Homemade Natural Deodorant Sticks!

 The Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/2 cup + 1 tsp  beeswax
• 3 T baking soda
• 1/2 cup Corn Starch (or Arrowroot Powder)
• 2-3 capsules probiotics that don’t need to be refrigerated (I love Bio Kult brand)
• Optional: Essential oils of choice – 
• I used about 13 drops of lavender and 13 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Directions:

I have a dedicated quart jar that I use as a makeshift double boiler.  That way I don't have to worry about messing up a good pot (mainly a problem when using Zinc for sunscreen), and I don't have to wash it because most ingredients for making lotions and bars are the same.  

So.. placing the jar in a pot with about an inch of water, add the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil and heat until completely melted. Stirring frequently.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly so as not to kill the probiotics when added.  

Add cornstarch, baking soda, probiotics, and any essential oils your using. (you can open the probiotics capsules by gently pinching and twisting apart the two haves of the capsule.)

Mix well.

Quickly poor/spoon mixture into molds or deodorant stick containers. Allow to cool for several hours before using.

Recipe as listed above made 4 sticks and a little extra. The sticks stay molded, but they will not be as solid as store bought deodorant.  You will need to only push up as much as you plan to use.

Purpose behind ingredients and Why it works!

Body odor is caused by bacteria which grows in the moist areas such as your under arms.

• Both coconut oil and the essential oils suggested have natural antibacterial qualities which keep these little buggers from growing and smelling.  
• The essential oils also have a pleasant smell that is good in and of itself. :)
• Baking soda neutralizes the acids produced by the bacteria and help to maintain a normal PH under our arms which also controls smell
• Corn Starch or Arrowroot powder (or other starch) absorbs sweat as well as the toxins that exit your body in your sweat.
• Probiotics create a balance of beneficial bacteria to the body odor causing bacteria and help to maintain your body ph.
• Shea butter and beeswax help create the solid deodorant form.