Over the years, I’ve developed a few natural deodorant recipes that offer long-lasting protection. I was curious about roll-on antiperspirant deodorants and wanted to create a healthier version. After all, you can never have too many homemade deodorant choices, right?
This option is aluminum-free and alcohol-free, providing natural odor protection that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. Plus, you can customize the scent!
Back in high school, I used clinical strength deodorant because of the fresh scent and promised 12-hour protection. However, I didn’t realize I was applying parabens, aluminum, and other harmful ingredients on my skin.
While DIY deodorant might not have the flashy appeal of conventional deodorants, it’s definitely healthier. I’ve found that natural deodorant can work just as well once you find the right recipe.
My version includes magnesium to help reduce underarm odor and restore mineral balance. It dries relatively quickly thanks to arrowroot and baking soda. You can also add moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin if you’d like.
My kids and I use topical magnesium to help improve sleep and boost magnesium levels. Magnesium oil by itself can serve as a good deodorant, although it might feel tacky and may sting if you’re not accustomed to it.
Magnesium is beneficial for the skin both internally and externally, as in magnesium lotion. Dermatologist Dendy Engelman suggests it can help balance hormones and improve skin processes. Personally, I find that magnesium oil leaves my skin smoother and less prone to breakouts.
While you can use plain magnesium oil in a roller bottle, there’s another form that works well. Magnesium hydroxide, often found in magnesium-based deodorants, is gentle on the skin. You can add its powder to a regular deodorant recipe or create a liquid version that’s easy to apply.
Magnesium hydroxide is known as milk of magnesia, a popular laxative. Previously, some brands contained just magnesium hydroxide and purified water, but now most have been reformulated to include bleach. It surprises me that the FDA hasn’t banned bleach in ingestible products.
Many basic roll-on magnesium deodorant recipes use store-bought milk of magnesia. I avoided these due to the bleach content, opting to mix magnesium hydroxide powder with water to make my own. It may separate in the bottle, but you simply shake it before use.
Since this isn’t an antiperspirant, it won’t prevent wetness like aluminum products. However, I’ve noticed I sweat less using natural deodorants. When my body isn’t increasing sweat to purge toxins from conventional deodorants, I feel fresher.
It’s not ideal to apply aluminum and other toxins near lymph nodes and sensitive breast tissue. If you’ve been using conventional deodorant or antiperspirant, you might want to try an armpit detox to help restore your skin’s microbiome.
Roll-on bottles can vary; some are too leak-proof, while others work well. If you don’t have a roll-on bottle, this mix also works in a spray bottle or in a small jar applied with a cotton ball. The recipe yields enough for two roller bottles.
You can use any skin-safe essential oil in this recipe. I kept the dilution at 2% to avoid irritation, but it can be increased safely with oils like lavender or tea tree. Alternatively, reduce or omit essential oils if preferred. Although witch hazel has a stronger scent, essential oils can mask it.
Lavender, tea tree, and patchouli are great choices. I used sweet orange (antimicrobial), tea tree (also antimicrobial), and cypress (reduces wetness). Mix and match to create a blend that suits you!
Have you ever tried using magnesium as deodorant? How did it work for you? Feel free to share your experience! If you liked it, check out my extra strength men’s deodorant recipe too.
