This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
Another great use for coconut oil! Coconut oil deodorant!
All you need for this, do it yourself coconut oil deodorant, is a few ingredients from your kitchen.
Just the other day my brother asked me which natural deodorant he should buy. After he read off the ingredients of a “natural” one, it was clear the deodorants labeled “all natural” are not so natural after all. I told him it would be best to make coconut oil deodorant at home! He was hesitant as he thought this would be a crazy concoction of many ingredients. But actually, you can make coconut oil deodorant using only one or two ingredients! Yes, after mentioning that, I had him convinced to try my coconut oil deodorant. Today, he let me know that the coconut oil deodorant works just as good as a store bought one.
Nearly all skincare products or beauty products that are typically made with toxic and harmful ingredients can be made using coconut oil. Coconut oil deodorant is just another one to add to the list.
Commercial Deodorants Harmful to Health
Store bought deodorants contain many harmful ingredients which can be absorbed through your skin. These include parabens, triclosan, TEA & DEA, aluminum, etc. These chemicals are particularly harmful in the case of deodorant as many shave right before applying deodorant. Shaving causes imperceptible nicks in the skin, through which the chemicals can enter your body.
But maybe you already knew there are toxic chemicals in deodorant but did you know they’re also in deodorants labeled “all natural”?……
Store Bought “All Natural” Deodorants are NOT So Natural After All
Even all natural deodorants contain ingredients such as talc, fluoride, titanium dioxide, DEA, poloxamer 335, and aluminum chlorohydrate. (I found these ingredients on a very popular “all natural” deodorant).
How is poloxamer 335 a natural substance? Well, it’s not. It is a manufactured chemical.
What about the aluminum chlorohydrate and DEA? Not natural either, they are easily absorbed through the skin and have been associated with high risks of Alzheimer’s. DEA is a known carcinogen and has been restricted in Europe.
Talc particles have been found to cause tumors in the lungs and ovaries.Talc is dangerously similar to asbestos.
What To Use Instead? Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorant!
How to Make Coconut Oil Deodorant
Here are two ways to make coconut oil deodorant. They are both equally effective! The second option, more closely resembles the consistency of a stick deodorant.
Coconut Oil Deodorant #1
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 5 drops of essential oil, such as tea tree oil, lavender, or lemon grass *optional
Wait, if the essential oils are optional, it’s just coconut oil? True, you can just use plain coconut oil and it works great! However, many prefer the added essential oils. Also, the baking soda in the next coconut oil deodorant aids in the antiperspirant effect.
Coconut Oil Deodorant # 2
3 tablespoons coconut oil- 6 tablespoons baking soda
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 5 drops of essential oil, such as tea tree oil, lavender, or lemon grass *optional
3 tablespoons coconut oil
Linked on: Frugal Tuesday Tip, Titus 2sdays
Baking soda is it the same thing wit baking powder
no, they are different. You’ll want to use baking soda for this recipe.
Go for Lavilin! It’s the best all-natural deodorant out there in my opinion. Totally safe, lasts a week, and smells reeeeally good. I’ve been a happy customer for years and years!
Hi, i want to ask if i can use lemon oil instead of lemon grass oil?
Anyway….thank you so much for sharing! I already tried your toothpaste. Works great!!!
That should work just fine.
Hello,
I made both deodorant and toothpaste a cpl days ago… Still getting toothpaste concoction acceptable for all family members tastes. I didn’t have peppermint essential oil so added peppermint & orange extract, I don’t mind but hesitate to let family try yet. (cuz of salty factor) Note: had to refrigerate I think cuz of the heat was extremely liquid… So far love deodorant but, have been inside for most part, I think baking soda irritates a lil at 1st, (especially freshly shaved pits with crap razor :-/) but, I really don’t stink! Even after 24 hrs and I sweat! Just not sure what to do about baking soda, cuz my daughter wants to try and I don’t want anyone else irritated. (I’m the guinea pig LOL!) I was worried if I leave out the baking soda that we’d stink… Although, I have read some ppl use just coconut oil alone too. Also, couldn’t get arrowroot yet, so using cornstarch. We won’t get any gross fungus issues right? Any input appreciated… 🙂
Ohh! Almost forgot, recently started making own laundry powder and use Mama pads too! 🙂 Lisa
Glad to hear it works. You could decrease the amount of baking soda or only use coconut oil it irritates your skin. I usually just use coconut oil.
I recently tried this out after years of using regular deodorants. I was skeptical at first as it is so hot here (India) and I sweat all the time and hate smelling. But I am still amazed after 2 weeks of use at how well it works. I tried once with just the coconut oil and it lasted most of the day, but when I use the baking soda and cornstarch it works all day.
Hello Mercy, I’m a new convert too. That’s good to hear. I sweat too. LOL And also worried about stink factor. You give me some hope 🙂 Did it irritate u at all when u first switched?
That’s great!
I have had issues for years with antiperspirants not working for me. I tried this recipe about a year ago and I LOVE it! I let it set up in a small bowl, the press it into an old stick deodorant tube. It works GREAT! I left it in a very warm spot once, so I just sat it upside down and put it in a cool place, and voila! I had a perfectly molded top! I never melt my coconut oil first, I just measure out what I need and knead it with my hands until it softens up enough to start kneading in the powders.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, TJ.
I made this yesterday, and was quite excited to try it this morning. And I’m simply amazed. I don’t really understand how it can work as well as this, but seems like it does. Today was a warm day I spent at the beach, and I had no problems with it whatsoever. I’m not a big sweater, but still. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for sharing how it worked! It is a great simple solution!
Try adding some alum as an antiperspirant as well.
I may be wrong, but wouldn’t adding ALUM defeat the point of DIY your own?! People want to AVOID aluminum, not add it in.
Alum is a powder you use in keeping pickles crisp, it’s not aluminum at all . If you put it on your skin it dries it out .
I’ve used coconut oil, cornflour and bi carb soda (from Australia here! 😉 but it sets so hard i have to warm it to use it. next time i make it will a different ratio help, or is it just too cold? (winter here ATM)
The coconut oil is probably hardening up from the cold temperature. You could add a couple tablespoons of another oil to help soften it, maybe jojoba oil or olive oil.
I just use coconut oil by itself in winter and I dab a little bit of bi carb as well in summer for dryness. Best BO basher ever!!
My recipe is:
25 ml coconut oil
15 ml distilled witch hazel
15 ml tea tree oil (water soluble mix)
5 ml glycerine
5 ml essential oils
I put it all into a glass pouring beaker and sit it in boiling hot water. Once everything has blended together, I put it in a glass roll on bottle.
So far I haven’t had any problems, but it’s winter here in Australia.
That sounds like a great recipe, thanks for sharing!
if you boil an essential oil you diminish the power of the oil, or at least that is what I have been lead to believe. Trying to be helpful if this is in fact true.
Can I use fractionated coconut oil?
I use unrefined coconut oil, but that should work just fine too!
Where do you purchase your coconut oil?
Usually at my local food store because I’ve found it to be the cheapest there. But, sometimes they run out and then I order it online.
Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid and clear at room temperature. It won’t harden so that it can be poured into a deodorant container and used in a solid stick. If you don’t mind it staying liquid, then sure you can use it.
My store stick of deodorant is almost empty. When it’s done, I’ll clean it out, make a batch of this, and pour it into the clean stick. But with SC summer approaching, and an AC unit that has a mind of its own, I may need to store it in the fridge to keep it solidified.
Yes storing in the fridge is necessary when it gets to be summer. Also, remeber if you travel where it is warm, to make sure you have it in a plastic zip lock bag. I learned the hard way. I can testify that it worked great in the humid Cancun heat. Although I did develop quite a rash by the 4th day.
I usually keep mine stored in the fridge as well 🙂
This looks great! I get my products that are 100% Organic here: productorganic.mionegroup.com
It is true that unless a product has all of it’s Certifications, and is called “Natural”, it is nothing less than “green washing”
Hey you guys, thank you for the instructions. I am going to make my own toothpaste and deodorant this week.
Quick question, though:
What do you use for a container? An airtight glass container? Where do you buy them?
Awesome! I use a glass container for both with a stainless steel cover, its not air tight, and I usually store them in my fridge to make them last longer.
I use canning jars….good old ball ones for my homemade eczema cream, toothpaste, etc.
I use a small jar made for canning jelly and I bought a set of white plastic lids then I don’t have to mess with the two piece lids designed for canning
I’m on my second batch of this awesome deodorant. I’m sensitive to the baking soda also, but only after I shave. Not every day. The second time I made this I halved the baking soda (1/8 cup) and increased the corn starch by the missing 1/8 cup. I also make mine out of the liquid oil and mix it in a 1 cup Rubbermaid round lunchbox container. Then when it solidifies I squeeze the sides a little and POP! Out comes a fully formed deodorant “stick.” I pick it up with a tissue that I leave in the container and rub it under my arms. And YES, someone asked about soft underarms. Mine are REALLY soft! LOL. I still sweat some but it dries quickly and there’s NEVER been any smell for me.
Just as an FYI, some people are sensitive to the baking soda. I made some a while ago and I ended up feeling like the fires of hell were burning in my pits 🙁 On the plus side, it worked really well. Just not worth the suffering. Just wanted to chime in in case someone has the same issue and wonders why!
Exactly. My armpits turned black and I have started burning. I was wondering what was going on. Maybe I need to use a little less than half the recommended amount of baking soda. I’m also wondering if I can use just plain coconut oil at times?
Coconut oil can be used by it self as a deodorant, or essential oils can be added to it. When I run out of baking soda, I always just use plain coconut oil and it works really well!
Thanks for sharing. The coconut oil deodorant could be used as just coconut oil with added essential oils if can’t use baking soda.
I have had major problems with my pits with any homemade deodorant with baking soda. I’m so bummed because it controlled odor well. I get tons of red bumps and some swelling and soreness. The only thing that seems to work is the mineral stick which sometimes doesn’t control odor on really hot days. I’m so frustrated that the chemical laden stuff I used to use gave me no trouble. I’m not going back. I will keep trying until I find the right thing. Maybe just plain coconut oil will work for me. Worth a try. Thanks!
I cant remember what is was called but it “looked” like a big piece og rock salt, all you do is wet it and put under your arm pitts, worked great!
It’s pure rock salt , it works really well !
Over at Nourishing Simplicity, they use arrowroot powder (works very well instead of corn starch). http://nourishingsimplicity.org/2010/02/homemade-deodorant.html
I recently made a batch of coconut oil and beeswax lip balms- wondering if that combination would work as well- it might hold up up better in a deodorant stick since the bees wax makes it a bit harder- I will try it tomorrow! Great stuff here, thanks so much!
That sounds like a great idea to make it more of a deodorant consistency. Let us know how it comes out if you give it a try.
It worked surprisingly well, except one day when i was under a lot of stress.
How much beeswax?
Can you substitute arrowroot powder for the cornstarch? Isn’t cornstarch GMO?
You can use arrowroot powder instead, they are interchangeable. Cornstarch isn’t GMO if you use organic 🙂
I’m curious what the cornstarch does for the deodorant, if the baking soda acts as an anti-perspirant. Can you make the deodorant with just the baking soda?
The cornstarch acts as an antiperspirant too and helps keep you dry. You could try it without though.
I want to try to make this, but how do you make it? Do you melt the coconut oil and then add the other ingredients?
Thanks!
The first time I tried making the deodorant I melted the oil on the stove, but when I mixed in the baking soda and corn starch it didn’t mix very well. So the next time I made it, I added the baking soda to the coconut oil first (w/out melting the oil) and stirred. I did the same with the corn starch and stirred. And then I added tea tree oil. The coconut oil softens as you stir it. But be prepared, the mixture gets pretty tough once both the baking soda and the corn starch are added.
Thanks for sharing how it came out! When I made mine it came out more liquidy, I mixed it when the coconut oil was liquified, so that’s probably why.
I made mine with the coconut oil melted and then added in the other ingredients, that way it was easier to stir in.
I want to make this with the Tea Tree oil but I do have a question. DO you have any problem with the coconut oil staining your clothes. Does it dry after a while? Also, it must make for very soft pits!
It actually not greasy and you won’t have any oily stains or residue on your clothing from it. You can make a very small batch to test it out and see how you like it 🙂
Thanks Lori. I’ll be mixing a batch today.
This is so cool; definitely going to try. How do you apply it though? I’d like a mess-free application that means I don’t have to wash it off my hand afterwards, and can keep on my dresser and look neat. Suggestions?
I usually apply mine like a lotion with my fingers or with a cloth. The coconut oil deodorant looks more liquidy in my pictures as they were taken when I mixed the ingredients with the coconut oil melted. If you keep it a cool place, the deodorant should be more firm and similar to a typical deodorant. Maybe you could pour it into a lotion or deodorant stick container when warm and then allow to cool.
Oooh, I never thought of reusing a deodorant stick container. I’ll see how that works. Thank you!
Please let us know how it works.
Right away I am going away to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming yet again to read additional news.
I recently read that u have to be careful with using tea tree too often. It’s much like an antibiotic and your body will get so used to it that it won’t be effective when needed for something more serious. Thoughts?
Actually, i just googled it and they said it is true. Thoughts?
That’s interesting! I haven’t read about it yet. I wonder how much you need to use though, because we usually dilute it so much.
Don’t wash, good for hands too.
wow, cool. I have to try this one to! I hate that you have to choose the cancer risk or sweaty/stinky with store bought. (i would never choose stinky LOL too obsessive)
I would love to have you share this on The HomeAcre Hop!
Hi Lisa, thank you for the invite! I will make sure to share it on your blog hop this week! 🙂
Can you use sweet orange oil for this?
Sure!
Sounds so easy! I have to try this! Thanks so much for sharing this on Wildcrafting Wednesday!
I can’t wait to make my own deodorant. I can’t stand the store bought stuff. Way too many chemicals and bad things. You are right even the natural stuff can be bad. Always read the labels 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Stopping by from Healthy 2Day Wednesdays
Isn’t fun to make your own deodorant? So satisfying!
Thanks so much for sharing your recipe in this week’s Thank Goodness It’s Monday carnival.
Blessings!
Kresha from NourishingJoy.com
Too funny! I made this up last night! I use grapefruit oil which makes it smell a LOT like lemon slice and hubby requested tea tree oil which is also antibacterial and antimicrobial too I think. Packs a double punch there since coconut oil is both of those too. I’ve used it for months now and only on the hottest of hot and most strenuous and highly stressful days do I smell at all. Normally, even with shop bought deodorants I could end up smelling somewhat after a very stressful day but this stuff is a complete winner!
Best of all it’s safe enough for my son (4) to accidentally use it instead of toothpaste! 😉 In fact I made up the same recipe but with a little hydrogen peroxide and peppermint oil instead as toothpaste. 😀
That’s great! I love how easy it is to make! Tea tree oil is a great addition, I usually add a few drops to mine too. That’s awesome, I do the same for my toothpaste! I use baking soda, coconut oil and peppermint 🙂
Same toothpaste that I use =) I am making one of these recipes today also, thank you!
Awesome!
Hi – is the coconut oil and baking soda efficient enough to prevent tooth decay / clean teeth effectively? Thanks a million
I’ve had success with it, no cavities so far, knock on wood.
These are certainly far better options than commercial products but mind you that your body does metabolize most essential oils when applied to the skin. So men should take care not to overdue the tea tea and lavender as both have shown to slightly and temporarily disrupt testosterone levels.
Lemon/citrus are great but remember in warmer months you may burn 😉
Where do you get your oil