Ditch your toxic, commercial deodorant in favor of these easy DIY deodorant bars – super easy to put together with easy-to-find ingredients!
Several months ago we whipped up an easy deodorant for sensitive skin – using bentonite clay, and essential oils. Not long after that DIY, my 13 year old daughter asked me if it was possible to make a similar deodorant for use that didn’t have bentonite clay.
As wonderful as bentonite clay is in deodorant, she couldn’t seem to get past the color. She was scared that her arms would turn gray and that her clothing would take on a grayish tint…
Using that deodorant recipe as a base, we worked out a recipe that would help us make our own deodorant bars. It was incredibly easy to use and perfect for young adults like her that are just starting out.
Deodorant Bars are a thicker form of this DIY deodorant paste, thickened with arrowroot or tapioca flour. They are a little more solid than traditional deodorant, that allows them to be formed into a bar and used on skin as needed.
The ingredients for homemade deodorant bars are relatively similar to many other DIYs. They include Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, and essential oils, and poured into a Wilton mold (we used this one here) and allowed to firm up.
(Related post: 25 DIYs with Essential Oils)
If you struggle with odor, you may want to up the essential oils to include about 30-35 drops. We opted for Tapioca Flour (which is similar to Arrowroot flour) and that can be picked up at your local grocery store or on Amazon.
(Related post: HUGE List of DIY Oily Supplies)
Ready to make lotion bars? Before you start, I would recommend starting with an Armpit Detox so that you can purge the toxins from your underarm area and prepare your body for a natural, non-toxic alternative.
Begin with a Detox
If you are new to using natural deodorant, you may need to do a gentle detox to speed up the adjustment period. To do a detox, you will need:
- 1 Tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tsp water
Mix those ingredients together in a plastic or glass bowl (not metal) and spread a thin layer over your arms. Allow to sit 5-15 minutes, and work up to a longer period of time. Wash off in the shower or with a warm washcloth and repeat daily, until your natural deodorant is non irritating.
Then, move on to your deodorant bars or natural deodorant variety.
For many people, baking soda is a natural irritant, so we have opted to use Arrowroot/Tapioca in its place.
Easy DIY Deodorant Bars
This recipe made one full deodorant stick for me plus 4 individual deodorant bars. If you wish to forego the stick, you’ll get an additional 3-4 deodorant bars. The total number of bars will ultimately depend on your mold size.
DIY Deodorant Bars
Equipment
- Wilton Mold
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp shea butter
- 4 Tbsp coconut oil measured then melted
- 3 Tbsp beeswax pellets
- 1/4 C arrowroot flour + 1 tsp
- 30 drops essential oil tea tree, lavender
Instructions
- Combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a small saucepan on low heat or, in a canning jar in the microwave for short bursts.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oils and stir mixture until everything is well blended.
- Pour into the silicone mold and allow to sit several hours until hardened.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Have you ever thought about making your own deodorant bars?
Hi there
I do have some containers that I use for Solid Lotion sticks. I will be trying this recipe for Deodorant sticks. Thanks for sharing.
You bet! Dee, let me know how it works for you.
Are there benefits to using arrowroot powder vs. tapioca flour? Is one more odor absorbing or moisture absorbing? Thanks!
They are both about the same in their ability to control moisture..and I’ve used both with equal success.
The biggest difference though is that tapioca is a starch, and so it can feed yeast. If you have a latex allergy you will want to avoid tapioca as well (for some, the body can mistake compounds in cassava for allergens in latex).
Hello! What does 1/4 C. + 1 teaspoon mean? Is 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon? I’m sorry for ask.
yes, 1/4 C. + 1 teaspoon. Don’t be sorry! : )
Can I sub arrowroot for corn starch?
absolutely!
I’m in a warmer climate so my coconut oil is always in a melted state…how much oil would I need to use ?
56 grams if you have a scale!
My beeswax is solid/chunks. Can you recommend weight in grams?
Thank you
Tracy, sure can – 3 Tbsp beeswax pellets is about 42 grams. Hope that helps you!
Hola! se podría reemplazar la cera de abejas por ácido estaérico por ejemplo? para obtenter un producto vegano? Entiendo que la cera es para dar dureza?