The Tamesis
When it comes to caring for your pits, it seems the pendulum is swinging away from traditional deo. The best exfoliating deodorants take things up a notch with potent active ingredients that deliver greater results than regular formulas. “To eliminate odor, AHA-based deodorant formulas lower the skin’s pH, creating an environment where odor-causing bacteria cannot thrive,” said Cyklar founder Claudia Sulewski. Fashion. Plus, according to Saltair’s Erin Sale, “Deodorants containing exfoliating acids can also help smooth and brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of ingrown hairs (often caused by the buildup of dead skin cells on the hair follicles).” We like to think of this as a continuation of skin care below the neck, in line with this year’s emerging body care trend; in this case, it’s not just about fighting odor, it’s also about smoother, brighter underarms.
No, it’s not all bullshit – there’s real science behind it. Natural deodorants often have a bad reputation for not being as effective and may be formulated without harsh ingredients, but as board-certified nurse Vanessa Coppola explains, they don’t solve the real problem. “Sweat itself is not the cause of odor, but the interaction between sweat and the bacteria on your skin,” she says. “Many natural formulas rely on absorbing moisture or masking odor, but they don’t significantly alter the bacterial environment.” Exfoliating deodorants, however, change that dynamic: As Coppola explains, AHAs don’t try to overpower sweat, but help actually interrupt the process in the first place.
fashion magazine Favorite exfoliating deodorant
Nécessaire deodorant gel
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Cyklar Mandelic Acid Brightening Deodorant Gel
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Saltair 5% AHA Essence Deodorant
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Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
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Kaia Naturals Brightening Deodorant + Body Balm
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in this story
I also maintain a healthy skepticism about the concept, especially during the warmer months when natural remedies fail me during my sweaty L train commute. Don’t even get me started on those grainy cream foundations that feel like they’re not worth the discomfort, even if the benefits stand up. It was Cyklar’s gel that made me a total convert. First, it’s rich in mandelic acid, which helps clear up my acne-prone skin, and it’s proven great at preventing ingrown hairs and brightening hyperpigmentation on my olive skin.
And, while less effective but more aesthetically pleasing, many natural exfoliant formulas often offer the same sleek aesthetic as high-end skin care products in their packaging and experience. “When thinking about a skincare routine, we always think about experience (through formula, texture, fragrance and packaging) as much as performance,” says Sulewski. “When a product works and makes me feel a certain way, I know it’s earned a place in my daily routine and rituals.” With all of that in mind, here’s how fashion magazine Six of the Most Popular Exfoliating Deodorant Recipes.
for smoothing: Nécessaire deodorant gel
- Why we love it: Since its launch in 2022, Nécessaire’s cooling gel deodorant has paved the way for slowly growing demand in the category. No wonder board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin considers it a top choice. “This deodorant is unique because it contains 5% AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) to help address any skin texture concerns, and also contains niacinamide to soothe the skin,” Dr. Amin previously told us Fashion.
- Editing experience: “I prefer Nécessaire’s gel to its cream counterpart, mainly because this product feels more comfortable on the skin. It’s lightweight, but packed with exfoliating acids and gentle ingredients like witch hazel, glycerin, and panthenol, which all-around keeps my pits balanced.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Main ingredients: Mandelic acid, witch hazel water, lactic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, glycerin, chamomile flower extract
- Format: Roll-on gel
- odor: 2
- More to know: Free of aluminum, baking soda, parabens, polyethylene glycols and silicones.
- size: 1.7 fluid ounces
