Are you tired of the harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances in commercial deodorants?
Discover the natural, refreshing alternative with essential oils! Not only do they offer delightful aromas, but they also come with many benefits–from antibacterial properties to soothing sensitive skin.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the best essential oils for deodorant, ensuring you stay fresh and confident all day. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, or looking to switch to a more natural lifestyle, these essential oils are perfect for creating a healthier, more sustainable deodorant option. Let’s embark on this aromatic journey and transform your daily routine!
Why Use A Natural Deodorant
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Commercial deodorants often contain potentially harmful chemicals like parabens and aluminum compounds, which have been linked to health concerns. Using natural deodorants helps you avoid these unwanted additives.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Essential oils and natural ingredients are typically much gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation, redness, or rashes. This makes natural deodorants an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
Eco-Friendly: Many natural deodorants come in environmentally friendly packaging and are made with sustainable ingredients. By choosing natural options, you reduce plastic waste and promote a healthier planet.
Effective Odor Control: Essential oils like the ones listed below have powerful antibacterial and deodorizing properties that combat odor-causing bacteria, keeping you fresh throughout the day.
Aromatherapeutic Benefits: Natural deodorants are infused with essential oils that offer additional wellness benefits.
The Best Essential Oils for Deodorant
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Aroma: Fresh & Floral
Lavender Essential Oil is renowned for its soothing and calming properties. But, did you know it also boasts impressive anti-fungal and antibacterial abilities? These qualities make it an excellent choice for deodorant, as it helps to combat odor-causing bacteria, while promoting healthier skin. Additionally, Lavender is gentle on the skin, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to avoid irritation.
Other Uses: Promotes Rest, Promotes Youthful Skin, Promotes Brain Health, Lengthens Hair, Uplifts
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Aroma: Medicinal & Herbaceous
Known for its potent medicinal aroma, Tea Tree Essential Oil is revered for its ability to soothe bumps, scrapes, and irritated skin. Research1 on its medicinal properties has uncovered impressive antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral effects. These attributes make it highly effective in combating odor-causing bacteria, ensuring you stay fresh and protected throughout the day.
Other Uses: Supports Respiration, Cleans, Reduces the Appearance of Breakouts, Soothes Scalp
3. Bergamot Essential Oil
Aroma: Citrusy & Floral
Bergamot Essential Oil is a natural deodorizer that effortlessly removes unpleasant odors. Its delightful citrus and floral aroma does more than refresh your senses; it actively combats the bacteria responsible for body odor. Plus, its uplifting scent can enhance your mood, providing a cheerful start to any day.
Other Uses: Aids Digestion, Balances Cravings, Supports Healthy Cholesterol, Boosts Immunity
4. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Aroma: Earthy & Citrusy
Lemongrass Essential Oil stands out for its earthy and citrusy fragrance that invigorates the senses, while effectively neutralizing odors. According to a study2, lemongrass exhibits potent aromatic and deodorizing properties, making it a formidable opponent against odor-causing bacteria. This ensures long-lasting freshness and a delightful scent throughout the day.
Other Uses: Cleans, Strengthens Hair, Deters Insects, Detoxifies, Supports Women’s Wellness
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
Aroma: Sharp & Minty
Peppermint Essential Oil contains menthol, an excellent antiseptic agent. Its remarkable antimicrobial and antiviral properties make it a formidable ally in the battle against odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, Peppermint’s cooling effect on the skin offers a refreshing sensation, making it an ideal ingredient for natural deodorant.
Other Uses: Supports Respiration, Eases Seasonal Discomfort, Energizes, Soothes Head Discomfort, Aids Digestion, Lengthens Hair
6. Grapefruit Essential Oil
Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy
Grapefruit Essential Oil boasts impressive antibacterial properties that can help cleanse your skin. This essential oil’s delightful, sweet, citrusy scent revitalizes your senses and works efficiently to deodorize. A study3 has shown that Grapefruit Essential Oil has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities, making it a powerful choice for natural deodorant formulations.
Other Uses: Supports Respiration, Promotes Youthful Skin, Detoxifies, Balances Cravings
7. Patchouli Essential Oil
Aroma: Earthy & Musky
Patchouli Essential Oil is celebrated for its earthy and musky aroma, bringing a sense of grounding and tranquility. Research4 has shown that patchouli fights against pesky microbes and bacteria like a true botanical warrior, making it particularly effective in natural deodorants.
Other Uses: Promotes Youthful Skin, Detoxifies, Promotes Rest, Deters Insect, Strengthens Hair, Uplifts
8. Geranium Essential Oil
Aroma: Floral & Sweet
Geranium Essential Oil is beloved for its floral and sweet fragrance, which brings a touch of elegance and relaxation to your daily routine. A scientific study5 has also discovered that Geraniol, present in Geranium Oil, possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties. These attributes make Geranium Essential Oil a robust option for natural deodorants, as it imparts a pleasant scent and effectively combats the bacteria responsible for body odor.
Other Uses: Promotes Youthful Skin, Promotes Hormone Balance, Soothes Skin, Uplifts, Detoxifies, Minimizes Appearance of Redness
9. Cypress Essential Oil
Aroma: Herbaceous & Fresh
Known for its skin-cleansing properties, Cypress Essential Oil effectively purifies the skin, leaving it feeling clean and revitalized. Research1 shows that Cypress Essential Oil contains powerful antiviral properties, making it an excellent choice for promoting overall skin health and hygiene.
Other Uses: Detoxifies, Supports Joint Function, Boosts Immunity, Relaxes Muscles, Promotes Rejuvenation
10. BO Be Gone Essential Oil Blend
Aroma: Fresh & Floral
BO Be Gone Essential Oil Blend is a special blend formulated by Simply Earth aromatherapists to help fight body odor. Designed with a precise combination of essential oils, this blend harnesses the power of nature to combat bacteria and neutralize unpleasant scents. The fresh and floral aroma keeps you smelling delightful and lifts your spirits. This Blend is the perfect choice for those seeking a natural and pleasing alternative to conventional deodorants.
Other Uses: Promotes Youthful Skin, Uplifts
How to Use Essential Oils for Deodorant
Tube Deodorant
One effective method of using essential oils for deodorant is by creating tube deodorant, which is simple to make and convenient to use. Below, you’ll find some recipe ideas; you can always switch out the oils with the ones above as needed.
- Fresh Natural Deodorant
- B.O. Be Gone Natural Deodorant
- Bergamot Oil Deodorant
- Lemon Eucalyptus Deodorant
Check out these twist-up Plastic Deodorant Tube and push-up Paperboard Tube.
Roll-On Deodorant
Another way to use essential oils for deodorant is to make roll-ons. Roll-ons are incredibly convenient; their compact size makes them easy to carry around and apply. To create your own roll-on deodorant, you’ll need a few straightforward ingredients: carrier oil, like fractionated coconut oil, and your chosen essential oils from the list above.
Body Spray
Creating a body spray with essential oils is a fantastic way to incorporate these natural wonders into your daily routine. Essential oil body sprays are easy to make, customizable, and portable, making them a versatile option for combating body odor and refreshing your skin throughout the day.
What Is An Armpit Detox?
An armpit detox is beneficial when transitioning from conventional deodorants to natural options. Traditional deodorants often contain chemicals, such as aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, that can accumulate in your skin and body over time. These substances can clog your pores and disrupt your skin’s natural purification process. By performing an armpit detox, you help your body expel these toxins, making the transition to natural deodorants smoother and more effective. This cleansing period can also reduce the likelihood of irritation. It’ll enhance the efficacy of natural deodorant by ensuring your pores are clear, and your skin is primed to fully embrace the natural ingredients. Not only does this practice promote healthier skin, but it also supports the function of the lymphatic system, aiding in your overall well-being.
To learn more about Armpit Detox and how to gracefully work through it, check out this Switching to Natural Deodorant: Armpit Detox Guide.
You can also check out this helpful recipe: Armpit Detox Mask
Essential Oil Best Practices / Safety Precautions
Always Use Diluted Oils
Always dilute an essential oil before using it on the skin. When diluted properly, this essential oil is unlikely to cause skin irritation. However, if the oil has been oxidized (left with the cap off for long periods), it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for properly diluting this essential oil.
Never Ingest Essential Oils
We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless directed by a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils, check out this blog post.
Essential Oils Aren’t Safe For Everyone
When using essential oils around children, pregnant women, and pets, caution should be taken.
For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.
For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.
References:
- Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. 2006 Jan
- Ngan T. T. K., Hien T. T., et al. Formulation of the Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil-based eco-friendly diffuse solution. 2020 Oct
- Burcu Uysal, Fazli Sozmen, et al. Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity of the grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi. L) peel essential oils obtained by solvent-free microwave extraction: Comparison with hydrodistillation. 2011 Apr
- Orchard A, van Vuuren SF, Viljoen AM, Kamatou G. The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercially essential oils and their combinations against acne. 2018 Mar
- Ben Slima A, Ali MB, et al. Antioxidant properties of Pelargonium graveolens L’Her essential oil on the reproductive damage induced by deltamethrin in mice as compared to alpha-tocopherol. 2013 Mar