Tired of itchy pits from your "natural" deodorant? You are not alone. Baking soda is a common ingredient in homemade deodorants. But for many people, it is a recipe for irritation. Redness, rashes, and that burning feeling are no fun. Why does this happen? Baking soda has a high pH, which can mess with your skin’s natural balance.

If your underarms are sensitive, skipping it is a smart move.

The good news? You can make a baking soda-free deodorant that still keeps you fresh. It is easy, cheap, and way gentler on your skin. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients at home.

What Makes a Deodorant Work Without Baking Soda?

First, you need something to soak up sweat. Arrowroot powder is the top choice. It is light, smooth, and does the job. Cornstarch works too, but some people prefer arrowroot because it is less likely to clog pores. Bentonite clay is another great option. It absorbs moisture and helps pull toxins from the skin. Pretty powerful for a little powder.

Tow / Unsplash / Coconut oil is smooth, naturally antibacterial, and keeps skin soft. Shea butter adds extra moisture and helps calm irritated skin.

Next, you need to fight the bacteria that cause odor. That is where Diatomaceous Earth comes in. It is gentle, natural, and can help neutralize odor without messing up your skin. Want a little scent? Add essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or rosemary. They smell good and pack an antibacterial punch.

So, if you are going for a stick version, you'll need beeswax too. It helps the deodorant stay firm, especially in warm weather.

Creamy Deodorant Balm

This one feels like a lotion but acts like a deodorant. You can put it in a jar or an empty deodorant tube if you want a cleaner application. Either way, it is smooth and soothing.

Melt coconut oil, shea butter, carrier oil (like jojoba or almond), and beeswax in a double boiler. Stir slowly until everything melts evenly. Take it off the heat, then mix in arrowroot powder and Diatomaceous Earth. Add a few drops of vitamin E and your favorite essential oils. Pour it into your container and let it cool.

In about an hour, you'll have a soft, spreadable deodorant that smells amazing and won’t wreck your skin.

Clay-Based Deodorant Stick

Want something more solid? This clay-based version holds its shape and is perfect for stick-style application. It is firm, clean, and still super gentle on your skin.

Elsa / Unsplash / Don’t overdo it. A pea-sized amount is enough. These deodorants are concentrated. More isn’t better. It just gets messy.

Start by melting tallow, beeswax, and coconut oil together. Once melted, stir in arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, and a splash of witch hazel. Heat it just enough to make everything smooth, then let it cool a bit before adding vitamin E and essential oils.

Pour it into a deodorant tube and stick it in the fridge. Once it is solid, it is ready to use. This one also holds up better in warm weather.

Quick Tips for Switching to Natural Deodorant

First things first, give your body some time. If you have been using antiperspirants, your sweat glands have been blocked. When you stop using them, your body starts to push things out. That can mean extra odor for a week or two. Totally normal. You are not doing anything wrong.

Some people use apple cider vinegar to help during this phase. Dab it on with a cotton pad, let it dry, then apply your deodorant. It helps balance the pH of your skin and may cut down on bacteria.

And since they are oil-based, keep them cool. Coconut oil melts easily, so if your bathroom gets warm, pop the container in the fridge. Problem solved.