Finding the right natural deodorant for men can be a real challenge! After years of making my own homemade deodorant, I’ve perfected a recipe that’s not only effective but also has a distinctly masculine scent.
In the past, I used to sweat a lot, but switching to natural deodorant (combined with eating clean) made a huge difference. However, tackling men’s sweat is a different story altogether!
This men’s deodorant is designed to combat odor with essential oils and natural ingredients. If you’re new to using natural deodorant, doing an armpit detox can speed up the transition to fresh, odor-free underarms.
For those who prefer buying over DIY, I’ve highlighted some great store-bought natural deodorants for men at the end of this post.
Baking soda, though great for neutralizing odor, has a high pH which can irritate the skin since our skin’s natural pH is about 4.5. My deodorant recipe uses a small amount of baking soda for its odor-fighting benefits, but I’ve also included other gentle ingredients that work just as well.
Arrowroot powder or cornstarch is included to gently absorb moisture and thicken the product, while diatomaceous earth provides the same benefit along with antimicrobial properties. Sweat combines with bacteria on the skin to create odor, so these antimicrobial ingredients help tackle that issue.
Although the science on aluminum toxicity isn’t crystal clear, there’s enough concern that I steer clear of it. Aluminum in antiperspirants blocks pores to reduce sweating. Natural deodorants allow your body’s detox processes to do their thing, which is healthier overall.
I’m not a fan of synthetic fragrances as they can include up to 3,100 chemicals, none of which need to be disclosed on labels.
Looking for a safe way to smell good? Essential oils not only smell wonderful but also offer health benefits. I prefer musky or woodsy scents for men’s skincare, as most men prefer these over floral scents like lavender.
When using essential oils, you should know that some can be used in larger amounts than others, and some might cause skin sensitivity in sunlight if used too much. A general rule is to use between 0.5-2% essential oil in your formula.
Here are some essential oils my husband loves in his DIY products. I’ve picked a favorite combination for my deodorant recipe, but feel free to swap out oils to suit your preference. Anything from the list works, or you can create your own blend!
Here’s why the essential oils I included are perfect for men’s deodorant:
They not only work well but smell amazing together!
This recipe makes about five ounces, enough for two deodorant tubes. If your tubes hold more than 2.5 ounces each, reduce the coconut oil accordingly.
Tip: Use extra deodorant tubes to make lotion bars too!
Once you try this recipe, experiment with different scent combinations. Here are some essential oil pairings you might like.
Additionally, there’s another DIY men’s deodorant variation you could try.
Interestingly, my husband uses the same store-bought deodorant I do because it has a clean, fresh scent that appeals to both men and women. Go ahead and give it a try!
Has the man in your life switched to natural deodorant? What have you discovered works well, or doesn’t? I’d love to know your thoughts!
