As unpleasant at is can be, sweating is an important aspect of our bodies’ ability to regulate our temperature, and when sweat combines with the bacteria on our skin, it can cause body odor. But nobody wants to smell like body odor, which is why we use antiperspirants or deodorants (or both!)
But many store-bought antiperspirants contain parabens, aluminum, dyes and a bunch of other things people may not want to put on their skin. Deodorants, on the other hand, tend to have simpler ingredients, and while they don’t stop sweating, that’s not necessarily a bad thing — it helps cool us off, after all!
Luckily, you can whip up a simple, all-natural deodorant at home using just two ingredients. It controls odor without blocking sweat, and without any harsh or risky chemicals.
One thing I like about this formula is that you can use it as a roll-on or a spray. Since many people have strong preferences about how they apply deodorant, it’s nice to have options!
How To Make A Natural Deodorant Roll-On
You’ll need:
Directions:
Add 12 drops of Defend to a roller bottle, then fill the rest of the way with fractionated coconut oil. Replace the roller top and shake well to mix.
Bonus Tip: This tool makes it easy to pop the lids off essential oil bottles and roller bottles!
How To Make A Natural Deodorant Spray
You’ll need:
- 30 drops Defend Essential Oil Blend
- 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerin
- Witch hazel*
- 4 ounce spray bottle
*Note: Witch hazel his included here for its natural cleansing and toning properties, and because it’s pleasantly cool, evaporates quickly, and can help soothe irritated skin. Learn more about the benefits of witch hazel here.
Directions:
Add 30 drops of Defend and 1 tablespoon of glycerin to a small spray bottle, then fill the rest of the way with witch hazel. Replace the spray top and shake well to mix.
Tips For Using A Natural Deodorant
- Natural formulas don’t last quite as long as conventional deodorants, so you’ll benefit from applying them more frequently. Keep some in your purse so you can reapply it once or twice throughout the day.
- If you’ve been using an antiperspirant, your body may need time to adjust to your new routine. You might feel sweatier than usual for the first few weeks.
The million-dollar question about natural deodorant is always the same: does it work? I’ve been using it exclusively for some time now and have been completely satisfied with the results!
I don’t experience what I would call “excessive sweating,” though, so if you do, be aware that neither of these natural deodorants will do you any good in terms of preventing sweat. Only an antiperspirant will help in that regard — just something to keep in mind!
More Ideas You'll Love
Have you ever tried a natural deodorant?
I really have an aversion to coconut smell (hair products, sun screen). I there another oil I can replace it with or can it be left out?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Coconut oil isn’t scented.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Coconut oil doesn’t smell like coconut, it has a neutral scent.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Depending on the extraction process coconut oil can be scented or odorless. I’m not sure about fractionated CO and whether or not it is scented or if some is and some isn’t even. You can read about the difference and what process takes the scent out at Tropical Traditions http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/. They sell very good coconut oil and I like the sourcing but it can be expensive without specials (which they do run often). However both scented and non scented can also be purchased at Vitacost http://www.vitacost.com/ I have often purchased the Jarrow brand from them that says “good for cooking” on it and states that it has a “neutral taste” in the description. I don’t know how they are different since both the green label and the brown label containers say they are expeller pressed but from personal trial the brown one has no smell or flavor (I prefer that for cooking). I’m sure other brands at Vitacost also have non flavor options but I don’t know which ones, I use Tropical T now as much as I can though because I have a better grasp on why one has taste and smell and one doesn’t as well as liking what they do.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Okay, I’ve been hesitant to try making my own deodorants (my hubby already thinks I’m nuts with all the homemade recipes I’ve been trying for the last year or so), I’m definitely going to try this one! I just placed my first order with Spark Naturals and it should be here any day!
Thanks again Jillee, and Rebecca for all that you do!
BTW, my hubby is now a convert to your laundry soap and fabric softener!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One of your links does not work. Do you have to add the coconut oil to the roll on?? Is it too hot to use the oils with out some kind of cream??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jocelyn, Fractionated Coconut Oil is in liquid form. It’s a carrier oil for the EOs so they are not quite as concentrated.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would like to try that deodorant but we don’t get the fractionated oil here. Do you think I could use the normal coconut oil, which is hard at room temperature, as well? I could heat it a little to melt it and then add the essential oils. Afterwards make it into a stick deodorant. Would that be possible?
Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You wouldn’t be able to use regular coconut oil for the roll on or the spray for this recipe. It is solid even with the oils. You could mix it and put it into a flat type mason jar or shallow glass jar. You would put your finger in the jar to get a little on your finger (it doesn’t take much!) Beware, as it melts quickly on your warm finger. You can buy fractionated coconut oil from SparkNaturals.com and most health food stores have it as well as Amazon, Vitacost, and Puritan’s Pride.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is it only me, but there 4 ingredients. No biggie. Also to Anita. I have tried the crystal stones. They work really well only hint is to wet the stone and a little water drips down your are. Not tragic. They do last forever, it seems.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Was kinda hoping your sister had some for sale… oh well, I’ll be looking into making this. For now I use Tom’s and the one made by Arm&Hammer. Thanks for the great info. BB2U
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Be careful with those deodorants. Check the ingredients. I know A&H has Triclosan in it, and Toms started adding a natural ingredient that also isn’t good for you (natural doesn’t always equal healthy). I can’t think of the name, but it’s in a lot of other deodorants, and other products, too. My husband and I loved the A&H one, until I did some research.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank for the this deodorant recipe. I am eager to see which oils you use for a manly scent.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try Cypress and/or Pine
Please log in or create a free account to comment.After a health scare last year, I took a real hard look at what I was putting in my body and ON my body. My scare had to do with a staph infection and subsequent lymph node issues. I quit using deodorant and started using coconut oil, first as a massage oil to help get my nodes loosened up but then I noticed that it was doing a fairly good job at keeping odor away (I wasn’t expecting THAT!).
But now that it’s warmer weather, I’m looking forward to trying some of these suggestions for natural deodorant. I’ve gotten used to the non-anti-perspirant feeling, but the scent of lavender intrigues me.
Thanks-
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This answers a question I’ve always had when I read about people in history such as in the Bible, 1800’s, etc. I’ve always wondered how they kept themselves at least odor free if not free from sweat!
It also brings me back to a subject that I would rather not acknowledge of antiperspirants being bad for lymph nodes…a friend told me this years ago but I have an aversion to sweating!
This short blog gave me all the push I needed to think out of my box and give something natural a try. My mom is VERY sensitive to smells and I think the baking soda, cornstarch ideas would be better around her. From your experience, how strong is the scent of the eo deodorants? Also, how long do they last on an “average” day and must you reapply throughout the day?
By the way, your idea for getting help in planting your flowers is a conniving, yet BRILLIANT idea! I’m thinking of trying THAT one right away! haha
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you feel like you need a pick-me-up, make a smaller bottle to put in your purse or car for those mid-day issues… Or make the roll-on for the morning after your shower and the spray for the car/purse/locker for a quick refresher.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Well, no; historical writings and memoirs show that people in history STUNK. But nearly everything (garbage pits, manure in the streets, open sewers, outhouses if you were lucky) stunk then anyway. The very rich could afford to drench themselves in expensive perfumes to try to mask the foul smells that surrounded them, but everyone else just lived with it. There were certainly no essential oils available for the average citizen to make natural deodorants, and probably no one thought to bother trying, because perspiration was a normal fact of life. Society’s insistence on frequent bathing and removing any hint of natural body odor is a very, very recent development, historically.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I remember reading in my Native American Literature class that one Native American said that he could smell the white men coming from a half a mile away because of their body odor! This particular tribe bathed in the river everyday and kept clean, even during the winter. I so wish I could remember which book had this account in it. It made me giggle out loud in the middle of class, I do remember that part:)
I and my kids have been using coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch/arrowroot powder & essential oils (you can put some wax pellets in it to make it a roll-on), BUT I definitely will be trying this one as well. Thanks for sharing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Has anyone used the mineral salts or crystal stones which are recommended on many natural health care sites? I haven’t tried it yet but am curious about it and want to try it. Apparently one stick or stone will last well over one year, so it would be a huge cost savings to use one of these as your deodorant.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Anita,
Yes, it will last over a year… I get the spray which doesn’t last as long as the stone, but with the same ingredients. It works for me. I don’t sweat much but many days during the spring/summer I am outside in my garden working, so I do sweat a little. I think it makes a big difference with how well you eat and if you eat whole foods, or processed junk. I eat a pretty clean diet: grassfed meats, raw milk, fermented veggies, etc. etc. most everything is homemade. But for other people it doesn’t work… you just get to figure it out for yourself. :) When I travel I use the stone because then I can have it on my carryon. Even during business meetings when I am in a dress suit it has worked fine for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve used the crystals for many years off & on… they work great but for me, I need to reapply it after about 6-8 hours. I always kept a crystal in my toolbox at work just in case.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The crystals actually have aluminum in them! Don’t be fooled. Here are two links for those who are curious.
http://bubbleandbee.blogspot.com/2009/03/aluminum-in-crystal-deodorants.html
http://press.herbalix.com/articles/why-are-crystal-deodorants-unsafe/
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I switched to a home made corn starch//coconut deodorant about a year ago. I was worried about it not being anti-antiperspirant. I was pleasantly surprised after a very short detox period (1-2 weeks), my body seemed to adjust to the idea that it COULD sweat now, and didn’t need to do it as profusely. Plus I think it took awhile to sweat out the years of anti-antiperspirant build up. Fortunately I did this while the weather was still cold and I was able to wear double layers to help me feel I could hide any tell tale under arm rings!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you use all of the oils or just one?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have been using jus plain rubbing alcohol for years, works for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Me too, but I use the 90%. I read on diynatural.com that using rubbing alcohol over time can be toxic so they recommend a grain ethyl alcohol like Everclear (whatever that is). I’m going to try Jillee’s recipe.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Everclear is a name brand for 190 proof Pure Grain Alcohol (drinking alcohol).
Do you have a specific place where you get the roll on and spray bottles?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Will it work without the frankincense?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Absolutely! The Frankincense has anti-cancerous benefits which makes it a wonderful ingredient for deodorant since application is so close to many lymph nodes. Lemon, Melaleuca and Lavender is a very nice combination too!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Awesome! Can’t wait to try this I just started getting into essential oil and love them so much that I’m selling them now. When you come up with a manly scent please share would love to make it for husband also. Thanks so much love your blog and your sisters too :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try something with Cypress and/or Pine…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The frankincense is tooooo expensive I will not b making this. ,(
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can make this without Frankincense. You may want to see if any of your friends would like to share the cost of a bottle since it doesn’t take a whole bottle for this recipe (although there are other uses for Frankincense to justify the cost – {wrinkle preventer}.
I had a scare late last year where my annual mammogram showed a lump. I stopped using commercial deodorant and started looking for a diy recipe (this recipe is awesome) and I used Frankincense in the recipe. I also rubbed Frankincense & fractionated coconut oil in the area of the lump each night. I had my follow up mammogram last week – No Lump!!! (love you Rebecca <3 ).
Also, this doesn't get rid of the sweaty feeling (I live in the South). I use the coconut oil – witch hazel doesn't cut it long term in humid heat for me. It does smell good and works a good while (I do have to freshen if I am doing a lot of physical work).
Lemongrass does work well to help lessen the perspiration.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.There are about 75 drops per 5ml bottle. It’s not that expensive when you do the math. Buy some off a friend to try it out before you buy your own.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like this idea! I was thinking of making the spray on my hubby to see what he thinks. I make mine with coconut oil but from what I hear, if can not be as effective with hair. I also plan on not using Lemon, it can make skin susceptible to burning in the sun and we spend lots of time outside. Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This formula will not prevent you from sweating, but will absorb the sweat. Mix together equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch. Mix together well and place in an old bathpowder box with a puff. After showering apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to under arms and dust well with cornstarch/baking soda mixture. I have been using this formula for 2 years without odor, or underarm stains on my clothes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been doing something similar for years. I mix 1 part baking soda, 1/4 part cornstarch, and 1/4 part baby powder or other talc-based body powder. I don’t do the coconut oil part, but I can see that might improve the system, especially if I will be doing something really energetic! Thanks.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s what I have been using, milk of magnesium, it works! I put it in an empty roll on bottle, I apply some to freshly washed & dried pits, one thing you have to do is allow it to dry before getting dressed otherwise it doesn’t work as well, I rub it in for about 20 seconds each side until it dries, it keeps me odor free all day, even in the worst conditions. One thing I have noticed is it seems to keep my dry as well, it’s not like antiperspirant, but it does seem to keep me dry. It’s also something I use on my face as a masque and lightly applied as a primer before applying makeup (when I wear it, which isn’t often anymore)… research it, I’d love to hear what you think about it. :)
There is a commercial deodorant made with MOM and hydrated bentonite clay, I have experience with both of these ingredients, they are both very alkaline, I suspect that is how it works to keep down odor and possibly to keep down moisture. This commercial deodorant is put out by The People’s Pharmacy, I have no affiliation with them.
I have been using just the plain MOM with no problems, I have hydrated bentonite clay, it’s going into my next batch to see if it works any differently.
Wretha
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use this too! I put mine in a squirt bottle though (it does clog easily) because I don’t have a ball roll-on and I add essential oils to the Milk of Magnesia aka Magnesium Hydroxide. Supposedly, magnesium hydroxide has been a popular ingredient in deodorants to control odor. Occasionally, I do have odor, but I feel it is related more to my diet (I have to stay away from a certain brand of Beer), than to the effectiveness of the MOM.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had some roll on deodorant/antiperspirant bottles left over, I hate throwing anything away :)
I just popped the ball out of the bottle, washed the bottle and ball very well and filled with MOM, I left about an inch of space at the top to give me some shaking room. When it gets used up some, I’ll add some hydrated bentonite clay about half and half with the MOM and see how that works, I’m hoping it works great, the MOM by itself works… we’ll see what happens, I’m all for experimenting.
What essential oils do you add to your MOM deodorant?
Wretha
Thanks for your experience. I bought some months ago. It didn’t seem to be effective for me. But after reading your comments yesterday, I decided to try it again, this time rubbing it in with my fingers like you said you do. Guess what! It was very effective! I was out in 100 degree heat and came home w/o a hint of ripeness. :) I guess it was my method of application. Thanks, Wretha.
And thanks, Jillee, for these opportunities to exchange ideas with others!
Thank YOU for sharing your experience Nicole! :-)
oooohhhh I can’t wait to try this!!!!! I really hope it works
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.oh loooorrd, I always smell like the wrong side of a hippy whenever I try out the store bought natural deodorants. Thanks for this, I’m gonna try and hope it works better because I definitely prefer natural over the toxic name brands.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wrong side of a hippy! Too funny!!!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I second that! HAHA!!
As coming from the hippie era, this really hit my funny bone. The wrong side of a hippy! I bet you have a colorful vocabulary of expressions. I’m going to use your expression today, because there are several targets where it is apropo.
I am also going to try the deodorant because of the lymph node thing. My lymph nodes are always knotted up from food allergies; this would be a good idea for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.“wrong side of a hippy”!!! Love it. That made me laugh out loud-
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You and me both, sister. I’ve tried crystals, I’ve tried Tom’s and I’ve tried the coconut oil and baking soda (which gave me a tremendous rash and didn’t stop the smell AT ALL). I think i am just one of those people that needs clinical strength deodorants.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s me as well, Carrien. I HATE using the aluminum products, but without them I RUIN clothes with a stench that doesn’t wash out. I don’t have the budget to replace tops after each wearing, so I potentially risk my health. I would LOVE a third option!
I’ve just discovered a something that works for me. I spray the armpit area of my clothes with ammonia before washing. The stench actually comes out. I realized that the buildup of the odor in my clothes was causing me to stink faster than I really did. It’s worth a try.
and this doesn’t damage your clothes at all? its safe for colors as well as whites? or only whites?
It hasn’t damaged anything of mine and I’ve mostly done it to darks. The thing is that the sweat smell is just a build up over time so once it’s gone, I don’t need to do it again for quite awhile. You can always try Jillee’s method of Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda if the ammonia makes you nervous. That just takes a little more effort with the scrubbing. To make it easier, I douse my clothes with hydrogen peroxide, pour a bit of Dawn on a toothbrush then dip it in baking soda, then scrub away.
I heard a spray bottle w/2pts hydrogen peroxide to 1 pt Dawn works ;)
I’ve quit deodorant and began trying the other homemade options: alcohol, milk of magnesia, coconut oil/baking soda/cornstarch. None of them are totally effective on their own for me. So my favorite method in order to stay relatively fresh smelling without going back to aluminum based store bought deodorants is to first swab my pits with alcohol to kill the bacteria. Then I apply zinc oxide (I just buy the generic Desitin creamy tube from the baby aisle). Sometimes I dust my shoulders and armpits with Shower to Shower powder. This actually kept me fresh for hours in 105 degree heat this past weekend. Deodorant wouldn’t have. But something to note is that this only works if I’m not going sleeveless. The white zinc oxide would be obvious I think.
That’s so funny, Sunnee! I feel your pain though! I am not going to stop trying to go more natural, and plan to give this a try!
Jillee,
Thanks for posting good stuff! We love ya!
xo,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Rebecca K
If it doesn’t work for you, try combing the exact same essential oils she mentioned with 1/8Cup of organic baking soda, 1/8Cup of organic cornstarch, and 3Tablespoons of organic unrefined virgin coconut oil. Store it in an air tight container, and if you live in a really hot climate, you might want to store it in your refrigerator. This works extremely well! Even my husband uses it (and likes it!). However, I will caution you: some people are sensitive to a lot of baking soda on the skin. My suggestion is to be sure you wash it off completely at night time before bed and apply plain organic virgin unrefined coconut oil directly after. This will help keep it from ever getting irritated.
Hope this helps!
Organic Uprising
Please log in or create a free account to comment.OrganicUprising.com
Jillie, u’ve even great ideas! :-) I’ve made my own deodorant with saturated baking soda and eo, so as a creamy stick deodorant, but this one I need to try ASAP ;-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanx for the suggestions :-)
V.