How to Make Homemade Stick Deodorant

Co-authored by Ritu Thakur, MA

Last Updated: June 9, 2025 Approved

If you are looking for an easy way to make your life a little greener, try making your own stick of deodorant. Homemade stick deodorant is an inexpensive, safe and natural alternative to the harsh chemicals and irritating fragrances found in store-bought deodorants. This recipe uses a natural moisture absorber (cornstarch), a natural deodorizer (baking soda), and a natural anti-bacterial/anti-fungal oil (tea tree oil) to keep you feeling fresh and smelling good.

Ingredients

Recipe One: Standard Formula

1/4 cup (55 g) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
10 drops tea tree oil
2+ tbsp (30 g) coconut oil, melted

Recipe Two: For Sensitive Skin

2 tbsp (30 g) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
6 tbs (72 g) cornstarch (if you have very sensitive skin, substitute arrowroot powder)
10 drops tea tree oil
2+ tbsp (30 g) coconut oil, melted

Optional

Additional essential oils for fragrance, according to your preference.
Up to 1 tsp. Vitamin E or sweet almond oil, to soothe shaved skin.

Steps

Download Article

^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional

Expert Interview} Mix well.^{[2]
X
Research source}
Stir until the mixture is smooth. If you are adding optional skin soothers like Vitamin E or sweet almond oil,^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional

Expert Interview} add it during this step.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
Make sure the base is twisted all the way down to the bottom. It may seem soft at first, but should set up after a few days.^{[5]
X
Research source}
4
Adding fragrance (optional). You can easily vary the fragrance of your deodorant by using different essential oils in place of the tea tree oil.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Lavender, rose, eucalyptus or sandalwood are good choices because they share the anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil. Chamomile, a known skin soother, would also work well.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ritu Thakur, MA
  Natural Health Care Professional
  
  Expert Interview}
- Start with just a few drops. Add a little more at a time until your deodorant has the scent you want.
Apply this deodorant in the same manner you would the store-bought kind. A little goes a long way, so use a lighter hand than you usually would.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If you don't want to use a previously-used deodorant container, search online to source brand new ones.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Instead of coconut oil, you can use any oil that is solid at room temperature - shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter or vegetable shortening.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
The coconut oil used in this recipe begins to melt at 76 degrees. If the weather is warm, store your deodorant in the refrigerator.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Always know the effects of essential oils. Some smell great but are very irritating to the skin. Take extra precautions if you are pregnant or nursing.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
Do not use this deodorant recipe if you know you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Thanks
Helpful 39 Not Helpful 17
If you develop irritation, a rash or itching under your arms, stop using this product.

Thanks
Helpful 32 Not Helpful 33