Spray Deodorant Recipe

Katie Wells Avatar

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Homemade natural spray deodorant recipe
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Spray Deodorant Recipe

My homemade natural deodorant recipe is several years old and is one of the most popular on my site with almost 800 comments. I still use it and it is really effective, but some people don’t react well to the baking soda and are looking for another option.

It seems that baking soda gives some people an itchy, red rash when used on the underarms. It works incredibly well in deodorant recipes, but some people just can’t tolerate it and I definitely don’t recommend continuing to try a recipe that is causing a rash or pain.

One solution here is to just remove the baking soda from the original recipe, and use equal parts of shea butter, coconut oil and arrowroot powder with essential oils for scent, though some people find this isn’t as effective as the recipe with baking soda.

I found out recently when I packed the wrong glass jar for a trip that my magnesium body butter works really well as a deodorant. In fact, if you react to baking soda, I’d recommend trying the magnesium body butter as an alternative.

My accidental mix up made me wonder if there was another good natural deodorant solution besides the recipes with baking soda, and maybe one that was more convenient as well. One complaint with oil based recipes is that they can stain clothing if you don’t wait for it to dry before getting dressed.

I wanted a quick dry option that wasn’t oil based, didn’t have baking soda and that actually worked.

I also loved the idea of using something with magnesium like the magnesium body butter but didn’t want something that thick. Then, I found a perfect solution that I’ve sweat tested in a hot southern summer while running outside and it works.

I still love the original recipes, but I’ve been using this one too and even tested them both side by side and this recipe seems to be equally effective.

So what’s in it? Great question. The secret ingredient is….

Magnesium Oil!

It’s actually a misnomer, since magnesium oil just feels oily but doesn’t contain any actual oil, but it is incredibly effective at preventing underarm odor, plus you get a boost of magnesium. Add some essential oils and it is a great smell- good deodorant.

You can make magnesium oil yourself (this is the recipe I use) or buy the pre-made version here.

NOTE: Some people experience a tingling sensation when they first start using magnesium oil. This is considered a normal reaction, especially for those who are low on magnesium and it should fade in a couple of days.

TIP: To make this even more effective, mix 3/4 cup water with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and apply to underarms after showering and let dry before applying this. This helps remove any natural bacteria in the underarm and makes this spray deodorant last even longer.

Spray Deodorant Ingredients

  • 4 ounces magnesium oil
  • 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils or a mixture
  • A 4 ounce or larger glass spray bottle (I use this one but replaced the top because my kids dropped the bottle and the original top broke)

Spray Deodorant Instructions

  1. Make the magnesium oil if using homemade magnesium oil.
  2. Pour in to glass spray bottle and add any essential oils if using.
  3. To use: spray a small amount on underarms and rub in gently. Let dry for about 5 seconds.

Note: Stinging can sometimes occur if used right after shaving or if you are low on magnesium. This should subside after a few days.

Ever made deodorant? How did it go? Share your experience below!

This simple homemade spray deodorant recipe uses magnesium oil and essential oils for an effective and nourishing deodorant without harmful chemicals.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

332 responses to “Spray Deodorant Recipe”

  1. Leslie Avatar

    Katie, do you know whether using this deodorant would interfere with thyroid medication? I take levothyroxine in the morning, around the time I would apply deodorant. Thyroid meds must not be taken within 4 hours of mineral supplements. Since magnesium is a mineral, I am wondering if there would be a problem. Thanks by the way, for all that I have learned from many of your posts!

    1. Joey Avatar

      I also take levothyroxine in the morning for my thyroid. I asked my naturopath yesterday if applying magnesium oil topically as deodorant would interfere with the thyroid meds, and she said no, not topical magnesium.

      I have been taking magnesium supplements for years, so my supply is pretty decent, and I used magnesium oil as deodorant for the first time yesterday. I had zero itching or tingling, so it really works if you can get your supply boosted before applying the oil as deodorant.

      I successfully chased my 11-month old daughter around all day with a bit of dampness, but zero odor! I’m really excited to try it with some essential oils for a nice fresh scent! Thank you, Katie, for this recipe! I’m so tired of oily natural deodorants ruining my clothes! You rock!

  2. Regina Avatar

    Kari,
    Can you give us your recipe? I have the same issue. Very stinky. Nothing seems to help. Thank you.

  3. Teresa C. Avatar
    Teresa C.

    I made this recipe after realizing that I could not use baking soda deodorant. This spray has not given me the black place under my arms that gets very sore like the baking soda did; however, I am still breaking out with sores similar to pimples all under my arms. I have been using this for about 2 months now. I knew that I would go through some sort of detox, but how long does this last? I am worried that by summer my pits won’t be tank top worthy. 🙂 Occasionally, those sores will also show up on other parts of my body like down my side or on my stomach. Am I detoxing from almost 30 years of store-bought deodorant?

    1. Bel Avatar

      I have this problem as well – lots of pimples under my arms since using this recipe. Some days (when I’m not going out) I skip the magnesium oil and just use coconut oil, which seems to soothe the pimples but not really very effective at keeping the smell at bay! Any ideas why this rash might be occurring?
      I also have this issue that somebody else mentioned as well – the magnesium oil seems to not work so well under one of my arms, wonder why?
      But Katie, I must say thank you for all of the hard work you put into sharing all the amazing info on this site!

      1. Ann Lopez Avatar
        Ann Lopez

        Why don’t you just go and try milk of magnesia, that’s what I’ve been using for years. I heard that it might contain some bleach or other not so healthy in the ingredients, but not sure about this and since is magnesium based I think it should be much better that using commercial deodorant. Never experience something like this, but I did try magnesium oil in my under arms and feel that itchy and not so good results after all. I’ll keep using magnesium oil for other purposes though.
        Can anyone tell me if the other ingredients in Milk of Magnesia can be harmful enough to decide to stop using it? Thanks

    2. Kylie Avatar

      I have this issue as well, Katie can you shed any light on why these sores/pimples are appearing? They are so sore. I have been using it for 3 weeks now and they appeared at the start of this week and are worsening.

      1. Melissa Avatar

        I too, am having the same problem with a rash/bumps and serious pain under the pits and I’ve done a few pit detoxes thinking that might solve the problem and it hasn’t. This is hands down the best odor eliminating DIY deodorant I’ve ever made/used BUT the pain is getting to be a bit much. I tried the coco oil and baking soda but the baking soda made them red and itchy. I now alternate between a mixture of coco oil, essential oils, arrow root, baking soda (doesn’t seem to irritate the pits when combined with all the rest) and the mag. oil spray and it seems to help with the rash/bumps. I would prefer to use the mag oil spray exclusively as I have to reapply the other mixture more than I would like to achieve “freshness”. But love, love love this recipe! Guess I just have sensitive arm pits! 🙁 Hopefully my body will adjust and eventually I can just use this recipe without pain.

  4. Ann Avatar

    Have you ever heard of “Milk of magnesia” is basically Magnesium hydroxide, any thoughts against using this as a Deodorant or anything else? I have use it before with great results, a little bit messy though.
    Thanks for the great info on everything about magnesium.

  5. Mallory Avatar

    I use Magnesium oil every night before bed because it helps me sleep. Is this going to make me really sleepy if I use it in the morning? Thanks for the recipe! I’ve been doing the clay, coconut oil, and baking soda route for about six months, and I still sweat through, smell some after a long day, and it stains my clothes. Maybe this will work miracles! If this doesn’t work, I guess I’ll start buying it from Honest.

  6. Kari Avatar

    I tried this in hopes that it would work, nope:(. I am of Italian descent and tend to be, well, stinky, lol:). Anyways, I found a recipe for a spray on deodorant of Everclear. Tried it, worked ok, then found the right blend of essential oils and boom, been sticking with it for a month, just apply and go, even after shaving! My stinky hubby uses it also, no complaints. Tried everything out there, either burned or didn’t work. My goal for my company this last year was to find a deodorant that worked, proud to say I have!!!

    1. Ana Avatar

      What essential oils did you use? I’ve been using this recipe but it is working just OK for me yet, so I would love to find something that really works before the summer

  7. Adrienne Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    My husband has had a severe skin rash on his underarms for some months now, maybe even a year. He has tried several brand deodorants and already knows he has an aluminum allergy. I would like to try this magnesium deodorant for him; can you recommend some essential oils for men? Should I just smell some at my local health store? Is this recipe for men too?

  8. Stacey Avatar

    Been using magnesium deodorant for a few months now. Love it but still get the occasional stinging. Want to make this for my 10 y.o. daughter but she has sensory issues so I know she can’t tolerate the stinging. Do you think I could add some fractionated coconut oil to this recipe to ease the burn? If so, how much would you recommend? Would it alter the effectiveness?

    1. Joanne Avatar

      Once the Magnesium Oil has dried I find applying Tamanu Oil takes the sting away. I’m sure Coconut Oil would work too.

    1. Sonia Avatar

      Hi,
      I would also like to enquire that do we need to use a glass bottle or the travel size plastic bottles would work too?

      I have been waiting to prepare and try this bcoz of the bottle dilemma 🙂

  9. Dande Avatar

    I have been using this recipe for about 2 months now and absolutely love it! Works great and NO painful rash, as with other recipes. However, I have suddenly noticed it is NOT working, crazily enough, on only ONE arm pit. The other is fine. ???? Any suggestions??? Thanks!

  10. Rachel C Avatar

    Dear Wellness Mama,

    Is there any alternative oil to magnesium oil please? At the moment I am using the crystal salt rock deodorant – I just wish to make a spray with essential oils 🙂

    Thank You X

  11. Anita Avatar

    Hi Katie! Love your site! Thank you! Do you have a shampoo recipe for dry hair without oil or minimal oil? Or, can you tell me why some homemade shampoos make some peoples hair more oily and how to fix that problem? Thank you!

  12. Isabel Avatar

    The best antiperspirant I have ever used is a lime juice – I squeeze a bit of juice of lime (which I keep in my fridge) and apply to my armpits. The best thing ever!!!

  13. Deb Avatar

    Thx for the recipe and tips!!
    I’ve been using witch hazel as a deodorant and works really good too!
    Always good to get new natural alternatives!

  14. Stella Whittingham Avatar
    Stella Whittingham

    Hi Katie,
    Is it possible to add the magnesium to the solid deodorant bar in your recipe?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      You could certainly try it… you’d get something like the magnesium butter, which was the inspiration for this recipe, so I think it would work.

  15. Sally Avatar

    I love reading your recipes.
    This may seem like a silly question , but where can I obtain magnesium oil ?

      1. Vivian Avatar

        it’s stated that the oil needs to dry before dressing to avoid stains. What happens when you perspire?

  16. VickiMarie Avatar
    VickiMarie

    I’ve been using Tom’s Natural deo. for about 6 months and noticed that I now have a red rash on my underarms. I’m happy to have come across this post! I’ll be trying the magnesium. I wonder what’s in the Tom’s that would cause a rash?

  17. Carol Avatar

    I used this recipe and it does burn me every time, but I think I am really low in magnesium. I am using the recipe you posted to build it back up. I don’t think the caplets are as good as allowing the magnesium oil to absorb through the skin. I have tried quite a few of your recipes and love them. I have a stack going so that I can grab them and make them as needed, but they are saved on my macbook as well. Thanks for sharing! I really love reading it all! Blessings!!!

  18. Danika Avatar

    I have tried this for a couple of weeks but it still burns and stings a bit after I apply it which is somewhat unpleasant. I found that the sea salt spray seems to work fine as a deodorant and I don’t have the problem with the burning sensation so I’ll keep testing this out over the next few weeks. I was wondering about possibly addindga little witch hazel as it has some anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and cooling properties from what I read so I thought it might work well in a deodorant. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

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