It can be hard to find a deodorant that doesn't contain aluminum oxide, synthetic fragrance, or other toxic chemicals. One solution: Mix your own with essential oils!

It can be difficult to find a good deodorant that doesn't contain toxic chemicals like aluminum oxide, other aluminum compounds, or synthetic fragrance and stabilizers. Antiperspirants are even worse. But nobody wants to walk around smelling unwashed all day! There are several options for natural deodorants, including health food store brands, deodorant crystals, and making your own.

'Natural' Deodorant

With natural products on the rise in both food and personal care, it's easy to find dozens of brands that offer either a natural product or an entire line of "all-natural" or "organic, herbal" products.

The problem? They may not be all that natural. Most "natural" brands contain the same chemicals as drug store brands, either in lesser quantities or with certain well-known additives removed (e.g. SLS, DEA, aluminum). It's worth the time it takes to read labels and ensure that all the ingredients in the products you use are truly natural and safe.

If you can't find a natural deodorant product that suits you, the following options might.

Other Options to Control Body Odor

There are several unconventional natural deodorant options, including crystals or salt rocks that leave an almost unnoticeable residue when applied, but take care of underarm odor.

But by far, one of the most pleasant natural deodorants is a blend of your own favourite scents and essential oils.

Make Your Own Essential Oil Deodorant

Homemade essential oil deodorants come in two varieties:

• a natural dry deodorant mixture of corn starch and baking soda (or a wet one of witch hazel and glycerin) with essential oils added for a touch of aroma, or
• a blend of pure essential oils used neat or mixed in a small amount of a base oil like olive or jojoba

Recipes

A good blend of essential oil to use (neat or mildly diluted) as a deodorant should:

1. Kill Bacteria or Limit Bacterial Growth: Most underarm odor is due to bacteria that thrive in moist, warm environments. Eliminating bacteria in this area can cut down on odor, so oils that are known antibacterial agents are a good choice.
2. Contain No Hot Oils: Oils such as thyme, oregano, cinnamon, clove, and mountain savory are great bacteria-fighters, but they are also high in phenols that may irritate the skin. For the sensitive skin under the arms, oils such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and patchouli (which is great for most skin types) are much gentler.
3. Use Oils That Are Therapeutic-Grade: You might not believe that the type of essential oils is very important when you're only applying them on your skin, but quality can make a world of difference. Most essential oils are poorly processed, or contain additives that may irritate the skin or cause acne and breakouts. For daily use, oils in your deodorant blend should only be organically-sourced, pressed at low temperatures and pressure, and safe to ingest or use topically.

Recommended Oils for Deodorant Blends

Patchouli – sweet and musky, moisturizing to the skin, attracts abundance

Lavender – gentle, soothing, cleansing and drying to the skin, an aphrodisiac

Peppermint and Spearmint – cooling and purifying, clean-smelling

Eucalyptus – tonic to the skin, gentle and soothing, refreshing

Melaleuca and Rosemary – fight bacteria, astringent

Cinnamon and Clove – potent antibacterial oils, attract abundance, hot oils (must be diluted with a base oil or present as a very small percentage of a deodorant blend)

Related reading:

• Personal Care Product Safety
• Love, Sex and the Sense of Smell: Essential Oil Aphrodisiacs