We’ve been thinking about shaving creams. Ever look at the ingredients in the commercial kinds? They are filled with unpronounceable and potentially harmful chemicals.

Here is Annie’s favorite simple formula to make and use instead. It smells good enough to eat and leaves your legs—or wherever—feeling soft and smooth.

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces almond oil
1/2 ounce beeswax
4 ounces water
2 ounces liquid castile soap
1 ounce glycerin
1 teaspoon borax
1/3 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract
20 drops essential oils: Thyme, lemongrass, clove, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender—or a combination—are highly antiseptic as well as delicious-smelling.

Combine oil and beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat. Once the wax has melted, remove from heat and stir in the water, soap, glycerin, and borax. Blend with a whisk or handheld beater until creamy. Add grapefruit seed extract and essential oils and stir to blend.

Makes 1 cup of shaving cream. This formula will keep 6 months in a glass jar with a screw top.