How to Make Homemade Stick Deodorant

Co-authored by Ritu Thakur, MA

Last Updated: March 15, 2024 Approved

If you are looking for an easy way to make your life a little greener , try making your own stick of deodorant. Homemade stick deodorant is an inexpensive, safe and natural alternative to the harsh chemicals and irritating fragrances found in store-bought deodorants. This recipe uses a natural moisture absorber ( cornstarch ), a natural deodorizer (baking soda), and a natural anti-bacterial/anti-fungal oil (tea tree oil) to keep you feeling fresh and smelling good.

Ingredients

Recipe One: Standard Formula

1/4 cup (55 g) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
10 drops tea tree oil
2+ tbsp (30 g) coconut oil, melted

Recipe Two: For Sensitive Skin

2 tbsp (30 g) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
6 tbs (72 g) cornstarch (if you have very sensitive skin, substitute arrowroot powder)
10 drops tea tree oil
2+ tbsp (30 g) coconut oil, melted

Optional

Additional essential oils for fragrance, according to your preference.
Up to 1 tsp. Vitamin E or sweet almond oil, to soothe shaved skin.

Steps

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Mix well. ^{[1]
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Stir until the mixture is smooth. If you are adding optional skin soothers like Vitamin E or sweet almond oil, add it during this step. ^{[2]
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Make sure the base is twisted all the way down to the bottom. It may seem soft at first, but should set up after a few days. ^{[3]
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4
Adding fragrance (optional). You can easily vary the fragrance of your deodorant by using different essential oils in place of the tea tree oil. ^{[4]
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- Lavender, rose, eucalyptus or sandalwood are good choices because they share the anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil. Chamomile, a known skin soother, would also work well.
- Start with just a few drops. Add a little more at a time until your deodorant has the scent you want.
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Apply this deodorant in the same manner you would the store-bought kind. A little goes a long way, so use a lighter hand than you usually would. ^{[5]
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Tips

If you don't want to use a previously-used deodorant container, search online to source brand new ones.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Instead of coconut oil, you can use any oil that is solid at room temperature - shea butter , cocoa butter, mango butter or vegetable shortening.

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The coconut oil used in this recipe begins to melt at 76 degrees. If the weather is warm, store your deodorant in the refrigerator.

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Warnings

Always know the effects of essential oils. Some smell great but are very irritating to the skin. Take extra precautions if you are pregnant or nursing.

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Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
Do not use this deodorant recipe if you know you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

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Helpful 39 Not Helpful 17
If you develop irritation, a rash or itching under your arms, stop using this product.

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Things You'll Need

A mixing bowl and spoon
An empty deodorant stick container

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How to Make Homemade Stick Deodorant

Ingredients

Recipe One: Standard Formula

Recipe Two: For Sensitive Skin

Optional

Steps

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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Expert Interview

References

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