All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Before I get into my obsession with Salt and Stone’s natural deodorant, it’s important to note that deodorant is very personal. Sweating and body odor is something we all undoubtedly deal with, but it’s no secret that some people are more prone to excessive sweating than others.
I’m a moderate sweater—I’m not pouring sweat when it’s hot out or during workouts, but I’ll develop beads of perspiration on my forehead, chest, and back, and accumulate moisture in my underarms. I also develop body odor, which can go mostly undetected if I keep my arms down.
As a teenager, I only used antiperspirant. I was introduced to Dove’s Advanced Care Deodorant after a seventh grade health class, when our teacher sent us home with gift bags of mini deodorants, tampons, and pads. I stayed this way for years until I became a beauty editor and witnessed the advent of natural deodorants. Suddenly, buzzy brands like Native, Malin and Goetz, and Necessaire were all launching natural formulas without aluminum.
The messaging around aluminum-free formulas suggests they are more beneficial to your health and body than antiperspirant, which uses aluminum to plug sweat glands and keep your body dry. There is no proven benefit to using natural deodorant over antiperspirant, but there are a few factors people consider before making the switch. I did it because I wanted to allow my body to naturally regulate—sweat helps control your body temperature to prevent overheating and eliminates some solid wastes.
And after a few years of trying out (and failing at) natural deodorants, I’ve finally found a formula that actually works. I stumbled across Salt and Stone’s natural deodorant this summer while on vacation in hot and humid Montauk, New York. After checking in to my hotel, I quickly realized that I forgot to pack summer’s biggest essential: deodorant.
Luckily my hotel, Solé East Resort, had just opened The Collective Co., a chic new boutique stocked with beauty essentials from brands like Supergoop, Imber, and Salt and Stone. I quickly reached for Salt and Stone’s natural deodorant in the scent eucalyptus and cedarwood.
To be honest, I didn’t expect much—most natural deodorants I’ve used either don’t work at all or barely keep odor and sweat in check. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that Salt and Stone’s formulas not only work well but smell incredible. The brand specializes in sexy and sophisticated scent pairings, such as bergamot and hinoki, neroli and shiso, and santal and vetiver.
The deodorant goes on so smoothly—thanks to a moisturizing blend of shea butter and sunflower seed oil—and completely sheer without any spotting or transfer. Made with seaweed extract, probiotics, and hyaluronic acid, the formula neutralizes odors without using aluminum, alcohol, parabens or phthalates.
The eucalyptus notes are calming, while cedarwood provides an earthy freshness that reminds me of Christmas trees and freshly cut grass. I will caution that the scent is strong at first application—I don’t mind, since I love the smell. That being said, for those who aren’t into Salt and Stone’s earthy and musky scent offerings, this might not be the deodorant for you.
Most impressive is the long-lasting power. This natural deodorant does not budge throughout the day. There is some fading that occurs, especially when you sweat, but the scent is still solid by end of day and effectively masks odors. I used this deodorant the whole week of my vacation—through beach days, Pilates workouts, and bike rides—and was shocked at how well it held up.
Natural deodorants can fall on the pricier side, but if you’re looking to switch to natural deodorants, it can be worth it. As a moderate sweater with a love for sophisticated scents, I’m willing to shell out a couple more bucks for a formula that actually works.
Ariana Yaptangco is the senior beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her @arianayap.