How to Make Natural Essential Oil Deodorant

Why make a natural essential oil deodorant? Although many people try to stop their underarm sweating with antiperspirants, blocking the sweat glands with an antiperspirant interferes with the natural elimination of toxins from your body. Plus, most commercial antiperspirants and deodorants contain aluminum compounds, which some sources believe are potentially toxic.

The best essential oil for deodorant will help clear away the bacteria that cause odor. Eden's Garden recommends the following essential oils:

• Bergamot
• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Tea tree
• Thyme

To that list, Simply Earth adds balsam fir, grapefruit, lemongrass, lemon eucalyptus, pine, and patchouli as effective essential oils for body odor.

Always make sure you aren't sensitive to any of the essential oils for deodorant you choose to use.

Here are nine recipes for using essential oil as deodorant. The first five blends are creamy deodorants you apply with your fingers or a cotton pad. Then there's two stick deodorants, followed by two deodorant sprays.

Caution: Many of these recipes use baking soda, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch because they absorb perspiration. These ingredients are fine for most people but will irritate the skin of some. Test a small amount of each ingredient under your arm to make sure the ingredient doesn't irritate your skin.

1. Basic Essential Oil Deodorant Recipe

This DIY deodorant is probably the simplest you'll find.

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 20 to 25 drops lavender essential oil (or essential oil of choice, such as sandalwood for men)

1. In a small bowl, combine melted coconut oil, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), and baking soda.
2. When the mixture has thickened slightly, thoroughly blend in essential oil.
3. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let cool. Cover with lid.

To use: Apply a thin layer to your underarms using your fingers or a cotton pad.

Source: Skinny Ms.

2. Homemade Deodorant With No Baking Soda

If baking soda irritates your skin, try this deodorant blend.

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, softened
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 18 drops essential oil (see suggested blends)

1. Stir the coconut oil and aloe vera into a glass jar.
2. Gently mush in the arrowroot powder.
3. Drop in the essential oils. Stir gently.

To use, dab a round cotton face pad into the deodorant and apply to underarms. You may need to apply it several times a day.

Suggested blends:

• 9 drops patchouli + 5 drops spike lavender + 4 drops neroli
• 8 drops opopanax + 7 drops lavender + 3 drops rose
• 10 drops neroli + 4 drops piñon pine + 4 drops juniper

Source: The Heart of Aromatherapy

3. Natural Essential Oil Deodorant with Shea Butter

Shea butter is another ingredient you can use to make natural deodorant.

• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 10 to 30 drops essential oils

1. Heat shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler over medium heat until barely melted.
   
2. Remove from heat and blend in baking soda and arrowroot, mixing well.
3. Stir in essential oils.
4. Pour into a glass container for storage. Cool. Cover with lid. Use as needed.

Source: Wellness Mama

4. Extra-Strength Natural Homemade Deodorant

This natural essential oil deodorant provides extra-strength protection.

• 1-1/2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
• 3/4 teaspoon shea butter
• 3/4 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 3 drops each eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils

1. Using a small saucepan over low heat, combine the grapeseed oil, shea butter, and vegetable glycerin. Stir continuously, until the shea butter melts and mixture has a uniform consistency.
   
2. Remove from heat. Stir in the baking soda and essential oils.
3. Place in an airtight glass jar. Use as needed.

Source: GOOD

5. Natural Essential Oil Deodorant Stick

Makes about three containers of deodorant.

• 1-1/3 cups coconut oil
• 1-1/2 tablespoons grated beeswax
• 3/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 25 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil
  

1. Heat coconut oil and beeswax over low heat until barely melted.
2. Remove from heat.
   
3. Stir in other ingredients, except essential oils.
   
4. Let cool, stirring about every 5 minutes, until mixture becomes the consistency of pudding.
   
5. Blend in essential oils.
   
6. Spoon mixture into deodorant stick containers. Let set overnight in a cool location.

Source: Traditional Cooking School

6. Deodorant Stick for Sensitive Skin

Fills two deodorant containers.

• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons grated beeswax
• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 1/3 cup arrowroot powder
• 1 to 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 10 to 15 drops essential oil

1. Melt coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously.
2. Remove from heat. Whisk in arrowroot powder and baking soda.
   
3. Stir in essential oils quickly as mixture will start to thicken.
4. Pour into two empty deodorant containers. Let sit for a couple of hours until completely set.
   
5. Place lid on deodorant. Use as needed.

Source: Thank Your Body

7. Essential Oil Deodorant Spray

Making your own natural essential oil deodorant spray is a little more complex.

• 5 drops cypress essential oil
• 5 drops lavender or coriander essential oil (men may prefer coriander)
  
• 5 drops sage essential oil
• 15 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 tablespoons witch hazel or aloe vera juice
• 1 tablespoon alcohol
• Spray bottle
  

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Before each use, shake well. 

Source: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

8. Natural Spray Deodorant With Hydrosols

Hydrosols are a gentle alternative to essential oils.

• 25 ml (5 teaspoons) geranium hydrosol
• 20 ml (4 teaspoons) roman chamomile hydrosol
• 3 grams (0.1 ounce or slightly more than 1/2 teaspoon) acacia gum
• 5 drops scotch pine essential oil
• 5 drops petitgrain essential oil
• 5 drops palmarosa essential oil
• Spray bottle
  

1. Dissolve the acacia gum in the hydrosols and pour into a spray bottle.
2. Add the essential oils and shake vigorously.

To use: Shake and spray 2 to 3 times under each arm.

Source: The Essential Guide to Natural Skin Care

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Image Source: 123RF Stock Photo/citalliance