DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant (i.e. “The Anti-Antiperspirant”)
Body DIY Natural DIY
Looking for a safe, natural deodorant that works? This DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant is a tried-and-true favorite among Body Unburdened readers. Not only does it stop odor naturally, but it contains an ingredient that actually helps to draw impurities from the skin. Plus, it’s so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
I’m a multitasker…
A check-my-email-while-brushing-my-teeth, cook-dinner-while-catching-up-on-Downton-Abbey type of gal.
Which is why when I finally bit the bullet and made a homemade deodorant, I decided to take it beyond all-natural and add a powerful detoxifying ingredient that actually pulls toxins from the skin.
Yes, it’s the anti-antiperspirant.
Oh, and it works. As in no odor and reduced sweat (no natural deodorants completely stop sweat).
Here’s what some Body Unburdened readers have had to say about the DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant over the years!
“I just wanted to tell you that my whole family loves this recipe. We live in Texas so it has gotten a thorough trial and works wonderfully not only on us gals but also my husband and boys.”
“I have tried many homemade deodorants and this is my favorite so far. I didn’t even have to reapply after working out!”
“I have a hard time using commercial deodorants because they irritate my skin, and the natural ones just don’t keep me smelling sweet. I mixed up some of this and love it. It works! Feels great on my skin, no irritation at all, and keeps me smelling sweet in our hot Missouri summers.”
Bentonite clay is the all-star of this homemade deodorant recipe.
It’s one of the most effective and powerful healing clays.
It has the amazing ability to attract and bind toxins and impurities.
For this reason, it’s popularly used as a detoxification agent
Bentonite clay also has a very fine velvet-like texture, is odorless and non-staining… which are all very important qualities for a deodorant! Clays also quickly and easily absorb moisture.
So let’s get to it!
DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant
DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant (i.e. “The Anti-Antiperspirant”)
Looking for a safe, natural deodorant that works? This DIY All-Natural Detoxifying Deodorant is a tried-and-true favorite among Body Unburdened readers. Not only does it stop odor naturally, but it contains an ingredient that actually helps to draw impurities from the skin.
Ingredients
- 6 tbs or 3 oz organic virgin coconut oil — a great natural antibacterial (If you notice the deodorant is at all flaky on the skin, you may add more coconut oil as needed.)
- 2 tbs baking soda — neutralizes pH and body odor
- 3 tbs arrowroot or organic cornstarch — absorbs perspiration
- 2 tbs bentonite clay — adds extra wetness protection by whisking away sweat, and pulls toxins from skin
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil (optional but highly suggested) — a potent antibacterial
Instructions
- Put the coconut oil in a large mixing bowl. If the oil is hard (since coconut oil has a melting point of 74°F, it may be solid or liquid depending on how warm or cool you keep your home), mash it with a fork to soften it a bit. Then add all of the other ingredients. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, consistent paste. Lastly, simply transfer your deodorant into a small jar.
- To apply, simply rub your finger on the top of the paste to warm it a little, and scoop out a small amount to rub on your underarm. The paste will “melt” (as coconut oil does) right into your skin and absorb rather quickly.
- The tea tree essential oil may be a bit overpowering while mixing everything, but has just the right amount of scent when applied to the underarms. Rosemary and lavender essential oils also have antibacterial properties and so could be used with or instead of tea tree oil.
Keywords: homemade deodorant recipe, DIY deodorant
Troubleshooting: Skin irritation from natural deodorants.
Baking soda can irritate the skin by throwing off its pH.
Baking soda has a more alkaline pH (8) while the skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic (5.5-6).
So if you experience irritation this DIY deodorant recipe or from any natural deodorant that contains baking soda, that’s the likely culprit.
You have a couple options:
- Rebalance your skin’s pH with apple cider vinegar. Make a mixture of 1 part ACV to 2 parts water, and dab it on your underarms with a cotton ball.
- Reduce or remove the baking soda from the recipe. While this may affect the effectiveness, you can certainly give it a go and see if the recipe works for you even without the baking soda.
The bentonite clay you link to is in power form. For all of your DIY when you use bentonite clay are you using the powder or are you mixing with water like it says on the packet? I’m assuming for the bath you can just sprinkle the powder in. But for the deodorant do you use it dry or make it a wet clay first? And for the face mask?
Ok thank you ..:)
Awesome! I’m so happy to hear that. Hmm I’m really just not sure. Corn starch (I suggest organic) would work but I’m not familiar with the consistency of tapioca flour.
I made your detox mask , which I LOVE ! My daughter had a deep pimple no over the counter product helped. We did the mask and it drew it out! We were very happy. Sorry didn’t mean to ramble lol. My question is this.. I’m going to attempt to make the deodorant recipe . I have tapioca flour [ tapioca starch] on hand could I use that instead of arrowroot?
It’s too soft, but you can just add some wax to it to make it work!
Can this deodorant be put into a stick and used that way? Or is it too soft? Thank you!
That sounds interesting, Emily! I’m just wondering if the witch hazel will mix OK with the shea and coconut oil (since it’s like mixing oil and water). Let us know how it goes!
I made a similar deodorant concoction but added alcohol free witch hazel because of its stringent properties. I don’t like spreading a paste on my pits so I’m going to try out the following: melt shea butter, mix in coconut oil, arrowroot powder, baking soda, bentonite clay, witch hazel, and tea tree, jasmine blend, and geranium essential oils, pour into mold and make a deodorant bar. The jasmine and geranium blend smells like a delicious perfume and the tea tree fights the bacteria 🙂
Hi, Michael. Oh no! The one thing I can recommend trying is applying some diluted apple cider vinegar to your armpits (with a cotton ball or spray bottle) a few times (like maybe everyday for a few days) to try to help balance the pH of your pits – that could be the issue.
Hi, I’ve been using your detoxifying deodorant for at least a year now and have absolutely loved it. Until recently. All of the sudden I started stinking. My diet hasn’t changed at all. Is it possible my pits just got too used to it? Any suggestions?
I HIGHLY ADVISE you discuss safer options with your doctor. I’m not sure that the bentonite clay is a good idea for you. Perhaps you could try just coconut oil? Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties which may be beneficial to you. You may find that the oil alone is enough protection.
Hi, i have been told by my doctor and a surgeon not to use antiperspirants any more due to reoccurring abscesses under my arm. They say that the antiperspirants are blocking my pores and sweat glands causing a golden staff infection resulting in the said abscess. I have just had a 3 day stint in hospital due to the infection spreading from arm pitt to elbow.
I have been looking for an alternative to antiperspirant and will give this a try now.
Hey, Melissa! I’m so happy to have you as a new reader 🙂 Great, I hope you love it!!
I have enjoyed looking through your blog~ lots of good information. The deodorant recipe will be something I try. I like the storage jars that are shown, would you mind sharing where you purchased them as well?
Thank you
Hey, Anna! Awesome, thanks for sharing this for all the other Aussies.
Hey, Marianna. Great! Have fun 🙂
Just leave the clay out (although it’s a great staple ingredient to invest in). Definitely DO NOT put activated charcoal in deodorant! It would stain all of your clothes.
Hi! I’m definitly going to try this, as well as many other DIYs on your website. I’ve already made the grapefruit and peppermint scrub. It smells so good! 🙂
I was wondering if I could use another clay instead of the bentonite clay? Or maybe activeted charcoal (as it also pulls toxins out of the skin)? Or simply don’t use it?
Hi Nadia
Just wanted to let you know I love love love this deodorant, and have been making it for some time now. For any Aussies, my favourite clay is here – http://healingclay.com.au. I’m not affiliated, I just know how hard it can be for us to get these special types of products sometimes.
I also like to ‘tone’ my armpits with apple cider vinegar toner prior to applying. It’s the same toner I use on my face – 1 part ACV to 30 parts liquid (water, rose water, orange blossom water, etc.).
Thanks!
Anna
That’s a sure different ingredient list.
Love this deodorant! Only thing is in the hot weather in Australia, it turns to liquid. Easier to apply I guess! Thanks for the recipe ☺