Thinking about launching your own deodorant brand? You’re in the right place. As a natural deodorant manufacturer with more than a decade of experience, I’ve worked with a lot of entrepreneurs to bring their deodorant business ideas to life.

Whether you’re just beginning or ready to find a manufacturer, this post will walk you through each step so you can launch with confidence.

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Step 1: Develop your brand vision

Before you worry about ingredients or logos, get clear on your brand. What makes your deodorant different? Who are you trying to serve? Are you targeting moms, athletes, people with sensitive skin, or fragrance lovers?

Your answers will shape every decision you make going forward—from your scent options to your pricing.

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Step 2: Choose your formula (or create your own)

You have two options here:

• Use a proven base formula: This is ideal if you’re just getting started or want to avoid the R&D costs of creating a custom product. You can still customize the scent, packaging, and branding.
• Create a custom formula: This gives you more control, but it’s also more time-consuming and expensive. You’ll need to test a lot samples on a lot of people!  

Either way, make sure your formula works well and fits your brand values (e.g., vegan, aluminum-free, organic, etc.).

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Step 3: Source your packaging

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. Some brands prefer plastic sticks, while others want paperboard tubes or glass jars.

If you’re working with a private label manufacturer, they may offer stock packaging options—or you can provide your own containers as long as they’re compatible with their equipment.

Pro tip: Start simple. You can always upgrade your packaging later.

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Step 4: Design your label or logo

Your label design is one of the first things potential customers will see—so make sure it’s clean, legible, and aligned with your brand vibe.

If you’re not a designer, hire a freelancer on Fiverr or Upwork who has experience with cosmetic label design. And don’t forget to include all required info (like your ingredients list and net weight).

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Step 5: Choose a deodorant manufacturer

Unless you plan to hand-make every batch, you’ll need to find a private label deodorant manufacturer who aligns with your goals. Consider their:

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
• Available formulas and customization options
• Turnaround time and pricing
• Experience working with small businesses

Looking for a low-MOQ, made-in-USA manufacturer? Check out our private label deodorant program.

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Step 6: Order samples and test your product

This is one of the most important steps in the process. Make sure to:

• Test how the deodorant performs on different skin types
• Check for irritation or white cast
• Confirm the scent strength and texture are what you expected

Gather honest feedback before you commit to a full production run.

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Step 7: Launch and start selling

Once your product is ready, it’s time to sell! You can start with:

• Your own website (Shopify, Squarespace, etc.)
• Local boutiques or wellness stores
• Farmer’s markets and community events
• Online platforms like Etsy or Faire

Take great product photos, share your story, and be patient—it takes time to build momentum.

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Ready to take the next step? Review our Private Label Checklist here—it covers everything you need to move forward with manufacturing.

And if you're still figuring out which deodorant base is right for your brand, don’t miss our next post: Choosing a Deodorant Manufacturer

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FAQ: Starting a Deodorant Business

How much does it cost to start a deodorant business?

Startup costs vary widely depending on your formula, packaging, and order size. The cheapest way is to use a stock formula, and keep it unscented.  Consider using screen printed compostable paperboard containers, or a stock plastic container with your custom label sticker.  (We post our private label prices on our website so you have a really good idea of cost before we even get started!)

Do I need FDA approval to sell deodorant?

No, deodorants are considered cosmetics in the U.S. and do not require FDA approval before sale. However, you must follow labeling guidelines and avoid drug claims (like “prevents sweating”).

Can I sell deodorant under my own brand without owning the formula?

Yes! That’s what private labeling is. You can use a manufacturer’s formula and sell it under your own branding—many successful brands do this.

What ingredients should I avoid in natural deodorant?

Many natural brands avoid aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Look for clean, plant-based ingredients your audience will appreciate. More on this here.

Where should I sell my deodorant when I’m just starting out?

Great starter options include Shopify websites, Etsy, local shops, and events like farmer’s markets. These platforms allow you to build brand visibility and test your product affordably.