The Best Essential Oils for Body Odor & Recipes

Using essential oils for body odor can be as simple as diluting a drop in half a teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil and applying it to each pit. If you want your go-to natural deodorant to work extra hard to keep funk and sweat at bay, then this article is for you. 

The Best Essential Oils for Body Odor 

The top essential oils for body odor will be those that both smell lovely and have potent antibacterial effects. 

Geranium 

Geranium essential oil smells like a wonderful blend of florals, so if your go-to deodorant scent is something-flower-like, then this oil may be a good choice. Geranium is one of the best essential oils for skincare and can also fight bacteria and soothe irritation. A bonus to geranium oil is that it also stimulates lymphatic flow boosting detox for optimal health. 

Tea Tree 

Tea tree is one of the most popular antibacterial essential oil used for killing funk and germs. Because tea tree is also antifungal and anti-inflammatory, tea tree is an excellent choice for killing the stuff that causes bad odor. If you’re looking to prevent sweat, though, tea tree will not inhibit it, but it will keep it under control. 

Vetiver 

Vetiver has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties that can give you that lovely (some think manly) scent while cleansing you of any dirty, unwanted odors. 

Lavender 

Lavender oil is one of the most-used essential oils in natural deodorants and for a good reason. Lavender has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and antimicrobial properties. Lavender can help with just about any skin issue, and that includes your sweaty, smelly underarms. In addition to fighting body odor, lavender’s relaxing. Lavender’s relaxing benefits will help to keep you calm, relaxed, and collected all day long. Yup, this will be great for when you have to do something that makes you anxious. Anyone else sweat when they get nervous? 

Lemongrass 

Lemongrass oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antibacterial. This oil will help fight underarm bacteria and bad odor effectively. Another great benefit of lemongrass oil is its detoxification effect and help flush out bad toxins. When absorbed, lemongrass will kill toxins on site! 

Rosemary

Rosemary has strong antiseptic and antibacterial effects that will keep your pits clean and smelling crisp. The only possible con to using rosemary is that it stimulates hair growth—but I mean, if underarm hair is back in from the ’60s and you’re into it, then rosemary might be the right oil for you.  

Thyme 

As a natural astringent and potent antibacterial, thyme oil is a fabulous oil choice for those who want lovely smelling pits, no odor, and less sweat. 

Carrier Oils for Deodorant 

Now that you’ve chosen your oil of choice let’s pick your carrier oil. It’s necessary to dilute oils before applying them to your skin. 

Coconut Oil: for underarm odor, this is my go-to. Because it’s solid at room temperature, it’s easy to work with. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties that will enhance the effectiveness of your essential oils. 

Sweet Almond Oil: non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and will smooth skin from razor burn or irritated underarm skin. 

Jojoba Oil: non-comedogenic and perfect for every skin type. This oil is perfect if you’re struggling with ingrown hairs. 

DIY ESSENTIAL OIL DEODORANT RECIPES

DIY Deodorant Roll-On 

Yield 1 oz 

In a dark roll on glass bottle, combine: 

• 1 ½ tablespoon of organic witch hazel 
• 5 drops of vetiver oil 
• 5 drops of lavender oil 
• 5 drops of thyme oil 
• Shake and roll on to each underarm 

DIY Deodorant Spray 

Circulatory blend to neutralize odors and stimulate lymphatic drainage – in a small, dark spray bottle, combine 

• ¼ cup of witch hazel
• ¼ cup of purified water 
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 drops thyme oil
• 4 drops vetiver oil
• 4 drops rosemary oil