How to Use Baking Soda As a Personal Deodorant

Co-authored by Ritu Thakur, MA and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: September 30, 2024

You may be concerned about chemicals in store-bought deodorants and want to use a natural remedy instead. Baking soda makes a great deodorant, and lasts up to 24 hours. You can apply a mixture of baking soda and water; create a paste using baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and essential oils; or even make a deodorizing spray from baking soda, aloe vera, witch hazel, and essential oils. No matter your preference, you’ll be fresh and odor-free with these natural deodorants.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Baking Soda and Water

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Shake a small amount, about ⅛ teaspoon (0.6 g), of baking soda into your palm. You may need to add more, so keep it handy.
Now you need to add water to dissolve the baking soda. Add ¼ teaspoon (1.2 mL) of water to your palm. The mixture should feel slippery, so add more water or more baking soda as needed.

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Rub each palm under the opposing underarm to apply your homemade deodorant to both armpits. Allow the mixture to dry before getting dressed.
Now that you’ve made and applied your deodorant, wash your hands using soap and warm water to remove any baking soda residue.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Deodorizing Paste

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1
Combine baking soda and arrowroot powder. Add 2 tablespoons (29.5 g) of baking soda and 1/3 cup (50 g) of arrowroot powder to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine them thoroughly using a spoon.
- Arrowroot powder can be found at health food stores and online.
- Use cornstarch instead if you don't have arrowroot powder.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ritu Thakur, MA
  Natural Health Care Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.}
2
Add ⅓ cup of coconut oil. Next, add ⅓ cup (50 g) of coconut oil to the powder mixture. “Cream” the mixture with the back of the spoon until it has the texture of a thick paste. You can add another tablespoon (0.5 oz.) of coconut oil if the mixture is still too powdery.
- Coconut oil can be found at grocery stores, health food stores, and online.
3
Put 10-15 drops of essential oils in the mixture. If you’d like your deodorant to have a pleasant scent, you can add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. Stir the mixture thoroughly the distribute the oil.
- Lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil are all great choices.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ritu Thakur, MA
  Natural Health Care Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.}
4
Transfer the mixture to a small container.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Specialist

Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.} Use a spatula to put the deodorant in a small container or jar with a lid. When you’re not using the mixture, store it in a cool, dark place.
- Your homemade deodorant should last up to 3 months.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ritu Thakur, MA
  Natural Health Care Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.}
Simply apply a small amount of the paste to your underarms with your fingers. Wait up to five minutes before getting dressed to avoid smearing the paste onto your clothing.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating a Baking Soda Spray

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1
Put baking soda, witch hazel, and aloe vera to a spray bottle. Put ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of baking soda, ½ cup (118 mL) of witch hazel, and ¼ cup of aloe vera (59 mL) into a spray bottle.
- Witch hazel and aloe vera can be found at grocery stores and health food stores as well as online.
You can create a scented deodorant by adding essential oils to your mixture. Choose from scents like patchouli, myrrh, tea tree, or lavender.
Replace the sprayer onto the bottle so the mixture can’t escape. Shake the bottle vigorously to combine all the ingredients.
To use this homemade deodorant, simply shake the bottle, then spritz a small amount of the spray on your underarms. You can rub it in or just allow it to dry before getting dressed.
When you’re not using the deodorant, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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Tips

Another name for baking soda is sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda.^{[5]
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Warnings

A number of people react poorly to baking soda (NaHCO3). Test a small amount of the powder on your forearm before using it as a deodorant to ensure that you don't have a negative reaction.

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Discontinue use if you experience a rash, itching, discomfort, or skin changes.

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Don’t confuse baking soda with baking powder, which contains powderized acid.

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