Homemade deodorant

So I made my own deodorant today...

I found a recipe online which told me how to make deodorant which was aluminium and paraben free, as well as vegan. ( http://wellnessmama.com/1523/natural-deodorant/ )

So I decided to try it, since I'm trying to reduce the number of chemicals that come into contact with my body, as well as the fact that I'm sure that most deodorants/antiperspirants are tested on animals. 

I made recipe 2, as I don't know where to buy Shea butter. 

So the recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 4 tablespoons each of baking soda and arrowroot, with optional essential oils. Now, I had never heard of arrowroot, and sure as hell didn't know where to find it. A quick google search told me that it either is tapioca flour, or is interchangeable with tapioca flour, which confused me to no end. So I got this: 

I also used this brand of coconut oil, which I already had in the pantry:

I used Pam's baking soda, which is 1/2 a kilo for $2.50, and Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil for scent and antibacterial properties. 

To be honest I can't remember if I put 4 or 6 tablespoons of coconut oil in, but I suspect it was 4. 

You just mix the powders, mash in the coconut oil, and add essential oils for scent if you want to. 

I used some hot water in a sink, and placed the bowl I was mashing the ingredients together in into the water to soften the coconut oil so that it would mix better, as well as pour into the jar I was storing the deodorant in. 

So it's finished. How do I feel about it?

It smells heavenly! Like coconut with a little tea tree oil. It is solid until it touches skin, at which point it melts. 

Only a pea sized amount is required for each arm.

I've had it on for 3 or 4 hours, and I haven't had any irritation from the baking soda or arrowroot, which is good. 

I'm really proud of it, because despite the lack of effort, it feels like I've accomplished something. 

Fingers crossed that it works!