By now, most people are aware of the links between deodorants containing aluminum and Alzheimer’s. Aluminum is one of several highly toxic substances the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t protect us from. The non-aluminum deodorant choices stacked on mainstream market shelves don’t do a lot to disinfect or cloak the sweat emerging underarm, either. Consumers wanting the healthiest alternatives are turning to do-it-yourself approaches and figuring out how to make deodorant or the sometimes pricey options available from a few of the more prominent green brands.

Fortunately, where affordable deodorant is concerned, the do-it-yourself formula couldn’t be easier to put together.

How to Make Deodorant:



If you don’t already have them in your kitchen, you’ll want to gather a box of baking soda, a package of arrowroot or cornstarch, and a bottle of organic coconut oil (organic canola makes a suitable stand-in). Essential oils are optional and not necessary. If you opt to use them, lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil are traditional selections with anti-bacterial qualities.

Set aside the container you’ll keep your deodorant in. If you prefer a tube, you can find new deodorant tubes available for purchase online. Before transferring the deodorant to a roll-up applicator, you’ll want to mix it in a separate bowl or container.

Mix together a half-part* baking soda with a part arrowroot (or cornstarch). The dry mix should be thoroughly combined. If you need an extra-strength deodorant, mix equal parts of the baking soda and cornstarch (be careful when working-out with it, in large amounts baking soda can slightly bleach clothes). Add a half-part coconut oil (or canola oil) to the mix, stirring it in thoroughly.

Clumping is natural, just be sure you get everything thoroughly hand-blended. If you’re adding essential oil, keep it to a minimum of a few drops for an amount fitting a 4 oz container. Essential oil is concentrated and when overused it can be pungent and overpowering.

When your deodorant is mixed and optionally scented, cap it or transfer it to your roll-up deodorant container. If you keep water away from the mix, this can easily keep for a year – more likely, it’ll be used within 6 months when used daily. A little goes a very long way. You’re unlikely to look back, and you’ll be healthier for it.

*Note on how to make deodorant:

With this how to make deodorant recipe you can mix it up in large batches to store away for the whole family.

Parts can be any size you choose. If you designate a part’s measure as a teaspoon, a half-part would then be a half-teaspoon. If you assign a part’s measure as a cup, a quarter-part will equal a quarter cup. Using parts as measurements is often easier on the memory.

Do you how to make deodorant? Any additional suggestions or tweaks to the recipe?