essential oils for underarm odor

DIY DEODORANT RECIPES WITH ARROWROOT

Making your own deodorant is easier than you might think—and surprisingly fun! The goal? To ditch harmful chemicals and replace them with something natural you can whip up in your kitchen.

Take tapioca starch, for example. It’s fantastic at absorbing moisture from your underarms while being gentle on sensitive skin. While it doesn’t tackle odor (we’ll explore those solutions shortly), it’s a perfect reminder of how simple, earth-derived ingredients can transform your skincare routine with effective, natural alternatives.

WHY ARROWROOT POWDER IS A MUST-HAVE FOR YOUR DIY DEODORANT

Arrowroot powder, a natural starch extracted from the rhizomes of tropical plants, is a game-changer in creating a deodorant that’s not only effective but also kind to your skin.

WHY ARROWROOT POWDER WORKS

This versatile ingredient excels in DIY deodorants by promoting dryness without clogging pores and smoothing out the texture for easy application. It’s particularly well-suited for sensitive skin, offering a gentler alternative to baking soda—a popular yet potentially irritating choice for many.

While baking soda is known for neutralizing odors, its high alkalinity (around pH 9) can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, leading to irritation or even damage over time. In contrast, arrowroot powder’s pH is closer to 7, aligning with the skin’s natural levels and reducing the risk of irritation.

BENEFITS OF ARROWROOT POWDER IN DEODORANT

  • Gentle and pH-Balanced: With a neutral pH, arrowroot is less likely to cause the skin irritation that baking soda often triggers, especially with regular use.
  • Absorbs Moisture: It effectively absorbs sweat and keeps you dry without blocking pores. Unlike cornstarch, which can create an environment that encourages yeast growth, arrowroot helps maintain healthier skin conditions.
  • Smooth Texture: Its silky consistency makes application a breeze, giving your deodorant a luxurious feel compared to grittier alternatives like diatomaceous earth or rice flour.

While arrowroot is generally gentle, individual reactions can vary. Always start with a small batch and perform a patch test before committing to regular use.

WILL ARROWROOT NEUTRALIZE ODORS?

On its own, arrowroot doesn’t have odor-neutralizing properties. However, when combined with other ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, or even a small amount of baking soda (for those who tolerate it), it creates a balanced and effective deodorant.

  • Coconut Oil: Naturally antibacterial, it helps reduce odor-causing bacteria.
  • Essential Oils: Options like tea tree or lavender bring antimicrobial benefits while adding a pleasant scent.
  • Minimal Baking Soda: If your skin can tolerate it, a small amount provides added odor control without overwhelming the formula.

The key is to find the right combination of ingredients to manage both moisture and odor effectively. With a little experimentation, you can create a deodorant that not only nurtures your skin but showcases the powerful benefits of arrowroot powder.

Let’s get started—your perfect DIY deodorant awaits!

STEP-BY-STEP DIY ARROWROOT DEODORANT RECIPES: MIX, POUR, APPLY!

The recipes are measured in cups, and each batch is designed to last a while, giving you plenty of time to test and refine what works best for you.

Don’t stress about getting the measurements perfect on your first attempt. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a 2:1 ratio of dry to wet ingredients. This ensures the deodorant has a smooth, easy-to-apply texture and effectively keeps you dry.

If you’re exploring commercial natural deodorants (vegan and baking soda-free), I recommend trying Each & Every Cedar and Vanilla, Primal Pit Paste by Pretty Frank, the minimalist Humble Deodorant with Bergamot and Ginger, or Gaia’s Guy Lavender and Vanilla Cream Deodorant. Unsure which to choose? Test them all! That’s my go-to strategy—it saves time and money in the long run by helping me find the perfect match.

SIMPLE RECIPE FOR BEGINNERS

This recipe is an excellent starting point for anyone transitioning to natural deodorants. It’s easy to make, effective, and customizable, making it a fun and rewarding introduction to natural skincare.

Ingredients

  • Arrowroot Powder (¼ cup): Absorbs moisture and ensures a smooth, non-irritating application.
  • Coconut Oil (¼ cup): Acts as a base, hydrates the skin, and has natural antibacterial properties.
  • Shea Butter (¼ cup): Adds a creamy texture while soothing and conditioning the skin.
  • Essential Oil (10-15 drops, optional): Provides fragrance and additional antibacterial benefits. Lavender or tea tree are great options for their odor-fighting and skin-friendly properties.

How to Make It

  • Gently melt the shea butter and coconut oil together using a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the arrowroot powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  • Add your chosen essential oils and mix well.
  • Pour the mixture into an empty deodorant container or a small jar, then let it cool and solidify.

Why It’s Great for Beginners

  • It uses only a few easy-to-find ingredients.
  • There’s no need for complicated equipment or precise temperature control.
  • The recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it to suit your preferences and skin type.

Additional Tips

  • In warmer climates, you can add a small amount of candelilla wax to help the deodorant hold its shape.
  • If you have sensitive skin, reduce or omit the essential oils.

ULTRA-GENTLE DEODORANT

For those with ultra-sensitive skin, this soothing deodorant offers effective odor control without irritation.

Ingredients

  • Arrowroot Powder (¼ cup): Absorbs moisture gently.
  • Shea Butter (¼ cup): Moisturizes and calms the skin.
  • Coconut Oil (¼ cup): Smooths application and has antibacterial properties.
  • Magnesium Hydroxide (2 tablespoons): Neutralizes odor without disturbing the skin’s natural pH.

How to Make It

  • Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
  • Stir in the arrowroot powder and magnesium hydroxide until smooth.
  • Add a few drops of gentle essential oils for fragrance, if desired.
  • Pour into an empty deodorant container and allow to solidify.

Why It’s Special
This formula avoids baking soda, a common irritant, and uses magnesium hydroxide for gentle odor control. Combined with the soothing properties of shea butter and coconut oil, it keeps you fresh without irritation.

Additional Tips

  • Add 1 tablespoon of candelilla wax for a firmer consistency in warmer climates.
  • Boost its soothing effects with a teaspoon of vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel.

DETOX DEODORANT RECIPE

Ideal for those seeking a purifying deodorant, this recipe combines the detoxifying benefits of charcoal and clay to keep you fresh while drawing out impurities.

Ingredients

  • Arrowroot Powder (¼ cup): Absorbs moisture.
  • Coconut Oil (¼ cup): Provides a smooth application and antibacterial benefits.
  • Shea Butter (¼ cup): Soothes and moisturizes.
  • Activated Charcoal (1 tablespoon): Draws out toxins and purifies the skin.
  • Bentonite Clay (2 tablespoons): Enhances detoxification and odor protection.
  • Essential Oils (10-15 drops): Tea tree or peppermint for a refreshing scent and antimicrobial properties.

How to Make It

  • Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
  • Remove from heat and mix in the arrowroot powder, activated charcoal, and bentonite clay until smooth.
  • Stir in essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into an empty deodorant container and let it solidify at room temperature or in the fridge.

Why It’s Special
The activated charcoal and bentonite clay work together to detoxify the skin and fight bacteria. Essential oils add a pleasant scent and boost antibacterial properties.

Additional Tips

  • Adjust consistency by adding more coconut oil if it’s too thick or more arrowroot powder if it’s too soft.
  • Start with fewer essential oils if you have sensitive skin, then adjust as needed.
  • When switching to a detox deodorant, give your body 1–2 weeks to adapt. You may experience increased sweating or odor initially as toxins are expelled, which is a normal part of the process.

15 Best Deodorants for Men in 2024

What distinguishes the top men’s deodorant? There isn’t just one solution. When it came to pit maintenance, we had to consider the diverse demands and desires of numerous guys. A good deodorant should, among other things, neutralize the musky odor that comes from your body and stop other odor-causing germs from growing. Furthermore, it shouldn’t aggravate your skin or overpower any real fragrance you may be wearing. Therefore, instead of naming a single “best deodorant for men,” we considered a wide range of factors and developed a long list of recommendations. We have compiled a list of 15 deodorants that may be suitable for your specific needs to make things easier for you.

Malin + Goetz Deodorant

Although Malin+Goetz’s eucalyptus deodorant isn’t particularly new, it has been a best-seller since the company’s establishment about 15 years ago. Why? To begin with, it smells fantastic. The three crisp, fresh scents (botanical, bergamot, and eucalyptus) are so irresistible that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Secondly, and above all, it functions—and functions all day. The natural components in this vegan and cruelty-free cooling gel deodorant guarantee that it won’t leave stains on your clothing, and it never contains aluminum or alcohol. This item is definitely one of the best-smelling deodorants for men on our list

Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Deodorant Stick

The Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Deodorant Stick has a gentle, clean laundry-like aroma, Dove’s trademark moisturizer, and an alcohol-free composition. This is an excellent option for camping or just forgoing a shower because after 48 hours, you won’t have to worry about smelly pits or skin irritation. It also does away with aluminum, parabens, sulfates, and fluorides—all those dubious substances you may be concerned about. However, bear in mind that it does contain BHT, an antioxidant that helps to maintain the stick’s stability (in terms of texture, color, and odor) when it is exposed to air. 

Corpus Third Rose Natural Deodorant

The main ingredient in this upscale vegan deodorant is fragrance. Corpus provides five very distinct, all-natural alternatives, each with its own, addictive aroma. You’re left wondering which of the five alternatives this deodorant gives is best for you. However, we assure you that you will adore them all. Its products are all free of talc and baking soda, which can affect delicate skin, as well as aluminum and parabens. Furthermore, it applies smoothly, which is impressive for an all-natural deodorant. Yes, it is pricey, but you get an amazing deodorant with a fresh aroma in exchange.

Art of Sport Antiperspirant Deodorant

Art of Sport is a fantastic option for any guy who wants to quit sweating—period. It’s perfect for both CrossFit enthusiasts and businessmen who can’t keep a shirt dry during a board meeting. Matcha and arrowroot are designed to enhance aluminum’s potent sweat-blocking properties throughout the day, regardless of where your race takes you. Additionally, the fragrance is long-lasting, so you won’t need to reapply. What’s more? These aren’t your normal “sports” perfumes that you’ll get at other stores. 

Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant

Some people prefer no fragrance at all, whether they have sensitive skin or merely sensitive nostrils. Not one. This odorless, cruelty-free beauty is the best you can get because of its premium organic ingredients. Since many scents contain essential oils that can irritate skin even with the greatest of intentions, this is especially important for those with the most sensitive skin. As hops and saccharomyces ferment, natural kaolin clay (think of oil-absorbing face masks) works to neutralize odor. It promises to absorb that sticky sweat. It applies nicely as well, and no, your clothing won’t get stained. Though it might still be stronger, this is the best-unscented deodorant available right now.

Every Man Jack Dry Spray Deodorant

Perhaps the greatest product you have never heard of from Every Man Jack is this spray deodorant. The dry spray, which comes in two (and only two) masculine scents (sandalwood and cedarwood), applies smoothly and dries quickly, which is essential for spray deodorant. This 98 percent naturally derived spray is free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, colors, and gluten, and the brand claims it has not been subjected to animal testing. Spray with the knowledge that you are not endangering the environment or yourself because of the unique bottle design, which does not require chemical propellants. 

Old Spice

Old Spice, a mainstay in pharmacies, has long provided some of the greatest and most reasonably priced deodorants. For one-third of the price of a boutique brand, you may purchase one of their iconic sticks. You can stay fresh now if it prevents you from smelling like a hound in an eighth-grade exercise class.

Hello “All Over” Deodorant Cream

If you want a deodorant composition with a little more lasting power, deodorant creams make a perfect substitute for sticks. With the viscosity of a light lotion and a ton of calming jojoba, this vegan “All Over” cream fully absorbs into the skin, so you don’t have to worry about looking sticky after application. In addition to being greaseless, the product contains antibacterial lactic acid, which is excellent for mildly exfoliating skin to expose a more even tone while eliminating bacteria that cause odors.

Kosas AHA Deodorant Serum

Chemical exfoliants are popular because they keep skin bright and smooth while also preventing clogged pores. So what are the benefits of these chemicals, especially the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid, for your underarms? They function by adjusting pH levels to make those putrid bacteria’s habitat far less appealing. Additionally, if you maintain proper grooming underneath, you’ll have the smoothest, brightest pits in the community.

Schmidt’s Charcoal + Magnesium Natural Deodorant

What about Schmidt’s natural recipe isn’t there to love? It has a powerful combination of moisture-regulating and odor-fighting components, such as baking soda, arrowroot powder, and magnesium, in addition to the nourishing properties of coconut oil and shea butter. We’re not exaggerating when we say that after using this deodorant, you’ll find yourself buying it whenever you go shopping. because this is one of the natural deodorants that works best for men.

Patricks ND1

In a matter of years, Patricks has emerged as the premium men’s brand to use; its well-liked goods, such as this deodorant, are brimming with potent active ingredients. Together, tapioca starch, clay, xylitol, zinc, and coconut oil reduce moisture and odor in the mixture. The company, in contrast to most others, uses nilodor, a powder made of minerals that absorbs odors and leaves you smelling fresh.

Aesop Herbal Deodorant

Aesop’s Herbal deodorant is a great option if you prefer to spray deodorant because it contains a lot of essential oils like lavender, rosemary leaf, and natural oil. Zinc ricinoleate and witch hazel, the main components, aid in the natural absorption of odor all day long. Additionally, the light mist will help you feel renewed and may be readily reapplied as needed.

Speed Stick Men’s Deodorant

The deodorant from Speed Stick can be ideal for you if you’re looking for something affordable and efficient. For a few dollars, you can purchase a set of four, each of which has the ability to combat odors for a full day. You feel fresh all day long with this deodorant because it doesn’t include aluminum or other comparable substances. Each stick of deodorant also comes with a guard applicator, which gives you even more comfort and control. Overall, it’s a decent all-purpose deodorant with a light, clean aroma that is adequately manly without being overpowering or extremely distinctive.

Tom’s of Maine Men’s Long Lasting Wide Stick Deodorant

Tom’s of Maine was founded on the idea of making natural, effective products accessible at a reasonable price. All of their products, including this deodorant, contain organic components. This deodorant has a refreshing scent reminiscent of mountain air, thanks to the combination of organic aloe and oils and moisturizers obtained from vegetables. When you combine it with the company’s usage of hops—yes, the same hops you find in your favorite beer—for deodorizing2, you have an excellent substitute for the other similarly scented but far more synthetic products at a price point that’s almost equal. 

Degree Men On-The-Go Deodorant Wipes

Deodorant wipes are a good idea to keep on hand if you’re a guy who works out frequently or is always on the go. These aluminum-free wipes are meant to work in unison with your favorite deodorant or with Degrees line of antiperspirants, which are highly complex odor-fighting products. They can be utilized independently as well. Put a pack in briefcases, gym bags, backpacks, and glove compartments.

Sweating is a vital thermoregulation mechanism that helps you stay cool in hot environments or during vigorous exercise. It also aids in the body’s removal of excess toxins. Although sweating is normal, it frequently results in unpleasant dampness and foul-smelling body odor from the underarms. Check out our list if you want to always smell clean and fresh, even when you’re the sweatiest person around.