Ditch The Plastic & Sketchy Chemicals
When I started to understand how the things around me are made I began to understand just how dastardly the products we purchase from large corporations are and how EASY it is to make your own.
Ever thought about what happens to that plastic deodorant tube once you’ve twisted up the last bit of product? Well, it’s probably not getting recycled. Most conventional deodorants come wrapped in single-use plastic that clogs up landfills and oceans for centuries.
Making your own deodorant (or choosing an eco-friendly brand) isn’t just a personal health win—it’s also a win for Mother Earth. You get to ditch the sketchy chemicals and the plastic waste, all while saving money and taking control of what goes on your body.
I’m going to break down what deodorants actually do, why most store-bought ones kinda suck, and how you can make (or buy) a better one.
How Deodorants Actually Work: A Quick Science Lesson
Sweat Doesn’t Smell (But Bacteria Does)
Contrary to popular belief, your sweat isn’t the problem—bacteria are. When sweat meets the bacteria living on your skin, they break it down into smelly byproducts. That’s the B.O. you’re fighting.
Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants: What’s the Difference?
- Deodorants tackle odor by killing bacteria or neutralizing their smelly leftovers.
- Antiperspirants block your sweat glands using aluminum-based compounds, preventing sweat from ever reaching the surface. Less sweat = fewer bacteria = less odor.
Blocking your sweat glands isn’t exactly the healthiest approach. You need to sweat as it’s your body’s way of regulating your temperature. That’s where natural deodorants and DIY options come in.
Why Do Natural Deodorants Seem Like They Don’t Work?
Ever tried a natural deodorant and thought, Why do I still stink?! I I have. The biggest myth about natural deodorants is that they don’t work—but the truth is, they work differently, not worse.
If you’ve been using chemical-laden deodorants (or antiperspirants) for years, your body needs time to adjust when you switch. Mainstream deodorants don’t just mask odor—they stop your body from sweating entirely by clogging sweat glands with aluminum. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, let your body function the way it’s supposed to while neutralizing odor. But yes, this means you might go through a stinky transition phase before it starts working like magic.
So before you write off natural deodorants as useless hippie nonsense, let’s talk about why they sometimes don’t seem as effective, how to get past the “detox” phase, and how to find (or make!) one that actually keeps you fresh.
The Problem with Conventional Deodorants
A Chemical Cocktail Nobody Asked For
Take a peek at the back of a typical deodorant stick, and you’ll find a list of ingredients that sound like a toxic slew. Some of the biggest offenders include:
- Aluminum – Linked to concerns about hormone disruption and potential health risks (still debated, but do you really want it in your pores?).
- Parabens – Preservatives that have been flagged for their potential role in hormone imbalance.
- Synthetic Fragrances – A vague term that can hide a slew of undisclosed chemicals, including allergens and irritants.
Plastic, Plastic Everywhere
Most store-bought deodorants come in plastic tubes that don’t break down for hundreds of years. Even “recyclable” ones rarely end up being repurposed because the mix of materials makes them tricky to process and what can you make out of them?
Environmental Impact of Mass Production
Manufacturing conventional deodorants means:
- More plastic waste.
- More carbon emissions from production and transportation.
- More non-biodegradable chemicals washing down your drain.
Every small change helps, and switching up your deodorant game is a simple way to reduce your footprint and keep you healthier.
The Perks of Natural and DIY Deodorants
You Control What’s Inside
Making your own deodorant means you know what’s in it. No parabens, no phthalates, no unpronounceable ingredients—just the good stuff.
Less Waste, More Sustainability
- Store your homemade deodorant in a glass jar, metal tin, or compostable tube instead of tossing out plastic tubes.
- Reduce your overall consumption by making one batch that lasts for months.
- Avoid supporting brands that rely on wasteful packaging.
Custom-Made for Your Body
- Got sensitive skin? Skip the baking soda and try magnesium hydroxide.
- Prefer a specific scent? Add your favorite essential oils. You are the master of how you smell instead of Dove.
- Like it in a stick, jar, or spray? You do you.
Cheaper in the Long Run
While buying quality ingredients (like coconut oil and shea butter) might seem pricey at first, they last forever. One batch can cost a fraction of store-bought deodorants and keep you fresh for months.
What To Look For When Buying Coconut Oil Or Shea Butter
- Unrefined/Raw/Cold-Pressed
– Retains natural nutrients, aromas, and skincare benefits. - Fair-Trade & Sustainable Sourcing
– Helps support communities, ensures ethical labor practices. - Certified Organic
– If possible, so you avoid pesticides and chemical additives. - Check the Ingredients
– For coconut oil, the label should say “100% coconut oil” (ideally “virgin” or “cold-pressed”).
– For shea butter, look for “Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)” as the only ingredient.
What to Look for When Buying a Natural Deodorant
If DIY isn’t your thing, you can still make better choices when buying deodorant.
Here are a couple I like:
Humble Brands – I love the smell of the Palo Santos but it may not be for everyone. They have a 6 pack of mini travel deodorants so you can figure out what scent you like best. They also have a version with CBD in it which I am going to give a try.
Fat and the Moon – Love their entire line! They encourage pit massages with their deodorant cream.
Here’s what to check:
✔️ Natural Ingredients – Look for things like coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Avoid anything with synthetic “fragrance.”
✔️ Sustainable Packaging – Opt for brands using compostable, biodegradable, or refillable containers.
✔️ Cruelty-Free – Check for the Leaping Bunny or PETA cruelty-free certification. Many big-name brands still test on animals.
✔️ Baking Soda-Free Options – If your skin is sensitive, try deodorants with magnesium hydroxide or zinc oxide instead.
✔️ Transparency – If a brand is truly ethical, they won’t hide their ingredient list or sustainability efforts. Check their website to see if they back up their claims.
Finding the Right Deodorant for You
Not All Armpits Are the Same
What works for one person might not work for another. If you’re switching to natural deodorant, your body might go through a “detox” phase as it adjusts (a fancy way of saying you might smell a little funky for a few days while your pores unclog).
Test & Adjust
- Some people swear by baking soda, while others find it irritating.
- Some need stronger odor protection (hello, activated charcoal), while others prefer something ultra-gentle.
- The best way to find what works? Experiment!
DIY Deodorant: What You Need & How to Make It
Key Ingredients in Homemade Deodorant
- Coconut Oil – Antibacterial and moisturizing.
- Shea Butter – Soothes the skin.
- Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch – Absorbs moisture.
- Baking Soda or Magnesium Hydroxide – Fights odor-causing bacteria. (I like Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda.)
- Essential Oils (Lavender, Tea Tree, etc.) – Add scent and antibacterial properties.
Basic DIY Recipe
🛠️ Ingredients:
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp baking soda (or substitute with magnesium hydroxide for sensitive skin)
- 10 drops essential oil of choice (lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, etc.)
👩🔬 How to Make It:
- Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and stir in the powders.
- Add essential oils and mix well.
- Pour into a small glass jar or a biodegradable deodorant tube.
- Let it set at room temperature (or pop it in the fridge to speed things up).
💡 Pro Tip: If you live in a hot climate or want a stick, add little beeswax (or candelilla wax for a vegan option) to keep it from melting.
Where to Find More DIY Recipes
If you’re feeling experimental, check out these great resources:
📌 Treehugger – Step-by-step homemade deodorant guide.
📌 Wellness Mama – Natural deodorant recipes and customization tips.
📌 Simple Green Smoothies – Her best deodorant recipe she has used for over a decade.
📌 The Humbled Homemaker – Recipe that works in stick form.
📌 The Healthy Maven – DIY tips from skincare experts.
Choose What’s Best for You (and the Planet)
Making your own deodorant—or choosing a better store-bought one—is a small change that adds up over time. Whether you DIY or buy, the goal is the same: healthier pits, less waste, and a cleaner planet.
So, are you ready to ditch the toxic, plastic-wrapped, corporate-controlled junk and take your underarm game into your own hands? Once you have the ingredient, making your own deodorant takes around 5 minutes. Aren’t we all worth that? Whether you go full DIY or pick an eco-conscious brand, your pits (and the planet) will thank you. 🌎✨
Photo credit: Photo by Godisable Jacob from Pexels.