Water-Based, Alcohol-Free Foot, Shoe, and Underarm Spray for Sweat and Odor Control

Question

I need a water-based, alcohol-free spray formulation for feet, shoes, and underarms. The spray should reduce sweat, kill bacteria, eliminate existing odor, and prevent new odor. I understand that a formula without Ethyl Alcohol will dry slower than one containing it. Can you provide a suitable formula?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Based on the discussion and your requirements for a foot and shoe spray that reduces sweat, kills bacteria, eliminates existing odor, prevents new odor, can be used on underarms, and is water-based without alcohol (while acknowledging the drying speed limitation), here is a proposed formula and instructions.

Please note that a water-based formula without alcohol will dry significantly slower than one containing alcohol, as previously mentioned by the staff.

Here is the proposed formula:

Water: 65%
Anti-Sweat (Aluminum Chlorohydrate): 10%
Zinc PCA: 1%
Odor-Kill™ (water-soluble): 2%
Mild Preserve Eco (Ethylhexylglycerin + Caprylyl Glycol): 1%
LipidSoft Deo (Triethyl Citrate): 5%
Orange Flower Extract: 1%
Pine Oil: 1%
Flora Solve Clear: 14%

Properties of the ingredients:

Water: The base of the spray.
Anti-Sweat (Aluminum Chlorohydrate): Reduces sweat production.
Zinc PCA: Helps control bacteria that cause odor.
Odor-Kill™: Directly eliminates existing odors.
Mild Preserve Eco: Acts as a preservative to prevent microbial growth in the product.
LipidSoft Deo (Triethyl Citrate): An emollient ester with antibacterial properties, helping to prevent odor.
Orange Flower Extract: A body deodorizer.
Pine Oil: Can contribute to odor control and provide a scent.
Flora Solve Clear: A solubilizer used to help the oil-soluble ingredients (LipidSoft Deo, Orange Flower Extract, Pine Oil) disperse evenly in the water base.

Mixing Instructions:

In a container (Phase A), combine Water, Anti-Sweat, Zinc PCA, Odor-Kill™, and Mild Preserve Eco. Stir until all solid ingredients are fully dissolved.
In a separate container (Phase B), combine LipidSoft Deo, Orange Flower Extract, Pine Oil, and Flora Solve Clear. Stir until this mixture is homogeneous.
Slowly add Phase B to Phase A while stirring continuously. Continue stirring until the entire mixture is clear or uniformly dispersed.

This formula is designed to provide comprehensive sweat and odor control. It can be sprayed on feet, inside shoes, and on underarms. As it is water-based and does not contain alcohol, it will take longer to dry compared to alcohol-based sprays. The amount of Flora Solve Clear is intended to help solubilize the oil phase, but slight cloudiness may occur, which is generally acceptable for this type of product.