On my quest for making and using more natural and chemical-free products, I developed a great recipe for an all-natural, unscented deodorant. I have been veering away from using paraben and aluminum laden commercial deodorants for quite a while now. But it was getting harder and harder to find deodorants that fit the bill. Even Trader Joe’s unscented deodorant, which is paraben and aluminum free, was full of all sorts of ‘other’ ingredients. Plus, it’s pretty pricey – about $4.00 for a 2 oz. stick. I wanted to make a deodorant that was kind to the skin, neutralized odors, and absorbed moisture. And was made inexpensively from products that are easily found at the grocery store. I came up with using coconut oil, baking soda, and corn starch to make this recipe. Three basic products that the only ingredient listed for all three are the product itself. I didn’t want to add scent or essential oils because of possible skin reactions. It is really easy to make and takes about 5 minutes. Plus it is so pure you could eat it if you wanted to (I’d have to be really hungry to do that though!). I’ve used this nifty deodorant every day for about two weeks now and I love it. It absorbs easily, soothes the delicate underarm skin, neutralizes odors, and absorbs a light amount of sweat. It is not an antiperspirant, so a little wetness is to be expected.
Easy Homemade All-Natural Unscented Deodorant
- 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 1/4 cup Corn Starch
Put 1/2 cup coconut oil in small pan and melt over low heat. Add 1/4 cup baking soda, stir. Add 1/4 cup corn starch, stir. Mix together until dry ingredients are dissolved and blended. Pour into small jar. Let it cool and set. I put it in the freezer for about an hour to accelerate setting. Use a fingertip dab underneath each armpit. The coconut oil solidness depends on the room temperature. If it is hard it will melt readily when applied to the skin.
Enjoy your fresh, soft, natural, chemical-free underarms! ~Marilyn
I'm Marilyn, and I'm obsessed with vintage clothing, thrift stores, clotheslines, and Chanel. Welcome to my down-to-earth world!
Marilyn,
Your do-it-yourself natural products are terrific. Thanks for figuring out the recipes, and sharing them.
Linda
Hi Linda, it’s fun for me to figure out inexpensive, natural ways to make products. They work just as well if not better than most commercial chemical-filled products. More beneficial to your body, and the environment too.
~Marilyn
Very clever! My first deodorant was Avon Liquid, in a little square bottle, and then Tussy Roll-on. Remember that? I love the naturalness of your deodorant, but I NEED an antiperspirant from May to October. Will be interested to hear your thoughts in the summer. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Debra,
Yes I remember Avon and Tussy deodorants! I used Ban roll-on for years, loved the smell. Right Guard spray was also popular; I remember the locker room filling up with that awful spray after gym class – blech!
For the last couple years I’ve used a plain deodorant vs. an antiperspirant year-round. I cannot justify putting aluminum (which ALL antiperspirants use, even “natural” ones) under my arms. I really don’t notice much of a difference in wetness, but of course Seattle doesn’t typically get that hot! It will be interesting to see what this deodorant does in summer, I will keep you posted.
~Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
Do you know about any home made deodorants without baking soda? For my skin, it’s too aggressive. Tried your recipe with different amounts of it, but sooner or later got a rash, unfortunately.
Hi Peggy,
You can make this recipe using just the coconut oil and cornstarch, or even use just the coconut oil alone. Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
I know how you feel because I too, developed a rash after using this recipe after awhile. I have very sensitive skin and the baking soda also proved to be too harsh for me!
~Marilyn
Just a note regarding irritation from an ingredient in the homemade deodorant. It might not be the baking soda. It might be the cornstarch. I substituted tapioca starch (a.k.a. Arrowroot powder) and my homemade deodorant does not irritate my underarms anymore.
Hi Mary,
I think you may be right about the cornstarch causing irritation! I put two and two together after realizing that I don’t use baby powder with cornstarch because it causes a rash on my skin. I think it reacts to skin moisture in a bad way, at least with my skin.
Thank you for the tip about using tapioca starch – I will have to try it!
-Marilyn
What could be subbed for coconut oil? Even that slight and gentle smell is a bother to my nose…