Make a Homemade Deodorant Spray (That Really Works!)

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 won’t be sweaty—or worse, smelly—a few short hours after application. I’ve 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 “flower power” spray because the essential oil blend is a mixture of my favorite florals—jasmine and rose—with 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 you’re using on your body to smell, well, less, but it’s an important ingredient. In fact, it’s 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

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small, dark-colored bottle (to keep the essential oils from degrading). Shake the ingredients well so that they’re nicely combined.
2. To distribute the essential oils efficiently, you’ll want to shake well before each use. Give each underarm 2–3 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. 

Print

4.75 from 8 votes

Essential Oil DIY Deodorant Spray

Vodka is the secret ingredient in this natural DIY deodorant spray recipe that's tough on odors but not your skin.

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Course: Bath and Body

Cuisine: DIY

Keyword: beauty, deodorant, essential oils

Yield: 2 ounces

Author: Stephanie Gerber

Cost: $6

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 2–3 spritzes, and let them air dry. Apply again after exercising or heavy exertion, if desired.
  

Notes

Feel free to use any essential oils you like for this. While they may not be as fragrant, antibacterial oils—like cinnamon, tea tree, and oregano—will help keep the B.O. at bay.

Use within 2–3 months.

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.