If you’re tired of chemical-laden deodorants that don’t work and come wrapped in plastic, this DIY natural deodorant is for you. I’ve been making my own for over a decade using just 3 simple ingredients, and it’s the most effective deodorant I’ve ever used. Plus, it’s zero waste and safe for sensitive skin!
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make your own natural deodorant at home, answer common questions, and give tips to keep it soft and long-lasting.
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Check out my step-by-step tutorial below.
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How to Make DIY Natural Zero Waste Deodorant
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS for Your 3-Ingredient Natural Deodorant
- 1 tsp Bicarb Soda (or Baking Soda)
- 1 tsp Arrowroot Powder
- Fractionated Coconut Oil (liquid)*
- OPTIONAL: 1–2 drops of Essential Oil (to scent)
*VARIATION – You can use solid coconut oil, but you’ll need to melt it in the sun or a bowl of hot water first to become a liquid.
MATERIALS for Your 3-Ingredient Natural Deodorant
- Small bowl
- Teaspoon
- Small jar/container (to store your deodorant in)
💡 TIP! – Op shops are a great place to find cute little jars like the one pictured above.
There is a methodical reason behind each of the deodorant ingredients, which are all natural and vegan:
🌿 Bicarb – Raises the pH levels under your armpits to help fight bacteria and BO (body odour)
🌿 Arrowroot – Absorbs the sweat and moisture
🌿 Coconut Oil – A creamy carrier oil, which blends all of the ingredients to create a paste
🌿 Essential Oils – Adds a nice scent
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1 – Mix Bicarb & Arrowroot
Add 1 teaspoon of Bicarb Soda and 1 teaspoon of Arrowroot Powder into a small bowl and mix them together.
STEP 2 – Add Coconut Oil
Next, add a small amount of coconut oil to the powder and mix. Keep adding a few more drops of coconut oil at a time until it’s the consistency of a nice, smooth paste.
STEP 3 – Add Essential Oil (Optional)
If you want to create a nice, scented deodorant, you can add 1 – 2 drops of any Essential Oil you choose.
I often use Peppermint, which adds a strong smell without having to use too much essential oil.
STEP 4 – Store in a Small Jar or Container
Lastly, you simply spoon your freshly made DIY natural deodorant into a small jar or container for storage.
Tips for Sensitive Skin & Extra Softness
Some people find that the bicarb soda can irritate their skin, particularly after shaving.
To make a sensitive version of this DIY natural deodorant recipe, simply use LESS bicarb soda and MORE arrowroot powder until you find what works best for you.
Sensitive DIY Deodorant Recipe (example):
- 1/2 teaspoon Bicarb Soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Arrowroot Powder
- Liquid Coconut Oil (mix through small amounts until it becomes a paste)
- 1 -2 drops of Essential Oil (optional)
Natural Deodorant FAQs
How to Use Natural Deodorant Paste
The easiest way to use DIY natural deodorant paste is to put a bit on your finger and then rub it under your armpits. The coconut oil helps to smooth the paste over your skin.
If you feel like it’s a bit thick under your arms and you’re worried about getting it on your clothing, you can dab your skin with a damp washcloth to get rid of any excess.
What to Do if Your Deodorant Hardens
Over time, as the natural deodorant is sitting in its jar or container, the powders tend to settle on the bottom, with more of the coconut oil floating to the top.
You’ll find that as you start to use your zero waste deodorant paste, it can tend to get a bit harder as you work your way through the jar. This is because you end up using more of the coconut oil unless you’ve been mixing it regularly.
There are two easy ways to keep your DIY natural deodorant soft so that it doesn’t lose its ‘paste’ consistency.
How to keep your deodorant paste soft:
- If it goes hard, add a few more drops of coconut oil and mix with a teaspoon handle
- OR mix the deodorant regularly with your finger so that the oil doesn’t settle on the top
Shelf Life: How Long Will Your DIY Natural Deodorant Last?
The longevity of the DIY natural deodorant will vary from person to person, depending on how much they use it each day.
For me, this recipe lasts around 2 weeks, using a small amount under each armpit, both morning and night.
I’ve made up batches of this natural deodorant recipe and had it sitting in jars for months without it ever going off. This is particularly handy if you’re busy and like to do things ahead of time, or if you’re travelling.
🌿 TIP! – If you’re packing your DIY Natural Deodorant into luggage or a toiletry bag for travel, be aware that the coconut oil can get all around the lid of the jar.
It helps to store your little deodorant jar in a waterproof bag or a slightly larger container to protect your other travel items.
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