This coconut oil deodorant recipe includes just 3 easy ingredients – coconut oil, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and baking soda. Plus, it really works!
Like many of us, when I started using antiperspirant as a pre-teen, I just used whatever my mom brought home. It was the same brand she'd been using since she was a pre-teen.
However, after I went vegan, I started looking at beauty products through a different lens.
I approached it from a health perspective – both of my health and the health of bunnies, guinea pigs, and mice, on whom many body products are tested.
I needed a product without animal ingredients, animal testing, aluminum, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, and propylene glycol.
After looking at the ingredients in antiperspirant versus deodorant, I realized this meant I'd be moving to deodorant.
I didn't relish the thought, honestly. I liked feeling dry all day.
And pit stains? Not cute.
Still, I was up for the challenge.
I tried brand after brand of natural deodorants on the shelves of my natural grocery store.
The results? Not pretty.
And on the rare occasions that I found ones that worked, they were a lot more expensive than standard brands.
(At one point before natural brands went mainstream, I paid $18 for a stick!)
Then about 15 years ago, a friend mentioned to me that she makes her own natural deodorant at home with coconut oil, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and baking soda.
I was intrigued but unsure.
Would it work? Did I want to make something else in my life from scratch?
Still, my friend said she'd been doing it for a long time with great results. And she said one batch lasts for months.
I had all of the ingredients in my kitchen already. So one afternoon I took the leap.
I was really impressed with the results. In fact, my husband and I have been using this DIY deodorant ever since.
Not only does it keep us smelling sweet, it keeps me pretty dry as well, even when biking in the summer heat.
(Note that you will still perspire, though. This is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant.)
In this post:
Why readers love this recipe
“This is amazing, I've used it for a while now and it's the only thing that works for me here in the thick, sticky Southeast U.S.” – Patricia
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and moisturizing, making it a perfect base for homemade deodorant. It helps keep underarms soft while fighting odor-causing bacteria. Any brand/type of coconut oil will work.
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer that neutralizes odor on contact.
Cornstarch helps absorb moisture and keeps your underarms feeling dry throughout the day. It also balances the baking soda.
How to make coconut oil deodorant
This section shows how to make this recipe at a glance with process photos of the steps. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.
1. Assemble and measure coconut oil, cornstarch, and baking soda.
2. Add ingredients to bowl, and stir to combine.
3. Transfer to a clean jar for storing, and cover with an airtight lid. (A 4-ounce Ball jar is just the right size.)
If you'd like to skip a step, you can mix the ingredients in the jar itself instead of making it in a bowl and transferring it.
4. When you’re ready to use it, dip a clean finger into the mixture. Then swipe a tiny amount. (You don't need much!) Rub it into your underarm area.
Pro tip: Coconut oil mixes easier when it's a warm liquid as opposed to a cool solid.
You can either warm the oil for 30 seconds to a minute in the microwave, until it has melted, before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Or you can use your fingers when mixing the ingredients. The warmth of your hands will liquefy it, making it easier to use.
Make it your own
Add a fragrance: Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil when combining the ingredients.
Vary the amount of baking soda: If you are sensitive to baking soda, try halving or omitting the baking soda, or substituting with gentle alternatives like kaolin clay powder.
Replace the cornstarch: Cornstarch can be replaced with either arrowroot or potato starch. They both help absorb moisture and give the deodorant a smooth, non-greasy texture. Plus, they're gentle on sensitive skin and help balance the baking soda.
Storage instructions
Store your coconut oil deodorant somewhere convenient, like a bathroom cabinet.
Coconut oil changes consistency with temperature. So the deodorant may be more solid in cooler weather and softer or melty in warmer conditions. It works just as well either way.
There’s no need to refrigerate it. In fact, I don't recommend it, since cold temperatures can make the coconut oil too hard to apply easily. Room temperature is best.
All of the ingredients are shelf-stable, so the deodorant will last for many months. And since you only need a small amount each day, one batch will last a long time.
FAQ
Yes, coconut oil mixes easier when it's a warm liquid as opposed to a cool solid.
Either warm the oil for 30 seconds to a minute in the microwave, until it has melted, before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Or use your fingers when mixing the ingredients. The warmth of your hands will liquefy it, making it easier to use.
I haven't had any problems with this deodorant giving me a rash. However, baking soda causes sensitivity in some people, which may cause a rash. If that happens to you, try any of the following:
* Halve or omit the baking soda in the recipe
* Substitute it with a gentle alternative like kaolin clay
* Make sure it's not any essential oils you're adding that are causing the issue
If it’s still not helping, discontinue use.
Yes. I've used arrowroot and potato starch instead of cornstarch. They have worked equally well.
Personally, I like the natural coconut-y fragrance. But if you'd like to add something extra, simply add a few drops of your preferred essential oil when combining the ingredients.
Dip a clean finger into the mixture, swipe a tiny amount, and rub it into your underarm area.
No, it works equally well regardless. Since coconut oil is a liquid when warm and a solid when cool, the consistency varies upon temperature.
No, this is just a deodorant. It won’t stop you from sweating. It will just keep you smelling good.
I generally just apply once a day, and that works well enough for me.
But if you’re exercising or it’s particularly humid, dry off and then re-apply. (It goes on better when your skin is dry.)
I haven't had any problem with it staining my clothes. Keep in mind that you're using a very tiny amount and then rubbing it into your skin.
If you have a problem with staining, I recommend using less, and/or waiting a bit before getting dressed so that the oil has a chance to fully absorb.
This DIY has over 40 five-star reviews. I'm glad it's helped so many people! If you give it a try, let me know how it works for you in the comments below. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
DIY: Coconut oil deodorant with just 3 ingredients
Ingredients
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 5 to 6 Tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Put the baking soda, cornstarch, and coconut oil into a bowl. Stir with a spoon until fully combined and creamy.
- Move the coconut oil mixture to a jar with lid or other container.
- To apply the deodorant, swipe a clean finger into the mixture. You only need a tiny amount. Rub the coconut oil mixture into your underarm area.
Watch how to make it
Notes
Content updated September 27, 2025. Originally posted August 29, 2012.
Kat
I’m excited to try this recipe! Does it spoil quickly? What are the signs I should look out for to know if it has spoiled?
Cadry Nelson
It doesn’t spoil quickly at all. It lasts a very long time. Refined coconut oil (on its own) can last up to 18 months, and virgin coconut oil can last 3 to 5 years. So since that’s the majority of the base with 2 other shelf stable ingredients, you’re looking at a long shelf life.
I’ve been using this coconut oil deodorant recipe for many, many years, and I’ve never seen it go bad in all that time. But if you see any changes in color (turning yellow or green), a rancid smell, or a chunky or curdled texture, you’ll know it’s gone bad.
Let me know how it works for you!
Erica
I’ve been using Native deodorant for years, which I thought was all natural but just recently found out it’s not as good as safe as thought it was. Now that I’m pregnant and trying to avoid toxic chemicals, I decided to give this a try. Hoping it turns out and works well!
Cadry Nelson
Congratulations! That makes a lot of sense that you’d want to switch to a more natural alternative. Please let me know how it goes for you!
Missy Smith
We’ve been using a similar recipe to this one for years. It always works as a great antiperspirant and deodorant. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Cadry Nelson
I’m so glad it’s working for you! Thanks for letting me know, Missy.
Sharon Montilla
So just use it as a regular deodorant? Just leave it on the underarm?
Cadry Nelson
Yes, that’s right. Just rub a little bit into your armpits.
Amanda
Can I just say WOW! I’ve been searching for years for a deodorant that ACTUALLY works to keep the stink away. I’ve tried so many different brands. I went away with toxic deodorant years ago, which didn’t work and switch to all natural and still could never find anything that worked. Until this MIRACLE DIY recipe. I’ve been using for week now and not even a hint of B.O. I’m blown away b the results. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. 10 out of 10!
Cadry Nelson
Yay! I’m so glad to hear this recipe has been a win for you, Amanda! Thank you for your excellent feedback.
Sharon
Can you use fractionated coconut oil instead of regular?
Cadry Nelson
I can’t say for sure, as I haven’t tried it with fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid, so your deodorant wouldn’t solidify. Fractionated coconut oil also doesn’t contain lauric acid, which has anti-bacterial qualities. So it may not be quite as effective. You could try making a small batch, and see how it works for you.