Sweating is natural and essential. And there’s just no way around it. It’s our body’s way of cooling us down and regulating our body temperature. So the reason why antiperspirants are even a thing is beyond me. They are stopping your body from doing something it’s meant to do. And let’s be clear; antiperspirants and deodorants are two completely different things. Antiperspirants stop you from sweating, while deodorants mask your smell. And while we are setting records straight, I’ll mention this ⏤ pure sweat is actually odorless. It is only when it mixes with our body’s bacteria is a smell created. So ever since I learned this, I’ve been team deodorant. Antiperspirants also contain some scary ingredients which pose equally scary health risks. So I’m skipping all the drama and sticking to the natural stuff.
And let me tell you, ever since I swore off antiperspirants back in ’12, I haven’t looked back. Especially since I’ve found this formulation that works. I’ve tried my share of store-bought deodorant sprays that never seemed to cut it and left me reapplying several times daily and annoyed. I am proud to say that I’ve finally found the secret sauce ⏤ a deodorant spray that actually works. I apply once a day (twice a day if I work out), and everything is golden.
If a traditional stick deodorant is more your speed, check out this recipe that I still use every now and then. It’s good to have options.
About the ingredients and supplies
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Apple cider vinegar
- Believe it or not, it’s an effective, all-natural deodorizer
- It neutralizes odors
- Will NOT make your arm pits smell like vinegar, I promise!
Distilled water
- Best option for the cleanest deodorant spray that actually works as possible
- If you don’t have distilled water on hand, filtered water is a close second
- But, distilled water doesn’t have any of the nasty chemicals found in tap water
Lemongrass essential oil
- An all-natural deodorizer
- Kills and stifles the growth of odor-causing bacteria
- Extra bonus: it’s also a natural bug repellant
Lavender essential oil
- Has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties
- Has cleansing properties too!
- Not to mention that fresh, calming fragrance
Tea tree essential oil
- Is anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and also antiviral
- Has purifying and cleansing properties
Glass spray bottle
- Glass is always the preference when working with essential oils
- Dark or UV protected glass helps to retain the effective properties of the essential oils
Vodka (100 proof or higher)
- Optional: Use this instead of distilled water to make this recipe extra strength
- Works as an antiseptic, antitoxin and sanitizer
- If you don’t have vodka, you can sub isopropyl alcohol 50% or higher
How to make
- Remove the spray cap on your glass spray bottle and get ready to add:
- 1/4 cup of Apple cider vinegar
- Next, add 30 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
- Followed by 15 drops of Lavender essential oil
- Next, add 5 drops of Tea tree essential oil
- Fill the remainder of your spray bottle with distilled water
- Better yet: For extra strength, substitute vodka (100 proof or higher) for the distilled water
- Whichever you use, make sure to leave room to add the spray cap back on!
- Shake to combine
- Enjoy!
Ways to use
- Shake well before use
- Apply a light mist to underarms as needed
- Store away from direct sunlight
Did you make this recipe?
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9 comments
Is this recipe for a 100ml spray bottle?
The bottle I used is 4 oz or 118mL.
No need to answer. Read the supplies section — I will need 120ml glass spray bottles. Thank you.
Will the alcohol not affect the microbiome of the underarms?
Is this okay for sensitive skin?
Thank you!!
It is! I wouldn’t use right after shaving if you have sensitive skin. And you can always further dilute with water if you like.