A few years ago, I started paying closer attention to the products I used every single day. Deodorant was one of the first things I wanted to switch out because it sits on your skin all day long, and honestly, many store-bought options just did not work well for me.

Some natural deodorants left my underarms irritated, while others stopped working after an hour or two. That’s when I started making my own homemade deodorant! I tried a deodorant spray, and while it worked, it wasn’t my favorite.

This DIY tallow deodorant ended up becoming one I make all the time. It is creamy, simple, and made with ingredients that actually nourish the skin instead of drying it out. The good news is, it’s actually really simple to make! 🙂

If you’re new to DIY body care, don’t worry. This is such an easy place to start! Here is my favorite DIY deodorant recipe to make!

Homemade tallow deodorant tubes on a marble surface with fabric, a jar of white clay, and measuring cup in the background.

Why Use Tallow in Deodorant?

Tallow has become one of my favorite natural skincare ingredients because it is incredibly moisturizing and gentle on sensitive skin.

It closely resembles the oils our skin naturally produces, which makes it feel soothing instead of greasy. I use tallow in so many DIY skincare recipes!

In this recipe, tallow helps:

Moisturize dry underarms
Create a smooth texture
Support sensitive skin
Balance the drying effects of powders and clay

The beeswax helps firm the deodorant, while arrowroot powder and bentonite clay help absorb moisture naturally.

Herbs and natural ingredients are amazing that way. They all work together to create something simple and effective 🙂

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DIY Tallow Deodorant Recipe

Makes about 3 to 4 ounces

Ingredients

1/8 cup tallow (learn how to render your own here)
1 tablespoon carrier oil (jojoba, olive, or sweet almond oil work well)
1/8 cup beeswax
1/8 cup shea butter
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon bentonite clay
15 drops essential oils, I used Happy Joy Blend
Empty deodorant tube

Instructions

In a double boiler, combine the tallow, beeswax, and shea butter.

Heat gently until fully melted and smooth.

Add the essential oils to the carrier oil.

Remove the melted mixture from heat and stir in the carrier oil blend.

Let the mixture cool slightly so it is warm but not extremely hot.

Whisk in the arrowroot powder and bentonite clay until smooth and fully incorporated.

Pour into a deodorant tube.

Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until solid.

Notes

Apply a small amount to clean underarms. A little goes a long way!
If your home is warm, the deodorant will stay softer, so you might want to add a little bit more beeswax. Cooler temperatures will make it firmer.
Store in a cool place to help maintain texture.

Safety Notes

Some people can be sensitive to baking soda in natural deodorants, which is one reason I like this recipe since it skips it completely!
Bentonite clay should not be mixed with metal utensils.
Always patch test essential oils before applying regularly to the skin.

Best Essential Oils for Tallow Deodorant

You can leave this unscented, but essential oils can make it smell really fresh and clean. A few blends I love are:

Lavender and tea tree
Sweet orange and cedarwood
Peppermint and eucalyptus
Geranium and lavender

Lavender is always one of my favorites because it smells calming and works well for sensitive skin!

Why I Prefer Homemade Deodorant

One of the biggest reasons I started making products myself was realizing I did not have to rely on expensive companies for everything. Once I learned how simple many DIY recipes really are, it completely changed the way I looked at natural living.

Making your own deodorant may seem small, but it is one more step toward understanding what you’re putting on your body every day!

And honestly, there is something really satisfying about using a product you made yourself. Plus, you will save $8-10 per batch you make 🙂

Tallow Deodorant

Yield: 3–4 oz

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooling Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

A nourishing homemade deodorant made with tallow, shea butter, and beeswax for a smooth, moisturizing texture that helps absorb moisture naturally while keeping underarms fresh.

Materials

1/8 cup tallow
1 tablespoon carrier oil (like jojoba, olive, or sweet almond oil)
1/8 cup beeswax
1/8 cup shea butter
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon bentonite clay
15 drops essential oils (optional)

Tools

Double boiler
Whisk/spoon
Measuring spoons
Deodorant tube
Heat-safe bowl

Instructions

In a double boiler, combine the tallow, beeswax, and shea butter. Heat gently until everything is fully melted and smooth.
Add essential oils to carrier oil.
Remove from heat and stir in the carrier oil.
Let the mixture cool slightly (just enough that it’s not piping hot), then whisk in the arrowroot powder and bentonite clay until fully incorporated and smooth.
Pour into a deodorant tube.
Let it cool completely at room temperature until solid.

Notes

Let the mixture cool slightly before adding powders—this prevents clumping and creates a smoother deodorant texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been nervous to try homemade deodorant, this recipe is a gentle place to begin! You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated equipment. Just a few nourishing ingredients and a little time 🙂

Once you try it, you’ll see what I mean. Natural living does not have to be overwhelming. Small changes really do add up over time.