Homemade Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

Simple, four-ingredient formula for 100% safe, homemade deodorant that doesn’t sting or burn sensitive skin even after shaving.

Deodorant is one of those personal care items that MUST be 100% safe. Every single ingredient should be nontoxic due to its daily use very close to the lymph nodes in the armpits as well as sensitive breast tissue.

Unfortunately, the “safe” deodorant brands on the market have been gradually cheapening their products over time. This trend seems to have gained momentum since 2020.

*One notable exception to the trend of cheapened natural deodorants is my friend Amy Perez’s company Purefill. You may recall that Amy was the founder of Primal Pit Paste. Purefill is her new venture which maintains her uncompromising product quality standards. Purefill is even better with the addition of reusable containers! I highly recommend supporting Purefill if you prefer to buy your deodorant.

Ingredient Substitutions

My personal preference for homemade deodorant formulations is to use magnesium hydroxide powder as the active ingredient instead of baking soda.

Magnesium hydroxide is very gentle on sensitive skin, although it is slightly more expensive.

Even if your skin isn’t particularly sensitive, baking soda formulations may burn after you sweat (pH goes too high) or if you use them right after shaving.

Another substitution is organic cornstarch for arrowroot powder. This substitution is a slightly less expensive option.

I prefer mango butter in my deodorant formulation because I find it non-greasy. Feel free to substitute shea butter or cocoa butter if you prefer!

My favorite essential oils to use in homemade deodorant are vanilla, orange, vanilla orange (half-and-half), or lavender. You can also leave out the optional essential oil for an unscented formula.