Salt & Stone Deodorant Review With Photos

Published on 8/24/2023 at 4:10 PM

I transitioned to natural deodorant about five years ago, but it was not a seamless process. As the old saying goes, I had to kiss a lot of frogs — or swipe on a lot of duds — before I found my prince one. I get it; using natural deodorant isn't for everyone (and at times, I wasn't even sure it was for me), but using the right product makes all the difference. Over the years, I've found a handful of formulas that keep sweat and the odor that comes with it at bay, but none blew me away quite like the Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant ($20).

I know I'm not alone in thinking it's great, because the product won a 2023 POPSUGAR Beauty Award for Best Deodorant, which is no easy feat considering not everyone on our team subscribes to the natural life. It also has nearly 3,000 reviews on the brand's website with an average rating of 4.9 stars. For a deodorant, that's rare. Not to mention, when I was scrolling on TikTok one night, I spotted not one but two different videos of people singing its praises (and no, they were not ads; it was organic).

If you are trying desperately to like natural deodorant but haven't found one that works for you just yet, allow me to introduce you to Salt & Stone's ahead.

Natural deodorants are very hit or miss. Some don't work at reducing body odor, while others can leave my armpits irritated and dry. The Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant does none of those things — it blew me away. The cream-to-powder stick goes on smoothly without any dryness or tugging. You can immediately smell the fresh fragrance notes. However, this isn't what really wowed me. It's easy for a deodorant to impress right out of the bottle — it's how it holds up hours later that matters.

For context, I live in New York City, where it's currently very hot and humid. I also walk, a lot, and go to the gym daily. Needless to say, I need my deodorant to work — and well. An hour into a workout, I can tell it's working, as my pits still smell really fresh.

Running around the city for a nine-plus-hour day is no match for it, either. Though I may still get a little sweaty (because remember: natural deodorants don't block sweat; that's an antiperspirant), I still don't have any BO. This is likely thanks to the probiotics in the formula, which help to keep the bacteria in your armpits balanced and the smell away.

Even though it doesn't keep you from sweating altogether, I do notice a reduction in how much I sweat when I'm wearing it, and I get compliments that I smell good. I used it to the very last drop.

I wear the Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant all day, every day. I know some people who use a different product for their workouts, but I don't find there's any need with this. I apply it in the morning and reapply later in the day immediately after showering, before a workout, and before leaving the house if I feel the need for a refresh.

If you're not already a natural deodorant user, you'll likely need to go through what's called the "transitional phase" before this formula works in the same way for you. It's where your underarms detox from the aluminum "plugs" in your glands that have kept you from sweating all this time. It's a trying time but worth it once you reach the other side. That said, the Salt & Stone deodorant will likely make it a little less annoying.

It also bears mentioning that this product is not a clear formula. As it goes with many cream-based deodorants, it can get on your clothes if you're not careful when applying it or changing your shirts. I only really notice it on dark-colored clothing, but it's annoying nevertheless. If you'd prefer instead, there is a gel formula ($20) as well.

The Salt & Stone Deodorant is available at the brand's website, Revolve, Thrive Market, Free People, Amazon, Violet Grey, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Rating: ★★★★★