Homemade Deodorant Powder that actually WORKS…
(We've had some hot and sticky Michigan days lately so I thought you might like this recipe! It's from my dear friend, Jill, who helps around the blog and has written super helpful posts here in the past: See all of Jill's posts here, including How to Fight Depression and Anxiety Naturally: 20 Helpful Tips for Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue. Here's Jill…)
Most of Kelly’s readers know about the toxic nature of commercial deodorants and antiperspirants. Not only is the practice of interfering with a natural, detoxifying bodily process (sweating) questionable, but since many substances can absorb through our skin and into our bodies, we need to rethink topical application of substances linked to cancer, alzheimers, and endocrine (hormone) dysfunction. You know, like the ingredients commonly found in over-the-counter antiperspirants and deodorants: aluminum, parabens, Triclosan, propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrances.
But if you’ve used natural deodorants you also probably know how ineffective most of them are.
This hilarious Portlandia natural deodorant commercial sums it up really well:
The good news is that you really can make your own deodorant that works way better and it’s SO much easier than you think!
Also, you may want to check out the scary information that is coming out more and more lately about the dangers of commercial body/baby powders. Please don't even THINK about using them on your babies!
Just want to buy a good underarm natural, safer deodorant?
This one is the best I've ever used!
Simple and Effective 2-Ingredient Homemade Deodorant Powder for Underarms: DIY Recipe
(You can also use it on your feet, though it's not recommended for anywhere else such as near your girlie parts — if you have candida problems/yeast infections it could encourage them because of the alkaline ph.)
Ingredients:
- Organic Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch: 1 to 2 parts — The starch serves two functions: 1. It absorbs wetness. 2. It dilutes the alkalinity of the baking soda. Straight baking soda is too strong to apply directly to underarms, but it is incredibly effective at preventing odor.
- Baking Soda: 1 part — There is a misconception that some brands of baking soda contain aluminum. It is baking powder that you need to watch out for and only buy aluminum-free versions, but baking soda is simply sodium bicarbonate and has never contained aluminum.
- Bentonite Clay (optional): 1/2 part. Bentonite is often used for its detox properties, both topically (ie. as a poultice or in a detox bath) and internally (mixed with water and ingested). I honestly don't know how effective it is at detoxing in a deodorant, but since bentonite's magnetic detox properties are activated with moisture, it makes sense that as toxins are released in sweat the bentonite would “grab ahold” of heavy metals and other toxins and prevent reabsorption into the body. I have no proof of this; it's just my theory based on how bentonite behaves.
- Essential Oils, optional — See list below for ideas. *
*This is Kelly jumping in here, just sharing the specific recipe that I use and love (pictured above), more as a note to myself than anything, because I LOVE Jill's recipe and use it daily!
I love using it around my bra line to keep things fresh under “the girls” on hot sticky days, lol. This lasts me about 4-6 months, depending on how hot it is outside…
- 11-18 drops of this deodorant blend that I love
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/8 cup arrowroot powder
- 1/8 cup organic corn starch
Instructions:
Stir together starch of choice, baking soda, and optional bentonite clay to combine. Add a few drops of essential oils if you'd like and break up the clumps (where essential oil is added) with your fingers. If the scent is too strong, add more starch (1 to 2 parts) and baking soda (1 part). It's best to start with less essential oil–you can always add more. Keep in mind some essential oils have much stronger scents than others. The powder deodorant works just as well unscented, so the essential oils are mostly for fragrance/aromatherapy.
To use, shake a small amount of powder deodorant onto your hand and apply to armpits and/or feet. Just a light dusting (about a pinch worth) is all that's needed for all-day odor protection. A repurposed, clean plastic bottle like this one with a disc-style click open lid (normally used for liquids/gels) works surprisingly well as a powder shaker dispenser.
Here's a tip for transferring your deodorant powder from your mixing bowl into a bottle: With your thumb and forefinger, form a ring around the edge of the bottle neck and with your other hand spoon the deodorant powder into the bottle. It helps to set the bottle in a clean bowl first to catch any powder that spills over the edge. I have found that funnels don't work well to transfer powder into bottles. (Note from Kelly: using a funnel actually worked great for me — I just pounded the container a few times to help it fall through.)
If you find yourself experiencing skin irritation from this deodorant, try adding more starch to dilute the baking soda even further. Also, applying immediately after shaving could increase the chance of irritation. In my experience though, people who react to homemade solid (stick) or paste deodorants containing baking soda have no problem with a powder version. If for some reason you experience irritation and adding more starch doesn’t improve the situation, you can try the recommendations in this post for adjusting your skin's pH. Another advantage to this powder deodorant, besides less chance of irritation, is that it won't stain clothing. Homemade solid deodorants usually consist of baking soda and starch suspended in an oil and wax base, which can leave oil stains on clothing if you apply too much.
* Essential oil options
Use one or choose a combination from one or more categories:
- Citrus:
- Herbs/flowers:
- Woody/earthy:
- Alternatively, try a pre-blended synergy from Plant Therapy. There’s even one formulated specifically for its deodorant qualities.
To avoid skin irritation, steer clear of:
- “Hot” spice oils like cinnamon, ginger, clove, etc…
- Very strong herbal oils like oregano, thyme, and rosemary (rosemary is only ok in extremely tiny amounts, though avoid if pregnant.)
Let me know if you have any questions, and if you've tried this before which combinations do you prefer?
About Jill: 
My husband and I live in Waco, Texas, along with our two awesome young adult kids. I have a small business, selling handmade personal and home care products at our farmer’s market and local retail sites. I am also Kelly’s blog assistant. 🙂 I am passionate about real food nutrition, natural health, local food, and I love to cook. Fortunately we have access to lots of local food via our fantastic farmer’s market, nearby farms, and even a grocery store that sources much of its food locally.
More you might like:
- See other skin care-related posts here.
- See all of Jill's posts here, and I'll include some examples again:
- Mandatory Flu Vaccine for Healthcare Workers – Why One Man Is Choosing the Mask
- If Food is the Medicine, The Meal is the Cure: 6 Elements of Nutrient Dense Foods
- How Real Foodies Care for Their Loved Ones with Cancer
- How to Fight Depression and Anxiety Naturally: 20 Helpful Tips for Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue.
Kelsey says
For years I’ve just applied a tiny amount of coconut oil after showering and then a tiny amount of straight baking soda and it works excellently and has never irritated my skin, which is weird because I have sensitive skin so I’m surprised that it’s never bothered me when it seems to bother so many other people. But I’ve been meaning to try mixing it with arrowroot powder, and this article reminded me! I’ve also been meaning to try milk of magnesia, especially for my hubby who says baking soda doesn’t work for him. I’m going to try putting my powder in a bottle like you showed – I just keep mine in a small jar but I think the bottle would be more hygienic and easier to use.
Jill Boman says
Hi, Kelsey! You’ll be surprised at how well the deodorant powder dispenses through the little opening in a flip disc bottle top. I also think the arrowroot helps with dryness by absorbing sweat, so it not only dilutes the alkalinity of baking soda, but it has its own role. Let me know how your deodorant turns out, and how milk of magnesia works for your husband!
Connie Georgacakes Lemmink says
or you could do like I do and just use Milk of Magnesia.
Jennifer Rachel Lego says
My comment was . “I don’t know but my B.O. would be offensive if not toxic. The organic stuff does not work for me. I will take the risk. My coworkers’ air quality is worth it.”
Jennifer Rachel Lego says
That crap is hyperbole anyway. Designed to send false panic.
The % of those ingredients too s,mall to be that dangerous.
Santo DeMauro says
Haven’t used deodorant for a couple decades now, I’ve found that if you eat clean you don’t smell and we all know sweating is good for us.
Christie Rainey says
My grandmothers and grandfathers all used deodorant/ antiperspirants everyday of their lives, they lived to be 97, 98, 104, and 101. Old age and natural causes took them, not deodorant.. Please. Give me a break. Boycott something somebody gives a shit about!
Joannie Clark says
Once you start using the baking soda and arrowroot mixture, does it take time for your pits to adjust, for the possible toxins to work out of your body? I was using Tom’s of Maine.
Soukaina Mounir-Daniels says
Yesss
Tracy-Jody Corfe says
k..so what brands dont have any of these ingredients?
Alice Benham says
Baking soda makes me break out in an angry, red, painful, burning rash. After a couple days, it starts itching as well as burning. I’ve tried magnesium in pretty much all forms with no luck, and arrowroot does nothing for me. And don’t start lecturing me about my diet, because it’s very clean.
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
Some people put clay in their deodorants. Have you tried that, Alice (like bentonite clay powder)? Maybe a combination of arrowroot and clay, along with essential oils? This particular blend was formulated for its deodorizing properties: https://amzn.to/1QL1qvu
Anonymous says
I tried mine first with clay… I smelled awful! Lol… trying again without the clay. I havent used “regular” deodorant in years (I use crystal) .
Sarah Stanley says
Body odor comes through our nutritional lifestyle and microbiome.
If a person stinks, look at their diet and gut.
Cathy Finnesgard says
One part baking soda and two parts arrowroot powder. I add a little Epsom salt for good measure (magnesium also helps with odor) – that’s it. My husband and I both use it. It works. It lasts all day. It doesn’t leave armpit stains on your clothes. And it’s cheap.
Andrea Stephens says
Bridgette that’s what my sister uses after having breast cancer .
Bridgette Hewitson-Bevis says
Use a crystal deodorant. Brilliant. Last months and months.
Jenny Pennock says
I couldn’t ever find anything that worked. DIY. Milk of magnesia. EO’s. Store bought natural. But what seems to have worked is Piper Wei. I smell great the entire day! I love it. It was on shark tank. Anyway, it’s some great stuff!
Elin Duke Potter says
I use Dollar General’s store brand of Milk of Magnesia. It’s pure Magnesium. Works for over a week. Don’t ask.
Jo Doran says
I also use Milk of Magnesia. Have for at least five years.
Susan Tucker says
Milk of magnesia what do you lather it underneath your underarms?
Elin Duke Potter says
I use a Kleenex folded down to a square. Hold it over the bottle, tip the bottle upside down and swipe one underarm. Repeat for the other side.
Robert J. Eaton says
Yep, if it’s not lemon or sodium bicarbonate.
Mindy Tharp Worley says
I have been making my own for years, but recently started being irritated by it…I tried several different recipes, and finally found THIS one that works without irritating me (I do have to be careful not to apply too much)! Thanks, Kelly!
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
You’re welcome Mindy Tharp Worley! I’m so glad it worked well for you!
SteveandPaula Runyan says
Baking soda is not a good idea. It drastically changes the PH of the skin, causing serious issues for many that try it.
Jill-David Boman says
For people who are especially sensitive to baking soda, Milk of Magnesia, applied topically to the underarms works surprisingly well and doesn’t cause irritation. Alternatively, one could adapt the linked recipe to use less baking soda.
Jill Boman says
I’m so glad it’s working well for you, Elizabeth! Isn’t it a great feeling to be able to make your own, less expensive, non-toxic versions of commercial products?
Elizabeth Serrell says
This recipe actually works! Only natural deodorant I’ve tried that does And so much cheaper than some I’ve wasted money on.
April Fowlkes Cook says
My favorite deodorant recipe – even works on my burly manly man of a husband for longer than 24 hours!
1/3 cup arrowroot powder
1/3cup baking soda
20 drops of Antibacterial Essential Oil (tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus)
20 drops of Antifungal Essential Oil (tea tree, sandalwood, eucalyptus, etc)
2 tablespoons Vitamin E Oil or Sweet Almond Oil
3 tablespoons Coconut Oil
Mix it all together and pour into a small mason jar, etc. We use a tongue depressor (the mix does separate) to stir and apply.
Amy Sells Haist says
Milk of Magnesia works well for me. Much better than anything else natural I’ve tried. Look for stuff without chlorine as an ingredient (some brands include it, some don’t). You can get Good Sense brand on Amazon, only ingredients are Magnesium Hydroxide and purified water.
Peter Smith says
Been using plain old coconut oil for a long time. Works great. Cheap. Effective. Doesn’t have the “girly” smell or weird smell.
Sheila Bynum says
We have used this for years. https://www.amazon.com/Deodorant-Stones-America-Thai-Crystal/dp/B001E0YN1W/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1451521503&sr=8-8&keywords=deodorant+stone
Shannon Hudgens Soehl says
There’s a reason why anyone who lives around here (Portland area) goes by the adopted motto….keep Portland weird.
Melinda Hernandez Dobles says
Gayetri Maya Parmar, lol. For our Portlandia tendencies.
Gayetri Maya Parmar says
Lolololol. I’m still amazed at my face. ? can not thank you enough
Melinda Hernandez Dobles says
Awesome, ma!
Stacey Maaser says
If you don’t want to make your own deodorant, I am a local, stay at home, all natural momma, and I just started selling my homemade all natural deodorant that REALLY WORKS on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/listing/247899902/deodorant-all-natural-womens-4-fl-oz?ref=shop_home_feat_2
Samantha says
How does this compare to my current recipe – baking soda, corn starch, and coconut oil with a drop or two of eucalyptus?
Jill says
Hi, Samantha! I would probably work equally well. The main difference will be the texture: dry and powdery instead of oily. If you’ve experienced any irritation or rashes, or had problems with oil stains on the armpits of your shirts from your current recipe, you may have better success with the powder version. Also this one feels drier since it’s a powder. Other than that, the odor-fighting qualities are the same. You could experiment with a small batch and just compare to see if you prefer one over the other.
Ruthie says
I mix up basically this same recipe with a little coconut oil and beeswax and pour it in an old deodorant container for mess free application. It’s great stuff; you can even skip a day or two without too much problem. I need to keep it in the frig in the summer though
Jill says
For your summer (solid) deodorant, Ruthie, try replacing some of the coconut oil with a semi solid or solid butter like shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, or kokum butter (listed from softest to hardest) and you won’t need to keep it in the fridge.
Gaby Knodel says
That video was HILARIOUS!
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
I KNOW! It’s one of my favorite Portlandia clips because it’s so true!
Kathy says
I can’t tell you how many homemade deodorants I’ve made and NONE of them work. I don’t mind the wetness, OK I do a little bit as a woman it’s not really attractive, but the odor is what bothers me. I know we’re supposed to let our bodies sweat. I’m quite active and do martial arts, lots of sweat involved there. I’ve actually gone back to a “all natural” commercial deodorant. I’ll be making this today! Thank you very much for this recipe.
And thank you for helping Kelly with her wonderful blog. I just love it.
Jill says
Let me know how the deodorant works for you, Kathy! What I like about it is that you can adjust it to your needs. More baking soda = more deodorizing powder. More starch = more gentle on your skin. Just work with it till you get it the way you like it.
Shell says
I have started using plain Milk of Magnesia as deodorant and can’t even believe how well it works. I put it in a roller bottle and it goes on just like any roll on does. I always had underarm odor issues but they are gone since the first application. Just be sure to get the kind that has no additives other than water. Many have bleach added and other nasties. I get mine at Dollar General for $2.
Jill says
Yes, Milk of Magnesia is another effective deodorant. There is actually a deodorant company called MOM (acronym for Milk of Magnesia) that sells Milk of Magnesia (scented with I’m not quite sure what) in roller deodorant applicator containers. There is really no need to ever buy commercial deodorants when it is so easy to make your own.