Many commercial deodorants contain aluminium and chemical fragrances, along with plenty of other nasties that I am not comfortable putting anywhere near my body.  
Worse than roll-on commercial deodorants is the aerosol variety; the mist that you inhale goes directly into your mouth, airways and lungs, where it is readily absorbed by your body.
I can only imagine how much toxic crap my body absorbed in my high school PE locker rooms, where Impulse was sprayed liberally by me and 40 other teenage girls… Not good at all. As well as being toxic, commercial deodorants can be expensive!!
So I created this natural deodorant recipe and have been using it since 2015. I must say that I, along with hundreds (even thousands) of others, all agree it’s pretty damn good! A little goes a very long way so you’ll save bucket loads of money too!
To help prevent any irritation, be sure never to apply after hair removal (especially shaving or waxing), when skin is broken and compromised. Or, try either of these versions (Sensitive Deodorant Paste or Carb-Free Deodorant Paste). This handy blog post will you give you lots of tips when transitioning to natural deodorant too! Warning: You will still sweat. That’s a normal, human, bodily behaviour. But, you won’t smell. Trust me, this works!
Natural Deodorant Paste
Makes: 250 g Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
- 65 g shea butter
- 65 g coconut oil (the type that solidifies)
- 10 g beeswax
- 70 g sodium bicarbonate (bicarb)
- 40 g arrowroot flour (or cornflour)
- 40 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are patchouli, tea tree and lemongrass, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
1. Add shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted, using either a microwave or the double boiler method. (Double boiler method– place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently; Microwave method– heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into a jar or container (with lid).
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).
To Use
Scoop a small amount of paste (the size of your fingernail is plenty) and rub gently onto clean armpits.
Recipe Notes
For an extra kick, substitute the arrowroot powder for bentonite clay – a simple straight swap. Sometimes deodorant paste just doesn’t cut the mustard for everyone all of the time and this little hack might just do the trick!​
28 Comments
One of my favourite Krissy recipes! I started making this years ago when my boys were teens and was so surprised at how well it works. My boys are now well in their 20’s and they are still using it. This makes me one happy mum! Thx for another great recipe!
I have been using this deodorant recipe for years and it has never failed me.
Thank you for creating and sharing
Hi Krissy,
I’ve used this recipe for years- and completely love it!
But I’ve just noticed there is no beeswax in the ingredients, yet it’s listed in the method. Can you please update and advise if beeswax is to be included or not?
Thank you,
Ali
Thanks so much for that spot, Ali! All fixed x
I love this recipe, thanks for sharing.
Can I substitute magnesium sulphate, epsom salt, 70g in place of the sodium bicarbonate?
Hey Teena – I have never used magnesium in the deodorant and personally don’t think it’ll mix in. You could use diatomaceous earth in place of the bicarb?
I have been making this paste for years and love how it works so well for me. I have bought other natural made ones and they didn’t work for me. Thanks for this great recipe
Krissy ,,,,,,I’m quite new to all your recipes, I find them so useful I’m just concerned that are your recipes okay to use in septic tanks ,,,, m My husband is very anti as hates all these recipes as kill the septic ,,,,, So I have backed away from making certain recipe recipes
Hey Helen, have a read of this blog > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/septic-systems-your-questions-answered/ 🙂
Absolutely love this deodorant- applies like silk and I love the different combinations of essential oils you can add/try.
I have made it for 5 friends and have 5 friends and now returning empty containers for refilling. Too easy 🙂
Love this deodrant!! Super easy to make and great deodorant.
Hi Krissy,
I’ve been making this for a couple of years now and love it. The most recent batches have had the bicarb noticeably settle to the bottom (I set it in the fridge to cool). The last of the jar is very gritty and irritating, but this wasn’t happening before. Could it be ageing ingredients?
Thank you 🙂
Hey Sarah, good to hear you’re using natural DIY deodorant! It could be that your bicarb is grittier than usual? Or your ingredients were too hot when you added your flour and bicarb? Just let it set and mix vigorously with a spoon, squashing the bicarb against your bowl/container – that should help. I don’t think the age of the ingredients would cause this issue.
Hello,
I have made this recipe for my wife and she loves it. We even put it on our kids feet.
I want to make the same for myself but can’t use bicarb. Do you know if I can just replace it with magnesium hydroxide powder?
Have you seen my carb-free recipe? https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/body-skin-care-recipes/bicarb-free-deodorant-paste/
Hello
If i wanted to add vitamin e oil how much should i add. Thank you
I’d add about 1 tsp.
Thank you for letting me know.
Hi. I’ve used natural deodorant for years, and I’ve found I can’t have bicarb in there. What can I substitute the bicarb for, or can I just leave it out? Thanks.
I have low carb, or carb free recipes > https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/sensitive-deodorant-paste/ | https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/body-skin-care-recipes/bicarb-free-deodorant-paste/ Good luck!
hi Krissy I haven’t tried your recipe yet but it looks promising. I had tried other recipes before but sodium bicarbonate kind of irritated my skin. however it was very effective at odor control
This one works so well! I do have low-carb and bicarbonate free recipes (plus notes on how to avoid/minimise irritation): https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/sensitive-deodorant-paste/, https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/body-skin-care-recipes/bicarb-free-deodorant-paste/, https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/transitioning-natural-deodorant-top-10-tips/ Good luck!
hi ,
curious about how much of each essential oils you use in your recipe??
thanks and can’t wait to give This a go.
Hi Emily,
It is totally up to you. Try equal amount first time and see if you like it 🙂
Hello 👋,
Could I completely omit the essential oils? I ask because I’m trying to achieve a recipe that is as close to zero scent as possible.
Thank you 😊,
Cynthia
Absolutely, leave the essential oils out.
Hi Krissy
In regards to the deodorant I notice it leaves a stain on the clothes under the arms and I am having to soak the clothes. I use bentonite clay and my friend uses cornflour and we both get the stain.
Is this normal?
Hi Sheryl, if you’re getting stains you’re using too much. Just the smallest smear will do the trick and you can boost effectiveness with a drop of tea tree before application. If you haven’t seen my stain removing recipes, check this link out 🙂 https://krissyballinger.com.au/?s=stains