Transfer the mixture to a small, clean jar or a deodorant container for easy use.
- Store in a cool, dry place. If your home is warm, you may want to refrigerate it to maintain a solid consistency.
Tips
- If you have sensitive skin, reduce the amount of baking soda and increase the arrowroot powder to avoid irritation.
- Experiment with different essential oils to create a scent you love.
With lemon juice
Lemon juice is a highly effective natural ingredient for combating odors. Its natural acidity helps kill odor-causing bacteria, leaving you feeling fresh. However, lemon juice can be irritating to some, especially for those with sensitive skin. It’s important to use it cautiously to avoid irritation or chemical burns.
How to Use Lemon Juice Safely
- Spray Method: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle, dilute it with a small amount of water if needed, and spritz lightly onto your underarms.
- Direct Application: Cut a lemon in half and gently rub it on your underarms.
Important Tips for Safe Use
- To minimise the risk of irritation or chemical burns, apply lemon juice for a short time, no longer than 5 minutes.
- Rinse it off thoroughly during your shower to prevent prolonged contact with the skin.
- Follow up with a cooling and soothing DIY deodorant, such as one made with coconut oil and essential oils, to moisturize and protect the skin.
Lemon juice can be a great occasional addition to your natural deodorant routine, especially if you’re seeking a simple way to combat odours. Just remember to prioritise skin health and avoid using it on broken or freshly shaved skin.
With coconut oil
You can also make your own deodorant at home using baking soda, coconut oil, cornstarch and essential oils. Here’s why these ingredients work so well together and a step-by-step recipe to try at home.
Why These Ingredients Work
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is not only moisturising and soothing for the skin, but it also has antimicrobial properties that can help to combat odour-causing bacteria. Plus, its creamy texture helps to bind all of the other ingredients together.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps absorb moisture, reducing underarm wetness. It also contributes to the smooth, lightweight texture of the deodorant.
Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralises odour-causing bacteria, keeping you fresh throughout the day. It’s a staple in many natural deodorant recipes because of its powerful odour-fighting abilities.
Essential Oils
Essential oils not only provide a pleasant natural scent but also offer antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Popular choices include lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (softened, not melted)
- 5–10 drops of essential oil of your choice
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the baking soda and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add the softened coconut oil and stir until the mixture forms a smooth, creamy paste.
- Add your chosen essential oil and mix well to incorporate.
- Transfer the mixture to a small jar or an empty deodorant container.
- Store in a cool, dry place. If your home is warm, refrigerate the deodorant to maintain a solid consistency.
Note on Customisation
- Coconut Oil Sensitivity: If coconut oil causes irritation or armpit acne, you can substitute it with castor oil, which is similarly moisturising and antibacterial.
- Lemon Juice Alternative: For those who prefer a non-oily option, lemon juice can be used sparingly (apply for no more than 5 minutes before rinsing off). However, lemon juice can be irritating, so it’s best to test a small patch of skin first.
- Skin Sensitivities: If you have very sensitive skin, reduce the amount of baking soda, as it can be abrasive for some people.
Related Posts
Roll-on homemade deodorant
A roll-on deodorant is an easy and refreshing alternative to store-bought options. This recipe combines soothing, hydrating, and antibacterial ingredients to keep your underarms fresh and healthy. It is gentle, effective, and free of harsh chemicals, making it perfect for daily use. Here’s why these ingredients work and how to make your own.
Why These Ingredients Work
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a popular ingredient in many natural deodorants because of its soothing and moisturising properties. It helps to keep your underarms hydrated and can also help to soothe any irritation caused by shaving. Additionally, aloe vera gel has antibacterial properties that can help to kill odour-causing bacteria.
Rosewater
Rosewater is known for its pleasant scent and its ability to help balance the pH of the skin. Its natural antiseptic properties can help to keep your underarms feeling fresh and clean. Plus, the gentle floral scent is a great natural alternative to synthetic fragrances.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It’s also a great moisturiser, helping to keep your underarms soft and smooth. Vitamin E can also help to improve the overall health of your skin, reducing the likelihood of irritation and inflammation.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is a popular choice for natural deodorants because of its fresh and invigorating scent. It also has antibacterial properties that can help to keep odour-causing bacteria at bay. The light citrus scent is a great way to keep your underarms smelling fresh all day long.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons rosewater
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (or the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule)
- 5–8 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the aloe vera gel and rosewater. Stir until fully blended.
- Add the vitamin E oil and mix well to incorporate.
- Add the lemon essential oil and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the mixture into a clean roll-on deodorant bottle or a small spray bottle for easy application.
- Shake well before each use to keep the ingredients mixed.
Tips for Best Results
- Customisation: If you prefer a different scent, substitute lemon essential oil with lavender, tea tree, or peppermint essential oil.
- Skin Sensitivity: Test a small amount on your skin before full application to ensure no irritation occurs.
- Storage: Keep the deodorant in a cool, dry place. If using fresh aloe vera gel, refrigerate and use within two weeks.
Homemade deodorant spray
A deodorant spray is a convenient, lightweight option for staying fresh. You can make your own deodorant spray at home using apple cider vinegar, distilled water, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. This recipe uses natural ingredients with antibacterial and soothing properties to help keep odour at bay without harsh chemicals.
Why These Ingredients Work
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties, making it a great ingredient for combating odour-causing bacteria. It also helps to balance the pH of your skin, reducing the likelihood of developing body odour. Additionally, apple cider vinegar has a mild acidity, which can help to inhibit the growth of bacteria
Distilled water
Distilled water is used to dilute the other ingredients and create a sprayable consistency for the deodorant. It is important to use distilled water in your homemade deodorant as tap water can contain impurities that may irritate the skin or cause the deodorant to spoil more quickly.
Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil has a refreshing scent and antibacterial properties. It has a clean, citrusy aroma that can help to mask odours while also fighting off bacteria. Additionally, lemongrass oil is known for its skin-soothing properties, making it a great addition to homemade deodorants.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil has a calming, floral scent that can help to relax the mind and body. In addition to its pleasant aroma, lavender oil also has antibacterial properties that can help to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is known for its ability to kill bacteria and fungi, making it an effective ingredient for combating body odour. Additionally, tea tree oil has a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, making it a refreshing addition to homemade deodorants.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine the apple cider vinegar and distilled water in a small mixing bowl or directly in a clean spray bottle.
- Add the lemongrass, tea tree, and lavender essential oils.
- Secure the lid and shake well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Test a small amount on your skin to ensure no irritation occurs.
- Store in a cool, dark place and shake well before each use to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.
Tips for Best Use
- Application: Spray lightly onto clean, dry underarms and allow it to dry before dressing.
- Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, consider diluting the apple cider vinegar further or reducing the number of essential oil drops.
- Customisation: Feel free to experiment with other essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or orange to create a personalised scent.
By experimenting with these ingredients, you can create a deodorant that is perfectly suited to your skin type and preferences.
