This article is an easy and fabulous recipe for the perfect natural deodorant for summer, with mango butter, spearmint, and lime scents….Smells delicious! AND, it works! Learn to make your own homemade natural deodorant with these summer scents and oils.
Updated June, 2022
I hate to admit this....but I have been out of my handmade deodorant for about two months now. Yuck, right? ;-) So today, I thought I'd create a brand new deodorant recipe just for summer. And boy, did it turn out GREAT! It's seriously my new favorite natural deodorant recipe. And it sure did feel good to use some real deodorant again! :-) Enjoy!
But first off: Why would anyone want to bother making their own deodorant? Why not go buy the "natural" stuff in the stores, if you're concerned about chemicals, you wonder? I mean, that's just easier, right?
There's lots more to the deodorant mystery than what meets the eye.
To find out more about the chemicals and garbage lurking in commercial deodorants, even the "natural" brands, check out my article: Antiperspirants and Deodorants: Should You Be Worried?
Edit: One of my readers, who I appreciate so much, emailed me. She loves this recipe! Here is her quote from the email, and thank you to all of you who have written to tell me how much you love it, too! :-)
My name is (anon)and I live in Devon, England. I just wanted to drop you a line to say I absolutely love your deodorant recipe. It smells amazing, goes on easy, keeps pongs at bay and doesn’t leave any residue on my clothes. Thank you and keep up the good work 😊"
Now on to my latest natural summer deodorant recipe so you can make it too!
FTC Disclosure: There are affiliate links scattered throughout this article. If you click through and make any kind of purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Make Mango-Lime & Spearmint Deodorant
I love this stuff! I wanted a softer version of my original deodorant recipe that was still effective but smelled refreshing and light for the summer. I decided to use Mango Butter as the main moisturizer and carrier for the essential oils.
I increased the amounts of baking soda and arrow root powder just a little to offset the extra softness of the Mango butter.
Then I decided on Lime, Spearmint, and Lemongrass essential oils for the fresh, summery scent combination as well as the antibacterial factors of these essential oils. Yum! This blend is a smell winner!
It's light, refreshing, slightly cooling, but not overpowering. And the lime scent makes me very happy!
Ingredients for Mango-Lime & Spearmint Deodorant
There are many butters and oils that could work in this recipe. In fact, you can read about my 20 favorites for homemade skincare creations if you like, right here.
** 5 Tbsp. Mango Butter
The reason I chose Mango Butter for this recipe is because of how quickly it absorbs into the skin. It's pretty amazing! It also melts quickly, is very soft, and honestly, I just love it. As far as the scent, it doesn't smell very strong, but if you purchase a pure brand, you can definitely get a bit of a "whiff" of Mango. VERY nice for summer.
** 1 tsp Shea Butter
I love Shea Butter, too. In fact, it's my usual go-to, and very good for beginners. I added a small amount of Shea Butter because of its extra-moisturizing powers. It has a tendency to be heavy and it definitely absorbs more slowly than Mango Butter. This small amount I thought would be perfect for a summer deodorant recipe.
Note: If you want to mix and match the two butters in different combinations, this deodorant should still work just fine.
** 4 Tbsp. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot Powder is highly absorbent, and that's why it's included here. I like to balance the baking soda with Arrowroot Powder pretty evenly because I have sensitive skin that just can’t get used to baking soda alone. Arrowroot Powder is not great at getting rid of odors, but it will definitely help with sweat.
I’ve found this combination of the two powders works quite well, getting rid of odor while still keeping you dry and not killing my pits.
** 4 Tbsp. Baking Soda
Baking Soda is great for helping absorb odors, as well as moisture. That's why we use an open box in the fridge, right? However, the problem some people have with baking soda is it is highly irritating to skin due to its alkaline nature.
If Baking Soda gives you issues, you can adjust the amounts of Arrowroot Powder and Baking Soda to match what you need. Start off with my measurements, then you can make adjustments.Be sure to use food grade baking soda.
** 40 drops Lime Essential Oil
Lime is purifying and smells GREAT! It also helps your immune system. Be sure it’s steam-distilled and not cold-pressed, as cold-pressed lime essential oil can be phototoxic….at least if your pits will be seeing the sunshine (or a tanning bed).
** 25 drops Spearmint Essential Oil
Spearmint is refreshing and has a lighter minty scent than peppermint. It also helps deodorize. It's a great complement to Lime!
** 8 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is also purifying, but it has a very heavy scent. That's why there's only 5 drops in this recipe. It's uplifting and clarifying. It also helps to “ground” and hold the lime scent in the recipe.
NOTE: The above links are for Amazon for your convenience. Another great place to purchase your essential oils is Starwest Botanicals. I love that company!For essential oils, I also just can’t get over Rocky Mountain Oils as well.
Directions for How to Make Natural Mango-Lime and Spearmint Deodorant
Step 1) Melt the butters together
Using a double boiler system (I just use a pint Mason jar for the Butters placed in a pan of about 1 to 2 inches of water), turn the heat to low or low-medium (no boiling), and let the butters melt in the Mason jar. Or, if you have a double boiler, you can use that.
Step 2) Mix in the powders
Remove the butters from the heat and add in the Arrowroot Powder and the Baking Soda. Stir really well until the oils and the powders are well combined.
Step 3) Add the Essential Oils
Now stir in your essential oils until well-combined.
Step 4) Pour into your jar(s)
Now, just pour the combination into your glass jars. I just used a 4 ounce jelly Mason jar for this recipe, and it was the perfect amount. You can also use amber glass jars or 4 ounce tins as well.
Step 5) Place in the freezer or fridge for about an hour or until it sets up
If you want your deodorant to set up nicely and quickly, it's a good idea to place the jar in the fridge or freezer for a short time. It will set up, and unless it's really hot out, it will stay solid.
That's it!
To Use Your Natural Deodorant
All you need to do is take a pea-sized amount and rub gently into each arm pit. Your pits will love you! You are moisturizing, smelling great, and there are no toxic chemicals involved! How awesome is that?
Final Reflections on Mango, Spearmint & Lime Natural Deodorant
I LOVE this deodorant recipe! I think everyone should try it! But then….I am biased. But seriously, it’s one of the best natural deodorants I’ve tried or created. Ever.
Want more? Here are some other fun handmade skincare and health recipes you might enjoy:
Black Drawing Salve
Anti-Itch Salve for Dry Skin
Wild Violet and Frankincense Natural Deodorant Recipe
Toxins Lurking in Your Commercial Deodorant (Why You Should Just Make Your Own)
Series: How to Start Using Herbs
If you enjoy watching videos, here are some from my YouTube channel (please subscribe!):
Herbs and Essential Oils for Pain Management
Arnica and Comfrey Salve with Yarrow
Natural Foot Soak for Better Circulation
AND….hundreds more over there on YouTube.
And there are so many more on the blog! So head on over to the home page and check out some more!
Hugs, Health, and Self-Reliance,
Heidi
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Heidi Villegas, MA, CA, Herbalist
handmade deodorant, deodorant, natural deodorant, deodorant recipe, mango butter deodorant
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