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Smooth homemade deodorant bar set inside a reusable white deodorant container.
Stephanie

Natural Deodorant Recipe (Tallow-Based, With Baking Soda)

This natural deodorant recipe is made with nourishing tallow, beeswax, and baking soda to create a simple, effective deodorant that glides on smoothly and helps control odor naturally. The tallow provides skin-conditioning fats, while arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture and baking soda works to neutralize odor. Beeswax gives the deodorant structure so it stays firm in a reusable deodorant tube.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 38 g grass-fed tallow about 3 tablespoons
  • 29 g arrowroot powder about 2½ tablespoons
  • 17 g coconut oil about 1 tablespoon
  • 14 g beeswax about 1 tablespoon
  • 9 g shea butter about 2 teaspoons
  • 6 g baking soda about 1 teaspoon
  • 1 g essential oil optional (about 15–20 drops)

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Melt the tallow, beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter together in a double boiler over low heat. Once everything is fully melted, remove the mixture from heat.
  2. Stir in the arrowroot powder and baking soda, mixing thoroughly so there are no clumps.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the essential oils if you are using them.
  4. Pour the mixture into small jars or deodorant containers and allow it to set completely at room temperature. As it cools, the deodorant will firm up and become smooth and solid.

Notes

 
Mix the powders together first. 
Before adding the baking soda and arrowroot powder to the melted oils, whisk them together in a small bowl. This helps prevent clumps and keeps the deodorant smooth.
Use gentle heat when melting the oils. 
Melt the tallow, beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter slowly over low heat using a double boiler. High heat can affect the texture of the finished deodorant.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding essential oils. 
Essential oils are delicate and can lose their scent if added while the mixture is too hot. Waiting a minute or two helps preserve the fragrance.
Start with a small amount when applying. 
Natural deodorant is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Applying too much can feel heavy or leave residue on clothing.
Test the baking soda level if you have sensitive skin. 
If baking soda feels too strong for your skin, you can reduce the amount slightly and replace it with additional arrowroot powder.
Store in a cool place during warm months. 
The beeswax helps keep the deodorant firm, but storing it in a cool area during the summer will help maintain the best texture.

How I Use It

I apply a small amount after showering.
A little goes a long way.
Using too much can feel heavy, so I always start light.