Are you tired of store-bought deodorants that aren’t as good as they claim to be when it comes to ingredients? Making your own natural deodorant is an easy and rewarding way to switch to a healthier, eco-friendly option.

A Natural Addition to Your Daily Routine

I’ve never been one to jump on trends, but I am someone who pays close attention to what works, what lasts, and what honors both body and land. Out here on the farm, the days are long and often sweaty—and for that, I’m thankful. Sweat is one of the body’s built-in gifts: a way to cool us, detox gently, and even help support our immune systems.

Over the years, I’ve leaned more and more into solutions that feel good to use, that I can make myself, and that I’d trust enough to hand to my kids. Natural deodorant isn’t about fear or fuss. It’s about simplicity, clarity, and paying attention to what feels right for your body.

Does that mean ditching every product with a long ingredient list? Not necessarily. There’s a time and place for many things—science and stewardship can live side by side. But when I can make a simple, natural deodorant from ingredients I know by name, that I already keep stocked in my farmhouse pantry? That’s a swap I can stand behind.

This recipe is soft, nourishing, and does its job quietly—like most good things. It doesn’t block sweat (and I don’t want it to), but it does help me feel fresh, dry, and cared for all day long.

This experimenting started with my DIY Dry Shampoo and has expanded to Tallow Moisturizer, Tallow Body Wash, and our favorite Hair Tonic. This DIY deodorant is an addition to our growing supply of natural products: this simple recipe is gentle on sensitive skin, effective against odors, and free of harmful additives. I’ve always struggled with finding a deodorant that doesn’t irritate my armpits, allows my pits to breathe, letting the glands do what they need to do to release impurities from my body. So I went to my little apothecary basket and experimented with all the ingredients I needed to make up some natural deodorant.

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Why Choose a Thoughtfully Made Deodorant?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when we start peeking at labels—especially the ones we press directly into our skin, like deodorant. While conventional options offer quick fixes, they often rely on ingredients that block or mask rather than support the body’s natural rhythm.

But here’s the truth: sweating is a good thing.

It’s one of the body’s most important detox pathways—helping regulate our temperature, flush out impurities, and keep things running smoothly under the surface. The goal isn’t to stop this process—but to support it with ingredients that let your skin breathe.

Natural deodorant doesn’t block sweat—it works with your body to minimize odor while still allowing your lymph system and skin to function the way they were beautifully designed to.

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Natural Deodorant Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• 10-15 drops essential oil

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients and Oils:
   • In a large bowl, add baking powder, arrowroot powder and oils.
2. Blend in the Coconut Oil:
   • Until it is smooth like peanut butter.
3. Pour Into Containers:
   • Transfer the mixture into a clean, reusable deodorant stick container or small jar. I like to create a “blotter” by adding about 1/2 cup of arrowroot powder to a single cotton sock (its not hard to find a single sock around here) and tying it shut. Dab it in your jar of deodorant, then blot it several times under your armpits. The powder will act like a finishing powder, locking in the deodorant and soaking up any perspiration.

How to Use

1. Apply a small amount of deodorant to your underarms, using your blotter, fingers or a deodorant stick.
2. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before dressing to avoid residue on clothing.

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Benefits of Each Ingredient

Coconut Oil

Because of it’s fatty acids, coconut oil is a great moisturizer. It also contains lauric acid which has natural antibacterial properties.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda’s compounds create a chemical reaction when in contact with acidic odors. This reaction is what makes baking soda neutralize odors

Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch

Absorbs Moisture

Where can I find Arrowroot Powder? I have found Arrowroot Powder in the baking section of most grocery stores or here.

Essential Oils

Lavender, Tea Tree, or Lemon are great choices! Check out the essential oil mixtures we use for our sauna for inspiration here

What to Expect

Switching to natural deodorant can come with a bit of a transition. Your body might need a few days to recalibrate—especially if you’ve been using antiperspirants. That’s okay. It’s not a detox, just an adjustment.

Give it time. Let your body get back to doing what it does best.

And when you catch the scent of lavender or tea tree or nothing at all—know that you made something with your own two hands. Something that works in harmony with your body.

But What About Chemicals?

Let’s get real—everything is made up of chemicals. Water is a chemical. Our food, our thoughts, our breath—chemical reactions are happening all around us. So no, this isn’t an anti-chemical post.

This is about choosing the ingredients you bring closest to your body. Not from fear, but from a place of thoughtful intention. I also know that everyone perspires differently.

It’s not about tossing out everything you’ve ever used—it’s about recognizing that some of the best things are actually the simplest.

Ingredients That Matter

This recipe is made with just a few nourishing ingredients. Ones that are recognizable, effective, and gentle. You can customize it with essential oils if you’d like, or leave it unscented for a softer, more neutral option.

FAQs About Natural Deodorant

1. Will this deodorant stop sweating?

• No, natural deodorants are not antiperspirants. They help neutralize odor and absorb some moisture without blocking sweat glands. During the colder months, I tend to sweat differently, if at all, but once the seasons change, this is the deodorant I use when I know my armpit smell matters.

2. What if I have sensitive skin?

• Reduce or omit the baking soda and increase the arrowroot powder. You can also add a few drops of vitamin E oil for added nourishment.

3. How long does this deodorant last?

• Stored in a cool, dry place, it can last up to 6 months.

4. Can I make this without coconut oil?

• Yes! Substitute coconut oil with a mix of shea butter and a liquid oil like almond or jojoba oil.

5. Is it travel-friendly?

• Yes, but keep it in a cool place as coconut oil can melt at higher temperatures.

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Tips for Success:

• Remember, there will be an adjustment period as your body responds to this new routine, especially because the skin on your underarms is often one of the most sensitive areas. Start by using this natural deodorant only a couple times a week to start out. If you notice any irritation, adjust the baking soda ratio or try using zinc oxide (the most popular is the baby and diaper rash products from Aquaphor) as an alternative.

• When it comes to picking your essential oil make sure to test on a small patch of skin to ensure you’re not sensitive to them.

• Store in an airtight container to prevent the deodorant from drying out or becoming too soft. You can also throw your container in the fridge if it’s having a hard time staying solid.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Switching to natural deodorant is a small but impactful change for your health and the environment. This recipe is simple to make, gentle on your skin, and leaves you feeling fresh all day long. Plus, it’s free of plastic packaging, helping you reduce waste in your daily routine.

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Printable Instruction Card

Grab my free Homemade Product Labels HERE!

Pin for Later!

Ready to Try Natural Deodorant?

This isn’t about perfection or going “all natural” overnight. It’s about building a life—one small, steady step at a time—that reflects what you value.

From the sweat on your brow in the garden to the scent on your skin at the end of the day—it all tells the story of how you live.

Let it be a good one.

Other DIY’s

• Homemade Liquid Flower Food
• How to make your own Powdered Flower Food
• Homemade Soft-Scrub Recipe