Homemade Natural Deodorant Recipe Without Baking Soda

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Finally- an all-natural, homemade deodorant without baking soda that works! This easy deodorant recipe takes just minutes to make and contains a few secret ingredients that make it more effective than store-bought commercial deodorants, without irritating ingredients, fragrances, or preservatives.

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Eighteen years ago, I heard about the dangers of aluminum in traditional deodorants, and it became one of the first personal care products I went looking for a nontoxic swap for. Over the years, I have tried just about every aluminum-free deodorant on the market. Unfortunately, none of them have completely met my requirements for the “perfect all-natural deodorant.” 

It needed to be highly effective, even in sweaty situations. Also, it couldn’t contain ingredients that would be irritating to my sensitive skin. And since I was removing all toxins from my personal care routine,  I didn’t want fragrances, synthetic preservatives, or other ingredients I couldn’t pronounce either. Apparently, I was looking for a unicorn.

After a lot of trial and error, I have finally made a homemade deodorant that I love! It doesn’t contain irritating ingredients like baking soda, and best of all, it works!

Why make homemade deodorant?

• Commonly used “antiperspirants” usually contain aluminum and parabens that have been shown to cause breast cancer. There are also some concerns that aluminum build up in the body can cause Alzheimer’s disease, although this is highly debated.
• Homemade deodorant doesn’t contain aluminum, parabens, fragrances, or phthalates like conventional deodorant. These are toxic ingredients and harmful chemicals that you shouldn’t be putting on your skin.
• Many fragrances and parabens are hormone disruptors. These act like estrogen, possibly contributing to the increased risk of cancer.
• Customize the scent to your preferences with essential oils
• Making your own allows you to not only avoid harmful ingredients, but also ingredients that cause skin irritation in those with sensitive skin
• Making your own natural deodorant saves money. You can make everyone in your family one for the same price as one store-bought natural deodorant.  
• You can reuse the deodorant dispensers, reducing waste.

Will this homemade deodorant work for me?

This recipe has had wonderful reviews! However, I feel like a conversation about deodorant wouldn’t be complete without discussing the big question… “Why do armpits stink anyway?”

Many people will tell you that stopping sweat “blocks detoxification pathways,” but there are no reputable studies showing that sweating is a detox pathway. 

In fact, armpit sweat actually doesn’t stink at all! Crazy, right? The smell, aka “body odor” comes from the bacteria on the skin that are breaking down the proteins and fats released in the sweat produced by the special sweat glands in your armpits. So, if you stink, it isn’t a sign that your body is detoxing. This is a myth. Instead, it is probably a sign that the bacterial load under your arms is high. It could also be because you sweat more than others, which is not a bad thing.

The good news is that there is a lot we can do to combat the problems that cause excess odors. First of all, focusing on a healthy microbiome is always my first thought. We have heard a lot about “gut health” in recent years, but your skin has a microbiome too. Unbalances can cause bacteria to get out of hand. Here are some things you can do to encourage a healthy microbiome in your armpits:

• Avoid harsh antibacterial soaps and frequent scrubbing, as this can strip your skin of beneficial bacteria and alter the natural pH level.
• Don’t put anything under your armpits that kills off all bacteria. This kills off the “good guys” too.
• When needed, use a gentle pH-balanced cleanser.
• Avoid aluminum and baking soda. Both things can cause a pH imbalance
• Give your body breaks from any deodorant at all. 
• Ingredients like clay or charcoal can absorb oil, sweat, and dead skin cells, which can decrease the food supply for odor-causing bacteria, decreasing their activity level. Clay can also bind to heavy metals and some toxins. 
• Support your microbiome in other parts of your body as well. The health of one area affects the health of another. 

This recipe was featured in the following video!

What is needed to make my homemade natural deodorant without baking soda?

This recipe uses all-natural ingredients that can easily be sourced online or from your local grocery store. In addition to the following ingredients, you will need a double boiler or a small pot that fits on top of a small saucepan of water. An immersion blender is another tool I use, but a whisk works too. Also, you will need something to put your diy deodorant in, such as refillable deodorant tubes.

How to Make Homemade Deodorant Without Baking Soda

Step 1:

First, you will need either a double boiler or a metal bowl that fits on top of a small saucepan of water. My double boiler went missing, so I went with the saucepan method, and it works just fine.

Step 2:

Then, I like to measure out the tallow, beeswax, and coconut oil into my double boiler or bowl using a kitchen scale. This is optional, but it saves me from having to dirty any extra measuring utensils. 

Step 3:

Place the double boiler or saucepan of water over medium heat. Slowly melt the mixture, whisking occasionally until it is completely translucent.

Step 4:

Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, and witch hazel. You can use a whisk at this point to start mixing the ingredients, but it is normal for it to begin to solidify. 

Step 5:

Return the mixture to the heat for it to liquify again slowly. Whisk to combine the ingredients until smooth.

Step 6:

Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the vitamin E oil. I like to use a hand blender at this point to ensure a smooth consistency, but it’s not a required step.

Step 7:

Continue to blend or whisk the mixture just until it is cool enough to put your finger in comfortably. You can now mix in your essential oils. I like tea tree and lavender for their many benefits, but you can leave one or both out or swap them for others. Just make sure you are using skin-safe oils.

Step 8:

Carefully pour the mixture into an empty deodorant tube or small jar and place it in your refrigerator until it solidifies. You may notice a small hole develop in the center as it cools. If this happens, simply remelt the remaining mixture in your bowl or double boiler (just the remnants along the sides will do) and scoop a small amount into the hole. 

Step 9:

Once it is solid, you can take it out and store it at room temperature. I have never had it melt, but I also don’t live in a hot climate. It definitely shouldn’t be left in some place like a hot car or a very hot room.

To use the deodorant, apply it as needed, keeping in mind that natural deodorants may need to be reapplied more often than commercial formulas with unnatural ingredients, especially on hot days or after exercising.

How to Switch to and Use Natural Deodorant

Many people (including myself) have tried several times to make the switch to a natural deodorant unsuccessfully due to body odor. After learning more and going through the process myself, here is the protocol I recommend following for a smooth transition without the embarrassing stink:

Natural Deodorant Transition Protocol 

Week 1: Prep & Detox Support

Goal: Reduce odor-causing bacteria and rebalance pH before going fully natural.

1. Morning Routine:
   • Wipe underarms with a diluted ACV solution (see below).
   • Let air dry.
   • Apply your regular deodorant (natural or conventional).
2. Evening Routine:
   • Gently wash underarms with warm water and a mild, natural soap.
   • Apply diluted ACV again (acts as a toner to rebalance skin pH and fight bacteria).
   • Let air dry — no deodorant overnight.
3. Optional: Dry brush or use a gentle sugar scrub 1–2 times/week to unclog pores.

ACV Solution Recipe:

• 1 part raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• 2 parts distilled or filtered water
• Store in a small glass spray bottle or jar
  You can also add 1 drop tea tree or lavender essential oil (optional).

Week 2–3: Begin Natural Deodorant

Morning:

• Use ACV solution as a toner (spray or wipe).
• Let dry completely.
• Apply natural deodorant (baking soda-free if you’re sensitive).

1. Evening:
   • Wash underarms.
   • Reapply ACV solution if needed.
2. Troubleshooting:
   • Odor? Stay consistent — it often improves after 1–2 weeks as your microbiome adjusts.
   • Rash? Stop deodorant for 2 days, keep using ACV toner, and switch to a baking soda-free formula.

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Week 4: Fully Adjusted

• By now, most people notice less odor, smoother skin, and no more irritation.
• Continue using ACV as needed (2–3x/week) to maintain balance and prevent buildup.

Tips for Success:

• Wear breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
• Stay hydrated and eat clean to reduce body odor from the inside out.
• If you’re super sensitive, try a clay armpit mask once a week during the transition (bentonite + water or ACV).

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FAQs

I don’t like lavender essential oil. Can I leave it out?

Absolutely! There are some great benefits to the lavender and tea tree oil included in this recipe, but they are optional and can be left out completely or replaced with the essential oil of your choice. Just remember that not all essential oils are safe to apply to skin, and some may cause irritation. 

Is this deodorant safe for sensitive skin?

It is always a good idea to try new products on a small area of your skin before applying liberally to see how your body reacts. People are sensitive to different ingredients. With that said, this recipe was designed to work well for those with sensitive skin. This is a big reason it does not contain baking soda, as that is a common irritant.

I don’t have arrowroot powder. Can I use tapioca starch or corn starch in this natural deodorant recipe?

You can swap tapioca starch 1:1 for arrowroot powder in most deodorant recipes. Just know that the texture and feel might shift a bit — possibly a little softer and smoother. If you’re aiming for a very dry, powdery finish, you might stick with arrowroot, but for a silky, creamy application, tapioca is a good alternative.

I do not recommend using corn starch when making your own deodorant because it can feed yeast and bacteria. This could contribute to a poor underarm microbiome and more stink. Also, corn starch can be irritating to some with sensitive skin.

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out my other recipes for all-natural skincare products!

• How to Make Tallow Balm
• How to Make the Best Tallow Lip Balm