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 10 years ago, a friend mentioned to me that she makes her own coconut oil deodorant at home. The ingredients are just coconut oil, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and baking soda.
(Any coconut oil will work. I just picked up a jar of what they had at Trader Joe’s.)
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.
How to make coconut oil deodorant
Step one: Put the coconut oil, cornstarch, and baking soda in a bowl.
Step two: Stir to combine.
Step three: Move to a clean jar for storing. (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.
Pro tip:
The 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.
How do you apply it?
Dip a clean finger into the mixture. Then swipe a tiny amount.
You don’t need much!
Rub it into your underarm area.
Since coconut oil is a liquid when warm and a solid when cool, the consistency varies upon temperature. But it works equally well regardless.
Does it work?
Yes!
My husband and I have been using this DIY deodorant for about a decade now with great results.
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.)
Do you have to re-apply often?
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.)
Can I add a scent?
I like the natural coconut-y fragrance.
However, if you’d like to add something extra, simply add a few drops of your preferred essential oil when combining the ingredients.
How long does it last?
Seemingly forever. All of the ingredients are shelf stable.
I make one batch, and it lasts many months. I’ve never had a batch go off.
And since you’re using just a tiny bit for daily application, it takes a really long time to go through a single batch.
How should it be stored?
I store mine in the bathroom cabinet.
Depending on the heat of the bathroom & time of year, sometimes the deodorant is more solid and sometimes it’s more melty. It works equally well regardless.
People have asked if it should be stored in the refrigerator, but I wouldn’t recommend that.
Coconut oil hardens when it’s cold. When the coconut oil is completely solid, it’s a little more difficult to apply.
So room temperature is preferable.
Since it’s made of oil, will it stain my clothes?
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.
What if you’re sensitive to baking soda?
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, discontinue use.
Or try halving or omitting the baking soda altogether in the recipe.
If that doesn’t help, make sure it’s not any essential oils you’re adding that are causing the issue.
Can I replace the cornstarch?
Yes.
I’ve used arrowroot and potato starch instead of cornstarch. They have worked equally well.
Coconut oil deodorant
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.
Notes
Content, recipe, and photos updated March 2020. Originally posted August 2012.
Lene
Any tips for oil separating from the rest of the mixture?
Cadry Nelson
Once you stir it all together, the oil can’t separate from the rest of it. If you’d prefer the deodorant to be more solid, put the deodorant into the refrigerator or any cool room in your house, and it will become a solid mass.
Bella V
What is the purpose of corn starch ? Can it be skipped ?
Cadry Nelson
Corn starch helps with moisture absorption, so you’re less sweaty. It also helps with odors. If you’d prefer, you can replace it with arrowroot powder. If you’d prefer to make it without cornstarch or arrowroot powder, you could certainly give it a whirl. However, I can’t speak to the results since I haven’t tried it. Good luck!
Angelisa
This recipe resolved years of recurring stubborn body odor!!!!!!!!!! It definitely works.
Angie
This is the exact recipe I’ve been using for years as well and it is supurb!!superb!!! Feel so soft and smooth when rubbed in. Also love the coconut smell… no fragrance needed. Smell like summer all the time!!
Cadry Nelson
I’m so glad to hear it, Angie! Thanks for letting me know!
Patricia
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. I add tea tree oil to make it an extra strength anti-bacterial.
Cadry Nelson
I’m so glad it’s working out for you, Patricia. Thanks for the feedback!
Sylwia
I’m not one for reviews, but this one I could not keep to myself.
I recently seen a documentary about how various ingredients in our cosmetics affect our health. I already use shampoo bars and jojoba oil with essential oils as a moisturiser, I struggled to give up my deodorant tho. In the past I tried many “healthy “ alternatives but each one was a fiasco.
I read somewhere about DIY coconut deodorant and found this website after a quick google search. Since I had all of the ingredients at home already, I decided to give this a go, easy to follow and quick to make. I used it this morning, had a full day outside in pretty uncomfortable heat, just got realised that not only did I not get wet pit stains but also…that I still smell ONLY of patchouli (essential oil I used in my deodorant). This deceptively simple solution actually works! I’m forever indebted to you.
Cadry Nelson
I’m so glad to hear that. Thanks for the great feedback!
Bernie
I have tried making this and am very happy with the results. I have also made it for friends and gotten positive feedback. You only need a little bit applied on with clean fingertips. I find a jar lasts a long time. I use a few drops of essential oil for a nicer scent.
Cadry Nelson
I’m glad to hear it, Bernie! Thanks for letting me know.
crystal
does this help keep you dry (no wetness) & get rid of the odor under your arms?
Cadry Nelson
As I said in the post this a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant. So you will still sweat, but it will keep away bad odors.
Cecily Renee
This works beautifully. I’m now making my second batch. The first one lasted about three months 🙂
Thank you for the great recipe
Cadry Nelson
Fantastic! Thank you for letting me know, Cecily!
Carolin
Works awsome for me!!!
Cadry Nelson
Glad to hear it!
Jo
For about a week I’ve been using this recipe with frankincense and lavender added. I’ve been working as a busy nurse and riding my bike. It’s working great so far! There is a tiny bit of moisture but no foul odour. The moisture isn’t uncomfortable though and hasn’t shown on my clothing. When I make it again I may try adding a bit less coconut oil.
Cadry
I’m so glad to hear that the deodorant is working out for you. Since it’s not an antiperspirant, sweat is normal. Thanks for the feedback, Jo!
Samara
I have been using this deodorant for over a year and I love it so much, the only drawback is that I feel like a fool for having paid so much for natural deodorants for years lol! It’s kinda magical – so simple and gentle in its ingredients, yet 100% effective! The last couple of times I made it using a refined, unscented coconut oil and I added a few drops of grapefruit essential oil and I love it, but I did actually like it when using pure, coconutty oil, especially in the summer. What an amazing DIY deodorant, thank you so much for this fab recipe Cadry! <3
Cadry
Thank you for the great feedback, Samara! I’m glad that the deodorant has been so effective for you. I’m still using it too – all these years later. That’s a great idea about adding grapefruit essential oil. I’ll try that the next time I make it!
Melissa @ Food and Loathing
Do you just dig your fingers in and put it on? You must have to wash your hands right after application, if so, right? What is your application method out of a jar (not put into a tube)?
Cadry
Yes, that’s right. You just use your fingers and then wash your hands afterwards. Since I’m always applying right after a shower, my fingers are clean. If you felt uncomfortable with that, you could use a plastic applicator to get the oil from the jar. Some people have taken the coconut oil when it’s in a liquid state and poured it into an empty deodorant container, but I would worry about it getting warm and melty. In a jar, it keeps everything contained.
Sally Hansen
Oh my God, A deo of your own. I just cannot wait to try it out. Thank you so much for the share. But what if I want to substitute another fragrance instead of the coconut oil?? I already have coconut oil in my body scrubs and moisturizers.
Cadry
Excellent! I’m glad that you’re excited to try it. In this recipe, the coconut oil isn’t being used for fragrance so much as it is for its binding abilities and anti-microbial properties. Since cornstarch & baking soda are powders, it’s the coconut oil that keeps all of it together and makes it spreadable. You could certainly add another essential oil or fragrance to it (in addition to coconut oil) for an added scent if you’d like something to mask the smell of coconut.
Stephanie
To clarify, is this a deodorant or an anti-perspirant? I just whipped up a batch but I’m curious how it will work.
Cadry
It’s a deodorant, but for me at least, it does a pretty good job of keeping me dry.
Jay
Easiest DIY deodorant I’ve seen – living in the UK healthier brands are hard to find and lots of DYI toiletries are just too expensive to make (I’m disabled and unemployed, so lucky if I get to eat). BUT I’ve got some super cheap coconut oil, so even though collectively this is still too pricey for me (baking soda has become so pricey!) I’ll still give this one a go.
Cadry
I hope it works for you, Jay!
Jane Weaver
After running out of my usual almond oil that I used as a body moisturizer, a few days ago I started moisturizing with coconut oil after my shower and it occurred to me to try it as a deodorant too, just as an experiment. I didn’mix anything else in it, just plain coconut oil that I softened by pouring hot water in the sink and letting the jar soak while I took my shower. I live in the high desert and since all moisture evaporates within about an hour, I wasn’t worried about the coconut oil staining or anything. The result was that the oil soaked right into my skin and when I woke up the next morning there was no underarm odor at all. I am thrilled! I bought a huge bucket of coconut oil at Costco recently and I also cook with it. Love, love, love it!
BTW, I found you via your coconut oil picture on Pinterest…
barbara schultz
Jane, I just started using coconut oil for deodorant as well as a skin moisturizer (I live in CO where it is dry dry dry) & cooking. This last week I needed to ‘grease a baking dish’ so used coconut oil. Started to wipe my hands on a paper towel to remove the oil then DUH! rub in on my arms – why waste it! so many uses…
coconut
Thanks! What is the function of the baking soda and the arrow root (or cornstarch)?
Cadry
They are drying elements, while the coconut oil is an anti-bacterial element to keep you smelling fresh.
coconut
Is it just as effective to use Coconut Oil by itself?
barbara schultz
I’ve been using Coconut Oil only, without additives, for about 3 days now. Surprisingly, no underarm odor and that’s amazing, for me. I check frequently throughout the day and the 1x I detected breakthrough odor I reapplied the coconut oil. I just bought some Lemon Grass Oil to add to it, I love the way it smells. Having a difficult time locating Arrowroot – may need to get it online.
Cadry
Thanks for your adding your input, Barbara! That’s very useful. Personally, I use cornstarch, which can be found in any grocery store. Unless you have a sensitivity to cornstarch, perhaps you can check that out instead.
shawn Liebheit
The Cocnut oil is solid right? I know they also make a fractionated cocunut oil that is liquid so I just want to make sure I am using the right stuff. Thanks so much for sharing!!! I have an 18 month old and trying to use less chemicals around our house and on our bodies
Cadry
That’s a tricky one to answer! The coconut oil is both a solid and a liquid. When it’s cool, it’s hard, and when it’s hot, it’s liquid. It’s like vegetable shortening or margarine in that way.
That’s great that you’re aiming to use less chemicals around your house and in your bodies! Good for you!
Melissa
Hey Cadry, heard about from Fat Free Vegan, and I really enjoy your blog, great idea’s you have . I made this deodorant and absolutely love it. I have been using the Tai Crystal, but I like the idea of home made all natural. I haven’t used antiperspirant for years, but haven’t found a replacement that satisfies me until now. This stuff really works and I live in Florida!
Cadry
Melissa, that’s so great to hear! I’m glad that it’s working for you!
Bobbie {the vegan crew}
Interesting. I never would have thought to use an oil base (actually, it never even occurred to me to make my own). It’s good to know that it doesn’t stain! I’ll have to put this on my list to try one day.
I’m looking forward to reading about the other products you buy and make! Most food ingredients are easy enough to decipher, like you said, but understanding even some of the natural ingredients in beauty products? That’s another story. And then there’s the whole “not tested on animals” thing. It sounds clear enough, but do they mean that neither the ingredients nor the finish product were tested on animals, or just the finished product? I’m used to it now, but it can still be dizzying at times. 🙂
Cadry
Absolutely! It’s definitely a process figuring out which products to use, and then checking in every now and again to make sure those companies haven’t changed formulas or their animal testing status.
Bianca Duarte
Peço desculpa mas o bicarbonato de Sodio que usa é de cozinha ou é o outro?
Cadry
é de cozinha. (It’s from the kitchen.)
Leah
Yee-haw! You know I love the coconut oil deodorant! That pic of David is priceless : )
Cadry
Thanks for turning me on to it! David is such a good sport! 😀
Kristy
I’ve been telling myself I need to try this for months now. It’s like making homemade nut butter. I know I’ll love it once I do it (I am NOT crazy about the lack of dryness protection in most natural deodorants since I can, at times, sweat like a 300lb football player), but I just can’t seem to make myself actually do it.
Your recipe is definitely the easiest and most user-friendly I’ve come across, so maybe that is the kick my lazy-butt needs. 🙂
Cadry
This is about as easy as making homemade nut butter. You’ll have it finished in five minutes, tops. 🙂
Richa
my husband is going to start looking at me like, are you serious? you want me to put coconut oil on me? 🙂 theres some history there;) lets just say that coconut oiled hair, heat, sweat, local trains with people touching you all over in Mumbai, do not, a coconut oil loving person, make.
i dont really use deo at all, and hubbs uses them very sparingly. I think his current deo spray is probably half a decade old and needs to be thrown out. What i have been slowly replacing in his cabinet are his shaving creams and perfumes.
I love the idea of making natural body care at home though and i will give this a try esp for hot days. other times i dont sweat much.
My mom is sending me some home made tooth powder, now next line to tackle is soaps and shampoos!
Cadry
I can totally understand why your husband would be averse to the idea after having those hot, sweaty train associations! For right now I buy most of my body care and cleaning products, but I’m open to making my own if they work well. Let me know how your experiments go!
Anonymous
how awesome! i definitely want to try this! the chemicals in store bought stuff are so harmful!
Cadry
I hope it works for you! Yes, since the skin is the largest organ, it’s good to know what kinds of things you’re absorbing into it!
Cheerfully Vegan
This is very intriguing! So, it really doesn’t leave oily stains on your clothes….hmmm. That was my biggest concern. At this point, I use a deodorant stone, which works great for me, but not for my hubby. I’ve found a plain deodorant that isn’t as chemically ridden as others, but it still isn’t great. On the other hand, I’m not so sure he’d be willing to dip his fingers in a deodorant, either. I WILL pass this on to my adult daughter, though. She doesn’t like the deodorant stone, but this might work for her.
Thanks! Another fine, helpful post, Cadry!
Cadry
I was concerned about stains too, because it seems like an obvious risk. However, it hasn’t been an issue, at least not yet. When I’ve read accounts from others online, they mostly haven’t had a problem with it either. Although, one person did say that it stained her satin shirt. So maybe when it comes to certain fabrics or especially nice clothing, be more cautious.
On the finger dipping front, I saw that some people pour the coconut oil mixture into their old deodorant containers and use it as before. The only problem is when it gets warm and the coconut oil melts! I also saw that some people use a popsicle stick to remove the oil from the jar. Of course, it still has to be rubbed in at that point.
Rishav
Can you provide the ingredient list in grams and also after mixing I can still feel the baking soda/arrowrrot powder do they not dissolve completely
Cadry Nelson
Sure! It’s 32 grams baking soda, 32 grams cornstarch, and 70 to 85 grams of coconut oil.
If the dry ingredients aren’t dissolving completely, try warming the coconut oil. Either move the container to the bathroom while you shower, put it in the sun, or even microwave it for a few seconds. Once it’s warm, it’s easier to stir & dissolve the baking soda and cornstarch.
Used it for several years
After I apply the deodorant I rub my hands together like a little moisturizing hand scrub then I rinse my hands and dry and they may still smell like the essential oil. Which is fine with me .
Amanda (@PicklesNHoney)
I’ve been using a variation of this for the last couple of months too and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well it works! I also find that it keeps me pretty dry, and my sensitive skin seems to like it better than the store-bought stuff. I’ve been adding a few drops of peppermint oil for a little cooling effect – love that when it’s super hot outside. 🙂
Cadry
I’m glad to know that you’ve had good results too, Amanda! It’s surprising, isn’t it, how dry it keeps you too? Good suggestion on the peppermint oil!
KellyC
I’m totally going to try this. I’ve been trying every kind and haven’t set on one yet. Thanks!
Cadry
If you do try it, let me know what you think, Kelly!
justaudrey
I love making homemade deodorant. It works well and I know that all the ingredients are healthful. In the past I have just poured mine into an old deodorant tube, but in the future I might just put it in a jar. It seems like it would be easier, because then you can deal with the changing consistency better.
Cadry
I agree, knowing all of the ingredients and having them be so healthful really is the best part. (And of course, smelling good!) I saw that some people have poured it into an old deodorant tube, and I can see that having its benefits. However, I was concerned about the changing consistency, like you said.
Sisi
I started putting my natural deodorants in the fridge or freezer. It’s a game changer, and the coolness when applied feels lovely!