Healthy Natural Deodorant That Actually Works – Just 2 Ingredients!

I have been using natural deodorant for many years. I've tried many different ones.

After many years of using natural deodorants, I can confidently say: I've tried a lot of them. Some worked beautifully, others… really didn’t. Some had ingredients I wasn’t comfortable with, especially considering deodorant is applied to one of the most sensitive and absorbent parts of the body — right near the lymph nodes and breast tissue. I believe it’s essential to be intentional about what we absorb through our skin.

So today I want to share the simple natural deodorant I make at home. It only has two ingredients, it actually works, and it's something I feel really good about putting on my body every day.

If you'd prefer to purchase deodorant -

my all-natural deodorant is available for sale.

Why Avoid Conventional Deodorants?

Many commercial deodorants contain ingredients like aluminum compounds, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that have raised health concerns over the years. While some may not give much weight to these concerns, we know that ingredients applied under the arms (and near the breast) are quickly absorbed — and for me, that’s reason enough to seek safer, natural alternatives.

My Journey with Natural Deodorants

I started out purchasing natural deodorants — and for years, I used a tallow-based brand that I absolutely loved (Pure Primal, but specifically the Strong one). It worked amazingly and ticked most of my ingredient boxes. But when I moved countries, I could no longer get it.

In Canada, I tried other tallow-based options, but unfortunately, they’d only work for a month or two and then stop. I eventually figured out why: they didn’t contain baking soda (bicarb).

And for me (and for many others I’ve spoken to), bicarb is essential for a natural deodorant to truly work.

Hear me out if you're typically sensitive to using bicarb before assuming this one won't work for you.

Why Bicarb Matters

Bicarbonate of soda (aka baking soda) is a natural deodorizer. It neutralizes odor by balancing pH and absorbing moisture — exactly what you want in a deodorant! The issue is that many natural brands avoid using it, because some people experience irritation.

But here’s the key: the source and grind of the bicarb matters. If it’s too abrasive or not fine enough, it can irritate the skin. But a high-quality, food- or pharmaceutical-grade baking soda that’s finely ground? Game changer.

I even noticed that doing a bicarb wash under my arms every so often helped me stay neutral-smelling without applying anything else!

I buy our bicarb in bulk from Amazon, and I am super happy with the one we use for many purposes.

Why I started making my own instead of buying it?

I wanted one with bicarb and many companies don't add this or if they do, they also add a whole bunch of other things I don't want to us (remember that natural doesn't automatically mean healthy).

And then I also started making it because I realized how easy it is!

P.s. the idea came from a reel my husband sent me, but sadly I can't find it or remember the person to give credit for the original idea.

How to make this 2-ingredient Natural Deodorant

You'll need:

1. A natural fait or oil (see my notes on this)

2. Baking soda (bicarb)

   
   

Ingredient 1: A Natural Oil or Fat

You want something nourishing for the skin, and ideally a fat that's solid at room temperature. I avoid high-PUFA oils (like sunflower, canola, rapeseed, or grapeseed) for health reasons. I prefer more stable saturated fats.

My go-to is organic shea butter, which I buy on Amazon. It’s rich in vitamins A and E, anti-inflammatory, deeply moisturizing, and beautifully nourishing for the delicate underarm area.

Other options include:

• Tallow (great, if you can source or render your own)

• Coconut oil (though personally I don’t love coconut for skincare)

Ingredient 2: Bicarbonate of soda

As mentioned above, the type matters! I use a food grade / pharmaceutical-grade baking soda that’s finely milled and gentle on the skin — and it’s been perfect for both me and my husband (who has sensitive skin).

Ratio & Method

• 1 part shea butter

• 1 part baking soda

I usually melt 1 cup of shea butter, then mix in 1 cup of bicarb. That gives me enough for several months.

How to Make:

1. Melt the shea butter gently using a double boiler method (I use a stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water).

2. Once melted, I stir in the bicarb until well combined.

   
   

   

   
   

Pour into a glass jar and allow to set.

Optional Third Ingredient: Jojoba Oil

In winter, the deodorant can get a bit hard and not so easy to spread. When that happens, I stir in a few squirts of organic jojoba oil once the mixture is at room temperature.

Jojoba is technically a liquid wax, not a PUFA, and closely resembles the skin’s own sebum — which makes it wonderful for skincare. I buy mine in a dark glass container to keep it fresh.

Whenever the deodorant feels stiff, I just stir in a little more jojoba to get the texture I like.

What About Scent?

I personally prefer my deodorant unscented. I love a clean, neutral smell — especially when I have a baby or small kids around. We’ve been conditioned to associate “clean” with strong floral or powdery scents, but I think we can unlearn that.

That said, if you love a bit of scent, you have a couple of options:

• Essential oils: Just make sure to use them at a dilution you’re comfortable with. Geranium or lemongrass could be lovely.

• Infused oils: You could also infuse dried flowers (like rose or chamomile) into jojoba oil for a subtle scent, without using essential oils at all. I might try this in future.

To Use:

I scoop mine into an old glass deodorant container and just rub it on once in the morning. That’s all I need for the day.

After trying dozens of natural deodorants over the years, this simple recipe is the only one that consistently works for me — and I love that I know exactly what’s in it.

Final Thoughts

This deodorant is:

✅ Simple

✅ Budget-friendly

✅ Safe & healthy

✅ Actually effective

✅ Customizable

Let me know if you give it a try — and feel free to share your tweaks or experiences in the comments. I’d love to hear what works for you!

Carmen

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products we genuinely use and love in our home.