You know how it goes: girl meets deodorant. Deodorant works. Deodorant smells nice.
All is well.
Girl discovers deodorant contains nasty chemicals. Girl wants to break up with deodorant. Girl looks for more natural and non-toxic deodorant options. Feels frustrated by what is available.
Girl buys deodorant rock. Tries it. Rock starts to smell like girl. End of relationship.
Girl buys expensive all natural deodorant. Gives it a week. Still smells like a feed lot.
Girl buys less expensive “all-natural” deodorant at the health food store. Stops stinking! On a whim looks up the ingredients on the SkinDeep Database. Girl realizes this deodorant is just as toxic as the one she ditched in the first place.
Girl finds herself back at square one. In need of a non-toxic deodorant that works.
That was me, and then I found this DIY essential oil deodorant recipe!
I’ve tweaked it and tested it and made it well and thoroughly my own. But I am super glad to share the “secret” with you, too.
Watch how I make my DIY Essential Oil Deodorant below:
Here are the things you’ll need:
- a glass pint-sized jar, preferably wide-mouth
- 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil (not fractionated coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 30-40 drops essential oil of your choice (I like Young Living brand Tea Tree myself. Other oils you could try would be Purification blend, Lavender plus Lime, Lemon plus Frankincense, Geranium plus Lemon. Just use what you like!)
Here’s how you do it:
- Gently melt the coconut oil over low heat (if it isn’t already liquid at room temperature)
- Take the oil off the heat and add the cornstarch, baking soda, and essential oils.
- Stir until completely combined and as smooth as you can make it.
- Allow to thicken up before use.
- When ready to use, just scoop a small amount (less than a dime) out of the jar and rub into your armpits! Re-apply as needed.
NOTE: This is a deodorant recipe, meaning if used and re-applied it should help keep the smell away. It won’t keep you from sweating. Which is actually good, because sweating is good for you!
The great thing is, that once you’ve made this essential oil deodorant, it will last a very long time. Not only does it last a long time, but it is very cost-effective.
Want to print this DIY Essential Oil Deodorant Recipe?
- a glass pint sized jar, preferably wide-mouth
- ½ cup extra virgin coconut oil (not fractionated coconut oil)
- ½ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- ½ cup baking soda
- 30-40 drops essential oil of your choice
- Gently melt the coconut oil over low heat (if it isn't already liquid at room temperature)
- Take the oil off the heat and add the cornstarch, baking soda, and essential oils.
- Stir until completely combined and as smooth as you can make it.
- Allow to thicken up before use.
- When ready to use, just scoop a small amount (less than a dime) out of the jar and rub into your armpits! Re-apply as needed.
So, what essential oil combo will you be using in your next batch? Let me know in the comments, I’m always looking to try new combos!
Although I like to make DIY products, I’ve discovered that the Thieves toothpaste works so well, this is one product I have decided not to make. Who knew someone could talk me into trying toothpaste in my arm pits?
Theresa,
Am I understanding you to say you use Thieves toothpaste for deodorant? That is really interesting. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve added Thieves Dentarome Plus to the above recipe and it works wonderfully! In my opinion, I’ve gotta have Purification in the mix somewhere too.
Could this be poured into a roll up container instead of a jar??
You could try, but you would probably need to leave it in the fridge during the cold months. It would make way more than one stick, though. It’s not super solid, so it really is best to just scoop a little out of a jar.
Hi Kristen, Does the coconut oil not make this “greasy” and therefore it would stain your clothes?
I really enjoy the information you share–thanks much.
You only use a tiny bit, and the recipe is only 1/3 coconut oil. I haven’t had any trouble with staining clothing and it sinks into my skin really fast.
i purchased a deodorant (at a home show from another YL member) that had similar ingredients and they REALLY irritated my skin. my husband had the same reaction. we are quite sure it was either the cornstarch or the baking soda. so, if you create one without those ingredients, we’d LOVE to know!
This recipe is actually really easy to modify, no special recipe necessary. When people experience skin irritation from this recipe it is 99% of the time from the baking soda. You can just add an equal amount of cornstarch to sub for the baking soda, or if you want to bypass the cornstarch entirely, just use arrowroot powder for it all 🙂 Easy peasy!