Homemade All Natural Deodorant Recipe (2024)

— March 13, 2020

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“With Lia, you get a ton of beautiful projects from one site. It saves me time searching the web, and the project tutorials and videos are easy to follow. I definitely get my money's worth everymonth!” Vivian

I always try to use natural products, to eat well and to live a healthy life. I like to say that if I can’t eat it, I don’t want it on my skin so my favorite beauty products are always nearly edible. Making my own natural beauty products has been something I have done for a while now and today I’m sharing the newest recipe: an all natural deodorant for those who want a chemical-free option. I had everyone in the office road test this recipe and all came back with raving reviews. For this batch I used geranium essential oil which is both uplifting and calming at the same time – perfect! But really you can use any of your favorite essential oils for your own batch.

The small deodorant containers that we used fit nicely into hand- or travel bags but we plan to make larger sizes in the future too. It’s also worth noting that although you only need a small amount of the zinc oxide in this recipe it’s worth buying a whole bag. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in this deodorant, meaning you can add more if you want a more deodorizing product. It is also the active ingredient in our upcoming natural sunscreen. Save and print the recipe card below and have fun making your own all natural deodorant. I have included a list of the products I purchased below. Oh, and before I forget! I have also included the printable labels which you can edit using the free font Acron before you print. Just download and once you have installed your fonts, open in Adobe Acrobat or Reader and add your own fragrance choice onto the label. They can be printed onto full sheet label paper and trimmed to size for your small containers.

You can find more of my natural product recipes here on the blog such as a simple lavender bath salt, an organic lip balm, a coconut oil make-up remover and face scrub, a whipped body butter and a floral body scrub. Each comes with their own printable label, making these products the perfect homemade gift for friends and family or as a natural treat for yourself. The beauty of all my bathroom products is that you can use your favorite essential oil to add your fragrance. Essential oils are soul-soothing and can be a great, natural way to wellness. I’m a big fan! Enjoy! ~ Lia

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Discussion

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65 Comments

Simone August 19, 2021 at 7:17pm

I’m looking into making a deodorant cream.
I came across your recipe, and I like that you don’t use baking soda, but zinc oxide.
Have you tried leaving the bees wax out?
I’m thinking of trying that out and see if I get a cream that works from that.
Any suggestions?

Reply
1. Lia Griffith August 20, 2021 at 8:10am
  
  @Simone
  
  Hi Simone! No I haven’t tried this recipe without the beeswax. Leaving it out may result in more of a cream, or you could even try a smaller amount? Let us know how it turns out!
  
  Reply
Etienne Goulet June 22, 2021 at 10:59pm

Is it possible to have the recipe in cup and spoon please ? And thank you un avance.

Reply
1. Lia Griffith June 23, 2021 at 7:09am
  
  @Etienne Goulet
  
  Hi! We didn’t use those measurements because it’s more accurate to weigh the ingredients. You can try converting them (there are several online conversion calculators) but not sure how the final product would turn out.
  
  Reply
MvE May 10, 2021 at 3:41am

Dear Lia, Can I replace the zinc oxide with a zinc cream? I have sudocreme at home but don’t know that it is the same?

Reply
1. Lia Griffith May 10, 2021 at 5:49am
  
  @MvE
  
  Ooh I can’t say for sure as I have only made it this way. Zinc oxide is a powder and safe for personal use like this so I personally would stick to the recipe as written for best results.
  
  Reply
robbin December 14, 2020 at 6:54am

hi lia , looks like you have a good recipe, i wonder , if we sell the deodorant how long the shell life , because we can not sell to friend if the shell life is short ,but from your recipe there is no water , supposed without water it can last very long right , thanks lia …..

Reply
1. Lia December 14, 2020 at 10:52am
  
  @robbin
  
  We recommend using up any DIY product in 3-4 weeks!
  
  Reply
Cheryl October 13, 2020 at 10:38am

Hi Lia,
I love this recipe! I live in Texas and work outside a lot, and I sweat, but I don’t have an odor. It’s amazing!
I am having the same problem as some of your other readers with the zinc settling on the bottom. I didn’t have sweet almond oil so I used Jojoba. Could that be the problem? Also, if I want to make a double batch, can I just use double the ingredients, or does something have to change?
Thanks so much!!

Reply
1. Lia October 13, 2020 at 11:31am
  
  @Cheryl
  
  I’m so glad you love the recipe! I haven’t tried jojoba so I can’t say for sure if that was the problem, but you can try mixing in the zinc when the mixture is a bit warmer (instead of waiting a few minutes for it to cool). Doubling the ingredients should work fine for a double batch!
  
  Reply
Talya February 7, 2020 at 6:23am

Amazing!
I tried this recipe more than a year ago, and never went back to store bought deodorants.
After more than a year of using this recipe to make my own deodorant, and having tested it through all four seasons, I can finally write a fully informed review. In short: it absolutely works.
I live in a very hot climate. In the summer, temperatures often reach 98-100 degrees. I was also a scout leader until I graduated last year and took it with me to all of our camping trips and hikes. I also dance (ballet) and this is what I use before classes.
I have to admit, I was taken aback by the efficiency of this deodorant after making the first batch and trying it. I used to heavily rely on commercial deodorant, and had to reapply multiple times a day if I was outside or exercising.
With this ( the natural deodorant), I’ve never had any problem with odor, even when hiking in the desert.
It smells good but isn’t aggressively scented like commercial deodorants are, and the consistency resembles that of a balm, which is definitely better, in my opinion, than baking-soda-based, paste-like deodorants that I’ve tried before.
A few things to consider, though –
1. Again, the consistency resembles a balm – I might leave some residue on your clothes, most of the time it comes off in a wash, but keep that in mind.
2. Due to the zinc oxide, which is white, it might leave some whiteness on the sking, that’ll be visible when wearing a sleeveless shirt. Personally, I don’t mind, and many times commercial deodorants do that too. But you can try and put a thinner layer or use a little less zinc and see if that’s better.
3. If you make a batch knowing you’ll be using this in a hotter climate, I’d recommend using a little more beeswax, to ensure it stays firm and wouldn’t melt in your bag.
I definitely reccomend this recipe, and I also recommend changing the essential oils you use to create seasonal scents. You’ll want to use essential oils with antibacterial properties, and make sure they’re safe to use on the skin and still safe when exposed to the sun.
Thanks for the amazing recipe!

Reply
Sam September 18, 2019 at 2:10am

Lia, a query, can I cut down the recipe quantities in half? And will it still be as effective?

Reply
1. Lia September 18, 2019 at 10:22am
  
  @Sam
  
  Hi Sam,
  You can cut the recipe in half and it will work just as well!
  
  Reply
  See Also
  How To Make DIY Shampoo Bar Recipes Without Using Lye 15 Hot Drink Recipes to Heat Up Your Soul, With and Without Alcohol Easy 5-Minute Lip Balm Recipe (Burt's Bees Copycat) | HappyMoneySaver Oma's Frankfurter Kranz Recipe – German Crown Cake (Wreath Cake)
Janine August 15, 2019 at 4:53am

Had trouble mixing the zinc in. Was sticking at the bottom no matter what I tried. Filling the containers left the zinc oxide at the end to fill but was a sticky substance 🙁

Reply
1. Lia August 15, 2019 at 10:51am
  
  @Janine
  
  What brand did you use? You could try mixing it in when the mixture is a bit warmer (instead waiting for it to cool 3 minutes).
  
  Reply
Ashley April 17, 2019 at 6:21am

Hey there,
I made this and put it in a bigger size container and it ends up leaving a thick residue on my skin. I am not sure if I am mixing this wrong. Not sure what to do for next time.

Reply
1. Lia April 18, 2019 at 12:08pm
  
  @Ashley
  
  It could be the brand of shea butter or beeswax– I have heard from others that some do not work as well in homemade deodorant or soaps.
  
  Reply
Talya March 18, 2019 at 3:51am

Hi!
The recipe looks great, I’d love to try it!
I’ve been using my own homemade deodorant for some time now, but the recipe uses baking soda and cornstarch (to absorb the coconut oil that’s in it too).
It works great as far as it comes to neutralizing odour, but leaves a white powder on the skin, so it wont be good in the summer if I wear anything sleeveless.
Would the zinc oxide deodorant leave any whiteness on the skin?

Reply
1. Lia March 19, 2019 at 12:22pm
  
  @Talya
  
  I have not seen whiteness, though I am very pale so I may not be the best one to test! Since there is not a lot of the zinc, I would say no.
  
  Reply
Esther November 4, 2018 at 1:47am

I’ve made deodorant with coconut oil, shea butter, arrowroot, beeswax, zinc oxide, 10 drops sunflower oil, and some orange/lime essential oil.
I also tried one without arrowroot as well.
Ive noticed that I can’t get the residue off. When in the shower, even with soap and warm water, and a scrubber it seems to leave a white sticky residue that I have found almost impossible to scrap off. Have anyone found this issue? I was thinking maybe an emulsifier may help?

Reply
Jaylene June 11, 2018 at 10:57am

Hi Lia how long does the deodorant last as I see you mentioned the recipe above makes 10 sticks of deodorant. Should it be refrigerator and if so what is the shelf life at room temp vs the refrigeration.

Reply
1. Lia June 11, 2018 at 2:55pm
  
  @Jaylene
  
  Hi! The recipe makes 10 mini sticks, so it would likely fill 1-2 larger containers. I’ve noticed the shelf life is about 4-5 weeks, but should keep a bit longer in the refrigerator (or freezer!)
  
  Reply
Nada April 11, 2018 at 12:32pm

Hi Lia , Which product can I use instead of zinc oxide? I have arrowroot and baking soda…do they work ? Thanks

Reply
1. Lia April 11, 2018 at 4:36pm
  
  @Nada
  
  Zinc oxide is important in this recipe because of its antibacterial properties that help eliminate bacteria lurking on the skin.
  
  Reply
Lynda January 8, 2018 at 12:36pm

This may sound asinine but I’m having a terrible time getting the utensils clean that I used to make this deodorant. How did you do it?

Reply
1. Lia January 8, 2018 at 2:09pm
  
  @Lynda
  
  Oh no! Oils and butters can be tricky to wash. I use ceramic measuring cups and spoons, so I don’t have much trouble washing. But I usually wipe them out with a paper towel first and will soak them in soapy water if needed.
  
  Reply
Taylor Palmer October 4, 2017 at 10:48am

Hey Lia, this is on my list of natural products to make. Do you also make shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, and dish soap?

Reply
1. Lia October 4, 2017 at 11:19am
  
  @Taylor Palmer
  
  Hi! Not yet, but I have come across a few recipes that I’d like to try and put my spin on 🙂
  
  Reply
branden July 29, 2017 at 8:52am

Can this same recipe be made replacing the zinc oxide with arrowroot powder and almond oil with some other carrier oil?

Reply
1. Lia July 31, 2017 at 10:32am
  
  @branden
  
  We haven’t tried it so I don’t know for sure. If you do try please let us know how it goes!
  
  Reply
Taralyn July 29, 2017 at 4:48am

Hi, I don’t have a double boiler. I was wondering if it’s necessary to use one? Thanks.

Reply
1. Lia July 31, 2017 at 10:38am
  
  @Taralyn
  
  Yes, however you don’t need to buy a double boiler, it is just a set of two fitted saucepans or pots that are stacked together with space between them. The bottom saucepan is filled with water, then the second saucepan is stacked on top. The steam from the bottom pot rises and heats the upper pot.
  
  Reply
Taralyn July 26, 2017 at 5:25pm

Hi lia, I was wondering if I could substitute a different type of oil for the almond oil so I can save a little bit of money. Aside from coconut, I have jojoba oil and olive oil. Do you think those would work fine to replace almond oil? Thank you!! 🙂

Reply
1. Lia July 31, 2017 at 10:34am
  
  @Taralyn
  
  We haven’t tried it with a different type of oil, if you do let us know how it goes.
  
  Reply
Kerstin July 7, 2017 at 4:32pm

Would you be able to re-use the deodorant containers?

Reply
1. Lia July 10, 2017 at 8:47am
  
  @Kerstin
  
  I have reused them, I just just wash and sanitize first 🙂
  
  Reply
Lindsay March 28, 2017 at 8:30am

Hey Lia
wondering if you had any trouble with the zinc separating out and settling at the bottom mainly? Any suggestions to fix? It is still suspending in the rest of the deodorant but it is mainly settled on the bottom….

Reply
1. Lia April 5, 2017 at 3:56pm
  
  @Lindsay
  
  I haven’t had that problem. If that’s happening while you’re making it, just keep mixing. If it’s in the tube, it might just be time to toss it.
  
  Reply
lenke December 12, 2016 at 12:05pm

Hi!
I have made your recipe without the wax and it came out like something liquid, hardened to cream consistency the second day.
The effect is absolutely amazing- no unwanted odour!

Reply
1. Lia December 19, 2016 at 2:14pm
  
  @lenke
  
  Yay! So glad to hear you like how it turned out 🙂
  
  Reply
Luna June 6, 2016 at 1:06am

Hi!
I was wondering if you know of something you could replace with beeswax?

Reply
1. Lia June 6, 2016 at 11:53am
  
  @Luna
  
  I’ve heard carnauba wax or candelilla wax work well as a replacement but you don’t use as much, so I would try testing a small batch.
  
  Reply
Kitchen Witch May 20, 2016 at 8:47am

Love the recipes so far. Just made the deodorant & wanted to print the Free labels, however it is not Free and requires a $5. a month membership. Bummer there

Reply
1. Lia May 26, 2016 at 1:24pm
  
  @Kitchen Witch
  
  Hope you enjoy the deodorant, all of us girls in the office really love it. Sorry about the misunderstanding, can you please let us know where it said that it was free. The $5 per month includes access to all of our files, not just this one. That small fee allows us to make 12 new projects each week, pays salaries and pays for the materials we use.
  
  Reply
  1. Mary Schaffer March 17, 2017 at 7:32pm
    
    @Lia
    
    And it is an amazing, amazing bargain.
    
    Reply
Bella March 28, 2016 at 2:31pm

Lia, Where do you get the deodorate containers from?

Reply
1. Lia Griffith March 29, 2016 at 10:52am
  
  @Bella
  
  Hi Belle, the containers are from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JDCMRZM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JDCMRZM&linkCode=as2&tag=liagrihanyoul-20&linkId=VUSDPNOCHKL36TPK
  Enjoy!
  
  Reply
merinette March 14, 2016 at 4:38am

any replacement of zinc oxide?

Reply
1. Lia Griffith March 16, 2016 at 10:25am
  
  @merinette
  
  Hi Merinette. I have heard that you can replace zinc oxide with baking soda but this is not something I have tried myself. I would suggest you do your research before trying this option. It’s a wonderful deodorant to make so I hope you find a suitable replacement! Best, Lia
  
  Reply
  1. Vicki shaw February 22, 2017 at 7:44pm
    
    @Lia Griffith
    
    I think you might mean baking soda not powder? I use a natural deodorant and it is definitely soda in it. It helps to detoxify your lumph glands. Some people experience irritation or swelling for a week or two but it does pass! You will have very happy pits!
    
    Reply
    1. Lia February 26, 2017 at 8:52am
      
      @Vicki shaw
      
      Yes, thank you 🙂
      
      Reply
Denise July 27, 2015 at 1:39pm

This recipe sounds great but does it really get rid of the odor? I have made so many natural deodorants and I can just stand and I reek. (Now just imagine when I work out!) I have tried Baking Soda and I breakout. Does the Zinc Oxide help a lot with odor?

Reply
1. Lia July 29, 2015 at 3:45pm
  
  @Denise
  
  It has worked great for me and some of my team that have tried it. Zinc Oxide does not impair the natural detoxification process of sweating but it does eliminate odor. Obviously everyone is different but I wear mine to the gym. There are lots of articles online about Zinc Oxide
  
  Reply
Angela July 18, 2015 at 1:31pm

Hi,
I’m allergic to coconut oil, unfortunately 🙁 Do you know of an alternative for it in this recipe?
Thanks!

Reply
1. Lia July 20, 2015 at 4:48pm
  
  @Angela
  
  Yes, you can use jojoba oil instead.
  
  Reply
Susan July 17, 2015 at 7:58am

This looks like a product I would like to make. Do you mind explaining how zinc oxide works? Thanks.

Reply
1. Lia July 17, 2015 at 9:16am
  
  @Susan
  
  I am not a chemist but this is what I have heard Zinc Oxcide is commonly used in sunscreen and on baby bottoms (diaper rash). It is excellent at killing germs and eliminating odor, however it does not impair the natural detoxification process of sweating. The reason why I don’t want to use regular deodorant is that it is the chief exposure to aluminum for many people. Imagine soaking that aluminum through your skin all day.
  
  Reply
Yolanda July 17, 2015 at 3:47am

Now I see it! Thanks!

Reply
1. Lia July 17, 2015 at 8:59am
  
  @Yolanda
  
  🙂
  
  Reply
Tamara Millage July 16, 2015 at 10:59pm

Could you please let us know the source for the ingredients in this recipe? Would also like to know the source for the cute deodorant containers. Thanks! Can’t wait to give the recipe a try.

Reply
1. Lia July 17, 2015 at 10:10am
  
  @Tamara Millage
  
  Hi Tamara, Absolutely! I have just added them to the post.
  
  Reply
Pia July 16, 2015 at 10:05pm

Lia
This is the next ‘beauty’ product I am going to attempt to crack.
Earlier this year I finally managed to rid my hair of it’s addiction to silicon-based shampoo. Five months down the track and my hair is just ‘alive’. Shinier, cleaner for longer and less wispy.
I’m going to read and re-read this post on DIY deodorant.
Thank you for going to the time and effort to research & share this tutorial.
It’s just awesome.
<3
Pia

Reply
1. Lia July 17, 2015 at 9:18am
  
  @Pia
  
  Thank you, I am also using an all natural shampoo and love it. I am really trying to not use any products containing chemicals, it is both fun and challenging to come up with alternatives.
  
  Reply
Yolanda July 16, 2015 at 8:06pm

Hi, Lia. I really want to try and make this, it looks amazing, but I can’t find the amounts I need. Am I missing something? Thanks!

Reply
1. Lia July 17, 2015 at 9:19am
  
  @Yolanda
  
  There is a recipe card at the bottom of the post with all the amounts:-)
  
  Reply