When we made the switch from using products that contained harmful chemicals to using natural products for our family, deodorant was at the top of the list of items to swap. Chemicals and parabens can be very harmful for your body and hormones, especially in an area with tender lymph nodes, like your armpits. This information prompted me to develop my own homemade natural deodorant recipe.
Update: We started making this deodorant back in 2012 and still use the same recipe today in 2026. The only thing we’ve changed is the type of deodorant containers, we use a round tube instead of the oval tube. There is a picture at the bottom of the post of the newer tubes we use. Here is the link to the ones we are like now: Deodorant Tubes
Key Takeaways:
- Get a tried and true recipe for all natural deodorant that actually prevents odor without aluminum or harsh chemicals.
- Learn the exact step-by-step process to make a batch at home for a fraction of the price of pre made natural deodorants.
- Find out the uses for and the benefits of each individual ingredient used in this deodorant recipe.
- Lean the items and tools you need to make this deodorant at home.
Homemade Natural Deodorant Made With Beeswax
We have tried several brands of natural deodorant with mediocre success. Nothing was really making the cut and no one wants to walk around with stinky pits. Having 4 boys, we definitely needed a deodorant recipe that worked!
I decided I would give some natural homemade deodorant recipes a t ry because nothing else seemed to be working well. It’s always exciting to try something new and to know exactly what we are putting on our bodies.
I just made a small batch the first time because I wanted to make sure it got rid of the stink worked well for us. I was so excited and after tweaking my recipe a few times, we had a winner! No more stinky pits for us!
5 simple ingredient deodorant
I use five simple, natural ingredients that I keep on hand so anytime we are running low (and risking B.O.), I can whip up a quick batch. I usually double my recipe since we have quite a few armpits around here that need it. These ingredients are easy to get and you may already have some or even all of them at home!
Tools Needed to make deodorant at home:
Measuring cups and spoons
Double boiler or pot and glass bowl/glass measuring cup to rig your own double boiler
Spoons and spatulas for mixing and scraping deodoarnt
Tubes or jars for putting deodorant in after making
How to make homemade deodorant – step by step instructions
Step 1- Place the organic virgin coconut oil in a double boiler on medium heat and let it completely melt. I don’t have an official double boiler so I just use a sauce pan and a heavy glass measuring cup. A heavy glass bowl placed over a pan also works well. Coconut oil melts quickly so this step only takes a couple of minutes.
Step 2- Add organic beeswax and allow it to melt into the coconut oil. This takes a good ten minutes or so. Sit back, relax, and maybe read some of your favorite blog posts or have a nice cup coffee or tea while waiting. (Tip: The smaller the beeswax pieces, the faster it melts)
Step 3- Once everything has melted into a liquid, stir or whisk in aluminum free baking soda (OR organic arrowroot powder if you are sensitive to baking soda or just prefer not to use it) and non gmo cornstarch to make a paste. make sure to break up any clumps of the powder while mixing. Keep the mixture over the double boiler because the wax will begin to harden and set as soon as it is removed from the stove.
Step 4- Put 10-20 drops of your favorite high quality essential oils. You can use whatever oils you like. I always use a protective blend for its anti-bacterial properties. It also help boost the immune system. Frankincense oil is my other go to oil because it has som many health benefits.
Step 5- Once all of the ingredients are mixed well, pour the paste into deodorant containers (Again, I have switched the type of container I use to a round container show in pictures below). You can purchase the containers online and then reuse them every time you make a new batch of deodorant. I have also repurposed some older empty container from store bought brands. If I have any extra paste, you can pour it into a small jar.
I place all of the containers in the fridge for 10-15 minutes so the deodorant can set up. If you don’t have a solid shelf, you may want to place the containers on a pan to keep them from falling over and leaking while the deodorant sets. When I run out of my sticks, I just melt the jar full and pour into the container. You can also just use a jar and apply with your fingertips.
This is a super simple homemade natural deodorant recipe ensures that my family is using a safe product. We have been making and using this recipe for many many years now (since 2012!) and we are still very pleased with how well it works. It’s fun to make and the kids love helping me make it. Happy, healthy, and not smelly armpits are definitely a good thing.
Uses and Benefit of Each Ingredient
Coconut oil- Natural antibacterial protection, skin hydration, and soothing relief for irritated underarms. Aids in the final deodorant product by making it apply smoothly.
Beeswax- Skin-protective, antimicrobial, and soothing to the skin. Aids in the final deodorant product by helping it maintain texture.
Corstarch- Absorbs moisture on the skin, calming for irritated skin. Aids in the final deodorant product keeping the texture smooth.
Baking soda – neutralizing odors by balancing the ph of the skin, absorbing moisture, and fighting bacteria.
OR Arrowroot powder- Provides natural moisture absorption, skin soothing, and a smooth texture without blocking pores.
Essential oils- Gives the deodorant a pleasant scent and gives you the ability to choose oils based on the medicinal propertied you want for your peronal needs.
5 Ingredient Homemade Natural Deodorant
This simple homemade deodorant recipe is all natural and uses only 5 household ingredients. It's so easy to make and it actually works!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 1 TB organic virgin coconut oil
- 3 Tablespoons or 1 oz organic beeswax
- 1/4 cup non gmo cornstarch
- 1/4 cup aluminum free baking soda (or arrowroot powder)
- 10-20 drops essential oils
Instructions
- In double boiler melt coconut oil over medium heat.
- Add beeswax to melted oil, continue to heat until wax is completely melted.
- Stir or whisk in cornstarch and baking soda (or arrowroot powder) until well blended.
- Add essential oils of choice and mix well. (optional)
- Pour mixture into empty deodorant containers or into small jar.
- Place in fridge for 10-15 minutes to set up.
Yes! This particular deodorant recipe really works! You may find that you need to reapply the deodorant if you have sweated a good deal.
No, antiperspirant helps prevent sweating but the ingredients used for that are not the healthiest option with aluminum being the most common.
This recipe only uses 5 ingredients most of which are common household items.
This can vary greatly based on the size of the container and how often it is applied. On average one person will go through a tube of deodorant in 3 months.
I started making my own deodorant at home and it works so much better. I’m using refillable roll-on bottles like these https://amzn.to/2Nq9VMc. I also waste less plastic doing this way.
I like those containers, I may try them next time. Thanks!
Hi the link u put in for the roll on deodorants is not showing up, when i click on it some kind of thermometer comes up. Do u have the correct link for those roll on containers?? Thanks
The link doesn’t take us to roll-on bottles, its some kind of gadget.
Hi can i get more abaut this
Just made the homemade deodorant and double the recipe. It came out well but a little too soft. Which is perfectly for my tin, but would prefer a bit harder for the stick application. Next time around, if I double the recipe again, what ingredient needs to be added to make it a bit more solid? Many thanks for anyone’s help.
Hi! I would add a little bit more beeswax to make it firmer.
What’s the recipe for 6 sticks
You should be able to get 5-6 sticks out of doubling this recipe.
Hi,
I tried your deodorant recipe and I have to say I absolutely love it. I also made some for my 15 year old daughter and she has no complaints. It holds up all day. Thank you so much for sharing. May God continue blessing you and your family!
Thank you so much! This recipe has worked so well for us too.
Odd question, but did you have any irritation when you first starting using this? I tried Schmidt’s all natural deodorant recently and my poor pits were bright red and inflamed! OUCH! I’ve since been using Tom’s, but it’s not working at all. I’ve stubbornly kept using it, because I don’t want to waste money. If you had no reaction at first, I may break down and make my own.
Thank you for sharing your recipe!
You may be having a sensitivity to baking soda. I’d try arrow root in place of baking soda in the recipe. 🙂
Nice tips , we all have one life so why waste it on something that is not important. Doing a daily exercise and proper diet will sure to give you a healthy living.
Could you please tell the measurements? I’d like to try it myself but lack the ability to improvise.
Hi, The recipe is already in this post. At the bottom, you’ll find all of the measurements and directions as well as a video on how it’s made. 🙂
Hi, I wanted to give this recipe a go myself and I was wondering if you ever had any problems with oil stains form to coconut oil? Thanks.
I have had problems with oil stains in the past. I solved it by adding a little Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle with a lot of water. It should be about half as dark blue as it was before you started to dilute it. I spray that on the stain and rub a little before tossing in the washing machine.
I’ve been told to add peroxide to it, but I have never needed to.
Hope this helps.
Use shea butter in place of coconut oil- viola! No oil stains! ( and it’s anti bacterial/ anti fungal and makes skin super soft!!!)
Hey, Jenna! I just wanted to pop by and say hi 🙂 I’ve never made homemade deodorant before but kind of sick of paying $6 for store bought natural deodorant. Ready to give this a try! I’m gonna do a cost breakdown and see if this works better for me in application and pocketbook. Thanks for the recipe!!
What if you don’t have the speacil boiler
I melted it down in the microwave in bursts and then mixed in the dry ingredients.
Could I potentially add in Apple Cider Vinegar to this recipe? As a bacteria fighting agent? What are your thoughts on that?
how much oil is needed 1/4 cup or 1 tsb or both im jus confused
Both, it is 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon. 🙂
Hi, thanks for the recipe! Have you tried MCT oil in place of the coconut oil?
Hi! MCT oil is coconut oil. If it is liquid form you would want to get solid coconut oil to help the deodorant be firm enough to apply.
I made this recipe and it’s hard as rock. How can this be applied.
I even left it beside stove for 10 minutes as I boiled water to see if that helps but nope..
I’m sorry you had this problem. When it turns out hard for us, it means we have added too much beeswax so I melt it down again and more coconut oil to make it softer.
Hi there! Can I use arrowroot to replace both cornstarch and baking soda?
I haven’t tried that but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. 🙂
How many standard deodorant containers can you get from this recipe? Thanks
This will make 3-4 containers.
This deodorant recipe is amazing. I usually smell like death at the end of the day. Not anymore! Thank You!!