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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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.
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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!!
★★★★★
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!