Recipes

DIY Natural Deodorant Recipes: Essential Oil Formulas That Actually Work

Create effective natural deodorants at home with these essential oil recipes. Formulas for sensitive skin, extra strength, cream and stick versions.

Written bySarah Mitchell
Published
Reading time10 min
DIY Natural Deodorant Recipes: Essential Oil Formulas That Actually Work

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Making the switch to natural deodorant doesn't have to mean compromising on effectiveness. Commercial natural deodorants often come with hefty price tags and hit-or-miss results. DIY natural deodorants let you control every ingredient, adjust formulas for your body chemistry, and create custom scents that commercial products can't match.

These recipes use proven odor-fighting ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and antimicrobial essential oils to keep you fresh without aluminum, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Whether you need a sensitive skin formula or extra-strength protection, there's a recipe here that works for your body.

How Natural Deodorant Works

Understanding Body Odor

What causes odor:

  • Sweat itself is nearly odorless
  • Bacteria on skin break down sweat
  • Bacterial byproducts create smell
  • Armpit bacteria thrive in warm, moist environment

How natural deodorants help:

  • Antibacterial essential oils kill odor-causing bacteria
  • Baking soda neutralizes acidic odor compounds
  • Arrowroot and clays absorb moisture
  • Carrier oils and butters soothe skin

Important distinction:

  • Deodorants control odor
  • Antiperspirants block sweat
  • These recipes are deodorants—you'll still sweat, but won't smell

Classic Cream Deodorants

All-Purpose Cream Deodorant

Effective everyday formula:

Dry ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder

Butters and oils:

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter

Essential oils:

  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil

Balanced formula that works for most people.

Extra Strength Deodorant

For active lifestyles:

Dry ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon bentonite clay

Butters and oils:

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter

Essential oils:

  • 12 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 8 drops cypress essential oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Maximum odor protection for demanding situations.

Long-Lasting Formula

All-day confidence:

Dry ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon kaolin clay

Butters and oils:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter
  • 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Essential oils:

  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops geranium essential oil
  • 6 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 3 drops clary sage essential oil

Elegant scent with reliable protection.

Sensitive Skin Formulas

Baking Soda-Free Deodorant

For reactive underarms:

Dry ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons kaolin clay
  • 1 tablespoon magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia powder)

Butters and oils:

  • 3 tablespoons shea butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil

Essential oils:

  • 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops roman chamomile essential oil
  • 3 drops sandalwood essential oil

Gentle formula that won't irritate sensitive skin.

Low-Baking-Soda Formula

Reduced irritation potential:

Dry ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon kaolin clay

Butters and oils:

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon mango butter

Essential oils:

  • 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 3 drops frankincense essential oil

For those who react to full-strength baking soda.

Soothing Sensitive Formula

Calming and effective:

Dry ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon zinc oxide (non-nano)

Butters and oils:

  • 2 tablespoons shea butter
  • 2 tablespoons mango butter
  • 1 tablespoon calendula-infused oil

Essential oils:

  • 6 drops lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops roman chamomile essential oil

Very gentle for the most reactive skin.

Stick Deodorants

Basic Deodorant Stick

Push-up tube formula:

Wax and oils:

  • 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter

Dry ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda

Essential oils:

  • 15 drops lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Solid stick for easy application.

Smooth Glide Stick

Silky application:

Wax and oils:

  • 1.5 tablespoons beeswax
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon jojoba oil

Dry ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda

Essential oils:

  • 12 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
  • 5 drops vetiver essential oil

Softer formula for smoother application.

Vegan Deodorant Stick

No beeswax version:

Wax and oils:

  • 2 tablespoons candelilla wax
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter

Dry ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda

Essential oils:

  • 12 drops lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops patchouli essential oil

100% plant-based solid stick.

Scent Profiles

Fresh & Clean (Unisex)

Essential oil blend:

  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 4 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 3 drops rosemary essential oil

Clean, spa-like freshness.

Woodsy Masculine

Essential oil blend:

  • 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
  • 6 drops sandalwood essential oil
  • 4 drops vetiver essential oil
  • 3 drops black pepper essential oil

Sophisticated, traditionally masculine.

Floral Feminine

Essential oil blend:

  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops geranium essential oil
  • 4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
  • 3 drops palmarosa essential oil

Soft, pretty floral blend.

Citrus Burst

Essential oil blend:

  • 8 drops grapefruit essential oil
  • 6 drops lemon essential oil
  • 4 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 3 drops lime essential oil

Bright, energizing freshness.

Earthy Grounding

Essential oil blend:

  • 8 drops patchouli essential oil
  • 6 drops cedarwood essential oil
  • 4 drops frankincense essential oil
  • 3 drops vetiver essential oil

Deep, grounding, natural scent.

Herbal Fresh

Essential oil blend:

  • 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 4 drops clary sage essential oil
  • 3 drops thyme essential oil

Garden-fresh herbal blend.

Probiotic Deodorant

Probiotic Cream Deodorant

Supports healthy skin bacteria:

Dry ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • Contents of 2 probiotic capsules

Butters and oils:

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter

Essential oils:

  • 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 3 drops geranium essential oil

Probiotics help crowd out odor-causing bacteria.

Charcoal Detox Deodorant

Activated Charcoal Formula

Deep cleansing:

Dry ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder

Butters and oils:

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter

Essential oils:

  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil

Note: May leave gray marks on light clothing.

Seasonal Formulas

Summer Strength

Extra protection for hot weather:

Dry ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon kaolin clay

Butters and oils:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter

Essential oils:

  • 10 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 8 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 5 drops lime essential oil

Cooling and extra absorbent.

Winter Gentle

Moisturizing for dry conditions:

Dry ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder

Butters and oils:

  • 3 tablespoons shea butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Essential oils:

  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops frankincense essential oil
  • 5 drops cedarwood essential oil

Extra moisturizing for winter skin.

Making Cream Deodorant

Equipment

  • Double boiler or heat-safe bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Small jars or tins (2-4 oz)
  • Measuring spoons

Method

  1. Melt oils and butters:

    • Combine coconut oil and shea butter in double boiler
    • Heat gently until just melted
    • Remove from heat

  2. Mix dry ingredients:

    • In separate bowl, combine baking soda and arrowroot
    • Whisk to remove lumps

  3. Combine:

    • Add dry ingredients to melted oils
    • Stir until smooth paste forms
    • Let cool slightly (2-3 minutes)

  4. Add essential oils:

    • Add drops while still warm but not hot
    • Stir thoroughly to distribute

  5. Transfer and set:

    • Pour into clean containers
    • Let cool completely at room temperature
    • Will firm up as coconut oil solidifies

Making Stick Deodorant

Equipment

  • Double boiler
  • Empty deodorant tubes (push-up style)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Stirring stick

Method

  1. Melt wax first:

    • Add beeswax to double boiler
    • Heat until completely melted

  2. Add oils and butters:

    • Add coconut oil, shea butter
    • Stir until combined

  3. Remove from heat:

    • Let cool 1-2 minutes
    • Add dry ingredients
    • Stir well

  4. Add essential oils:

    • Add when mixture is warm but not hot
    • Stir quickly

  5. Pour immediately:

    • Pour into deodorant tubes
    • Work quickly before it sets
    • Let cool completely before capping

Application Tips

Best Practices

  • Apply to clean, dry underarms
  • Use small amount—a little goes far
  • Allow to absorb before dressing
  • Reapply after heavy sweating if needed

Troubleshooting

Leaving white marks:

  • Use less product
  • Allow to absorb longer
  • Try formula with less baking soda

Not effective enough:

  • Try extra-strength formula
  • Increase baking soda
  • Add more tea tree oil
  • Allow transition period to complete

Causing irritation:

  • Switch to sensitive formula
  • Eliminate baking soda
  • Check for coconut oil sensitivity

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade deodorant last?

Cream deodorants in jars last 3-6 months stored in cool, dark place. Stick deodorants last 6-12 months. Discard if smell changes or texture becomes grainy.

Why does natural deodorant stop working?

Body chemistry changes with diet, hormones, and stress. If your formula stops working, try a different scent blend or adjust the baking soda ratio. Occasionally switching formulas can help.

Can I use this after shaving?

Wait at least 30 minutes after shaving to apply, or use a baking soda-free formula. Baking soda can sting freshly shaved skin. Some people apply at night and again in the morning.

How much should I apply?

Start with a pea-sized amount per underarm for cream versions, or 2-3 swipes for sticks. Adjust based on results—more isn't necessarily better and can leave residue on clothes.

Will coconut oil stain my clothes?

Potentially—coconut oil can leave marks on some fabrics. Allow deodorant to absorb completely before dressing, and wash clothes promptly. Consider keeping special occasion clothes away from fresh deodorant application.

Can I use these while pregnant or nursing?

Most essential oils in these recipes are considered safe in the amounts used. However, avoid clary sage during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider if concerned.

Last updated: December 2025. Patch test new formulas before full use. Discontinue if irritation occurs. Not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition.