Finally An All Natural Deodorant Recipe That Actually Works!
For years, and yes — I mean years, I have been in search for an all natural deodorant recipe that actually works!
Why? Because most store-bought deodorants are toxic and should be avoided at all costs. But who wants to smell right?
I’ve tried it all! The baking soda recipes, the apple cider vinegar inspired recipes, the coconut oil inspired recipes and even the magnesium oil inspired recipes, but there was always something that made me stop using them. Like —
- I still stunk
- I broke out from them
- They smelled
- They were inconvenient to make
- Too many ingredients
- Required too much of me that I found myself just saying “Who has time for this?”
Have you been in my shoes? What if I told you I have a recipe that actually works and it has ONLY 2 ingredients!! Well let’s dive into it, shall we?
2 – Ingredient All Natural Deodorant Recipe, Yep — Only 2 – Ingredients!
So as I mentioned, most deodorants on the market today are loaded with toxic chemicals and toxic ingredients.
This recipe has ONLY 2 ingredients and will take you less than 30 seconds to make. WOW, right?
The two ingredients are:
- Ethanol Alcohol (not rubbing alcohol, but drinking alcohol like gin or vodka)
The reason why I don’t recommend rubbing alcohol on the skin is that studies have shown that Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract. Workers in industries in which isopropyl alcohol is used may be exposed to harmful levels via inhalation. Ingestion may occur through intentional or accidental consumption of products containing isopropyl alcohol in place of ethyl alcohol products. Poisoning by isopropyl alcohol may also occur by skin absorption due to excessive skin exposure. (source)
Ethanol alcohol is a safer alternative and is very effective as a deodorant!
- Distilled White Vinegar
Vinegar naturally kills the bacteria that causes your underarm to smell. Vinegar is non-toxic, has a pleasantly clean smell and is an environmentally safe product to use.
That’s it…two ingredients and you guys…it works incredibly well!
Different Proofs of Alcohol = Different Odor Protection!
Want to know what makes this recipe totally cool? You can adjust it to suit your desired odor protection. The lower proof alcohol, the lighter the coverage (odor protection). The higher proof alcohol the more odor protection you will get.
I find 80 proof works best for me, but my husband needs more protection, so he uses 151 proof.
If a bottle doesn’t give the “proof” you can figure it out from the percentage of alcohol on the bottle. A rough rule of thumb is double the %Alc/Vol to get the proof. So if a vodka is 40% ALC/VOL it is 80 Proof Vodka.
Here is a sliding scale for specific protection:
- 70-90 proof = light coverage
- 90-120 proof = medium coverage
- 120+ proof = strong coverage
Allow Your Underarm To Adjust For 3 Days!
When I first tried this recipe, I had a slight adjustment period…but don’t worry, after 3 days I had very little smell under my underarm — if any!
On the first day, spray 2-3 spritzes under each arm. If you have been using commercial deodorants for awhile, your body might need a few days to adjust to this new formula. I spritzed my underarms in the morning and then again around 3 PM on the first day.
On the second day, I sprayed 2 spritzes under each arm in the morning and then again right before I went to bed.
On the third day, I sprayed my underarms with 2 spritzes each and went the entire day/and night without adding another spritz.
Easy-peasy right? Once you try this recipe, I’ll bet you will never go back! For REAL!!
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Finally An All Natural Deodorant Recipe That Actually Works!
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Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1/4 cup ethanol alcohol (vodka or gin works best). I used 80 proof gluten-free vodka.
- Follow the different “proof” options to pick your desired odor protection: 70-90 proof = light coverage; 90-120 proof = medium coverage; 120+ proof = strong coverage
- 2 tsp distilled white vinegar
- essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- In a fine mist sprayer, add 2 teaspoons of distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup ethanol alcohol.
- Shake well.
- Apply 2 spritzes to each underarm. Allow drying (about a minute) before putting clothes on.
- As always, feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils if you so desire.
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Halle, you’re a godsend! I used to have to use OTC clinical strength deodorant for “special occasions” when I really didn’t want to chance smelling like BO. Being an herbalist, I’ve got Everclear on hand at all times and let me just tell you, you can’t get more BO coverage than that! Great recipe. Loved it! <3
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Hey Tash! I am so glad you like this…I was so excited, after multiple attempts, to finally find something that really works! Thanks for the comment! 🙂
Can’t wait to try this! What essential oils would you suggest? I know tea tree is suppose to be good, but I don’t like the smell for deodorant. Thanks!
I don’t really care for that smell either Marie. I like to use lime and bergamot for a nice fresh scent!
FAB! will try.thanks!
hmn…got any brilliant ideas for simple hair care?
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Flora, I am working on a natural shampoo right now that is made WITHOUT baking soda, vinegar and castile soap. It is pretty incredible especially for curly hair. Will be posting that one soon.
why Halle, why not using bakign soda, vinegar or castile soap? i mean those are the most common elements in recipes? is there something bad about them? for example i like your recipe right here for deo because i tried one with coconut oil and loved it no smelly armpits but the oil was leaving stains..
thanks!
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I don’t think the PH is right. I used baking soda and vinegar on my hair and I had to cut most of it off because it damaged my hair so much. Castile soap may work for some, but for me it left my hair feeling thick and heavy with a film-like feeling to it. I’ve tried raw honey/water rinse but that didn’t cut the oil from my hair. I just haven’t found the perfect solution as of yet, but it could just be my hair type too.
Halle, I hope you’ve found a solution for your hair!! It took me a while to figure mine out, but what works best for me is using some baking soda diluted with a lot of water (I realized I only need a tiny bit of baking soda, it really strips all the oil). Then I rinse it all out with water. After I do an ACV rinse. It’s about 1 part ACV, 3 parts water, and I add about 10-15 drops of lavender oil (I have long hair, maybe with shorter hair, less oil and less ACV?). And I rinse it all out again after letting it sit there for a couple minutes. I should also add that before I wash my hair, I do massage coconut oil into it and let it sit for at least 30min (some days, if I’m house-cleaning, a few hours!). So perhaps that affects how baking soda and ACV interacts with my hair. I honestly don’t try to wash out ALL of the coconut oil, and my hair is quite happy :).
On another note, this recipe sounds awesome! I agree with you that some of the other ones are too complicated, can’t wait to try this.
I’ve never seen this posted by anyone for natural deodorant! I’ve also heard that people do better with natural deodorants after they do an armpit detox with something such as bentonite clay; this is what I’ve been experimenting with. ‘Glad this works for you!
Stephanie most natural deodorants did not work for me, so I stepped out of the box for this one and it paid off. I use this exclusively and love it. It also protects against wetness too.
Hi Halle…. I have made this after reading your recipe and it is amazing….. I love it and use it everyday…. I added 10 drops of lavender to mine….✔️✔️✔️✔️
So happy you like it Jo! Lavender is one of my favorites!
Where would get 120 gluten proof vodka?.
Any liquor store should carry it Kelly.
Hi! I have sensitive skin and am hesitant about trying this. It sounds like it would be irritating and drying to the skin being mainly alcohol. How does it make your skin feel? Has anyone with sensitive skin tried it? How did your skin react to it?
Hey Lisa! I have extremely sensitive skin and this has been incredible for my skin. It wasn’t too drying for me. It eliminates wetness and odor and I didn’t break out from it at all.
Hi Halle, I hope this works for me and my family. we are like you, have tried soooooooo many homemade deodorant recipes! just about give up trying these homemade recipes. We are using the Thai crystal that you have to wet and rub under your arm. it does not work for all day. we will NOT go back to using commercial deodorants etc. so we will give it a try. I like the fact that there is only 2 ingredients. and it is a SPRAY!!! I am soooooo looking forward to the recipe for homemade shampoo that does NOT contain baking soda, castile soap or vinegar!!!!! am so excited please hurry! can’t find a shampoo that I am NOT afraid to use! Or that makes your hair feel like it is coated with some thing. unpleasant! Thanks, for all that you do and for sharing.
Let me know what you think of the deodorant Theresa once you try it. I am in the final stages of testing this shampoo so hoping to have it ready to publish here very soon!
Hi I’m really glad to find this website. I was just thinking about mixing up another deodorant (apple cider vinegar, coconut oil) because it’s not working. And I refuse to go back to the store brands. I’m glad to find this website and receipe I will be trying it out this weekend. Is it safe for children to use???? My 4 year-old wears deodorant now and I refuse to use store bought. Baking soda caused a rash and breakout for me and my 4 year-old. Thanks again!
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Hi Tonya. I’d replace the alcohol with witch hazel for you 4 year old.
Hello Halle. I am interested in trying this, but I was wondering if this formula leaves one smelling like alcohol. Also, is there any specific way to store this once it’s made? Thank you in advance:)
Hey Christain,
No, it does not leave an alcohol odor. I add essential oils to mine, so I am always left with a slight lime scent. Either way, once it drys you don’t smell much of anything. I leave mine in the spray bottle right in the bathroom and have never had any issues with storage.
This sounds tempting to try but wouldn’t the alcohol be absorbed into you skin then bloodstream?
If the alcohol concerns you, you can try to replace it with witch hazel.
Hi Halle, I am a breast cancer survivor, and since I had that, they told me that I couldn’t use deodorant any more and they have advised me to use baby powder, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem to work all that well. Do you think that this will be better? You also mentioned that you like to use “lime and bergamot for a fresh smell,” where would you find these. Thanks much…
Hi Shellie! I do think this deodorant will work for you. I got my bergamot and lime from doTERRA, but I am sure you can find those two just about anywhere. Certainly you can try your local health food store, they might have it too. You can also check out mountain rose herb, they have an incredible collection of organic oil as well.
I’ve been looking for a natural deodorant for my family. My oldest is going to be 12. Do you think the alcohol is safe? in your opinion, at what age would you switch from witch hazel to alcohol?
I think it is a personal preference on how old your child should be to use alcohol in this recipe. I can tell you that I have a 12 year old and we still do not use alcohol in her deodorant and still use the witch hazel.
Hi, so I just made that. So easy! After just couple hours on a hot day I was sweating..my armpits didn’t smell, but my shirt in the armpit area did! Thoughts?
Hi Barbara! Your body is meant to sweat, this is how it cools itself off and how it releases toxins in your body. Sweating is a good thing actually. Over time you will sweat less and less, just give your body a chance to adapt.
I’m having a similar issue. I am 80% sure it’s because my clothes still have remnants of odor and other deodorants I’ve used in the past trapped in the fabric (even thought they’ve been thoroughly cleaned) that I don’t really smell until the heat and sweat kind of activate the old smells. I’d be willing to bet on new clothes this would not be an issue.
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I’ve never been in a liquor store (Mormon) but I’m super excited about this! Can’t wait for my church friends shocked expressions, I’ll be sure to leave the Vodka front and center in my kitchen! Just for Gits & Shiggles!
Love it!!!!! I tried it with clear rum cuz my brother have some at home. Mom and I have been using it for a week and really love it! I’ll try it with Vodka next time.
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When I first started researching about diy natural deodorants, i came across one that contains two ingredients: ethanol alcohol and vinegar. Is the vinegar added another form of protection on top of or to councide w/ alcohol? Have you ever tried this? Thoughts? Thanks!
Oops made a mistake! I got the two articles mixed up! To rephrase: another site just mentioned ethanol alcohol and a oil for scent (optional).. just curious- you added the vinegar as an added defense against odor, so combined, more effective?
Also, did you get to posting about perfecting your diy shampoo? I’m very interested!
Btw, congrats on your family!
Hi Amy! I like adding vinegar because it helps kill unwanted bacteria that forms and causes odor. In regards to your DIY shampoo question, I tried and tried to come up with one with a good consistency and that cleaned incredibly well, and I always fell short. I did create a dry shampoo which I love (https://wholelifestylenutrition.com/natural-solutions/natural-dry-shampoo-recipe/)but still use a natural shampoo purchased from the store to shampoo every few days.
If I add vinegar will the vinegar not smell ?any substitute for vinegar ?
I don’t notice a vinegary smell, but if you are super sensitive to the scent you can try leaving it out. You can also try substituting it with a little witch hazel.
Honestly, this is AMAZING!!! I have tried every natural deodorant possible and they either me and my clothes stink worse or made my sensitive skin break out (I’m allergic to coconut, which is very difficult for someone who likes to use green/natural products). I used your recipe and added lime and benzoin essential oils (both have deodorant properties) and have been using the spray deodorant for about a week now. No transition period (I had been using natural products) and no smell under my armpits at all! No smell or stains on my clothes either! This is such a simple and incredible recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!!
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My apologies for the typo: *…either made me…
Hi Sophia! I am so happy this is working for you…I absolutely love this recipe because as you state, it works and is so simple. Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
I can’t use commercial deodorants, I just can’t. I have tried the baking soda, coconut oil etc. and nothing works too well. All my clothes have this weird smell that freaks me out. I found your site because I was looking for a blue bottle and found the perfect one – unfortunately, it’s a bottle of expensive vodka! I can’t just pour the stuff down the drain now can I? So, I need the bottle and I need the natural deo – killing 2 birds with 1 stone. Vodka is also apparently great for making vanilla essence.
Hey G,
I wouldn’t throw your vodka away. I use it quite a bit in my upcoming natural solutions book for cleaning. It is great for fresh cut flower food, in an air freshener spray for the house and for your furniture and there are so many other uses for the vodka! Good luck and I hope this deodorant works for you. (shameful plug here 🙂 I have a new all natural deodorant line if you care to try it out, it really works!) http://puritypits.com
Does anyone shave and use this recipe? Does the alcohol make it sting? Thanks!
I shave and use this recipe and no, it did not make it sting on my underarms.
Hi Helle,
How long ‘shelf life’ for this recipe?
I’m not sure that it really has a “shelf life”, the alcohol and vinegar should last quite awhile.
Thanks for this recipe! I am currently blending a baking soda free, natural, solid deodorant but having issues with finding the perfect balance of smoothness during application and the deodorant maintaining its solid state after application. Currently, my batch smells fantastic, works effectively but is too soft and oily. In the meantime, I was pleasantly optimistic after reading your recipe for a spray deodorant that actually neutralizes and/or kills odor causing bacteria!
I have detoxed daily for a month using bentonite clay and have healed my underarm area using coconut oil and a couple of drops of essential oil added. My underarms are even toned, soft, bump free and healthy now and I don’t plan on going back to chemical laden antiperspirant or natural deodorant with baking soda. YAY!!
I do have two questions though…Will the bacteria killing action of the vodka/gin and distilled white vinegar also kill the “good” bacteria/flora on the underarms or does it only kill the odor- causing bacteria only? If so, could you please explain how that works?
Secondly, I have decided to use essential oils to this deodorant mix. How many drops of essential oil did you use in your mix? I just want to make sure that I don’t add too much essential oil and run the potential of burning my sensitive underarm area.
Thanks so much! ?
If you dont any eo, doesnt it make your pits smell like vodka or vinegar? Also you mentioned in the commentsyou have sensitive skin, did this not irritate and darken your pits at all?
Hi Kat,
The vodka/vinegar smell fades quickly if you are using only these two. I did not experience any irritation or darkening of the pits with this recipe. Let us know how it works for you!
Hi Halle,
I tried your deodorant with 80 proof vodka, but I think I need 121+ proof vodka for more odor protection. In the L.A. area, the only vodka I could find above 80 proof was Everclear Vodka at 151proof. It says it’s made with GMO-grain. Would using GMO-grain alcohol have an impact on one’s health? If so, where can I purchase affordable, organic (non-GMO grain) 121+ proof vodka? Why does using a higher proof vodka give better odor protection? Is witch hazel as effective? Does using a higher proof sting or burn your pits? Thanks for the information.
Hi Nancy! Higher proof means more alcohol which helps kill bacteria better and decreases the odor. It’s probably best to use GMO-free alcohol, I’d ask your local liquor store and I’m sure they can help. Which hazel probably won’t be strong enough for you, and no…I haven’t had any issues with the alcohol burning. You might want to try rubbing a little apple cider vinegar under your armpits first and then spraying your deodorant. This will also give you extra protection. Good luck.
Just found your site and thought I’d contribute my experience. After 30-ish years of anti-persperant use, I discovered online a recipe for natural deodorant, similar to yours. I use half witch hazel, half vodka (80 proof) plus essential oils. My first blend was lavender/lemon/frankincense, and most recently I’ve done a lemon/clary sage blend. I started last fall and thought for sure it may work while temps were cool, but may not as it became summer, but as you wrote above, I found that over time, my body adapted and I seem to now sweat less. Happily, it worked fine this summer. I never thought of how to further reduce bacteria by adding vinegar, or increasing the alcohol concentration before reading your article. I will definitely try them. In regards to some comments: vodka smell wasn’t a problem and no pit discoloration or break outs experienced (which I had when I tried a coconut oil/baking soda blend or even just applied only baking soda.)
Also, I haven’t used shampoo for about 8 years. My routine is to use straight baking soda once a week (scrub/rinse) followed by a natural conditioner. I used to do the ACV rinse (only on the hair ends) but found it easier just to use conditioner. I also wash my hair with nothing (just scrub with fingertips) twice weekly in between the baking soda washes, as excessive use of baking soda can be very drying to hair. My hair, which is fine and straight, is healthier for it.
I look forward to exploring the rest of your blog!
It has been four months and I am in LOVE!!! I mix 1/4 cup vodka (the cheapest that I can find) and 10 drops lavender plus 10 drops grapefruit essential oils. I keep it in a spray bottle in the bathroom. Normally I don’t sweat a ton but the little that I do smells bad. With this deodorant mix smells are a thing of the past! I can go 24 hrs with no smell whatsoever….unless I wear polyester clothes, in which case I get a bit of a smell but it’s only on my clothes. As soon as I take them off and smell my armpits there is no stink there. Couldn’t be happier! In July and August on very hot days I would get a bit of under arm wetness but nothing excessive. Even then there was no smell so no complaints here.
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How can I make this work without using vodka? I have celiac and can’t even have gluten on my skin. Thanks so much!
Hi Barbara,
There are a lot of gluten free vodka’s out there that are distilled with potatoes. If you can’t find it, you can try witch hazel too.
Thank you for posting this awesomely simple but effective all-natural deodorant recipe!
I have been using it pretty much exclusively over 1 week or so and I must say that it is everything that you described and more!!!
It is so rare to come across a simple, but effective, cost-efficient, and long lasting all natural spray deodorant.
I love this mix!
I’m an active guy in my mid 30’s who works in IT and needs to have something that is simple to make, offer all day coverage, and preferably be all natural and not make me break out due to sensitivity.
BTW, my own mix consists of 151 proof Vodka for the extended protection you discussed that it would provide, along with organic distilled white vinegar, and essential oils including a few drops of peppermint oil, lemon drops, lavendar, cedarwood, tea treal oil, and a little bit of patchouli I believe. I may simplify the amount of essential oils that I use in my next batch.
I love this one!!!!!
Thanks again!!! 🙂
So happy you like this Tim, and thanks so much for sharing your variation with us.
Hi,
This might be a stupid question, but in a few places you say that you shouldn’t use the vodka on younger children. May I ask why and why isn’t it a problem for adults? I have this feeling this might be a “duh” question, but I’d still appreciate an answer. 🙂
Vodka absorbs into the skin and I just feel it best to keep alcohol away from children.
Thank you – that makes sense! I will try this recipe soon.
Hi. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve tried this recipe now and it works, at least for an average not too intense day. I do still reapply it though during the day especially if I would be going out in public, and as to after a work out or badminton evening, well, even the typical bought antiperspirant doesn’t do the job. 🙂 I think though, once I run out of this bottle of vodka, I will try the higher proof option if available. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!!
I have a few questions. I’ve made several batches of homemade deodorants before starting the first batch off with baking soda,coconut oil, and essential oils. My skin broke out so I tried making homemade deodorants baking soda free using beeswax,arrowroot,coconut oil,shea butter, and essential oils. My skin didn’t break out but the deodorant was oily, greasy and seem to work ok. I think my body got used to it and doesn’t seem to hold up as long. Now I’m going to attempt using bentonite clay,magnesium oil,coconut oil and essential oils and see how that works. I was doing some research and found your post using only two ingredients. I read that magnesium oil absorbs in the skin which isn’t the ingredient that you use but using alcohol 151 proof for maximum odor protection. From a person that doesn’t drink applying the alcohol and white vinegar, would I have to worry about the alcohol content affecting me driving if I were to get pulled over causing a problem with my cdl license ? If not,I’d be willing to try it out.
Hi William,
You are not using much of the 151 proof, just a couple of spritz under each arm. That is not enough to cause any issues with driving.
Hi Halle
I’ll take your advice and give it a try.
Hey Halle
What essential oils doe you recommend and how many drops. Also I know that tea tree oil is one of the main essential oils but what about using camphor oil ?
Hey Halle
What essential oils do you recommend and how many drops. Also I know that tea tree oil is one of the main essential oils but what about using camphor oil ?
Hi Halle
Just wondering should I re-apply after working out or does it hold?
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It depends on each individual. If you notice an odor, I’d apply more if need be.
hi Halle
Thanks for sharing this formular. cant wait to mix it up and use it. I havr a question though. can I use whiskey rather than gin or vodka for this recipe? pls I need an answer thanks
Hi and thank you for the information. Would you recommend this for application from a rollerball or only from a spray bottle?