Masking Summer Sweat: A Natural Deodorant That Actually Works

Deodorant is one of those beauty products you just don’t mess around with. Either it does the job, or it’s in the trash. In most formulas, Aluminum is the ingredient responsible for keeping your armpits dry and happy, however, it’s been widely linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. The science is murky on both ends, but in this day and age, do you really want to take the risk?

Let’s backtrack and play devil’s advocate for a second—yes, the claims are kind of terrifying to think about, but would you really forgo a sweat-tested formula for a low-tech alternative that doesn’t work as well? It’s especially difficult for those entrenched in the world of eco beauty; constantly battling between performance and purity. And unfortunately, most “earth-friendly” crystal sticks, gels, and powders available on the market haven’t yet come up to snuff. So when Soapwalla’s completely all-natural deodorant cream came across our desk, we were quite intrigued. Could a soupy paste, free from chemicals, petroleum, or aluminum, really provide the odor control of our high-performance forebears?

Unlike the solid swivel stick you’re used to, this deodorant demands a different kind of application, your finger. You slather a small scoop of this cream onto your armpits like you would moisturize your face, then wait for it to dry. It’s an odd feeling at first, but the slippery texture absorbs into the skin after a couple of minutes.

What actually makes this concoction so ecologically effective? It’s a blend of nature’s best absorbers. Corn starch, sodium bicarbonate, and kaolin clay all work to prevent excess moisture, while the heady blend of orange, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oils give a pleasant scent to the olfactive-obsessed.

And it works. After a day of working, walking, and exercise, we gave our pits the sniff check, and lo and behold, didn’t smell a thing.

Soapwalla Kitchen Deodorant Cream, $12, available at spiritbeautylounge.com.