How to Make Natural Deodorant with No Baking Soda (That Works!)

Commercial antiperspirants can be full of dangerous substances, learn how to make natural deodorant for an effective all-natural substitute with no baking soda. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin or people trying natural deodorant for the first time.

This post uses affiliate links. They don’t cost you a thing and help us bring you all natural body care tutorials.

Have you ever  thought about giving up antiperspirant? I stopped using it last year.

Done.

Finished.

Gone.

Kaput.

No, I am not passionate about spreading body odor across the United States.

I am on a mission to protect my health… one personal care product at a time!

What’s In Your Antiperspirant?

A few years ago I began paying more attention to the ingredients in my personal care items and learned some shocking facts about antiperspirant.

That nondescript white stuff I’d been spreading under my arms for years was full of substances that can be dangerous to the human body.

Why do arm pits smell?

Smelly armpits are caused by the bacteria that grows  in the damp underarm environment created by sweat. The bacteria feed on the fats and proteins that are released by our cells. Gross, but true!

How does antiperspirant stop smell?

Antiperspirants products stop underarm odor because they stop you from sweating. Their ingredients cause skin cells to swell until they block the ducts that release sweat.

• No sweat means a less desirable area for bacteria to grow (and smell).

What is the active ingredient in antiperspirant?

Aluminum compounds are the active ingredient in ALL antiperspirants. They can appear on the label as:

• Aluminum chloride
• Aluminum chlorohydrate
• Aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine
• Aluminum chlorohydrate
• Aluminum hydroxybromide
• Even natural crystal antiperspirants contain some aluminum in the form of potassium alum or ammonium alum.

It’s the aluminum compounds that cause the swelling that blocks the sweat ducts. This is BAD NEWS for humans who use want to use antiperspirant.

Is aluminum bad in personal care products?

It turns out there is evidence that aluminum is a neurotoxin that should not be in the human body.

• Aluminum has been found in increased concentrations in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Aluminum salts increase breast cancer risk by mimicking the hormone estrogen.
• Aluminum can cause the DNA damage necessary for cancer to develop in humans.
• Aluminum can prove fatal to people with impaired kidney function.

These facts shocked me! And then I learn even more startling data:

4 Reasons to Stop Using Antiperspirant

1. Antiperspirant is the most common source of aluminum exposure for humans. Repeated daily use can mean a massive exposure to aluminum.
2. Commercial antiperspirants and deodorants may also contain paraben, triclosan, and artificial fragrance. These substances can interfere with thyroid hormones, mess with your metabolism, impair brain development, weaken muscles, decrease sperm count, mimic estrogen (causing early-onset puberty and/or breast cancer), act as allergens, and/or cause cellular level changes.
3. Antiperspirant is applied dangerously close to breast tissue. PLUS underarm shaving before applying deodorant can increase absorption. In fact, young girls who use antiperspirants may be more likely to develop breast cancer later in life.
4. Stopping sweat blocks the body from naturally releasing toxins via your underarm.

The Natural Deodorant Solution

Don’t worry, you can give up antiperspirant and still prevent underarm odor naturally:

#1 Buy an all-natural deodorant.

Deodorants do not keep you from sweating, instead they target the bacteria that causes the smell to stop underarm odor from being produced.

Check out my Natural Deodorant Test and Reviews to see the products I recommend.

#2 Make your own all-natural deodorant.

This all-natural deodorant recipe uses ingredients that naturally fight bacteria and keep you smelling sweet:

• Essential oils that work together to eliminate odor and fight bacteria including :
  • Tea tree oil has an herbal scent and is both antibacterial and antifungal.
  • Lemongrass has a fresh and clean aroma. Its main component is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and antimicrobial qualities and acts as a deodorant.
  • Rosemary has a fresh scent reminiscent of pine and mint. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities.

• Non-toxic ingredients that naturally fight bacteria, absorb moisture, and soften your skin:
  • Virgin coconut oil is a raw vegetable oil that has a high content of lanauric acid which is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial.
  • Mango butter is pressed from the seed of the mango fruit. It is highly emollient (softening and soothing) and has a high content of tannins which have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
  • Corn starch and Arrowroot powder are both highly absorbent powders that absorb moisture. A dry environment is much less friendly to bacteria and fungus.
  • Vitamin e oil is know for its skin healing and antioxidant properties. It acts as a natural preservative in homemade body care items.

Natural Deodorant Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 Tbsp Mango Butter grated
• 1 Tbsp Beeswax Pellets
• 1/2-3/4 tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 2 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch
• 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil or Rosemary Essential Oil
• 10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Instructions

1. Combine coconut oil, mango butter, and beeswax in a small glass or metal container. I make mine in small Mason jars that hold 4 ounces.
2. Place the container in a small saucepan of simmering water to make a fake double boiler. The water should only be halfway up the side of your container. Do not get any water into the container.
3. Watch the mixture carefully and remove it from the heat as soon as the beeswax is melted. Use a wooden craft stick or popsicle stick to stir.
4. Stir in the Vitamin E oil and cornstarch or arrowroot powder until smooth. Remove the saucepan from the stove but leave the container in the hot water to make the mixing easier. (This keeps the wax hot and melted.)
5. Once the mixture is smooth stir in your essential oils.
6. Pour into a storage container (you can also use an old deodorant container). Allow the deodorant to cool completely.
7. Attach a free printable PDF label, if desired.
8. To use apply 1/4-1/2 tsp and rub into each underarm.

Natural Deodorant Tips

You can keep yourself smelling sweet while your body adjust from antiperspirant to deodorant with these tips:

1. Apply twice a day at first, after using it for a few weeks you can apply once a day.
2. Apply a bit of cornstarch, Cooling Powder, or No More Stinky Feet Spray (it works on underarms too) to underarms before the deodorant.
3. Rinse or wipe your underarms with apple cider vinegar before applying the deodorant.
4. Get a free printable PDF label for your homemade deodorant.

Like natural body care tips? Sign up for my newsletter below and never miss a thing!