Aluminium-free deodorant is nothing new – for years now, questions have been raised about whether aluminium – while great at blocking sweat glands and preventing perspiration – could be harming us in the long run (although studies on the link between aluminium and disease are still inconclusive).
For many product developers in the personal care space, creating something that doesn’t contain this divisive chemical compound, while still keeping customers smelling and feeling fresh, has been a challenge.
I’ve spread, roller-balled and scooped so many natural formulas on to my armpits in the name of not honking, only to create a perilous environment for all my fellow commuters on the way home from work. Let this be my public apology to them.
But when this Salt & Stone deodorant crossed my desk, I did a double take. The packaging is so chic and understated, it looks more like a high-end moisturiser, and as soon as I breathed in its earthy fragrance (my gateway scent was the Santal and Vetiver; I’ve since moved on to Saffron and Cedar), I must admit I doubted its efficacy claims. How could something that smelled and looked so delicious also be brilliant at neutralising the smell of my underarms? Practical and pretty so rarely go arm in arm where beauty products are concerned, so I was keen to see how it handled my perspiration.
Here’s a bit more context about the product and my Salt & Stone verdict.
Salt & Stone Deodorant at a glance
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Smooths bumpy texture
- Doesn’t cause post-shave sensitivity
- Subscription model means you don’t run out
- Elevated, stylish packaging
Cons
- Expensive for a deodorant
The formula comes in a range of earthy scents, each with their own neutral, pastel-toned packaging to differentiate themselves (and look classy on your bathroom shelf). The brand uses a blend of prebiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome and neutralise odours, and seaweed extract and spirulina help to keep your underarms moisturised and soothed, so you don’t get that stinging feeling other products give you when you apply after shaving. You can also sign up for a subscription service which makes it slightly cheaper (£17 a pop), and you never have to run to Boots at an inconvenient moment (it’s always at the most inconvenient of moments) when you run out.
If you suffer from bumpy underarms, the niacinamide included in the formulation – aka vitamin B3 – genuinely smoothed my skin over time, to the point where I couldn’t stop stroking my armpits before bed, much to my partner’s confusion. When he started using it for himself, however, he soon understood. His polo shirts smelt like they’d just been washed and dried in a summer breeze, even after 18 holes on the golf course.
It’s important to note that your body can take between two to four weeks to get accustomed to wearing natural deodorant, as aluminium plugs from other antiperspirants need time to properly wash away. This can cause a temporary increase in sweat – but stick with it! Once you’re out the other side, these formulas are very effective, even in a heatwave.
My verdict on Salt & Stone deodorant
After getting frustrated that I’d dedicated myself to a natural-deodorant life, only to feel let down by the products on offer, this gave me a semblance of hope. Having said that, I did have to take it in my bag with me on days where I cycled into the office – it stopped me smelling on the tube on a sweaty commute but couldn’t quite cut through the sweat of a proper workout, like one of those black aerosols marketed at men might do. You know the ones.
However, if you’re not doing a full HIIT class after work, this shouldn’t be a problem. The smell will have you wanting to sniff your armpit all day (try to restrain yourself to avoid funny looks), the packaging genuinely improves the look of your bathroom and – hallelujah – the formula actually keeps you smelling fresh and clean, while offering real long-term skin benefits, too.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
