2 Ingredient Natural Spray Deodorant

I am always on the lookout for new and better DIY deodorant ideas. When I stumbled across using grain alcohol to make a low tox deodorant spray I just had to make my own!

I have been using natural deodorants for a few years now and was making my own DIY deodorant paste too until I started reacting to the bicarb. Even doing a few pit detox’s didn’t help, as soon as I stopped the detox and resumed using the paste my rash returned. I was bummed. But that negative turned into a positive when I was lucky enough to get my hands on some 60% grain alcohol and tried this spray deodorant. (Don’t you love it when the universe gives you exactly what you need if you are open to seeing it?) Not only does it work better for me (and I believe what works best for everyone is different) but it is ridiculously quick and simple.

Not all Alcohols are Created Equal

Pure ethanol, also known as Grain Alcohol, is what I recommend you use. Food grade ethanol is obtained by fermentation of potatoes, fruit, grain or sugar cane. And although it can be toxic in large quantities and we are all aware of the health concerns of over consumption of alcoholic beverages, in this deodorant it is fine. There are no suspected health concerns from topical application of food grade ethanol.

Do not use Isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is derived from petroleum, causes skin irritation and dryness and is a suspected respiratory, liver, kidney, cardiovascular and neurotoxin. Not what you want in a low tox deodorant!! Ethyl alcohol, is considered safe to use topically, however, is also produced petroleum derived, and I prefer to aviod petroleum products as much as possible.

What Proof Alcohol Do I Need?

I have been using 60% or 120 Proof vodka to make this deodorant and that seems to work great for me. I have seen other recipes that use normal vodka but I have yet to try that and doubt it would be strong enough for me, but if you aren’t a stinky bitch like me then it might work perfectly for you. The general rule of thumb is the stronger the alcohol percentage/proof the better BO protection. I came across this publication that states 60-90% ethanol is the most effective at killing bacteria. And although this was in relation to hand sanitisers I think it would be relevant to the effectiveness of deodorants also as it is bacteria that cause the stink of BO.

It may be a bit tricky to find higher proof alcohol, but I have managed to find a few options online like this one and this one. I’d say if you visited some of the larger alcohol beverage stores in your area you should be able to source something suitable.

What Essentials Oil are Good for Body Odour?

There are quite a few essential oils that help reduce body odour. Look for ones that are antibacterial. Popular essential oils used in deodorants include lavender, peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass, geranium and bergamot. There really are heaps of oils that you could use, so experiment and come up with your own unique blend.

2 Ingredient Natural Spray Deodorant

What You Need

100ml Grain Alcohol (Stronger % the better)
30-40 Drop Essential Oil (I used 20 Drops of each Rosemary and Lemon)
100ml Spray Bottle (We stock these ones but repurposed works just as well)

What to Do

Simply combine all the ingredients into your spray bottle, shake and Boom, all done. Simple.