Body Odor Homemade Deodorants

Sweat is colorless, basically odorless, watery, salty, and ever-so-slightly oily when produced by a healthy body. Only when it’s combined with naturally occurring sebum, bacteria, yeasts, and hormones, plus any chemical residue on your skin, does it become odoriferous.

Standard commercial deodorants are among the most irritating personal care products we regularly apply to our bodies today. The majority of deodorants and antiperspirants on the market are filled with deleterious ingredients such as pore-clogging aluminum, petroleum byproducts, and preservatives. Some deliver such a heavy dose of synthetic fragrance that it may provoke nausea, sneezing, sinus and respiratory inflammation, and rashy skin.

Fortunately, chemical-free deodorants are simple to make and work remarkably well, though they do not perform like an antiperspirant and keep your underarms or feet dry. A puff of a natural deodorizing powder, such as simple baking soda, helps if excess moisture is a problem.

Herbs and essentials oils, when blended with vodka, deliver natural antiseptic and cleansing properties that effectively neutralize or minimize body odor. I think you’ll find that the herbal fragrances offered by the following recipes are gender-neutral and will appeal to all.

HERBAL FRESH DEODORANT SPRAY

This is one of my favorite homemade deodorants, with a delightful “green” aroma that leaves you feeling fresh and clean. It fights odor-causing bacteria and tones and tightens sweat glands and pores. Keep a small bottle with a few cotton pads on hand for when you need to freshen up a bit.

1½ cups usnea lichen, dried or fresh (usnea is quite dry even when fresh, so there’s no need to wilt it)
½ cup dried or 1 cup freshly wilted sage leaves
½ cup dried or ¾ cup freshly wilted lavender buds
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
30 drops lavender essential oil
30 drops rosemary (chemotype verbenon) essential oil
30 drops thyme (chemotype linalool) essential oil
3–4 cups unflavored vodka

EQUIPMENT: 1-quart canning jar, plastic wrap, strainer, fine filter, funnel, glass or plastic storage containers or spritzer bottles
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus 4 weeks for extraction
YIELD: Approximately 2½ cups
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 2 years

APPLICATION:
Up to 4 times per day If you’re using freshly wilted sage, cut or tear it into smaller pieces to expose more surface area during maceration. If you’re using freshly wilted lavender, strip the buds and any attached greenery from the stems; discard the stems. Place the usnea, sage, and lavender, along with the glycerin and the lavender, rosemary, and thyme essential oils, in a 1-quart canning jar and pour the vodka over them, so that it comes to within ½ inch of the top of the jar. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the mouth of the jar (to prevent the metal lid from coming into contact with the jar’s contents), then screw on the lid. Shake the mixture for about 30 seconds. After 24 hours, top up with more vodka if necessary. The herbs will settle a bit in the jar, but that’s okay. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks so that the vodka can extract the valuable chemical components from the herbs. Shake the jar for 15 to 30 seconds each day. At the end of the 4 weeks, strain the herbs through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin or, preferably, a paper coffee filter, then strain again if necessary to remove all herb debris. Press or squeeze the herbs to release all the valuable herbal extract. Discard the marc. Pour the liquid into storage containers, then cap, label, and store in a dark cabinet.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake well before each use. Spray onto clean, dry underarms and feet or apply with a cotton pad or cloth and rub in. Allow to dry before getting dressed. Follow with a deodorizing body powder, if desired.

LEMON AND SAGE DEODORANT SPRAY

Men, women, and teens enjoy this deodorant with its light, citrusywoodsy aroma. It fights odor-causing bacteria, tones and tightens sweat glands and pores, and leaves you feeling ultra-cool and confident. Keep a small bottle with a few cotton pads handy for when you need to freshen up a bit.

1 cup unflavored vodka
15 drops Atlas cedar essential oil
15 drops lemon essential oil
15 drops sage essential oil
½ teaspoon vegetable glycerin
Rind of 1 lemon, cut into long, thin strips

EQUIPMENT: Glass or plastic storage container or spritzer bottle
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
YIELD: 1 cup
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 2 years

APPLICATION:
Up to 4 times per day Pour the vodka into the storage container or spritzer bottle. Add the Atlas cedar, lemon, and sage essential oils, along with the glycerin and lemon rind. Shake vigorously to blend. You may leave the citrus rind in the bottle for up to 1 month, then remove. Label and store the container in a dark cabinet.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake well before each use. Spray onto clean, dry underarms and feet or apply with a cotton pad or cloth and rub in. Allow to dry before getting dressed. Follow with a deodorizing body powder, if desired. Bonus This formula doubles as an astringent and antiseptic liquid cleanser for your hands, face, or entire body, for that matter (avoid the eyes and mucous membranes). Use for impromptu cleansing when a bath or shower is not convenient.