There's nothing more empowering than making your own natural deodorant. Handpicking ingredients, storing it in a small glass jar you can keep for over a year - it doesn't get better than that!

Because we know how good this feels, we want to share that empowerment with you. Granted, your first DIY recipes might not have turned out the way you thought.

But with these helpful tips, you'll be whipping up that natural deodorant recipe in no time. And with more success on the horizon too.

See Related: What Is The Difference Between Anti-Perspirant And Deodorant?

What is natural deodorant?

If you've made your own homemade deodorant before, you may be thinking, "What's this natural deodorant they're talking about?" Well, unlike commercial deodorants, natural deodorants avoid synthetic and artificial ingredients, and typically turn out being aluminum free deodorants. 

And they typically contain ingredients with anti-bacterial properties such as coconut oil and tea tree oil, essential oils to provide a pleasing smell, and ingredients meant to absorb moisture like baking soda, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch.

Why use natural deodorant?

Natural deodorants are gaining popularity for many reasons. One of which is that they won't plug up your sweat glands or contain harsh chemicals or aluminum.

While natural deodorant may not stop you from sweating - which is a natural bodily function anyway - it will eliminate body odor. And keep your sensitive skin safe and away from toxic chemicals.

So, what are the most common ingredients you'll find in natural products such as natural deodorant? We thought you'd never ask...

All natural ingredients for DIY natural deodorant

Below are common ingredients found in any homemade deodorant recipe. They're not all to be used together. But we wanted to give you some options for your homemade deodorant recipe that you can find at most natural food stores.

Coconut oil

Using plain coconut oil as your natural deodorant base for a solid state deodorant in stick form is a great decision. Not only does the carrier oil coconut oil contain fatty acids like lauric acid - known for its anti-bacterial properties.

But plain coconut oil is cost effective, has a long shelf life, smells amazing, and also helps to reduce bacteria in moist areas while leaving you smelling like you just came off a desert island. A good desert island though. Not like you were stranded or anything...

Shea butter

Shea butter is the perfect ingredient for your DIY deodorant as it nourishes and protects your underarm skin. While it may seem counterintuitive, you don't want to dry your armpits out.

So shea butter makes sure that not only do your pits receive the moisture it needs. But also promotes a healthy skin barrier for the rest of the ingredients in your homemade deodorant recipe to come.

Cocoa butter

If shea butter isn't your jam, cocoa butter is another great option. Especially if you have sensitive skin. This all natural ingredient works to smooth your skin while offering up some essential oils of its own.

Arrowroot powder

In your homemade deodorant stick, you'll want to have some type of ingredient to soak up moisture. Baking soda and arrowroot powder are the more common ingredients to use.

But they're certainly not the only ones. Arrow root powder is particularly gentle on sensitive skin, making it a fan favorite in the DIY deodorant community.

And it also manages to keep body odor to a minimum. In fact, it may even control odor better than store bought deodorants. But for those who have no issues with skin irritation, you can always use baking soda as well.

Baking soda

Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb moisture and neutralize body odor. In fact, we're sure you've used baking soda to soak up a bad smell you've discovered in your fridge.

And while your pits may not cool off like your fridge does, you'll appreciate having baking soda in your own deodorant. Both to keep you from stinking up your environment and keep those sweat stains from leaking out.

Bees wax

Bees wax is a great stabilizing ingredient to include in your DIY deodorant. In fact, it's also a common ingredient found in lip balms, lotion bars, and more.

Potato starch

If you're simply looking for an alternative to cornstarch or tapioca starch, consider the starch of potatoes your next best bet. While it can absorb moisture like its fellow starches, it is significant to note that arrowroot powder is also commonly used in the best all natural deodorant for its ability to draw toxins from the body.

Soy wax

You might notice that your regular deodorant has a harder consistency. So if you want to mimic store bought deodorant, simply add this emollient to firm up your homemade deodorant stick.

Essential oils

Choosing an essential oil for your all natural deodorant is an art. There's tea tree oil (which has antibacterial properties), lavender, grapefruit essential oil, and more. So it's really up to you how you want to smell to the world.

As you can see, there is no one best all natural deodorant when making your own deodorant. Many ingredients and natural alternatives used will be chalked up to personal preference, as some may use apple cider vinegar or ingredients that have been studied to prevent any risk of developing breast cancer.

Either way, the best deodorant is the natural product you create for yourself.

Bonus: What Are Sustainable Use Practices?

A sample DIY natural deodorant recipe

Ingredients

• 2 TBSP shea butter
• 3 TBSP coconut oil
• 3 TBSP baking soda
• 2 TBSP arrowroot powder
• essential oils (optional)

Tools

• Quart size mason jar (for a plastic free deodorant)
• Double boiler
• Glass measuring cup

Instructions

1. Combine the coconut oil and shea butter in your mason jar. Place the mason jar in your double boiler and heat the mixture on a low flame. Heat through shea butter and coconut oil melts and you have a liquid form of your all natural deodorant base.
2. Once cool, mix in the arrowroot powder and baking soda. Then add essential oils - only a few drops - to your coconut oil deodorant.
3. Pour mixture into an empty deodorant container. Or deodorant containers if you make a bigger batch.
4. Allow the coconut oil deodorant to harden either in the fridge or the freezer. Then, save money and smell fresh!

If you're not into natural homemade deodorant...

If your coconut oil homemade deodorant recipe didn't go as planned, or if the essential oil you chose just didn't hit your nose right, you've always got us on your side. At PAPR Cosmetics, you can enjoy peace of mind choosing from our vegan, cruelty free, plastic free, and zero waste deodorants.

The bottom line

Whether it's a homemade natural deodorant recipe or not, natural deodorant is making its way to the spotlight. And, if we have anything to do with it, it's here to stay.

So play around with an essential oil or two. Or buy PAPR Cosmetics if you don't want to deal with coconut oil staining.

We'll offer you the best ingredients for your all natural deodorant. And we'll give back to the planet in the meantime too.

Keep Reading: What Is The Best Natural Deodorant For Sensitive Skin?

--

PAPR Cosmetics is on a mission to create conscious beauty products with as little impact on the planet as possible. Our products are fully recyclable, vegan, and cruelty-free. When we take down one tree, we plant a new one. For more information and sustainability tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Tumblr.