Homemade beeswax deodorant

The other day I made some deodorant.  I had bought some shea butter last week for that purpose and I finally got around to using it.  It was so easy and quick to make this stuff.  Took me under 10 minutes and most of the time is spent melting the beeswax.

Anyhow, it was a baking soda based recipe, so I am a little anxious as to the overall result.  A little research brought to light the fact that baking soda, being quite alkaline, sometimes irritates the skin when combined with the slightly more acidic pH of sweat.  I lowered the amount of baking soda, so we'll see how that turns out.  

In the meantime, I am simply tickled with these little jars lining my counter!  I actually made a batch, then had to redo it because it didn't solidify properly (think slushy).  The solution came in the form of beeswax.  I don't have beeswax pellets lying around my home, but I did have an old candle that had broken from Palm Sunday last year.  I couldn't have imagined a more perfect use for it and I'm so glad I remembered it!  (And I am so envious of all those beekeepers out there who have almost unlimited access to the stuff!)  

I plan on giving a couple jars to some family members as gifts.   I'll post back here if there are any reactions reported from the baking soda.  Hopefully none!  :)  

Cheers!

PS - I am positive you could just remove the baking soda from the recipe, but the addition of makes the concoction more heavy-duty.  Also, I'm thinking of adding tea tree oil with/instead of the lemon essential oil.  It has antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral properties - which are all fantastic qualities in a deodorant!

LEMON BEESWAX DEODORANT

3.5 Tbsp coconut oil

2 Tbsp shea butter

1.5 Tbsp beeswax

2 Tbsp arrowroot powder

1 tsp baking soda

lemon essential oil (optional)

Heat a small pot of water on the stove.  When boiling, turn heat to low.  Add coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax to a 250 mL mason jar and place jar in hot water.  Swirl occasionally until everything has melted.  (The beeswax will take the longest.)  Add cornstarch and baking soda.  Stir well to combine and let rest for about 2 minutes in hot water bath.  Add desired amount of lemon essential oil (I can't remember how many drops I used, but it was probably around 20), stir well and remove from heat.  Pour into jars or containers and let harden.  (I gave it another stir for good measure while it was still pudding-like.)