Homemade Natural Deodorant Without Baking Soda

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Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Kiersten James

Most natural deodorants are either overpriced, irritating, or don’t work. This is none of those things. It takes 5 minutes to make and holds up just fine through busy days, farm chores, and hot weather.

I’ve tried just about every natural deodorant out there, and most of them didn’t work. Between hormone swings (postpartum, cycle changes, stress), homestead chores, and very humid Long Island summers, I needed something strong enough to handle real life.

This is the deodorant I make for the girls in our family. It’s simple, it works, and it doesn’t cause irritation like baking soda can. The main ingredient is food grade magnesium hydroxide powder – the same one used as a supplement. It neutralizes odor without clogging pores but is gentle enough to use daily, even after shaving.

I store it in a small glass jar and apply a pea-sized amount under each arm with clean fingers. It rubs in easily, doesn’t stain clothes, and has a neutral scent unless you decide to add essential oils.

It’s smooth, easy to make, and actually works to fight odor – NOT just cover it up. It doesn’t contain aluminum, baking soda, or fake scents, and you can make it with ingredients you probably already have on hand if you make your own salves or balms.

Why Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium hydroxide works by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria instead of attempting to cover it up. It’s effective without being harsh. Unlike baking soda, it won’t throw off the skin’s pH or cause burning or rashes, which makes it a better choice for sensitive skin like ours.

It doesn’t block sweat (which is a good thing), but it does keep you from smelling. If you’re switching from commercial deodorant, your body may take a week or two to adjust.

If you want to speed up the transition, it’s definitely worth it to do an armpit detox.

benefits of the other ingredients:

Arrowroot powder: helps absorb moisture without overly drying out the skin.

Coconut oil: has natural antimicrobial properties and gives the deodorant a smooth, spreadable texture.

Shea butter: adds extra moisture and helps it glide on easier, but you can leave it out if you don’t have any.

Essential oils: completely optional. If you skip them, the deodorant will have a very mild coconut scent.

DIY Natural Deodorant Without Baking Soda

Most natural deodorants are either overpriced, irritating, or don’t work. This is none of those things. It takes five minutes to make and holds up just fine through busy days, farm chores, and hot weather.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons magnesium hydroxide powder (food-grade only, no additives)
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 10 to 15 drops essential oil (totally optional: rose otto, tea tree, or lemongrass work well)

Instructions:

Melt the coconut oil and shea butter together in a small double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth.

Remove from heat and whisk in the magnesium hydroxide and arrowroot powder until fully combined. It should look like a thick, smooth paste.

Add essential oils, if using, and stir well.

Pour into a 2oz glass jar or similar container and let it cool to room temperature. Leave the lid off, it will firm up as it cools.

Store in a cool, dry place. If your home is very warm in the summer, you can keep it in the fridge for a firmer consistency.

This is one of those recipes that’s easy to tweak. If you want it firmer, add more magnesium hydroxide. Softer? A little more coconut oil. The basic formula is forgiving, and once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll get a feel for how you like it best.

It works, it’s budget-friendly, and it doesn’t mess with your skin. That’s all I need in a deodorant.

How to Use It:

Scoop out a pea-sized amount with clean fingers and rub it into each underarm until fully absorbed. It dries down quickly and won’t leave a greasy residue.

This works best when applied once a day, but during hormonal weeks or in hot weather, I’ll reapply midday if I’m outside sweating or chasing the kids around the yard.

One small jar usually lasts one person about a month with regular use.

Storage & Shelf Life:

Store in a small jar with a lid. It doesn’t need refrigeration unless your house is consistently above 75°F, and should last about 3 to 6 months. This will ultimately depend on how clean you keep your container and how often it’s used.

Tips for Stubborn Odor

• Use this after a warm shower when your skin is clean and pores are open
• If switching from a conventional antiperspirant, give your body a few days to adjust. If it’s been more than a week or two and you’re still having a hard transition, it’s worth it to do a full armpit detox to clean out any clogged toxins.
• If you’re extra sensitive, add lavender or frankincense essential oil

More Natural Care Staples

The Homemade Bar Soap We Use Every Day

DIY Dishwasher Tablets (won’t ever clog)

Natural Dish Soap That Actually Cuts Grease

Homemade All-Purpose Floor Cleaner That Smells AMAZING

Save It For Later!

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