I’ve been making my own homemade deodorant for years. It’s worked wonderfully and is very effective.
My husband also used it, and he began having a reaction–a sensitive skin rash.
After reading Heather Dressinger’s DIY Organic Beauty book, I decreased the amount of baking soda by half.
And, while that made the rash go away, sadly, it wasn’t quite as effective for getting rid of normal body odor after that.
So, being fairly pregnant at the time, I made my husband go to the liquor store for me: I really didn’t want the comments that would go to a pregnant woman in a liquor store…and then, can you imagine me trying to explain myself?
“Oh no, I’m not going to drink it. I’m spraying it on my pits.”
Yeeaaahh. Better to just have the hubs do it.
We’ve been using it since, and I love it. I love the fact that I can just spray it on and go–quick, easy and minimal! It works great, and there isn’t even a hint of B.O.
DIY Deodorant Spray
Ingredients
- Everclear 190 proof, grain ethyl alcohol
- 4 ounce fine mist spray bottle
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Directions
1. Pour alcohol into spray bottle.
2. Spray 2-4 times onto clean armpits daily.
This eliminates odor by killing any bacteria. I prefer to have no scent, so I have not added essential oils to it.
Essential oil scents for DIY deodorant
If I used an essential oil, I would use frankincense or clove–just because they’re my personal favorites!
But here are a few other great options:
- Lavender – Light, floral, and soothing.
- Cedarwood – Warm, woodsy, and grounding.
- Geranium – Floral with a hint of spice.
- Rosemary – Herbaceous and woodsy.
- Lemongrass – Citrusy and fresh.
- Tea Tree – Fresh, medicinal, and earthy.
- Eucalyptus – Clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The above oils have various benefits, from soothing skin to killing bacteria. Do your due diligence before you put anything in or on your body! ^_^
If you’d prefer a rub-on option, check out my recipe for homemade rub-on deodorant!
I have a friend who uses rubbing alcohol instead of grain alcohol. What qualities do you know of that make the grain alcohol better? I’ve started making and using the deodorant from your recipe and LOVE it. I’ve been using it exclusively for about 6 months now and it works great! And I do some sweating 🙂 Thanks for all your wonderful posts!
Julie, I also have used rubbing alcohol and with fine results. I’m curious about the answer to your question, too. 🙂
Okay, so I clicked the link for the FAQs on Matt and Betsy’s site and read that the drawback to the rubbing alcohol is that, over time, it can be harmful to absorb into the skin whereas the grain alcohol isn’t. 🙂
Weeelllll, I kinda hit a snag on the Everclear up here in No. VA – apparently the state does not allow liquor over 150 proof to be sold here, so no Everclear. It is not even made/carried at a lower proof. Phooey! Guess not all states WILL have this if they have such a law, so will have to try with with Isopropyl Alcohol and see how that goes ~ once we might travel to another state though, I’m gonna look for it there! Or check if some friends who travel between states more than us (by car) can look for it at a liquor store where they stop at times. 😉 This might give others in the same predicament some ideas for getting this item. Have a happy day! =D
Billie,
What a bummer! I believe there is research saying that using isopropyl alcohol on the skin regularly can have adverse effects.
I would try a grain alcohol at 150 proof and see how effective it is. It may work with just a couple extra sprays. I would think a lower alcohol content would still kill the bacteria. I’m not sure what varieties of alcohol there is at 150 proof, but maybe the liquor store clerk could point you in the direction of something that won’t have a strong smell by itself.
By law, ever clear and vodka are just water and alcohol, that is why they are used for this type application. If you can’t find ever clear, try a good quality vodka (not the new kind that now has flavoring.
Most people recommend everclear because it has a high enough % to mix with essential oils. If you can’t find 95% I agree with using the highest you can find especially if your not adding oils if you are you just have to shake well every time.
If you can’t get ever-clear here is another really great effective Deodorant Spray recipe:
• 4 ounce glass spray bottle
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) distilled or spring water (extra strength use alcohol instead or water)
• 30 drops lemongrass or lemon essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
seems like this would burn like crazy after shaving… is that an issue? also, are you good for the day if you just apply once in the morning, or is it necessary to reapply? i’m in AZ where it’s HOT & i sweat a lot… currently using a homemade deo i made w/ bentonite clay, coconut oil, shea butter, arrowroot powder & baking soda – it works well, but i usually need to reapply again later in the day. thanks!
It doesn’t bother me after shaving, I think it might sting slightly, but nothing to stop me.
I’m good for a whole day with just using 4 sprays in the morning. But the warmest it gets here in the summer is 100 degrees. Lemongrass essential oil should help with perspiration, just add 10 drops to your bottle
Has anyone with a gluten/grain sensitivity tried this? I know I stay away from non-potato vodka because I’m unsure of the effects on me, so I’m wondering if I should try this or not…
You could use Tito’s vodka – it’s a fantastic gluten free vodka – both to drink and use for other purposes
I’m so glad you commented this because I do have an allergy that’s found in some as well
Don’t use alcohol. Lime juice is the answer. Squeeze in rollon and kèep in fridge. Kills odor the whole day.
Citrus fruits can cause horrible burning when you’re exposed to the Sun after applying so I would be careful.I mean horrible, horrible burning, like horrible blistery burning. When the citrus gets on the skin it causes extreme sensitivity to the sun which is what causes the sun to burn you so badly and easily.
In the theater we would spray the clothes with vodka between washes to keep them fresh. We called it ‘Russian water’.
In a pinch, like when I realize I forgot to put on deodorant and it is 95 outside, I will put some (alcohol-based) hand sanitizer on my underarms. It has always worked. So it makes sense that this spray works!
Forgot to say that I only use this in emergencies and not every day.
I haven’t made it yet. I am concern with the long term affects of alcohol in your arm Pitts. Obsorping in your lymph nodes streaming it to your system. Any information.
I read using food grade alcohol
Is safe on skin. I use everclear;or vodka if no everclear
Use witch hazel
I use everclear and at least 20 drops of each oil for a 2 oz spray bottle. It stings but only temporary. Zero irritation and very effective. Will experiment with adding a carrier oil into the mix.
I use on armpits and jock. It also cures and prevents jock itch
I mix equal amounts about 1/4 cup each of alcohol free rose witch hazel and everclear alcohol with 15 drops ambi escents be calm essential oil and 1 Tablespoon magnesium oil. Shake up and spray underarms.
WhT about wit h hazel instead of alcohol?