4 natural and practical deodorant recipes for a fresher scent

Natural deodorants that fight bacteria present on the surface of the skin — the main sources of odours —will help keep your skin dry and cool. Here are four examples that are easy to make at home.

This silky powder can be used on all parts of the body. The three citrus essential oils (neroli, which comes from the orange blossoms, petitgrain, from the leaves, and sweet orange, from the peel) are invigorating.

Ingredients

• 45g (3 tbsp) white clay
• 30 g (1/4 cup) baking soda
• 30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
• 20 drops essential oil of neroli
• 10 drops essential oil of petitgrain
• 10 drops essential oil of sweet orange

Preparation

• Sift all of the dry ingredients to remove any lumps.
• Put them into a bowl and add the essential oils. Stir and sift again.
• Keep this mixture in an airtight container.
• Apply using a powder puff or your hand.

Baking soda, cornstarch and arrowroot absorb moisture; sage and thyme neutralize the bacteria that cause odours; and lavender, an antiseptic, provides a fresh scent.

Ingredients

• 60 g (1/2 cup) cornstarch
• 30 g (2 tbsp) baking soda
• 30 g (2 tbsp) arrowroot
• 15 g (1 tbsp) powdered thyme
• 15 g (1 tbsp) powdered sage
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops essential oil of rosemary
• 10 drops essential oil of patchouli

Preparation

1. Sift the dry ingredients to remove the lumps.
2. Add the essential oils and sift again.
3. Store in an airtight container. Apply using a powder puff or your hand.

The essential oils of coriander and hemp neutralize bacteria; those of sage, rosemary and thyme contain chlorophyll and their powerful scents mask odours.

Ingredients

• 30 g (2 tbsp) dried rosemary
• 30 g (2 tbsp) dried thyme
• 30 g (2 tbsp) dried sage
• 180 ml (3/4 cup) witch hazel water
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) cider vinegar
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) essential hemp oil
• 15 drops essential oil of coriander
• 15 drops essential oil of grapefruit seed
• 10 drops essential lavender oil

Preparation

• Put the dried herbs in a glass jar; add vinegar and witch hazel water and seal. Keep cool and protected from light for two weeks, shaking the jar every day.
• Strain the liquid and pour it in a glass spray bottle before adding the oil. Shake well before use.

This lightly scented spray combines lavender, patchouli and clary sage to neutralize odours, extract of grapefruit seed (an antibacterial) and aloe to soothe skin irritated by shaving.

Ingredients

• 180 ml (3/4 cup) witch hazel water
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) vodka
• 10 ml (2 tsp) aloe juice
• 15 drops essential oil of patchouli
• 15 drops grapefruit seed extract
• 10 drops essential lavender oil
• 10 drops essential oil of clary sage
• 5 drops essential oil of bergamot

Preparation

• Put all of the ingredients in a glass spray bottle that you'll keep in a cool dry place.
• Shake the mixture before use.