How To Make Deodorant at Home

Are you looking for an alternative to the standard plastic tube of deodorant? Are you tired of deodorant that doesn’t work for you or that irritates your skin? Do you have concerns about the chemicals present in conventional deodorants and antiperspirants?

Whether you’re new to making your own skincare products or a seasoned veteran, it’s easy to make your own deodorant at home. All you need are a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have laying around. You can store your homemade deodorant in a small glass jar, or upcycle an empty skincare container.

I’ve been making my own deodorant at home for a few years now. Not only do I find it more effective than most store-bought kinds, it lasts longer, and I feel better knowing that I’m not sending yet another plastic tube into the landfill. In this article you’ll not only learn how to make your own deodorant, but also why doing so is better for your body and the planet.

Why make your own deodorant?

Whether or not you’re into DIY projects, you might be wondering whether it’s even worth trying to make your own deodorant at home. After all, deodorant isn’t that expensive. On average, a tube of deodorant costs the U.S. consumer about $4.62.

Unfortunately, there are costs that go way beyond the price tag, from environmental costs such as production and pollution to health risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Luckily, DIY deodorant is not only better for the environment and your health, but it can cost you close to nothing in the long run!

The environmental cost of standard deodorant

There are massive environmental costs to many of our health and skincare products, even ones that are greenwashed as “all-natural.” In fact, “natural” is an unregulated term often used in skincare that suggests the use of ingredients derived from nature, i.e. plants and/or animals. Without regulation, however, it’s important to know exactly what ingredients are present in the products that you buy (let alone where they came from).

However, there’s a larger environmental cost to skincare products that’s often overlooked: the sourcing and production of said products, and the pollution they cause throughout their life cycle. Many skincare products come in plastic containers that are either non-recyclable by nature, or are failed to be properly recycled. Not to mention, many skincare products have a relatively short life cycle, resulting in faster landfill pollution.

Additionally, there’s a waste problem that goes beyond packaging to product testers and stores or warehouses throwing away (aka sending to the landfill) unused or expired products. Standard deodorant doesn’t escape this cycle, as many companies package deodorant in plastic twist-up tubes that can be nearly impossible to recycle properly.

The health risks associated with standard deodorant

Most of us wouldn’t swallow something if we thought it was toxic, yet we think of our skin as a magical wall which nothing can bypass. Although it’s true that the epidermis is a protective barrier, it isn’t impermeable, and in fact some substances can enter our bloodstream through the skin.

If anything, that should make you pause to consider all of the chemicals you might be exposing yourself to on a daily basis. Many conventional deodorants and antiperspirants (technically two different products) are known to consider a handful of potentially toxic substances. These include parabens, aluminum, triclosan, phthalates, and fragrance.

All of these ingredients should be concerning because they are linked to increased risk of cancer, disruptions in hormonal activity, and changes in the microbiome. Due to such risks, many of these chemicals (such as parabens) and others are banned in the EU although they are all too common in US products.

Fortunately, many companies are starting to make the switch to making deodorants that are free from parabens and aluminum. However, this still doesn’t address the issue of sending plastic packaging to the landfill.

If you wish to continue purchasing deodorant, no shame! Keep your eye out for ones that are free from parabens and aluminum, and come in recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging.

How to make natural deodorant at home

If you’re ready to try your hand at making your own deodorant, you’re in luck, because it’s an incredibly simple process. Not only do you only need a handful of commonplace ingredients, but the whole process is only about 3 steps and can be completed in less than 5 minutes.

What you’ll need

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make about 3 ounces of homemade deodorant:

• 2 ½ tbsp coconut oil*

• 2 ½ tbsp shea butter*

• ¼ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch

• 1 ½ tbsp baking soda

• essential oils (optional, about 15-20 drops)**

*Coconut oil and shea butter are essential for combining all the ingredients into a paste that is gentle on the skin. You can use more or less of one ingredient or the other, however, coconut oil on its own is less likely to remain solid at room temperature.

**Although essential oils are not necessary, they can not only add a nice scent to your deodorant, but oils such as tea tree oil are naturally antimicrobial, which can help tackle the source of body odor.

DIY deodorant in 3 simple steps

Step 1: Set up a double boiler with a sauce pan and bowl to melt the coconut oil and shea butter together.

Step 2: Add the arrowroot powder/cornstarch, baking soda, and essential oils (optional) and stir until combined.

Step 3: Pour the warm mixture into your jar and put into the fridge for a few hours to solidify.

How to use and apply natural deodorant

Now your deodorant is ready to use!

Simply scoop a pea-sized amount of deodorant and apply it to the desired area with your hands.

I find that applying once daily (as you would with traditional deodorant) is more than enough, but you can apply as often as you feel is necessary.

If this is your first time using a “natural” deodorant, make sure to pay attention should your body react to any of the ingredients. Although uncommon, some people react to the baking soda, or even to various essential oils. 

If you notice any irritation, stop using immediately and consult a doctor if necessary. You can make a new batch without the irritating ingredient when your skin has calmed down again.

Have you used natural deodorant before? Tell us more about your experience in the comments below!