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.