As the temperatures continue to rise throughout the country, our thoughts inevitably turn to beaches, vacation..yes, but also, deodorant. The good news is that natural deodorants have made significant strides in efficacy, ensuring we stay odor-free without the use of chemicals. What's particularly exciting is that with the advent of new formulas is the introduction of sophisticated, downright dreamy scents that bring you mentally to far-away places like sunny orange groves and cool forests.
“There have been a lot of advancements in natural and plant-based chemistry over the past few years,” says JP Mastey, founder of CORPUS, a natural body care brand that produces extremely elegant and innovative deodorants. These days, natural deodorants utilize moisture-absorbing and bacteria-fighting ingredients, along with botanical and essential-oil-derived fragrances, to replace the aluminum and synthetic properties found in conventional products. Even more, elements like botanical oils and butters keep your skin soft and soothed.
The following picks are changing the game when it comes to effectiveness, alluring aromas, and a highly-luxurious experience. Get excited to find your new fresher-upper.
CORPUS Deodorant Spray uses a pioneering odor-management technology to enlist natural enzymes, plant extracts, and a prebiotic blend that works with your biology to change the behavior of the skin microbes so they don’t produce smelly compounds. What’s equally outstanding are the unique elevated scents—there are four: No. Green, Cedra Flora, Third Rose, and Pomelo, all synthetic-free, classically-built perfumes with a base, middle and top note. "In addition to essential oils, our natural fragrances use materials extracted directly from the plant source, which gives us a wider palette to work with," says JP Mastey, CORPUS founder.
Ursa Major Deodorant is formulated with silica, tapioca starch, and diatomaceous earth to absorb moisture, while probiotic enzymes and hops work together to prevent funky smells. “We’re super inspired by the freshness of the outdoors, so for scents we chose punchy, herbaceous, forest-infused elements like real eucalyptus, fir, sage, and peppermint,” says Emily Doyle, co-founder of Ursa Major. “We also use essential oils that are multi-functional, acting as fragrance notes while also boosting the efficacy of the product. For example, sage is rich in skin-soothing phytochemicals.” Available in Forest Fix and Hoppin’ Fresh.
First Aid Beauty Whole Body Deodorant Cream
Who says deodorant is only for your underarms? First Aid Beauty has broadened the field with their Whole Body Deodorant Cream to address all odor issues. It’s a very cool idea—rub in the cream anywhere (and they mean anywhere, from pits to privates) you need it to stay smelling sweet and clean. This invisible, super gentle formula is sweat-activated and targets stinkiness at its source with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) for 24-hour protection. Infused with niacinamide and glycerin, it keeps your skin hydrated and balanced too. And the scent? Bright and citrusy.
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant is pretty revolutionary. It’s a serum for one, so the thin, nonstick formula rolls onto the skin super smoothly and dries quickly. And besides the no-stink aspect, its exfoliating AHAs keep your underarms in tip-top condition—bright, soft, and free from ingrown hairs (so smart!). Key ingredients: shikimic acid deodorizes naturally, mandelic acid addresses discoloration, lactic acid gently exfoliates, and bioactive peptides firm. As for odor, the AHAs lower the ph level, making it harder for pungent bacteria to thrive. Available in scents Serene Clean and Beachy Clean, as well as fragrance-free.
Megababe Daily Deodorant has recently been revamped to include even more skin-pampering, odor-annihilating ingredients. The clear formula features a blend of enzymes and extracts that break down odor and absorb wetness without the use of aluminum or baking soda. It also offers nice skin-repairing and nourishing perks. A whole slew of antioxidant-rich botanicals promotes healthy skin, coconut moisturizes and provides antifungal properties, and vitamin E, a natural anti-inflammatory, helps with razor burn. Go for Rosy Pits, a lovely, light rose scent.
SALT & STONE's Natural Deodorant is designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it looks to nourishing seaweed extracts, antioxidant-rich spirulina, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and a mix of lucious oils to make your underarm skin feel soft, moisturized, and amazing. To deliver on its big promise of 48 hours of smell protection, probiotics act to balance the microbiome and neutralize odor. But really, it’s all about the intoxicating, sophisticated scents, like Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, and Neroli & Basil.
