DIY Roll-On Deodorant with Magnesium

Over the years I’ve perfected a few natural deodorant recipes for long-lasting protection. I was attracted to the antiperspirant roll-on deodorants and wanted to make a healthier version. It’s impossible to have too many options for homemade deodorants, right?

It is also free of alcohol and aluminum. The scent can be customized to fit even the most sensitive skin types.

Roll On Deodorant Stick

I wore deodorant with clinical strength in high school. I was lured in by the promises of 12-hour protection and a fresh fragrance. I had no idea that I was rubbing parabens on my underarms.

While DIY deodorant may not be as flashy as a powder fresh invisible solid conventional deodorant bar, it’s certainly way healthier. Plus I’ve found natural deodorant can work really well, once you find the right recipe.

This version contains magnesium to restore mineral balance and combat underarm smell. It’s fairly quick drying thanks to the arrowroot and baking soda. You can also add moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin if you’d like.

Magnesium: The Power of Magnesium

Topical magnesium is often used by my kids and me to promote better sleep. I found that magnesium oil on its own makes a good deodorant, but it’s not for everyone. It can feel a little tacky and sting the skin some if you’re not used to it.

Magnesium can be used both topically and internally to benefit the skin. Dermatologist Dendy Engelman says it can help balance hormones, and improve the cellular processes of skin. I’ve found my skin is smoother and less prone to breakouts when I use magnesium oil.

You can certainly use plain magnesium oil in a roller bottle, but there’s another type that works well. Magnesium Hydroxide, found in most magnesium-based products, is excellent for the skin. The powder can be added to any deodorant recipe, or you can make a liquid version which glides over the skin.

Milk of Magnesia

Magnesium Hydroxide, also known as Milk of Magnesia, is widely available in stores. You might recognize it as an effective laxative. Previously, some brands had a surprising clean ingredient list that consisted of only magnesium hydroxide (and purified water). Somehow, however, I have found that every brand of milk of magnesia has been reformulated with bleach.

Yep, the same chlorine bleach that’s added to swimming pools and will strip stains from clothing. The FDA doesn’t seem to have banned bleach in products that are consumed.

All of the simplest recipes for roll-on magnesium deodorant that are unscented call for milk of magnesia. Since I didn’t really want to put bleach on my skin, it was on to plan B. You can make milk of magnesia by mixing magnesium hydroxide with water. It does separate in the bottle, but that’s an easy fix. Simply shake the bottle well before using.

Roll On Deodorant Odor Protection

Since this isn’t an antiperspirant it doesn’t offer wetness protection like aluminum formulations. However, I’ve found I sweat less now that I use natural deodorant. When my body isn’t trying to increase sweat to eliminate toxins (especially from deodorant) I smell fresher.

Slathering aluminum and other toxins right by the lymph nodes and sensitive breast tissue isn’t the best idea either. If you’ve been using a conventional deodorant or antiperspirant then you may need to do an armpit detox first. This is a great way to help the skin’s microbiome get back on track.

Deodorant Containers

There are mixed reviews about roll-on bottle. My first roll-on bottles were advertised as having no leaks but they were so leakproof that no product could be released! My current bottles are much more effective, but other reviewers have reported differences between bottles.

If you don’t have a roll-on bottle then this mixture can also work in a spray bottle. I’ve also found it works well kept in a small jar and applied with a cotton ball. This recipe will make enough to fill two roller bottles.

Create Your Own Scent

You can use any essential oil that is safe for skin. The dilution was kept to 2% in order to avoid irritation. You could double this if you are using oils like tea tree or lavender. Or, you can reduce or eliminate the essential oils. I have found that the scent of witch hazel is stronger, but it’s covered by essential oils.

Patchouli, lavender, tea tree and tea tree are all good choices. I used cypress, tea tree and sweet orange. You can mix and match your own!

Have you ever used magnesium as deodorant before? How did you find it? Let us know by leaving a comment!

You like it? Try my men’s deodorant recipe too. It’s extra strength!