DIY Deodorant for Smelly Armpits: 4 Natural Options That Work

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Looking for a natural, effective DIY deodorant for smelly armpits?

In this guide, you’ll find 4 simple homemade deodorant recipes – including options for sensitive skin, baking soda-free, coconut oil-free, and even a DIY deodorant spray.

All are plastic-free, non-toxic, and made from ingredients you probably already have at home.

How do natural deodorants work?

Unlike commercial antiperspirants, natural deodorants don’t block sweat. Instead, they target the bacteria that cause body odor, helping your armpits stay fresh without harmful ingredients like aluminum or synthetic fragrance. Here’s what makes a natural deodorant substitute work:

• Antibacterial properties – coconut oil, shea butter, vinegar, ethanol alcohol
• Naturally absorbent – arrowroot powder, cornstarch, bentonite clay
• Essential oils – lavender, tea tree, sandalwood, etc., for a pleasant scent

Overview of the ingredients

• Coconut oil: Antimicrobial properties that kill fungi, yeast, and bacteria (1) (2) (3), while hydrating your skin (1). Not ideal if you live in a hot climate or have acne-prone skin.
• Baking soda: Absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor. Skip if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin.
• Arrowroot powder or cornstarch: Moisture and oil absorbent, with healing properties. It’s a good thickening agent. Generally doesn’t irritate.
• Shea butter: Antibacterial and soothing. Great for softening skin and calming inflammation.
• Bentonite clay: Detoxifies and draws out impurities. Ideal if you’re transitioning from antiperspirants. Acts as a physical protection on the skin.
• Distilled white vinegar: Natural antibacterial & non-toxic.
• Alcohol: Helps kill bacteria and evaporates quickly, making it great for spray formulas. Avoid if your skin is sensitive, as it can be drying.
• Essential oils: Besides adding a pleasant scent, essential oils like tea tree, lavender, clary sage, and sandalwood have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Now, let’s jump directly to four different DIY deodorant recipes for smelly armpits! You can watch my YouTube video if you want to see how exactly I make the deodorants, step-by-step! I also tested each deodorant, so you can check that too if you are interested.

4 DIY Deodorant Recipes (Step-By-Step Tutorial)

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil (34G)
• 2 1/2 tbsp shea butter (34G)
• 1 1/2 tbsp baking soda (22G) 
• 1/4 cup arrowroot starch (33G) or cornstarch (33G)
• 10 – 15 drops of essential oils

Instructions

Step 1: Measure coconut oil and shea butter in a bowl. Then, melt in a double boiler.
Step 2: Mix arrowroot and baking soda in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Combine dry and melted ingredients. Mix well until there are no clumps.
Step 4: Once cooled slightly, add your chosen essential oils.
Step 5: Transfer to a clean jar. Let it sit in the fridge.

Personal tip: My mum and granny both swear by this recipe – and now even their friends use it! It works great unless you live in very hot climates, in which case, keep it in the fridge. If you don’t have any problems with baking soda, I recommend trying it out!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup arrowroot powder (96G) or cornstarch
• ¼ cup coconut oil (54G)   
• ¼ cup shea butter (53G)  
• 1/2 tbsp bentonite clay (you can add more, but know that more clay can leave stains)
• 10-15 drops of essential oil 

Instructions

Step 1: Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
Step 2: Stir in arrowroot and bentonite clay (use wooden utensils because of the clay).
Step 3: Let cool, then add essential oils.
Step 4: Store in a jar and chill to solidify.

My experience: I’ve been using this one for the last couple of months, and I’m SUPER satisfied with it. Works best when reapplied (on dry skin) during hot weather. It keeps odors away, but avoid adding too much too often to prevent stains or marks.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup arrowroot powder (45G) or cornstarch
• ¼ shea butter (53G) 
• 10-15 drops of essential oil 
• OPTIONAL: 1 tbsp baking soda (recommended, if you don’t have too high sensitivity)

Instructions

Step 1: Melt shea butter in a double boiler.
Step 2: Mix in arrowroot powder and baking soda (if using).
Step 3: Cool and add essential oils.
Step 4: Pour into a container and refrigerate.

Feedback: A friend with sensitive skin found this to be the perfect balance. She had some issues with natural deodorants with baking soda (too harsh for her sensitive skin). No irritation, just effective freshness. She told me that sometimes, she re-applies it, but that it works really well in general!

Ingredients

• 30 ml (~2 tbsp) ethanol alcohol (vodka or gin – 50% ABV or more)
• 15 ml (~ 1tbsp) distilled white vinegar or white vinegar
• 10–15 drops of essential oils 

Instructions

Step 1: Add alcohol and vinegar to a spray bottle.
Step 2: Add essential oils (lemon, lavender, or tea tree to mask vinegar smell).
Step 3: Shake well and spray on clean, dry armpits.

Note: The vinegar smell disappears once dry. It’s surprisingly effective and refreshing.

Side effects & precautions

Stop use if you experience any irritation or adverse reaction. Things to look for:

• Coconut oil: Can clog pores and cause ingrown hairs due to its high comedogenic rating.
• Baking soda: May disrupt the skin’s acid mantle and cause irritation or dryness, especially on sensitive skin. Avoid if prone to reactions.
• Ethanol (alcohol): Can dry or sting skin, especially after shaving. Harmful if used on damaged skin, particularly in children. Avoid contact with the eyes. (1)
• Essential oils: Undiluted oils can irritate or cause allergic reactions. Use only therapeutic-grade oils or skip if you have sensitive skin.

Common issues & simple fixes

• Consistency changes: Natural deodorant creams can harden in cold weather or become too soft in warm temperatures. → Store in a cool cupboard or fridge if it gets too runny.
• Grainy texture: This can happen if the deodorant cools too slowly or melts and resets too often. → Place the jar in warm (not boiling) water, stir until melted, then refrigerate for 30–40 minutes until smooth.
• Essential oils: Adding oils while the mix is still hot can cause the scent to fade. → Let the mixture cool slightly before adding essential oils.
• Switching to natural deodorant: Bentonite clay is perfect if you want to do that, as it is a great way to detoxify your armpits. → Find out how to do it here.

FAQ

What can I use instead of deodorant if I’m out?

Try natural alternatives like vinegar, aloe vera gel, or witch hazel – they’re effective and gentle options to keep you feeling fresh.

How long does homemade deodorant last?

These recipes typically last 3-6 months, depending on storage conditions. Keep them in a cool, dry place for best results.

What’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?

• Deodorant controls odor by targeting bacteria.
• Antiperspirant blocks sweat by plugging the sweat glands.

DIY deodorants fall in the deodorant category – they fight odor without interfering with your body’s natural sweating process.

Why do my armpits smell when switching to natural deodorant?

Your body may need time to adjust, especially if you’re coming off commercial antiperspirants. During this detox period (which can last up to 30 days), odor may temporarily increase as your skin’s microbiome rebalances.

Which natural deodorant is the best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because everyone’s body reacts differently. What works perfectly for me might not work for you. Be patient, keep experimenting, and give your body time to adjust.