How to Make Your Own Deodorant Spray

No one wants to worry about body odor, but all of the harsh chemicals in commercial deodorant sprays can be a little scary. If you're not comfortable with a store-bought spray, you can make your own deodorant spray at home with ingredients you may already have. You can make a witch hazel-based formula, a vodka-based spray, a deodorant that uses magnesium oil, or an apple cider vinegar-based option that you can feel good about using -- and actually keeps you smelling fresh!

Ingredients

Witch Hazel-Based Deodorant Spray

½ cup (118 ml) witch hazel
¼ cup (85 g) aloe vera gel
¼ teaspoon (1.75 g) baking soda
10 drops clary sage essential oil

Vodka-Based Deodorant Spray

2 tablespoons (30 ml) vodka
2 tablespoons (30 ml) distilled water
2 drops rose essential oil
2 drops jasmine essential oil
2 drops orange essential oil
1 drop lavender essential oil

Deodorant Spray with Magnesium

1 tablespoon (15 ml) magnesium oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil
Pinch sea salt
Witch hazel, to fill

Apple Cider Vinegar Deodorant Spray

¼ cup (59 ml) apple cider vinegar
¼ cup (59 ml) distilled or spring water
30 drops lemon essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Mixing Up Witch Hazel-Based Deodorant Spray

1
Combine all of the ingredients into a spray bottle. Add ½ cup (118 ml) of witch hazel, ¼ cup (85 g) of aloe vera gel, ¼ teaspoon (1.75 g) of baking soda, and 10 drops of clary sage essential oil to a small glass spray bottle. It’s best to pour the witch hazel in first to make it easier for the thicker ingredients to mix with the liquid.^{[1]XResearch source}
- You can substitute aloe vera juice for the gel if you prefer.
- While clary sage essential oil is an extremely effective deodorizing oil, you should avoid if you’re pregnant because it may induce contractions. Instead, substitute lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or bergamot essential oil. It’s best to ask your doctor to ensure that the oil is safe, though.
2
Mix the ingredients. Once all of the ingredients are in the bottle, gently shake it to combine the mixture fully. You’ll need to shake the deodorant spray before each use because the ingredients may separate.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Make sure that you’ve securely attached the spray nozzle to the bottle before you shake it to avoid spilling any of the mixture.
3
Spray the deodorant under your arms. When you’re ready to use the deodorant, lightly mist each underarm area with the spray before putting on your shirt. Allow it to air dry before you finish dressing.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you want to help the deodorant spray dry more quickly, stand in front of a fan with your arms raised or lightly pat your underarms with a towel.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Preparing Vodka-Based Deodorant Spray

1
Mix all of the ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vodka, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of distilled water, 2 drops of rose essential oil, 2 drops of jasmine essential oil, 2 drops of orange essential oil, and 1 drop of lavender essential oil to a glass or plastic spray bottle. Pour the vodka and water in first to make mixing the spray easier.^{[4]XResearch source}
- To preserve the essential oils in the spray, use a dark colored spray bottle to protect them from the light.
- Use the highest proof vodka possible.
2
Blend the mixture well. Once you’ve added all of the ingredients to the spray bottle, carefully shake it to ensure that they’re fully combined. For the best results, shake the spray for approximately 10 seconds.^{[5]XResearch source}
- The ingredients may separate as the deodorant sits out, so shake the spray before each use.
3
Spritz the spray under each arm. To use the deodorant spray, lift your arms and spray each underarm area 2 to 3 times. Allow the deodorant to air dry before getting dressed.^{[6]XResearch source}
- The spray may sting if you apply right after you’ve shaved your underarms.
- You can reapply the spray throughout the day if necessary, such as after a workout.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Whipping Up Deodorant Spray with Magnesium

1
Combine the essential oils and the salt and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Add a pinch of real sea salt, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of magnesium oil, 15 drops of lavender essential oil, and 5 drops of frankincense essential oil with a large spoon. Carefully pour the salt and oil mixture into a glass spray bottle.
- Use a spray bottle that holds at least 2 ounces (59 ml).
2
Pour in the magnesium oil. After you’ve placed the salt and oil mixture to the spray bottle, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of magnesium oil. Measure the oil carefully because the deodorant spray may sting if it has too much magnesium oil.
- Low magnesium levels have been linked to body odor. Using the oil in the spray helps cut down on the odor even if you sweat a lot.
3
Add the witch hazel until the bottle is full and shake the mixture well. Once you’ve added the magnesium oil, pour in enough witch hazel to fill the spray bottle completely. Next, gently shake it to ensure that all of the ingredients are completely mixed.
- Because the ingredients may separate, you should shake the deodorant spray before each use.
4
Apply to your underarms. When you’re ready to use the deodorant, lift your arms and lightly mist your underarm area. Give the spray 5 minutes or so to air dry before putting on your clothes.
- The deodorant spray will stay fresh for approximately 6 months.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Creating Apple Cider Vinegar Deodorant Spray

1
Pour the apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. Add approximately ¼ cup (59 ml) of apple cider vinegar to a glass spray bottle. The vinegar should fill the bottle halfway.^{[7]XResearch source}
- The spray bottle should hold at least 4 ounces (118 ml).
2
Add the essential oils to the bottle. Once the apple cider vinegar is in the spray bottle, mix in 30 drops of lemon essential oil, 15 drops of lavender essential oil, and 5 drops of tea tree essential oil. The oils will help keep the spray from smelling like apple cider vinegar.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Feel free to customize the essential oil blend that you use to suit your personal preference. You can any combination as long as they equal 50 drops. Keep in mind that it’s best to use antibacterial oils, so consider substituting peppermint, eucalyptus, bergamot, oregano, lemongrass, and/or thyme.
3
Fill the bottle with water. After you’ve added the essential oils to the vinegar, pour ¼ cup (59 ml) of distilled or spring water into the bottle. The bottle should be completely full once the water is added. Shake it well to ensure that all of the ingredients are mixed.^{[9]XResearch source}
- If want your deodorant spray to provide extra odor protection, substitute 100 proof or higher vodka for the water.
4
Spray the mixture under your arms. When you’re ready to apply the deodorant, spritz the spray 1 to 2 times under each arm. Let the spray air dry on your skin before you get dressed.^{[10]XResearch source}
- The deodorant spray will stay fresh for up to a year.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
Are there any other recipes for homemade deodorant spray?
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Expert Answer
Mix 4-5 tablespoons of coconut oil with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Then add 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda along with 25-30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Finally, transfer the mixture to a jar. You can store it for up to 3 months.
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Question
What other essential oils can I use?
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Expert Answer
Try to use lavender, peppermint, or tea tree essential oil. They all work great for homemade deodorant.
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Tips

Lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil are especially effective in homemade deodorants.^{[11]XExpert SourceRitu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care SpecialistExpert Interview. 25 July 2019.}
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There’s usually a trial and error period with these homemade sprays as you learn how much you need to keep you smelling fresh all day. If you find that the spray isn’t providing enough odor protection, spray a little more to see if that helps.
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You may need to reapply these deodorant sprays throughout the day if you’re particularly active.
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Warnings

To avoid skin irritations, do an allergy test before using any of the sprays on your underarms. Mist a light amount on the inside of your wrist and allow it to air dry. Wait for 24 to 48 hours to see if your skin reacts. If there is no reaction, the spray is likely safe to use.
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If you have extremely sensitive skin, it’s best to ask your dermatologist whether the ingredients might possibly irritate your skin.
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