I have gone back and forth on whether or not natural deodorant is really a good idea. When I think about the kinds of chemicals you’re putting onto (and into) your body when you use certain store-bought varieties, I feel all Earth Mama and ready to slather some homemade cream on the pits.
But other times, I want to be 100 percent confident in the fact that I wonโt be sweatyโor worse, smellyโa few short hours after application. Iโve learned that when it comes to natural deodorant, you will sweat and possibly stink. And it is certainly an adjustment.
I have loved this coconut oil-based deodorant and even this DIY stick deodorant for some time. But I have come to realize that for the purpose of reducing sweat and handling odors, this vodka and essential oil-based deodorant spray is my favorite DIY yet.
Flower Power DIY Deodorant Spray
I’m calling this a โflower powerโ spray because the essential oil blend is a mixture of my favorite floralsโjasmine and roseโwith a bit of lavender and orange. It’s a happy, vibrant scent.
Sure, you could add some tea tree to the mix, but in my opinion, that totally takes the joy out of the scent for me. On the plus side, tea tree has an added benefit of protecting your skin from yeast or fungus buildup [source], which is often responsible for malodorous pits.
It might sound strange to add vodka to a recipe for something youโre using on your body to smell, well, less, but itโs an important ingredient. In fact, itโs an essential ingredient. Why? Put simply, oil and water do not mix, but adding a little alcohol fixes that.
It disperses the essential oils and helps the scent linger in the pit area for far longer. I also think that the vodka dries things out a bit, kills bacteria (think: alcohol in hand-sanitizer) [source], and helps slow down the sweating in general.
When I shared this DIY deodorant spray on my Instagram page, I got some teasing and questions on whether or not it was drinkable! While I certainly wouldn’t recommend sipping it as an alcoholic beverage, I guess that’s your choice! However, I’m not a big fan of ingesting essential oils.
How to Make a Spray Deodorant
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vodka (the higher the proof, the better)
- 2 tbsp distilled water
- 2 drops rose absolute essential oil
- 2 drops jasmine absolute essential oil
- 2 drops orange essence essential oil
- 1 drop lavender essential oil
- A 2-ounce amber glass spray bottle
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small, dark-colored bottle (to keep the essential oils from degrading). Shake the ingredients well so that theyโre nicely combined.
- To distribute the essential oils efficiently, youโll want to shake well before each use. Give each underarm 2โ3 spritzes and let them air dry (this should only take a few seconds). It might sting a tiny bit at first if applied right out of the shower, especially after shaving. Apply again after exercising or heavy exertion, if desired.
I tend to spritz a couple of times a day just because I love the smell. Honestly, this recipe could easily double as a homemade perfume!
Deodorant Spray FAQ
Can I replace the vodka with another kind of alcohol?
We like to use vodka because it’s both odor-free and effective. But you can try making it with gin, rubbing alcohol, or even witch hazel if you have some lying around. You may notice the scent of whichever alcohol you choose, but the smell should dissipate after application as the alcohol evaporates.
Can I use purified water instead of distilled water?
Sure! Go right ahead.
What other essential oils would work well in this recipe?
I recommend oils that smell fresh, such as lemon, basil, or Roman chamomile, or oils that have a woodsy scent, like pine, sandalwood, frankincense, or vetiver.
Does this DIY deodorant spray smell like vodka?
Once you water it down and add essential oils, you won’t smell the vodka anymore. If you do happen to notice a slight vodka fragrance, it should dissipate once the alcohol evaporates off your skin.
Will this deodorant stain my clothes?
No, it shouldn’t. Before applying, give it a good shake to evenly disperse the oils, and be sure to let it sink in for a few minutes before getting dressed.
Next: Check out this simple body spray that banishes bacne.
Essential Oil DIY Deodorant Spray
Equipment
- 2-ounce dark mister bottle
Materials
- 2 tbsp vodka (the higher the proof, the better)
- 2 tbsp distilled water
- 2 drops rose absolute essential oil
- 2 drops jasmine essential oil
- 2 drops orange essential oil
- 1 drop lavender essential oil
Instructions
- To make: Combine all of the ingredients in a small, dark-colored bottle. Shake to combine.
- To use: Shake well before each use. Give each underarm 2โ3 spritzes, and let them air dry. Apply again after exercising or heavy exertion, if desired.
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who performs adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment and cosmetic dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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What happens if i use Purified water instead? Debating getting some or just using purified. Does anybody know?
thank you
Hello,
I am doubting about the vodka. Is it really fine to use it as a deodorant? Moreover, can I replace vodka with gin?
I just made it with gin ?
what can u use instead of vodka oe can u leave it out completely
Hi, just looking over the ingredient list and wondering if, after you combine the ingredients, do you fill the bottle with water? It doesn’t sounds like enough to fill a bottle without adding water?
Let me know,
Thanks!
I love your website! Starting from the layout of it to the posts published, you’re doing a great job.
I stumbled upon this read while looking up for DIY chemical free deo sprays, since I’m making a shift from using store made, chemical- laden products to natural ones to help me with my PCOS and Adenomyosis issues.
I made my natural deo spray with water, rose oil, lavender oil, sandalwood essential oil and a few drops of coconut oil which helps the fragrance stick to your skin. Really excited to see a few more DIY stuff on your site.
Thank you for all the valuable information. Much love from India :)
I can’t tolerate Rose or Jasmine oils but love Lavender and orange. What other combos work? I am scent sensitive so strong oils don’t work for me. Thanks
Can I substitute any other essential oil for the Jasmine essential oil?
does the deodorant smell like vodka?
Would you recommend this diy deodorant for kids, ages 9 and 11, due to the alcohol content?
Thank You
it should be okay, as long as your kid is responsible and doesn’t try to drink it aha. but maybe test it on their skin first and lower the amount of alcohol you put in.
This is a “must make”! I did it with 90% rubbing alcohol, leaving off the distilled water, because it is a lot less expensive than vodka, which I would have had to buy. Actually, I’ve just been using rubbing alcohol to clean & freshen my armpits. It works as a great deodorant on its own, because it kills the overflow of bacteria that causes excessive odor. I like this spray bottle with essential oils even better. The smell is yummy!
Ok but be careful… putting undiluted alcohol directly into your lymphnodes is not very ideal. You could end up with liver damage if you do this a lot.
This is sooo handy thank you! <3
I use the Honest deodorant spray and love the heck out of it, it’d be a lot of fun to try this one. I’m surprised it’s so easy to make! Thanks for the DIY, I love the styling in this post as well.
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Rebecca Kelsey Sampson