Over the years, I’ve perfected a few recipes for natural deodorants that offer long-lasting protection. But I was intrigued by roll-on antiperspirant deodorants and wanted to try a healthier version. You can never have too many homemade deodorant options, right?
Not only is it aluminum-free and alcohol-free, but it also has a natural deodorizing effect. It can be used safely by people with sensitive skin, and you can choose the scent to suit your taste.
Roll-on deodorant stick
When I was in high school, I used to use medical grade deodorants, lured in by the fresh scent and 12-hour protection, without realizing that I was slathering my underarms with parabens, aluminum, and other not-so-good ingredients.
Homemade deodorant may not be as fancy as traditional deodorant bars, which come in powdered, fresh, invisible solid form, but they’re a lot healthier. Plus, I’ve found that natural deodorants can really work if you find the right recipe.
My version uses magnesium to combat underarm odor and restore mineral balance, and it dries fairly quickly thanks to the arrowroot and baking soda. You can also add more moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin if you like.
The Power of Magnesium
My kids and I often use magnesium topically to improve sleep quality and boost magnesium levels. I’ve found that magnesium oil makes a great deodorant on its own, but it’s not for everyone. It can feel a bit sticky and tingly on the skin if you’re not used to it.
Magnesium is great for your skin, whether you use it internally or externally, like in magnesium lotion. Dermatologists say: Dendy EngelmanIt also helps balance hormones and improves skin cell function. I’ve found that using magnesium oil makes my skin smoother and reduces acne breakouts.
You can use regular magnesium oil in a roller bottle, but there are other types that work well too. Magnesium hydroxide is often found in magnesium-based deodorants and is great for your skin. You can add the powder to your regular deodorant recipe, or make a liquid version that glides on smoothly over the skin.
Milk of Magnesia
Magnesium hydroxide is sold on store shelves everywhere as the popular milk of magnesia. You may know it as a popular laxative. Some brands have surprisingly clean ingredients, using just magnesium hydroxide and purified water. But for some reason, every milk of magnesia I’ve found has been reformulated to contain bleach.
Yes, it’s the same chlorine bleach that’s put into swimming pools and used to remove stains from clothes. You’d think the FDA would ban drinking products that contain bleach, but apparently not.
The simplest roll-on fragrance-free magnesium deodorant recipe uses store-bought milk of magnesia. I didn’t want to put bleach on my skin, so I switched to plan B. This recipe involves mixing magnesium hydroxide powder with water to create milk of magnesia. It separates in the bottle, but that’s easy to resolve – just shake before use.
Roll-on deodorant deodorant
It’s not an antiperspirant, so it won’t protect you from moisture like aluminum-based deodorants do, but I have noticed that I sweat less since using a natural deodorant. When your body is no longer sweating to flush out toxins (especially those from the deodorant), you smell fresher.
It’s also not a good idea to smear aluminum and other toxins close to lymph nodes or sensitive breast tissue. If you use traditional deodorants or antiperspirants, you may need to do an underarm detox first, which is an effective way to restore your skin’s microbiome to normal.
Deodorant container options
As for the roll-on bottles, people seem to have mixed results. The first one I bought claimed to be leak-free, but it never leaked and no product came out at all. The one I have now works much better, but some reviewers report that it varies from bottle to bottle.
You can also use this mixture in a spray bottle if you don’t have a roll-on bottle, or I’ve found it works well in a small jar and applied with a cotton ball. This recipe makes enough for two roller bottles.
Magnesium Roll-On Deodorant
This DIY deodorant contains magnesium to promote healthy skin and reduce underarm odor, and you can customize it with your favorite essential oils.
yield: 3 Ounce
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Heat distilled water until it is very hot.
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Add the water and magnesium powder to a bowl and mix.
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Add all remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
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Pour the mixture into a roll-on deodorant bottle.
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Shake well before use.
- If you use pre-made milk of magnesia, replace the magnesium hydroxide and water with 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons of liquid.
- I used 10 drops of orange essential oil, 6 drops of cypress essential oil, and 4 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Customize your scent
You can use any essential oil that is safe for skincare. I kept the dilution to 2% to avoid irritation, but if you’re using oils like lavender or tea tree, you can double the dilution. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of essential oil or eliminate it completely. Witch hazel has a strong scent, but the essential oil can cover it.
Lavender, tea tree, and patchouli are good choices. I used sweet orange (antibacterial), tea tree (also antibacterial), and cypress (which reduces moisture). Feel free to mix and match to create your own unique scent!
Have you ever used magnesium as a deodorant? How did it work for you? Leave a comment and let us know!
Like it? Check out our men’s deodorant recipe – it’s super powerful!
