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Looking for a clean deodorant? The brand new Beautycounter Clean Deo works, smells great, is free of aluminum, and comes in a refillable package.
I’ve been using the Clean Deo since May a.k.a. all sweaty summer. In soccer games, at the beach – all the sweaty places. While I have tried several other clean deodorants, this one is by far my favorite. Here’s why.
Beautycounter Clean Deo Review
The deodorants I used in the past
Prior to getting the new Clean Deo in the mail I was using Dove deodorant, which I’ve used for about 20 years minus a few trials of cleaner products here to there. I had yet to find a clean deodorant that I liked.
Previously I tried Primally Pure’s Charcoal deodorant (borrowed my sister’s) and wasn’t wowed and Ursa Major and didn’t like the scent or feel.
I DID like the scent of the Native Coconut deodorant, but I found my sweat smell a little too present.
I am SUPER PICKY about deodorant smells and the only deodorant (until now) I ever loved was Dove’s Cucumber Melon. It worked and smelled good. But it was an anti-perspirant and my long-term goal was to find something clean I liked. So imagine my excitement when I first learned that Beautycounter was making one.
I keep my life simplified by sticking to one brand I trust for all of my personal care needs, and I was glad to be able to check one more product off the list I wouldn’t need to go find at a drugstore when I ran out.
Beautycounter Clean Deo Scents
When my package arrived I was so nervous because the scent of a product can either make or break it.
This isn’t a little serum that sinks in – this is a product you’re going to get whiffs of all day long! I ordered the set of three so I could try them all.
Fresh Coconut – a refreshing blend of tropical coconut, sandalwood, and sweet vanilla. BY FAR my favorite!!! I love the smell so much, and it’s gentle and subtle. It smells just like you put your nose in a jar of coconut oil and is the most “unscented” of the three.
Clean Rose – a modern bouquet of freshly cut roses, with notes of geranium and pepper tree berry. This one is my second favorite. I like the smell a lot. It is a big stronger than the coconut (aka I can smell it on) but I really like the smell so that’s ok!
Soft Lavender – soothing notes of lavender with a hint of sweet vanilla. The lavender started out as my least favorite because lavender in general is not one of my favorite scents, but this scent has really grown on me! If you love lavender, you’ll love this one. It’s more of a French lavender than a pure essential oil lavender, if that makes sense.
What’s the Ingredient list like?
Cornstarch and Baking Soda: Work together to help absorb wetness and keep skin dry, while also helping to neutralize body odor.
Coconut Oil and Shea Butter: Natural emollients rich
in essential fatty acids and nutrients to help skin feel hydrated, nourished, and smooth.
Candelilla Wax and Beeswax: Aid in conditioning and hydrating skin.
So….Did it work?
I was nervous to try the Clean Deo because honestly I didn’t expect it to work!
I figured at best I might be able to wear it in the winter, but didn’t count on it working in the summer.
But I honestly haven’t missed Dove one bit! The only times I smelled anything bad wafting from my bod were times when I either forgot to reapply or put it on too quickly aka didn’t get a thick enough layer on.
Pros:
- The scents are great – especially the coconut and rose
- I had no trouble with sweat smell or underarm irritation.
- I didn’t have any kind of “detox” period (see below)
- There was no need to reapply during the day. I do put deo on after every shower, which sometimes is twice a day, so I might use it more than the average person. But I never had to stop what I was doing to put more on.
- Refillable containers! While the initial product is $28, the refills are $18, saving plastic too. By making The Clean Deo refillable, Beautycounter cut its water, fossil fuel, and greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 47%.
Cons:
- Thick formula – Compared to Dove, the formula is thicker and I have concentrate when applying to make sure it swipe it on evenly and consistently. However, once it’s on, it’s not sticky, which is great. The Ursa Major I tried was menthol-y and sticky and I didn’t like the feeling at all.
- Not clear on clothes – To be fair, I have never found a deodorant that doesn’t make my black clothes white if I drag them by my armpits. This one is no different – put clothes on carefully.
- It’s not cheap. But this is one of those “vote with your dollars” times that you get what you pay for. If you want to support a B corporation taking steps towards improving quality of product for people and planet, then this is a good one.
Overall: I’m a fan and I’ll be using this for the long haul!
You can buy Clean Deo here.
Clean Deo FAQs
Why We Sweat
Sweating is natural and necessary. It’s part of our natural detoxification process, helping to remove heavy metals and harmful BPAs from the body. It’s also a way for the body to regulate temperature. That said, no one likes the smell that often accompanies armpit sweating!
What’s the difference in a deodorant and antiperspirant?
Deodorants (like The Clean Deo) work to neutralize odors, whereas antiperspirants control and prevent sweat—using ingredients like aluminum, which can plug sweat ducts and prevent the body’s natural detox process.
Why is the Clean Deo safer?
The Clean Deo is formulated without aluminum, which can potentially clog pores and hinder the body’s natural detoxification process. Plus, Beautycounter doesn’t use synthetic fragrances, which can be linked to negative health effects. (Shout-out to our 100% ingredient transparency policy for ALL products.)
You might need to sweat it out!
If it’s your first time using a natural or aluminum-free deodorant, it can take several weeks for your underarms to transition away from the bacteria and toxins that have been trapped in sweat ducts by antiperspirants.
I didn’t experience any kind of “transition” phase, but if you find that things are a little worse at first, this is why. Give it some time before you truly make a decision. Beautycounter has a 60 day return policy with free return shipping, so if you don’t love it – just return it.
Charcoal Can Help Detox Your Underarms
To help speed the process along, you can use the Charcoal Face Mask on underarms once a week, and wash underarms daily with the Charcoal Cleansing Bar, which is what we keep in our shower. (Tip: get the Charcoal Mask for free when you upgrade to our rewards program below.)
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Amanda Filler says
Good Morning Kath! Thanks for this post. I saw a picture the other day and was curious about this deodorant. I’m thankful you posted pros and cons. Initially, the price jumped out at me. Since switching to natural deodorant nearly 3 years ago, I have tried the mineral salt rock and a variety of Schmidt products. First only found online, now target and other places sell that line. I didn’t love that it was 14ish bucks a pop but had to find a healthier alt. to the standard ones on market and their ingredients. I am also very big into YL oils and have experimented using various ones for odor control etc.
Ive also purchased drunk elephant natural in the past and Cleure brand (probably my favorite so far because it is a clear spray).
Curious if you have tried any other natural brand and could offer a comparison (other than dove)?
Kath Younger says
I tried Primally Pure (a few times – I borrowed my sister’s at the beach) and had some break through sweat (to be fair, it was summertime at the beach). I bought Native Coconut from Target and loved the scent, but it ruined some shirts and also had some break through sweat. I also tried Ursa Major and it was minty and sticky and I hated how it felt on my armpits so I didn’t even finish the tube. I think when comparing Beautycounter to Dove, I prefer the Dove formula because it glides on super smooth and thin and it’s super cheap, but the Dove isn’t a match with my values and so I am choosing to have a thicker formula and higher price to match my values of health and B corp. If it didn’t work, however, I’d keep looking!
Amanda Filler says
Thank you that is helpful! Seems like you have tried a bunch I had not, which is great to have other perspectives. Glad you found one that works so well!
Perhaps I will try it in the future. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I really want to try Beautycounter’s products! Thanks for the reviews! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Kori Daniel says
I’ve come to the belief that I think I’m just odd or my body unique because I cannot do natural deos. I’ve tried several, & even with trying to tough it out through the transition period, I smelled so bad. ? After I get ready (hot shower, blow dry my hair, move around), I’m toasty, & often times I’d get to work & already smell so horrible. I guess more stress type sweat than general perspiration? It was annoying. I finally decided to try Secret with their essential oils. I was sad to go back to an antiperspirant, but I couldn’t stand the smell or wetness. I’ve stocked up, so it would be a while for me to switch if I did. But I appreciate the review!!
Kath Younger says
You should give this one a try and use the 60 day free return policy if it doesn’t work : ) At least then you’ll know if it will work for you!
Sarah Van Velsor says
How does the coconut scent compare to Native’s Coconut Vanilla? I really love Native actually and for some reason the coconut vanilla scent blends really well with the scent of my sweat so it smells good. BC is an investment so I want to make sure I like it.
Kath Younger says
They are very similar! I liked Native’s smell too.