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Making your own solid deodorant is easier than you might think! I’ve updated this post with 2 new and improved recipes after a lot of experimentation. I will start with a highly customizable base recipe and then show you 2 variations, and finally, a clay detox mask to use if you have been using conventionally scented products in the past.
If you are on this page, I’m going to assume you already know a bit about the many uses of tallow in skincare, so I’d like to jump right into talking about the core ingredients. My focus is on ingredient that are non-toxic and yield results and I am less concerned about trends.
What Tools and Supplies Do I Need to Make My Own Deodorant?
I’m a big proponent for working with what you have. That being said, one tool you will find extremely helpful if you are serious about making your own bath & body products is a digital scale. Another thing that is very nice to have is deodorant tubes (my preference), but you can absolutely re-use old ones or simply put the product in a jar and use your fingers to apply! To clean out old deodorant tubes, I put them in a dish in the microwave to melt the remaining old product, then wipe with a paper towel. Below are a few supplies that I use and recommend.
- Digital Scale Buy on Amazon ->
- Deodorant tubes Buy on Amazon ->
- Stainless steel measuring pitcher with spout Buy on Amazon ->
Which Essential Oils are Good for Deodorant?
For the best results, choose essential oils with antibacterial properties such as Tea tree, Rosemary, Lavender, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint, Patchouli, Cedarwood or Scotch Pine to add a pleasant scent and extra protection against odor-causing bacteria.
If you’d prefer a more feminine or floral scent, try a combination such as Grapefruit & Geranium, Lavender & Vanilla, or Sweet Orange & Vanilla.
What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Tallow Deodorant?
Here is my base recipe for making deodorant at home. As you can see, it is highly customizable for those of you who like to experiment. If you’d instead like to use one of my tried and true recipes, keep scrolling down to see my top three recipes.
Homemade Natural Deodorant Base Recipe:
- 5 parts Oil (tallow, coconut oil, jojoba, etc.)
- 1 part butter (shea, cocoa, mango, etc)
- 3 parts wax (beeswax, candellila, cetly alcohol)
- 7 parts dry ingredients (magnesium hydroxide, arrowroot powder, clay such as bentonite or kaolin, baking soda, cornstarch, etc)
- essential oils (add 1-2% by weight)
Recipe 1: Simple Tallow Deodorant Recipe with Magnesium
Below is a very simple iteration of this base recipe that requires few specialized ingredients. The optional add-ons may be added without adjusting the recipe and you will find that this recipe is very forgiving! In this recipe, you may substitute any portion of the dry ingredients with baking soda or cornstarch, but be aware that too much baking soda can be irritating and scratchy feeling. I have omitted the use of any butters, and instead, increased the amount of tallow to keep things simple.
Magnesium hydroxide is a form of magnesium that will not be absorbed through the skin, rather, it sits on the surface. In this application, magnesium hydroxide works by adjusting the PH and neutralizing odors. Arrowroot powder works by absorbing excess sweat without clogging pores.
quartzcreeknaturals.com
Ingredients
- 6 oz beef tallow
- 3 oz beeswax
- 4 oz magnesium hydroxide
- 3 oz arrowroot powder
- 1 tsp (100 drops) essential oils
Directions
- Melt oils, butters, and waxes in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and mix in dry ingredients.
- Continue mixing and add essential oils and vitamin E oil.
- Pour into containers and allow to fully dry at room temperature.
Notes
Shop the Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the Tallow and Beeswax: In a double boiler, gently melt the tallow and beeswax together over low heat. Stir occasionally until beeswax pellets are fully melted. Measure your ingredients carefully using a digital scale for the best results. I like using Pyrex glass measuring pitchers to melt everything. These make it very easy to pour into any type of containers you decide to use.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Once the oils are melted, remove them from the heat and stir in the arrowroot powder and magnesium. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Essential Oils: If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to add them. Stir them into the mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution. I like to continue stirring for a few minutes while the mixture cools slightly to avoid any separation.
- Pour into a Container: Transfer the mixture into a clean, airtight container. You can use an old deodorant stick for easy application or simply store it in a small jar and apply it with your fingers.
- Let it Solidify: Allow the deodorant to cool and solidify completely before use. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the refrigerator for quicker results.
Recipe 2: Tallow Deodorant with Magnesium, Bentonite Clay, and Shea Butter
This is a slightly simplified version of the deodorant I sell in my Quartz Creek Naturals Shop.
My favorite addition to this recipe is the Bentonite clay, which in addition to being prized for its detoxifying properties, contributes to a smooth glide that in my opinion, mimics commercial deodorants which use artificial ingredients for the same result. After a lot of experimentation, I have opted for a combination of beeswax and candellila wax, which significantly contributes to the “slip” as well as being even more non-comedogenic than beeswax. I’ve added another essential oil blend option that is one of my all-time favorite blends if you like refreshing and woodsy scents.
quartzcreeknaturals.com
Ingredients
- 3 oz beef tallow
- 2 oz coconut oil
- 1 oz shea butter
- 1.5 oz beeswax
- 1.5 oz candelilla wax
- 4 oz magnesium hydroxide
- 2 oz arrowroot powder
- 1 oz bentonite clay
- 1 tsp (100 drops) essential oils
Directions
- Melt oils, butters, and waxes in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and mix in dry ingredients.
- Continue mixing and add essential oils and vitamin E oil.
- Pour into containers and allow to fully dry at room temperature.
Notes
Buy ingredients or tallow deodorant from Quartz Creek Naturals
Adjusting to Using a Natural Deodorant
To use your homemade tallow deodorant, simply swipe or apply a small amount under each arm. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Because this is a natural product, it may take a week or two for your body to adjust, especially if you’re transitioning from conventional deodorants.
During the transition, you may want to try an easy clay detox mask periodically. Clays are mineral rich and great for drawing out toxins. While you are at it, you can use it on your face, neck and even your scalp!
Use your choice of bentonite, kaolin, french green clay, or even a combination of clays. I found this 10 clay combo pack that has been really fun to experiment with (so many uses and recipes you can use these in!) Here’s the recipe, that can be adjusted based on what ingredients you have on hand.
Print Detox Clay Mask Ingredients
- -2 teaspoons your choice* of detoxifying clay
*Bentonite clay
*Kaolin clay
*French green clay
*Custom blend
- -2 teaspoons your choice of liquid
spring water
Ph balancing: 1 part apple cider vinegar:2 parts water
Probiotic: plain yogurt or kefir
Moisturizing: aloe vera gel
Other: rose water, herbal infusion
Directions
- Mix together clay and liquid.
- Apply to armpits and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly. If using soap, I recommend something gentle and unscented, such as my Unscented Tallow & Goat’s milk Soap.
- I suggest only mixing what you plan on using immediately so that it stays fresh. Use any excess mixture on your face, neck and chest to avoid waste.
- Repeat 1-2 times per week but avoid overdoing it as it may dry out the skin
- Apply deodorant once your skin is dry.
Tips for Success
- Test for Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid the addition of baking soda or testing the deodorant on a small patch of skin before full application.
- Adjust for Climate: If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to add a bit more arrowroot powder and beeswax to keep the deodorant from melting.
- Experiment with Scents: Feel free to experiment with different essential oil combinations to create a scent that you love, but don’t overdue it as some oils can be irritating.
Why Switch to Natural Deodorant?
Switching to a natural deodorant can be a game-changer for your overall health and skincare routine. Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants often contain aluminum, parabens, and artificial fragrances that can cause irritation and disrupt the natural detox process of sweating. By opting for a tallow-based deodorant, you’re choosing a product that’s gentle on your skin, free of harmful chemicals, and environmentally friendly.
Final Thoughts
Making your own tallow deodorant is a rewarding way to take control of what you put on your body. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your needs and preferences. Once you make the switch, you may never go back to store-bought deodorants again. Give this DIY recipe a try, and enjoy the benefits of a natural, skin-loving deodorant that works just as hard as you do!
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Q & A
Can I Make Tallow Deodorant Without Baking Soda?
Yes, absolutely! The combination of magnesium hydroxide and arrowroot powder form an excellent base for all-natural deodorant.
What Can I Use Instead of Arrowroot Powder?
Use cornstarch instead of arrowroot powder for a very similar result.
How Long Does Homemade Deodorant Last?
How long your deodorant will last does depend on the ingredients you choose to use. The addition of vitamin E oil and certain essential oils can significantly increase the shelf life and give an estimated shelf life of 12 months or more. A few essential oils well known for their antioxidant properties are peppermint, lavender, and citrus oils.
Does Homemade Deodorant Need to Be Refrigerated?
The waxes in my formula keep the product stable even in high temperatures.
Why Am I Getting a Rash From Homemade Deodorant?
The most likely culprits for a rash in homemade formulas are baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to test each ingredient individually and avoid any ingredients you react to.
Tallow Deodorant vs. Store-Bought Natural Deodorant
Using a non-toxic tallow deodorant is a great way to avoid unnecessary chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives. Unlike many conventional deodorants, a homemade tallow deodorant allows you to control exactly what goes on your skin. In addition, you can customize the scent, texture, and ingredients to suit your personal preferences and skin type.
Try Quartz Creek Naturals Deodorants
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