Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (2024)

By Stacy Williams

This site uses affiliate links and may earn a small commission when you click on them. For more information, please see our Disclosure Policy.Six Dollar Family also participates in the Amazon.com/Amazon.UK/Amazon.ca affiliate program and as such may earn a commission when you shop on Amazon through our links.

If you’re tired of using deodorant that is full of toxins, this homemade deodorant recipe is just what you need. This all-natural DIY aluminum free deodorant recipe works amazingly, smells great and comes together in just a few minutes.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (1)

JUMP TO INSTRUCTIONS PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

Deodorant is one of those things that no one should be without. After all, no one wants to be the girl (or guy) no one wants to be around because of smelly pits, right? For me, deodorants are something I’m quite picky about.

I don’t like store bought deodorant because I hate not knowing exactly what I’m putting on my body so when we started going greener and living more simply a few years back, I moved to learning how to make this homemade deodorant instead.

fact, this lavender scented homemade deodorant was the very first thing I made homemade when I started working on this list of things to make homemade to save money back in 2015 and I’m still making it today!

How to Make A Homemade Deodorant Recipe with Aluminum

I’ve tried a lot of homemade deodorant recipes over the last few years, but none of them were able to handle what a Texas summer can throw at it.

It ain’t pretty when the heat index outside is 112° F and you’re sitting on the side of a lake and your deodorant fails.

This homemade deodorant recipe though works incredibly well in those kinds of heats while being gentle at the same time. In fact, it’s gentle enough that both of my girls wear it as well.

That was exactly what I was looking for when I began making it; a homemade deodorant that would hold up under even the hottest Texas sun, but gentle enough not to irritate my skin.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (2)

What Ingredients Are in DIY Deodorant?

Part of the reason this lavender scented homemade deodorant works so well is because the ingredients are perfect to make a homemade deodorant with.

Beeswax is known for its skin softening qualities and in this recipe; also holds things together to form a sort of “gel.” The shea butter and coconut oilnot only help moisturize dry skin, but combined they also help your homemade deodorant to glide or spread easily.

Corn starch and baking soda not only help to get rid of any odor, but they also help to absorb moisture from sweat.

Is there aluminum in baking soda?

I am not sure where this rumor began, but there is no aluminum in baking soda. Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate does not contain aluminum at all.

If you are interested, this site explains it better and in a bit more detail.

In any case, this particular homemade deodorant recipe is an aluminum free deodorant so those who are sensitive or try to avoid it can rest easy when using it.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (3)

What essential oils are in homemade deodorant?

As this deodorant is an all natural deodorant, it does contain essential oils. These oils help to boost the power of the deodorant and add their own benefits to the mixture.

Tea tree essential oil is antimicrobial so it makes sense to use it in a homemade deodorant. Odor is caused by bacteria on the skin so using an antimicrobial product can help to kill bacteria that help create odor.

Lavender essential oilis antibacterial as well which gives your tea tree oil a bit of a boost and also helps your finished product smell fresh, clean and soft. The two essential oils together create a very powerful combo for your homemade deodorant recipe.

Vitamin E Oil is used not only for its skin softening properties – seriously, try my homemade dry skin lotion recipe (Six Dollar Family) that uses it as a main ingredient! – , but also because it has a preservative effect on homemade beauty recipes. This preservative effect helps to give not just this homemade deodorant recipe, but all your DIY beauty products a longer shelf life if they are properly stored.

What Other Scents Can I Make This Deodorant With?

The batch in this post was done with a lavender scent, but you do not have to use lavender. If you’re not fond of the scent of lavender, feel free to experiment with other essential oils for scent.

For women, rose essential oil, geranium essential oilor or even peppermint essential oilare all fantastic options.

I also especially like using the Clean and Fresh essential oil blend from Simply Earth.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (4)

You will need:

Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (5)

PRINT PIN THIS RECIPE

Homemade Deodorant Recipe

If you're tired of using deodorant that is full of toxins, this homemade deodorant recipe is just what you need. This all-natural DIY aluminum free deodorant recipe works amazingly, smells great and comes together in just a few minutes.

Course DIY Beauty

Cuisine Essential Oil Recipes

Keyword Beauty, Lavender Oil

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Cooling Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Servings 1 container

Author Stacy Williams

Cost $1.00

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and shea butter into a medium saucepan and melt it slowly over low heat stirring often.

    Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (6)

  • After the mixture has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda and corn starch using a wire whisk

    Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (7)

  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly, but no so long it thickens too much. Add the essential oils and stir to combine. Pour into empty deodorant containers and allow it to sit for 8 hours or until it is fully hardened.

    Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (8)

Notes

  • The beeswax pellets will melt slower than the other ingredients. Be sure to watch the mixture carefully and stir often so it does not burn.
  • As with any recipe containing cornstarch, it will thicken as it begins to cool. While you do need to allow it to cool before adding the essential oils, do not allow it to cool enough to thicken. Doing so will make pouring impossible.
  • For best results, use within 90 days and store in the fridge for long lasting shelf life. Bring to room temperature before using, however, please note that coconut oil begins to melt at around 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free} (2024)

FAQs

Homemade Deodorant Recipe {Aluminum Free}? ›

It is the bacteria that grows on the sweat that causes this odor – sounds gross right? Therefore, when you remove aluminum, your body will release what has been blocked which causes this brief time period of body odor. It's known as a detox when switching to a natural deodorant.

How do I make my own aluminum free deodorant? ›

Aluminum-Free Lavender Deodorant
  1. 3 tbsp virgin coconut oil.
  2. 2 tbsp shea butter.
  3. 2 tbsp arrowroot powder.
  4. 3 tbsp baking soda.
  5. 5 drops 100% tea tree oil.
  6. 5 drops lavender essential oil (or scent of your choice)
Oct 30, 2020

Why do my armpits still smell with aluminum free deodorant? ›

It is the bacteria that grows on the sweat that causes this odor – sounds gross right? Therefore, when you remove aluminum, your body will release what has been blocked which causes this brief time period of body odor. It's known as a detox when switching to a natural deodorant.

How to make your own deodorant at home? ›

Instructions:
  1. Mix baking soda and arrowroot.
  2. Mash in coconut oil until blended. Add essential oils, if desired.
  3. Place the mixture in an empty glass jar.
  4. To use, just warm a small amount between your fingers until it turns into liquid. Apply to your armpits.

Why do I sweat more with aluminum free deodorant? ›

While natural deodorants may contain ingredients designed to absorb sweat, only aluminum is effective is preventing it. Expect to be sweatier than you would be with an aluminum-based product. Moreover, some people report being especially sweaty (and smelly) for a week or so while their body adjusts to the switch.

Why do my armpits itch when I use aluminum-free deodorant? ›

If your skin reacts to a natural deodorant, it's most likely a case of contact dermatitis, Dr. Skelsey says, adding that any of the ingredients mentioned above can trigger this reaction. It generally looks like a red, itchy rash that scales or peels, and there are two types of contact dermatitis to be aware of.

Does Old Spice make aluminum-free deodorant? ›

All Old Spice deodorants fight odor and keep you smelling fresh. On top of that, all Old Spice deodorants are aluminum-free. Old Spice antiperspirants take on an extra task – they reduce sweating at the source to help prevent wetness before it starts.

What happens to your body when you switch to aluminum free deodorant? ›

As your body continues to become accustomed to living without aluminum, its sweat and odor levels will self-regulate and begin to function normally. That means you'll sweat slightly more than when you used antiperspirant, but considerably less than if you were to use nothing at all.

How long do you stink after switching to aluminum free deodorant? ›

For most people who report experiencing an adjustment period, it can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks. And then there are some lucky folks that adjust right away! The moral of the story is to stick it out, at least for one month to see if it will work for you.

What to do when aluminum free deodorant doesn t work? ›

Here's how to facilitate this process:
  1. Clean Regularly: Wash your underarms thoroughly to remove buildup and bacteria.
  2. Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body.
Jan 26, 2024

What is the best essential oil for homemade deodorant? ›

  • Bergamot Oil.
  • Clove Oil.
  • Cedarwood Oil.
  • Cypress Oil.
  • Geranium Oil.
  • Grapefruit Oil.
  • Lavender Oil.
  • Lemongrass Oil.

What is the healthiest deodorant to use? ›

Selected. Our top picks
  • Best overall. Native ​​Regular Deodorant. $12.97. $15.00. ...
  • Best scented. Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant. $undefined. ...
  • Best stick. Schmidt's Sensitive Skin Stick. $undefined. ...
  • Best gel. Necessaire The Deodorant Gel. $24.99. ...
  • Best paste. PiperWai Natural Deodorant. $undefined. ...
  • Best balm. AKT Deodorant Balm. $undefined.
Jun 12, 2024

Is homemade deodorant effective? ›

Create your own natural deodorant using the formula below. Just remember while following this recipe does not promise to stop sweat (it's not an antiperspirant – which blocks ducts that release it using chemicals), it does work to keep body odor at bay.

Why do I have BO when I use aluminum-free deodorant? ›

Giuseppe. "When switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, you are removing the aluminum and releasing waste which has been blocked. This is a natural process as part of our body's built-in mechanisms, but it may contribute to releasing some slightly unusual body odor in comparison to what you are used to.

How long does it take to detox aluminum from armpits? ›

If you are just switching to natural deodorant, your body may need 1-3 weeks to adjust. But if you've been using antiperspirants your whole life, it could take a bit longer as the sweat glands in your underarms are going to go through quite the adjustment.

How do I stop my armpits from sweating without aluminum? ›

Ideas to Manage or Stop Underarm Sweating
  1. Use a non-soap cleanser. ...
  2. Avoid triggers such as caffeine.
  3. Talk to your healthcare provider about changing medications that increase your sweating.
  4. Apply cornstarch after a bath or shower.
  5. Wear loose-fitting, stain-resistant clothes.
  6. Change your clothes when they become damp.
Aug 18, 2023

What ingredients are in aluminum free deodorant? ›

There are several powders and starches that may be used, including baking soda, corn starch, arrowroot powder, activated charcoal powder, clay and tapioca starch. Extra tip: Be aware that baking soda causes a rash for some people. We prefer to make our deodorants with corn starch.

Do you really need to use aluminum free deodorant? ›

While there is no “direct link” between aluminum and cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, using an aluminum-free deodorant is better as you're not putting unnecessary chemicals in your body. Aluminum-free deodorants usually contain natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 5943

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.