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Angled view of smooth homemade tallow deodorant stick in a reusable white deodorant tube with dried flowers nearby.
Stephanie

Baking Soda Free Tallow Deodorant Recipe (Gentle DIY for Sensitive Skin)

This baking soda free tallow deodorant recipe is a gentle homemade option designed for sensitive skin. Made with nourishing tallow, beeswax, and moisture-absorbing arrowroot powder, it helps keep skin feeling fresh without the irritation that baking soda can sometimes cause. The ingredients are simply melted together and poured into reusable deodorant containers, creating a smooth, natural deodorant that glides on easily and can be scented with your favorite essential oils or left unscented for a very mild option.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 oz
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 42 g grass-fed tallow about 3 tablespoons
  • 23 g arrowroot powder about 2 tablespoons
  • 17 g coconut oil about 1 tablespoon
  • 14 g beeswax about 1 tablespoon
  • 11 g shea butter about 2 teaspoons
  • 6 g bentonite clay about 1 teaspoon
  • 1 g essential oil optional (about 15–20 drops)

Equipment

  • Double boiler or heat-safe bowl
  • Spoon or small whisk
  • small jars or deodorant tubes

Method
 

  1. Place the tallow, beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler over low heat.
  2. Allow everything to melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Once fully melted, remove from heat.
  3. Whisk together the arrowroot powder and bentonite clay in a small bowl.
  4. Stir the powders into the melted oils, mixing thoroughly so there are no clumps.
  5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add essential oils if using and stir again.
  6. Pour the mixture into containers and allow it to set completely at room temperature. As it cools, the deodorant will firm into a smooth balm.

Notes

 

Whisk the powders together first.
Before adding the arrowroot powder and bentonite clay to the melted oils, whisk them together in a small bowl. This helps prevent clumps and keeps the deodorant smooth.
Use low heat when melting oils.
When using a double boiler, keep the heat low and gentle. High heat can affect the texture of ingredients like shea butter.
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding essential oils.
Essential oils can lose their scent when exposed to high heat. Waiting a minute or two before adding them helps preserve their fragrance.
Start with a small amount when applying.
A little goes a long way. Applying too much can make the deodorant feel heavy, so start small and add more only if needed.
Store in a cool place during warm months.
Beeswax helps keep the deodorant firm, but if your home becomes very warm during the summer, storing it in a cooler spot can help maintain its texture.
Choose gentle essential oils.
Tea tree oil and lavender are two of the most common essential oils used in natural deodorant recipes because they have fresh scents and are generally well tolerated on skin.