We’re all trying to take steps toward a healthy life, and this all-natural deodorant recipe allows you to throw away all those store-bought options that have less-than-desirable ingredients. This natural Women’s Solid Deodorant is one of our most requested recipes. It took some trial and error and we now have an option that we love and remake when the need arises. It’s tried and true in our home!
Natural Ingredients
Shea butter [1], coconut oil [2], and beeswax [3] make up the solid foundation upon which this recipe is built. They offer moisturizing and softening properties for your most delicate skin. We also threw in some vitamin E [4] for its ability to create smoother-looking skin.
The deodorizing qualities in the recipe come from arrowroot powder [5] and diatomaceous earth [6]. Arrowroot powder is a natural starch that is finely ground and great for absorbing moisture. Arrowroot is a gentle ingredient used instead of the common ingredient of baking soda since baking soda can irritate sensitive skin.
Diatomaceous earth is a finely ground, naturally-occurring sedimentary rock that is highly absorbent and therefore great for making this deodorant more powerful at controlling moisture.
Lavender, Tea Tree, and Lemongrass essential oils give this natural deodorant a fresh, clean scent.
New to essential oils? Learn more about how we use them and why you should use them as well. [7]
Natural Deodorant Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 deodorant tubes (15ml size) [8]
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (solid) [2]
- 1 tablespoon shea butter [1]
- 1 tablespoon beeswax [3]
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder [5]
- 2 tablespoons diatomaceous earth [6]
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil [4]
- 4 drops Lavender essential oil
- 4 drops Tea Tree essential oil
- 2 drops Lemongrass essential oil
- labels [9]
Directions
- In a double boiler, combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool until it reaches around 100 degrees.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients until no lumps remain.
- Carefully pour into the three oval tubes. I just pour the liquid into a spouted measuring cup to easily pour into the containers.
- Allow it to cool completely before use. It cools very quickly from my experience. You could also speed this step by placing it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Apply a label so you’ll always know what you’re reaching for.
- To use: Turn up a small amount in the tube and apply to clean dry skin. Reapply as needed after vigorous activity (wipe skin dry first).
- To store: Store in a cool, dark place away from heat or direct sunlight. Deodorant should last 6 months.
- Usage Note: Apply very little each time. Applying too much deodorant is the number one cause of staining and unsightly pilling. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin.
- Safety Note: Use caution when handling diatomaceous earth. It is a very fine powder that is extremely dangerous if inhaled into the lungs in powder form. This is not a danger from the scent of the product, but the tiny particles affecting the lungs.
Questions you might have about this recipe:
I don’t have (or don’t like) all the essential oils in this recipe. What can I remove or replace?
Feel free to substitute other oils for the Lavender and Lemongrass. DO NOT replace or remove the Tea Tree essential oil. It’s kind of crucial to the skin cleansing power of this deodorizing recipe.
Can I use something other than shea butter and coconut oil as a carrier in this recipe?
Yes, if you want to use this recipe with a different carrier oil, I cheer you on for finding what works best for you. You could replace the coconut oil with any liquid carrier oil if you like. Also, you can directly (1:1) substitute cocoa butter for shea butter in this recipe.
Do I have to use vitamin E in this recipe?
You are welcome to remove the vitamin E or simply replace it with almond oil [10] (also a super source of vitamin E!).
What if I don’t want to use beeswax?
Beeswax is what really keeps this recipe solid. You can make a paste/cream without the beeswax, but it will definitely not be solid. You could easily store the recipe (without beeswax) in a jar and use it that way if you prefer.
Do I have to use diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a crucial ingredient in this recipe for its ability to fight odor and wetness. You CAN remove it from your (now much less powerful) version of the deodorant and replace it with more arrowroot powder to maintain the solid-state of the recipe.
Where can I find the ingredients and containers you use?
All of our favorite ingredients are linked inside the recipe (above). Just click on the product name and you’ll be forwarded to a page where you can purchase it for yourself.
Can I add more essential oils than the recipe calls for?
Feel free to double the drops of essential oils. Make sure to write down any modifications so you’ll be able to keep track of all the details of your new favorite recipe.
Can I apply this recipe to my armpits immediately after shaving?
If you have any nicks or cuts, you should avoid applying any deodorant to broken skin. That being said, I’ve used this recipe for months on newly shaved skin with no issues at all.
Does this recipe leave a film on my clothes?
If you apply too much deodorant of any kind, you’ll find the extra portion on your clothing. This recipe does not leave a residue in the creases of my armpit and doesn’t show up on my clothes. I love this aspect since those gross white pit marks are too much fashion faux pas for me to handle. 🙂
Is this recipe safe for use on children?
We believe this recipe to be safe for all individuals over age 2…but please tell me your toddler doesn’t need deodorant! Also, you’re the parent, so do your own research and follow all safety guidelines with children [11].
What essential oil brands do you recommend for this deodorant recipe?
We are forever fans of Young Living. You can read more about our passion for these amazing essential oils here [12].
This recipe is included in our eBook, Essential Oil Recipes for Healthy Hair & Skin, along with more than 60 other tried & true recipes that we’ve created, tested, and we personally use. Click HERE to see more information and purchase your digital copy today! [13]
More essential oil recipes you might enjoy:
- Body Wash for Women [14]
- Foaming Face Wash [15]
- Moisturizing Shampoo [16]
- Perfume Sprays: Floral [17]
- See all of our essential oil beauty recipes here [18].