Basic Formula for DIY Deodorants with and Without Baking Soda
I am time challenged person who seeks to live a balanced and sane life. My passion for fast and easy all natural healthy kosher cooking also includes a passion for DIY fast, easy and all natural beauty and cleaning products too. When I go on my periodic all-natural kicks, I am only willing to use DIY beauty products if they are easy, economical and effective.
In addition to my facial scrub and hair conditioner, I also make DIY deodorant.
Super-Fast and Easy DIY Deodorant
This is the recipe that I posted earlier. I call it my “In A Pinch Solution.”
Ingredients
1 part baking soda
1 part starch: corn, potato, tapioca, etc.
Instructions
Blend together and store in glass jar. Apply with makeup brush or sponge while still slightly damp from bathing.

Make using equal parts of both.
Carol’s Basic DIY Deodorant Powder
When I first began using DIY deodorant, I used just plain baking soda. Unfortunately, I found it very abrasive for my skin. Over the years, I have developed this recipe which is practical, easy and works! Afterall, if it is not practical, then I can’t sweat it, if you will pardon the pun.
Ingredients
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup starch
1 or 2 tablespoons clay powder
1-3 teaspoons activated charcoal
Optional: coconut oil to right consistency (about ½ cup)
Optional: 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice, i.e., tea tree, peppermint, lavender, sandalwood
Instructions
Blend together and store in glass jar. Apply with makeup brush or sponge while still slightly damp from bathing.
If you prefer to apply as a cream or a stick, slowly mix coconut oil into the powder until desired consistency. Personally, I find the powder faster and lower maintenance. However, lots of people find a cream easier to apply. So, try it both ways and decide for yourself!
I have been using this for over a year and I can honestly say that it works!
My husband jokes — “if all else fails, you can eat it too!”
After I made my regular deodorant, one of my daughter’s therapists, Lynette, told me that she always wanted to use DIY deodorant, but, she is allergic to baking soda.
I figured that she could not be the only person who reacts to baking soda, so I went on line to try and find a DIY deodorant without baking soda that meets my criteria of easy, effective and economical. I am happy to say that I have created my first batch, and it really works too!
The downside is that it is slightly less effective than the one with baking soda. I found that it only works for 12 hours. After that, I found that I needed to reapply either the powder or the spray.
These deodorants are not antiperspirants. So, you will still sweat, but, you will not smell offensive. Sweating, however, it a good thing. It helps to release toxins and is necessary for proper temperature regulation.
Carol’s First Attempt at DIY Deodorant Powder without Baking Soda
Ingredients
1/2 cup starch
1/2 cup clay powder (you can use only 1 or 2 tablespoons clay powder, if you want)
1- 2 teaspoons finely ground natural salt (I used pink Himalayan salt)
2 -3 teaspoons finely ground Epsom salt or Magnesium oil (more on this later)
Optional: 1-3 teaspoons activated charcoal
Optional: 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice, i.e., tea tree, peppermint, lavender, sandalwood, etc. The list is up to your creativity and personal preferences.
Instructions:
Blend together and store in glass jar. Apply with makeup brush or sponge while still slightly damp from bathing.
Carol’s First Attempt at DIY Deodorant Spray without Baking Soda
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Epsom salt or Magnesium oil (more on this later)
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons Witch Hazel
2 tablespoons Vodka/alcohol spirits up to 120 proof (the higher the alcohol content, the stronger it works: 70-90 low; 90-120 medium; 120+ strong)
1/8 teaspoon (a “pinch”) natural salt (I used pink Himalayan salt)
Optional: 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice, i.e., tea tree, peppermint, lavender, sandalwood, etc. The list is up to your creativity and personal preferences.
Instructions:
Mix together the ingredients and store in glass jar or spray bottle. Shake before using and apply using your fingers (assuming they are clean and you are not sharing the jar with anyone) or spray under arms while still slightly damp from bathing.
For some reason, I found it better to first apply the spray, and then apply the powder too. Then, in the morning, I would just apply the powder.
I am not including a picture, since it is a clear liquid.
Overall, I was very pleased with the outcome. I am going to share it with Lynette now too.
DIY Magnesium Oil
In the process of learning about no-baking soda deodorants, I learned about magnesium oil and its many health benefits. There is a ton of information available on line, so I am not going to repeat myself here.
I thought, however, that it might be helpful to include various infographics that I found on line to explain the benefits of the various ingredients. At the end of this post, I am also including various sites which include information about magnesium, and other sites to explore DIY beauty products.
Apparently, it is very difficult to get enough magnesium intracellularly through food, as the soil today is more depleted than in the past. And, one of the best ways to obtain magnesium is through the skin, or transdermally.
DIY Magnesium Oil
1/2 cup filtered water
1/2 cup magnesium chloride flakes
Basically, the ratio is 1:1 water to magnesium chloride flakes
Instructions:
Bring the water to a boil in a non-aluminum saucepan. Turn off the heat and stir in the magnesium flakes until dissolved. When cool, pour into a spray bottle or glass jar. No refrigeration is necessary.
Spray directly on the skin, and rotate the site to different parts of your body and rub lightly until it is absorbed. Use anywhere from 10-30 sprays per day.
Results so far:
I wanted to share with everyone that using magnesium oil daily has so far changed our lives.
For over a year, Yaffa has unfortunately had a chronic staph and strep infection on her skin. She completed several rounds of antibiotics. Despite also washing her with betadine solution, nothing seemed to be helping.
So, I started to give her Epsom salt or magnesium chloride baths, and spraying magnesium oil on the lesion twice a day. It was miraculous! Her infection is finally better and starting to resolve!
Since Raizel became sick, she has been complaining of chronic fatigue. We have gone to so many doctors and had so many blood tests. Nothing seemed to explain her symptoms. So, I started spraying magnesium oil on her twice a day too and another miracle occurred! Her fatigue is lifting, and every day she feels better and better. Raizel even notices how much better she feels. It has been quite dramatic.
Finally, I have developed psoriasis, probably due to all my stress. Despite all my efforts, nothing seemed to really help. I too have started using the magnesium oil twice a day, and no more itching! I am so happy!
So, I highly recommend using magnesium oil, assuming you are otherwise healthy. Any questions or concerns, please consult your health care provider.
References:
https://wellnessmama.com/3610/low-magnesium/
https://wellnessmama.com/22357/spray-deodorant-recipe/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/magnesium
http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/magnesium
These are 2 of my all-time favorite sites to explore DIY everything:
https://raising6kids.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/natural-diy-deodorant-ideas/
https://www.diynatural.com/natural-homemade-deodorant/
Thank you for this post. I have problems finding deodorant I can use. I have a painful allergic reaction to some commercial deodorants, even some “natural ones.” It’s been hard to track down ingredients that cause it. I know I am allergic to lavender and they can use smaller amount and included it under “fragrance” on the label if it is not specifically labeled as lavender scented. Will give these a try.
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Believe me, I understand. I am allergic to tea tree oil and it’s in so many “natural” products.
The magnesium oil is fabulous. The only thing is, it is really drying so you have to use some kind of oil to offset the dryness.🥰
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Awesomeness ✌
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I was very pleased with the outcome.
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This is genius. Not only am I going to give it a go but if it works I will make pots for all my daughters and include instructions. The less chemical contact with our bodies, the better
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Agreed! It really works and I have been telling everyone I know about the magnesium oil. I had to write it up because it is easier to explain when people have something to read too. I would love to give it as a gift as well. Unfortunately, I think people would think I was trying to imply that I was trying to tell them something. 😉
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I think I can get away with my daughters but beyond that I might get a tepid response! Magnesium oil is a real find, I think – I do trust your judgement implicitly – it hasn’t failed me yet! My second daughter has just been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries which has upset her greatly (fortunately it is a subject that I knew quite a lot about from my ante natal teaching days) but we are looking at what other adjustments she can make in diet and were just saying yesterday that it is equally important to be as natural as possible with what we put ON our bodies as IN them. Thank you again!
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Enjoy! I hope your daughter is able to find some relief. I once had an article about healthy eating and boosting fertility. I actually have a lot to say on this subject too.
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When you have the time, I am listening. You cannot have too much good wisdom and you are wise 🙂
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Thank you! It was a good article but I am going to need to sift through my files.
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Take your time and if you never have time I won’t hold it against you (I have always noted your blog title 😉).
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I must be dated. The article I had, it is so old that now its contents are common knowledge. I did go on line to see what is out there, and nothing caught my eye. I think I am going to do a literature search to look at some of the more current research. It sounds like a tricky problem. Hormone imbalances are subtle and nuanced.
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Oh that familiar feeling of thinking something was last week ….. thank you for your kindness – I do appreciate it
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I also wanted to tell you that it is good to address the problem holistically and allopathically. I like diet, exercise and lifestyle changes together with Chinese herbs and energy work. If the condition persists, then I would continue with the alternative medicine and go the allopathic root too. I think if energetically she is strong and grounded, then the Western medicine is more likely to be successful and less likely to deplete her.
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Thank you. She lives in Malaysia right now but is moving back to Europe in January. I am meeting up with her for a night in Barcelona in two weeks time and am very grateful for your insights and advice which I will share with her.
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When my mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer, that is what she did. I saw that compared to her friends who were diagnosed at the same time, she endured the chemo much better and recovered faster. Her stamina also recovered better as well.
Acupuncture and herbs are so successful as an adjunct treatment that many IVF clinics offer it as well. The data is pretty impressive.
In addition, there is something called femoral massage and also abdominal massage. You have to do it everyday (to yourself) and it also helps.
Finally, never underestimate the power of prayer. There are studies that people going through IVF had a higher pregnancy rate when they were prayed for (even if they didn’t know they were being prayed for) than people who were not prayed for.
Everything helps. One friend of mine who suffered from infertility for a long time used to say: “everyone gets a baby. You just don’t know the exact path to parenthood.”
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And now I am crying. Thank you so much for giving so generously of your precious time. I will share all of this with my girl when I see her in two weeks time. I know all of it will resonate with her. Praying – oh yes, it is powerful and amazing. Finally I want to acknowledge your mother and your friend. Both had their battles and both took their struggles with dignity, grace and wisdom. Such tales are the tales that should humble us on our journey 🙏
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Both of these women are incredibly inspiring. I have hope for your daughter and will pray for her.😍🙏🏻
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God Bless You. Thank you x
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🐣💕💕💕
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I don’t mean to pester you, but it’s also important to visualize the positive and be happy and enjoy your life. When my father was diagnosed, he got a copy of the book by Norman Cousins “Anatomy of an Illness.” He would only watch funny movies, read joke books and would not entertain any negative thoughts. His nurse also introduced and trained him and my mother in”hands on healing.” My father obtained his first remission and died 22 years later from something else. He outlived his entire cohort (and even his doctor). So, I say, “leave no stone unturned and hope for the best.”
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This is not pestering rather you speak to my heart. I am going to find that book and gift it to my girlie when I see her in Barcelona. You humble me with your genuine kindness 🙏
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🙏🏻
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Great post! I will refer back to it as soon as I run out!! 🙂
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I am very excited about this! And the magnesium is awesome. It beats steroid cream any day!
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This is so comprehensive and creative. Thanks for “sweating” all the details. You are truly an inspiration!
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😂
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You are far braver than me with the deodorant!
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I am telling you, it works! And, I think it’s healthier not to have chemicals so near the lymph nodes.
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I’m sure it’s much healthier (so long as I got the recipe right – otherwise, I’m not sure it would be healthy for those who have to deal with me!).
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😂
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Excellent summary, thanks for it!! I am using my own deodorant with tapioka and baking soda, I like the creamy version with almond oil and beeswax. It works well.for me, but some of my friends had problem with baking soda. I am going to try some of your inspirations 😋
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It really works and I feel so grateful to have discovered the benefits of magnesium. It has really made such a difference!
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