How to Create a Homemade Rosemary and Eucalyptus Deodorant

Suzanne is a qualified beautician and has worked for many leading fragrance houses over the years.

Deodorants or antiperspirants are one of the essential hygiene products we all need. Most of us have tried several different brands in a bid to find the ideal one that ticks all of our boxes.

When we do find that ultimate product, we tend to stick to it like glue. At the end of the day, who wants to smell of body odor or have wet perspiration stains on their shirt at the office or in that board meeting?

Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants

Deodorants are primarily used for odor control and not for eliminating sweat. Our body odor is caused from the bacterial breakdown of sweat. The ingredients in deodorants are designed to either eliminate or mask the smell caused by the bacteria.

Antiperspirants are designed to prevent our body from producing sweat by blocking it and stopping it from reaching the skin surface. The main active ingredient that has caused increased alarm is aluminium.

This is designed to block the pores so sweat cannot pass through. A much discussed, debated and controversial ingredient, aluminium, is in many antiperspirant brands, and when mixed with sweat, a yellow staining on our clothing is the end result.

For me, I want a totally natural product with a handful of easily recognizable ingredients (not a list of 20+, most of which I have never heard of) that are effective without causing any harmful side effects.

I also favor real fragrances and definitely not synthetic copies, and I certainly want to avoid toxins and chemicals. I also want products that do not cost the earth. Sound impossible?

Welcome to my world of homemade beauty, hygiene and fragrance products!

Deodorant Ingredients

Here's a breakdown of the main ingredients in the deodorant recipe below.

• Coconut Oil: An all-around marvel for the skin, its antibacterial and skin-softening properties make it an excellent deodorant ingredient, fighting off odor and keeping our skin supple and nourished.
• Beeswax: The main reason for using beeswax is to give the deodorant substance and be solid. Beeswax may also be useful for helping perspiration problems as well.
• Shea Butter: A natural skin softener, this also has healing properties. So it is useful for any shaving bumps or skin tags as a result from shaving.
• Clay: This will add dryness protection to your deodorant and dries up the nasty perspiration before it hits your clothing, where it often leaves unwanted stains. Whilst the clay is effective, it will not work to the same extent that an antiperspirant will—which is a very different product and contains a big problem ingredient, aluminium, which is harmful and should be avoided! Clay is a beneficial ingredient in many DIY beauty products, so it will not go to waste once bought. To read all about what clay is used and the different ones available, check out Mountain Rose Herbs for great information on their five quality clays available to buy.

Essential Oil Ingredients

Here's a breakdown of the two main essential oils in this recipe.

Rosemary

This is a great essential oil that's perfect for deodorants, as it is has antibacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant and astringent properties. Some other great reasons to have it in your cupboard are: it helps dandruff, coughs, colds, diarrhea, fluid retention, migraine, muscle aches and pains, sinus problems and is a natural insect repellent. This makes a perfect ingredient to have in a massage oil or lotion.

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram, Niaouli, Oregano, Peppermint, Pine, Ravensara, Tea Tree and Thyme.

Eucalyptus

This oil has many different properties and makes an excellent addition to a deodorant. In this case, it is the antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and healing qualities that make it so beneficial to include. Eucalyptus is powerful for treating blisters, burns, chills, colds, coughs, insect bites, skin infections, headaches, fever, and throat infections, as well as muscular pains. Much like rosemary, it is an excellent oil to incorporate into massage oil.

Blends well with: Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cypress, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary and Thyme.

Recipe for a Homemade Rosemary and Eucalyptus Deodorant

If you wish to substitute the oils or add in a few extra, just make sure your total essential oils added are 20–25 drops. For example, tea tree, lavender, frankincense, bergamot, lemon, ylang ylang, or orange are all good additions or alternatives for deodorant. Feel free to check the lists with rosemary and eucalyptus for alternatives.

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Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1–1 1/2 tablespoons grated beeswax (or use beeswax pellets)
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 4 teaspoon clay (bentonite is one example to use)
• 10–12 drops rosemary essential oil
• 10–12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• Old deodorant container, cleaned and sterilized
• Saucepan
• Hand whisk
• Spoon/spatula

Directions

1. Add the beeswax and coconut oil to your saucepan, and begin melting them over a low heat, whisking frequently.
2. Once melted, add in the shea butter and whisk a few times, removing it from the heat.
3. Allow this to finish melting. When it is totally liquid, start to sprinkle in the clay, whisking as you go until it is all combined and blended.
4. Add your rosemary oil, whisking it in. Then add your eucalyptus, whisking this in until fully combined. Sit the pan in a cool water bath for five minutes or until the liquid starts to thicken but is still a pouring consistency.
5. Remove from the water bath and start to spoon your deodorant into your container. Start to fill it with the container completely twisted down for maximum product.
6. Place it in your freezer 30 minutes or until it hardens, and your deodorant is ready!
7. Pop on the lid and you are finished!

Tips

• During hot weather, you may find it starts to melt. So pop it in the freezer to harden it or simply leave it in the fridge.
• Don’t store in direct sunlight, but a cool, dark area or cupboard is best for the essential oils and for the shea butter.

Comments

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on September 05, 2016:

I can't wait to try this! I've been looking for a good homemade deodrant recipe and this one is unique. I haven't seen anything like it anywhere else. My only challenge will be finding bee's wax. I have all the other ingredients. As always, thank you for your beautiful and instructional articles!

alex on June 10, 2014:

Hi suzie

I'm a little confused. The chemical formula for benonite still has up to 6 aluminium atoms per molecule as per the chemical formula.

[Ca, Na, H) (Al, Mg, Fe, Zn) 2(Si, Al) 4O10(OH)2 - xH2O]

This molecule has a lot more aluminium than that dangerous aluminium zirconium tetrachlorhydrex (Al2Cl7H7O7Zr2) that is contained in a lot of anti persirants so issue surely using clay is no better? Is there a substitute that is still safe?

Source - geology degree

Kind regards

Alex

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on October 20, 2013:

Hi abetterwaytolive,

So good to hear you enjoyed this homemade solution. Hope you get a chance to try it out sometime! Appreciate your comment and votes!

Casey Johnson from Sanger, Texas on October 18, 2013:

Great hub. I have a terrible allergic reaction to the aluminum in that is found in most deodorants. I'm glad there is a natural solution out there. Thanks. Voted up.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on May 25, 2013:

Hi Sue,

Many thanks for your visit here and so glad you are a fan! I have been having issues with getting into fanmail too so it is obviously an HP problem, don't worry, your support is visible and noted by me so many thanks again!! Appreciate your votes shares and for pinning, have fun trying this recipe out!

Susan Bailey from South Yorkshire, UK on May 25, 2013:

I am constantly on the lookout for a deodorant that doesn't contain aluminium or alcohol and works too. Will definitely try this one. Tried to leave you some fan mail, but the box disappeared so am not sure if I was successful or not. Anyhow, rest assured I am a fan! Voted up etc., pinned and shared

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on May 04, 2013:

Hi pooja,

Many thanks for your comment and visit, great to receive!

Pooja S from Toronto on May 03, 2013:

wow....this is nice idea for homemade deo....

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on May 03, 2013:

Hi Rajan,

Lovely to have you visit and comment, always a pleasure to receive! Glad to hear you enjoyed this and other recipes. Your votes, share and pin are so welcome and much appreciated my friend!

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 03, 2013:

Hi Suzie, I love these all natural cosmetic product recipes that you share. Thanks for sharing a natural recipe for a much used product especially used in summers.

Voting this up, useful, interesting and sharing and pinning.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 29, 2013:

Hi Kymberly,

Many thanks for your comments and visit. It is surprising how often companies change their formulas and ingredients and not always for the better. So glad to hear you like these ingredients, I love their scents and the fact they are good for this type of product. many thanks for your interest and look forward to hearing how it goes for you!

Kymberly Fergusson from Germany on April 29, 2013:

It's also super annoying when your favourite company goes and changes the formula (for the worse)! I am going to have to try making this recipe - I love both rosemary and eucalyptus scents, and have sensitive skin. Looks ideal!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 28, 2013:

Hi Kathryn,

Thanks a bunch! So glad you enjoyed this one and hopefully you will get to try it out later. Appreciate your support always and your valuable contribution you always make on my on work!

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on April 28, 2013:

As usual, very clever! It's interesting to hear about the main bad ingredient in many deoderants. I think I may give this a try at some point. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 28, 2013:

Hi vespa,

Delighted you enjoyed, I never forget such things, especially from good friends! Fingers crossed you will find that "special place" soon, I know how unsettling it can be as i feel a bit in limbo too itching to get to Italy. My apartment is nearly ready for letting and that will take a weight off my shoulders for sure. Otherwise all is good, hoping for a nice summer with some sun!!!

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on April 27, 2013:

Yes, I was so excited to see a great recipe in answer to my question! : ) The move is still going--in limbo still looking for the right place. It'll come along eventually. Hope all is well with you!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 27, 2013:

Hi CozyPozy,

Thanks very much glad you enjoyed this!!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 27, 2013:

Hi vespa,

Hope all is good in Peru and your move! Delighted you enjoyed it was always in my head after you mentioned to me some time ago you would love a DIY deodorant! Hope you can source locally the shea butter or get online reasonably. Appreciate you support and encouragement, have a great weekend!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 27, 2013:

Hi prasetio,

I'm good thanks, trust you are too! Many thanks for visiting and for your support and votes, so greatly appreciated! Glad you enjoyed the natural element and I look forward to your input always!

CozyPozy from USA on April 27, 2013:

Another awesome hub. I love your second photo! Very funny.

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on April 27, 2013:

Wow, another exciting DIY beauty recipe! I am especially interested in this one as I choose not to use deodorants with aluminum. I can easily get the beeswax, but I'll have to look into finding shea butter. This one will definitely make me feel pampered. Thank you so much and have a great weekend!

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on April 27, 2013:

Hi, Suzie. How are you? I hope you always fine and healthy as well. Thank you very much for writing. I love this hub very much, especially for the natural recipe. Good job and VOTED UP :-)

Prasetio

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 27, 2013:

Hi livingsta,

Delighted you enjoyed this deodorant recipe and hopefully you may try it out in the future! Appreciate always your support and enthusiasm livingsta, cheers for votes and sharing!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 27, 2013:

Hi Janet,

Many thanks glad it was helpful for you, anytime!

livingsta from United Kingdom on April 27, 2013:

Hi Suzie, you have come up with another useful hub as always. I enjoy reading them as they are so full of information and ideas and hopefully one day try them too.

Thank you for sharing this with us. Voted up and sharing!

Janet Giessl from Georgia country on April 27, 2013:

Hi Suzie, thank you for your clarification. I will check out the hub you mentioned.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 26, 2013:

Hi Janet,

Thanks so much! Deodorants and antiperspirants are often the cause of causing skin irritations so patch test is always a good idea, to be honest patch test is worth doing for any new ingredients you are not sure about. Especially if you are sensitive and have any allergies. Homemade beauty products all differ on shelf life and many don't have one due to their ingredients. Preservatives will extend products and feature in some recipes and usually in store bought cosmetics. Hope this is okay! Thanks so much for all your interest and enthusiasm, love your input!

products. i have a hub on how long to keep cosmetics which is mostly about brands if you like to check it out.

Janet Giessl from Georgia country on April 26, 2013:

This is a great alternative for those who have problems with store bought deodorants like me. I have one question: How long can you keep homemade beauty products and should you keep them in the fridge?

I really love your home beauty product recipes!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 25, 2013:

Hi Rose,

Hopefully everyone will find it useful or at least make people think that the majority of cosmetics or skin care bought may have healthier, natural alternatives! Thanks Rose for all the interest and support!

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 25, 2013:

You're helping so many of build "to do" home beauty product lists! How lovely to use homemade deodorant.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 24, 2013:

Hi Carol,

This is not too difficult to do and would not take long once you have the ingredients ready to go. Thanks for asking about the clay, I have re-edited it as i did have a link that explains the different types of clay available to use but it was not done correctly I can see now. Mountain Rose Herbs I find are a great stockist online for nearly all homemade recipe essentials including clay so I have a link in the hub under the clay section that brings you straight to their page on it. It is not ordinary clay that is used and the different ones may be bought reasonably. Appreciate you bringing this to my attention, Thanks for your votes and pin, hope all is well with you!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 24, 2013:

Hi Bill,

Apologies, made a boo boo replying! Thanks so much and absolutely . . . not was I am implying you have the dreaded body odor!! LOL Now Bill, would I?? MJ might but dear ol' sweet innocent me? Appreciate your interest and support you are always sure to raise a smile in this house! Take care and love to you both and the chicks!

carol stanley from Arizona on April 24, 2013:

though this sounds like a bit more work than some of your other recipes...I like the idea of natural. Where do you buy clay? Is it regular clay? This is great and you can bet I am voting up+++ pinning.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 24, 2013:

Are you suggesting that I might have body odor? Are you suggesting that MJ has body odor? He may smell like, well, kerosene, but stink? I think that's a bit harsh, don't you, Irish?

Does Irish Spring make deodorant? Just curious!

Okay, this really is very clever and ingenious of you, and I bow to your creativity. I will consider this and give it to Bev to make the final decision.

Thanks Suzie...hope you are well my friend.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 24, 2013:

Hi MJ,

LOL, there is ALWAYS one!! It would be you! Ha! Me old petrol head, you just wait, you want kerosene and diesel deodorant? No problem, it's on the list if you can handle it i can write it! LOL Cheers MJ, nuts as ever!

mjkearn on April 24, 2013:

Hi Suzie

Love this and just what I need but is there any chance of a kerosene/ diesel mix deodorant for us petrol heads.

Great job. Voted up, ticked and shared.

MJ.