Homemade All Natural Deodorant Recipe
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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
Bees Wax | Shea Butter | Vitamin E Oil | Almond Oil | Coconut Oil | Zinc Oxide
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65 Comments
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Simone
August 19, 2021 at 7:17pm
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Etienne
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MvE
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Leave a CommentI’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?
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!
Is it possible to have the recipe in cup and spoon please ? And thank you un avance.
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.
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?
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.
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 …..
We recommend using up any DIY product in 3-4 weeks!
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!!
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!
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!
Lia, a query, can I cut down the recipe quantities in half? And will it still be as effective?
Hi Sam,
You can cut the recipe in half and it will work just as well!
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 🙁
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).
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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!)
Hi Lia , Which product can I use instead of zinc oxide? I have arrowroot and baking soda…do they work ? Thanks
Zinc oxide is important in this recipe because of its antibacterial properties that help eliminate bacteria lurking on the skin.
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?
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.
Hey Lia, this is on my list of natural products to make. Do you also make shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, and dish soap?
Hi! Not yet, but I have come across a few recipes that I’d like to try and put my spin on 🙂
Can this same recipe be made replacing the zinc oxide with arrowroot powder and almond oil with some other carrier oil?
We haven’t tried it so I don’t know for sure. If you do try please let us know how it goes!
Hi, I don’t have a double boiler. I was wondering if it’s necessary to use one? Thanks.
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.
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!! 🙂
We haven’t tried it with a different type of oil, if you do let us know how it goes.
Would you be able to re-use the deodorant containers?
I have reused them, I just just wash and sanitize first 🙂
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….
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.
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!
Yay! So glad to hear you like how it turned out 🙂
Hi!
I was wondering if you know of something you could replace with beeswax?
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.
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
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.
And it is an amazing, amazing bargain.
Lia, Where do you get the deodorate containers from?
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!
any replacement of zinc oxide?
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
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!
Yes, thank you 🙂
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?
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
Hi,
I’m allergic to coconut oil, unfortunately 🙁 Do you know of an alternative for it in this recipe?
Thanks!
Yes, you can use jojoba oil instead.
This looks like a product I would like to make. Do you mind explaining how zinc oxide works? Thanks.
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.
Now I see it! Thanks!
🙂
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.
Hi Tamara, Absolutely! I have just added them to the post.
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
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.
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!
There is a recipe card at the bottom of the post with all the amounts:-)
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