So this DIY natural deodorant found me instead of the other way around. I didn’t intend to make my own, but I was forced to after all others failed. It all started when I became pregnant with my oldest daughter. About six years ago. Wow, time flies can’t believe I just wrote six years ago. Ahh, my baby girl!
Anyway, I started to notice that my regular store-bought famous name brand was no longer working. So my journey began on trying different name brands, over and over and over again.
I tried probably around six different kinds within a few months. None of them worked.
What was going on!? It was so frustrating here. I am a first-time mom with an infant trying to find a deodorant that works during this time—all during the first couple of months of being a new mommy. Perhaps it was hormone disruptors or just hormone changes in general.
For those worried about me applying deodorant while breastfeeding, rest assured that I did not breastfeed — my personal decision and one to
Next, I researched different types of DIY and natural deodorants. I tried several natural store-bought deodorants, but I did not find any that worked. It appeared to me that it was my destiny to create the formula that worked for me. I gave up on store-bought products because I had spent and wasted so much money on this hunt.
Through much trial and error, I incorporated different formulas that I found online and tweaked them repeatedly until I found one that worked. So it should go without saying that you will have to find the right formula that works with your body.
My winning combination was to use the salt crystal immediately after showering in the morning. Once this was absorbed, I applied my spray deodorant. And FINALLY, it worked!
The spray deodorant was a little off-putting at first since I had only ever used a stick and clear gel deodorants in the past. But now, it’s all I’ve used for six years.
The 3 ingredients are witch hazel, magnesium, and essential oils. That’s it!
So what do all these ingredients do?
Crystal Body Deodorant – I use the actual crystal but have also used the crystal roll-on, and it works pretty well. The crystal is a mineral salt that prevents body odor and is also has antimicrobial properties. It prevents odor-causing bacteria. I like it because it doesn’t leave any residue, color/staining behind. I live in the hot part of the country with high humidity, so I add extra protection for sweating; this is optional.
Pure Magnesium Oil – Believe it or not, this helps to minimize body odor. Magnesium oil has other great benefits, but here we are using it for great odor-minimizing. BEWARE – This can cause stinging upon application, which can be due to a magnesium deficiency. This happened to me in the beginning but has gone away with time.
Witch Hazel – I love witch hazel. If you’ve never heard of it, don’t freak out by the name. It’s just an astringent, derived from a shrub called Hamamelis virginiana, that has multi-purposes. It’s great for the skin and cleansing the face as it doesn’t dry you out. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits. I use this for a lot more things. But for deodorant, it kills bacteria and eliminates odor. It also moisturizes the underarm and doesn’t dry it out.
Essential Oils – To add a pleasant scent to the spray deodorant, you can add your favorite essential oil scent. I have used lavender or orange. I’ve tried others but didn’t like the smell once it reacted with my body. Use your preferred essential oil brand. The one listed here is one of many I have used but love the most as they are not expensive.
Spray Deodorant Recipe – A Guide To Create Your Personal Deodorant.
Use a small spray bottle for this deodorant that has a fine mist. Trust me, it just works better and doesn’t get everywhere except where you want it.
Pure Magnesium Oil – fill ¼ of the bottle
Witch Hazel – fill ¾ of the bottle
Essential Oil (Optional) – 5 drops of your preferred scent; adjust as needed.
Shake the bottle well before applying.
2-3 sprays per side, adjust as needed
Trial and error, my friends. Find the best formula and ingredients for you. Remember, no two people are the same. Especially in this regard, your body odor and chemistry will play a direct role in what works best for you.
Don’t give up; keep trying. I can’t even tell you the number of times I had to create and recreate different formulas. But, I finally got my winning formula and have been using it for 5 ½ years after getting it right.
If you are wondering, no one notices that you are using a DIY deodorant unless it’s not working. But hopefully, you’re aware of this before anyone notices. My husband had no idea I made my own until recently. He said, “I never noticed, but I’ll let you know if it stops working.” LOL, thanks, honey.
Tip: Be sure to write down what you are mixing so you know if it works or doesn’t. Then make changes from there. This way, you’re not going in circles.
UPDATE 4/5/20
I recently tried other natural brands like Native, Lavanila, The Healthy Deodorant, Tom’s, and still, they don’t work for me. I get red bumps, itching, or they do not offer the odor protection I need.
I’m not sure what the ingredient is in these brands is that it doesn’t work with my body, but I know mine works for me. I also don’t like the consistency of the solid deodorants, but that’s my preference.
We’re all different, so what may work for me or doesn’t may have the opposite effect on you. I’d rather have a natural deodorant than not. Give this mix a try and see if it works for you.
I had to go back to my formula mentioned above and add some Lavender in the mix this time. It works great.
UPDATE 7/26/20
Since my last update, things have changed again. Not sure if it’s my body chemistry or change in diet or the scorching summer we’re enduring, but I had to find another alternative for the time being.
I still use my spray on days that I’m not working out. Otherwise, I started using Schmidt’s Rose + Vanilla deodorant. I found this one at Target, but you can get in on Amazon, of course. The one I purchased is enriched with magnesium, and it seems to work a lot better than other brands I’ve purchased. The scent is pleasant, and it works for me all day.
This may be a brand worth trying if you’re not into making your deodorant.
UPDATE 11/5/21
I’m sure by now you’ve seen ads for Lume deodorant for all your body parts. LOL. I’ve tried this one too. Tip get the samples to try before buying the full size. I tried it and really wanted to love it. However, for me, the smell is not pleasant. As part of getting the samples, you get 4 or 5 scents. I’m not a fan of any of them. Which of course doesn’t mean you won’t like it. We’re all different.
Besides that the more important question is does it work?
Yes, it did. But then for me, I could only smell that scent of the product. I’m back to using the crystal salt and my blend of deodorant spray.
Let me know which natural deodorants work for you in the comments below. You may have something I haven’t tried.
I wish you peace and guidance on your journey. Take care and be well.
