How to Make a Homemade Deodorant Stick: Easy, Natural, and Effective Recipe

I was well aware of the questionable ingredients in commercially made deodorant when I first ventured to make my own. I had been splurging on expensive aluminum-free deodorants for some time as the cheaper ones just didn’t work. But it wasn’t the cost or the health benefits that prompted me to make my first batch. My husband, who had been nagging me for a few weeks about making our deodorant, finally convinced me to do it. I guess I assumed it would be more difficult than it ended up being, or that it would be a big letdown and a waste of time. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that was not the case! If you would like to learn to make a homemade deodorant stick that’s easy and effective, then take a few minutes to read this blog post!

Why Make Homemade Deodorant?

Non-Toxic Ingredients

It’s been years since I’ve used regular deodorant due to the potentially toxic ingredients often present in them. Additives such as parabens, phthalates, aluminum, and propylene glycol have been known to not only irritate the skin, but also to be linked to health issues such as hormonal imbalance, breast cancer,¹ Alzheimer’s disease,² and kidney damage.³

There is ongoing debate about whether the additives in commercial deodorants are present in potentially harmful amounts. However, considering this is a personal product applied almost daily, I think it’s advisable to approach the issue with caution. Rather than getting involved in the debate, I’m going to simply suggest reading up on the research yourself rather than relying on others’ interpretations of the data – the facts will speak for themselves.

Cost Effective

It’s true that most deodorants can be purchased pretty cheaply, but if you’re looking to avoid harmful ingredients, you’re going to be spending a few more dollars, especially if you want one that actually works. I have found only one natural deodorant that is worth buying, and it was anywhere between $16 – $19 CAN to purchase. Making your own is much more affordable, and with the price of everything escalating these days, it’s important to find cheaper alternatives without compromising on quality.

Easy to Make

Once you make that first batch, you will understand just how worth your time it is to make your own deodorant. It takes 10 minutes plus cooling time — that’s it! And you don’t need a chemistry degree. I promise you, making French toast is more complicated.

Customizable

If you’re somewhat particular about how you smell, then you are going to love the fact that you can choose your own essential oils for this recipe. I have included a few popular blends below that you can try, but be adventurous and experiment! My favourite is vanilla as it’s softly feminine, but you might enjoy a more floral scent using rose and geranium, or something more citrusy like bergamot and orange. And the men often prefer something woodsy and fresh with vetiver and cedarwood.

I suggest mixing a drop or two of each oil in a small bowl and testing a little on your skin. It will probably be a good combination for the deodorant if you like the smell.

Effective

One of my biggest doubts was whether this homemade deodorant would actually work. After all, most of the natural deodorants I had tried were not worth using.

I was pleasantly surprised when my deodorant stood up to the summertime heat, proving to be just as good as my favourite $16 brand, and at a fraction of the cost.

The only drawback of that first batch was that it was soft, I mean it practically melted on my skin. Worst of all, it was oily and transferred onto my clothing, leaving oil stains.

But I went back and tweaked the recipe and found one that really worked, remained solid, and did not ruin my clothes. And this is the recipe I want to share with you!

Tools Needed

• Empty deodorant containers – there are lots of options on Amazon
• Double-boiler – a metal bowl fit over a pot works as well
• Funnel (optional)

Ingredients

• Coconut oil – antibacterial, coconut oil will help eliminate odour-causing bacteria. A carrier oil, it also helps blend the other ingredients into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Shea butter – with anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter helps to soothe irritated skin, especially beneficial after shaving. It also gives a smooth consistency making the deodorant easier to apply.
• Baking soda – absorbs and neutralizes odours.
• Arrowroot powder – helps absorb moisture, leaving a smooth feel. It’s also very gentle and unlikely to cause skin irritation.
• Beeswax – solidifies the deodorant and extends its wear, making it more effective.
• Essential oils (optional) – choose whatever scents you like (see below for suggested blends)

How to Make an Effective Homemade Deodorant Stick

Begin by adding a cup of water to the bottom of your double boiler/pot. Fit the pot/bowl on top and bring water to a boil.

Measure shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax into the pot.

Once completely melted, remove the double-boiler/pot from the heat. Add the baking soda and arrowroot powder and stir well, fully incorporating the ingredients.

Add essential oils and stir well.

Pour the mixture into deodorant containers. Do not allow it to cool too much as it will begin to solidify and will no longer be pourable.

Place in the refrigerator to cool.

Once cool, use as regular deodorant.

Essential Oil Blends

Here are just a few essential oil blends you can try in your deodorant:

• Citrusy – orange + lemon + grapefruit
• Floral – geranium + ylang ylang
• Invigorating – rosemary + mint
• Woodsy & masculine – cedarwood + pine + cypress
• Fresh – lavender + tea tree
• Feminine – rose + vanilla
• Refreshing – vanilla + peppermint
• Uplifting – peppermint + bergamot
• Masculine & grounding – vetiver + clary sage

Notes

• If you have sensitive skin, you can reduce or omit the baking soda and use more arrowroot powder instead.
• The beeswax helps solidify the deodorant and adjusting the amount will change the consistency.
• If shea butter is unavailable, cocoa or mango butter can be used in its place.
• Cornstarch can be substituted for arrowroot powder, but may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

1. Darbre, P.D. Underarm antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 11 (Suppl 3), S5 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr2424 ↩︎
2. Exley, C. (2001). Aluminium and Alzheimer’s Disease: The science that describes the link. Elsevier. ↩︎
3. New Jersey Department of Health (2009, September 1). Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Propylene Glycol. NJ Health. Retrieved January 9, 2025, from https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/3595.pdf ↩︎