Why Our Beauty Editor Won’t Shut Up About This Pocket-Sized Natural Deodorant

Photo credit: Nicole Saunders
Photo credit: Nicole Saunders


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."

There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.

The Product on Trial

evolvetogether mini multipack

The Tester

Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, is on the never-ending hunt for the perfect long-lasting natural deodorant.

The Brief

I'm a huge fan of the celeb-favorite evolvetogether masks because they don't skimp on function or form. So when I learned their foray into beauty was a trio of unisex natural deodorants, I knew I had to put them to the test.

I swiped on these pocket-sized deodorants for 2 months to ensure they live up to their odor-protecting, moisture-wicking, and skin-softening claims. To decide if they actually deserve a spot in your medicine cabinet, I wore them everywhere, like at restaurants, the airport, the gym, and around my home. I also kept tabs on whether they left any embarrassing residue on my clothes or caused any skin irritations.

Here are my honest thoughts on why the evolvetogether natural deodorants are my new go-to's and 100% worth the $21 price tag for the full-size sticks and $25 for the mini multipack.

Ingredients

This clean, plant-based natural deodorant only contains 11 ingredients, which is far less than traditional deodorants and is about the norm for natural deodorants. Here is a quick look at my four favorite ingredients found in these game-changing natural deodorants and why they work for me.

Photo credit: Nicole Saunders
Photo credit: Nicole Saunders
  • Tapioca starch is sourced from tapioca root and helps soaks up moisture and sweat. It keeps my underarms dry and moisture-free until my next shower, which is especially important if you have long days or live an active lifestyle.

  • DeoPlex is a plant-based enzyme from sugarcane that neutralizes funky smells. I wore this deodorant during long-haul flights, trips to the park on a humid day, and on the treadmill — and I never once experienced any embarrassing odor issues while wearing this natural deodorant.

  • Glycerin creates a hydrating barrier that prevents irritation, a problem I've experienced with other cheaper natural deodorants. All three evolvetogether natural deodorants have also softened my delicate underarm skin, although the feeling disappears once I shower.

  • Panthenol, aka vitamin B-5, also hydrates my underarms and provides a smooth feel to my skin. I also find it helps the stick deodorant glide across my skin easily.

What's Left Out

I love that it's made without questionable ingredients found in traditional deodorants and antiperspirants, including aluminum, baking soda, talc, parabens, and phthalates. And for anyone with nut or gluten allergies, you'll be happy to know that neither ingredient is used in any evolvetogether natural deodorants.

Long-Lasting Odor Protection

This is the best natural deodorant I've tested, and I don't have to worry about touching it up throughout the day. I recently had an early-morning flight and wore this deodorant from

5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and I was thrilled that I smelled fresh and clean throughout the day.

Clear Finish

The most genius thing about these deodorants is that they're 100% clear. I've used plenty of other natural deodorants with a clear, powdery white, or light creme tint that promises not to leave behind embarrassing marks on my clothes but eventually disappoint me. I've previously tested other natural deodorants that swipe on clear but foam up when exposed to underarm moisture, but that's not an issue here. As a result, I can confidently wear dark clothing like black bodysuits, turtlenecks, and T-shirts without worrying about discoloration on my clothes.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Instead of a wasteful box, the deodorant stick comes in a 100% plant-based biodegradable bag that dissolves in a few months instead of several decades like non-biodegradable packaging. The actual push-pop container is also eco-friendly — the base is sourced from biodegradable FSC-certified paper, while the lid that prevents it from drying out is made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic.

How Do the Scents Compare?

Currently, evolvetogether offers three natural deodorant scents with names inspired by international hot spots. Despite their different scent profiles, each deodorant is made with the same high-quality ingredients and is tough against odor. Here are my honest thoughts on all three scents in order from my favorite to least favorite.

Havana Natural Deodorant

Notes of cardamom, violet, vetiver, and cedarwood combine to create a woodsy spice inspired by the vibrant city of Havana, Cuba. All three scents are unisex, but after asking my dad to sniff them, he agrees that Havana has the most neutral fragrance, although it's not as earthy or potent as classic men's deodorants like Old Spice and Gillette.

Tulum Natural Deodorant

evolvetogether was influenced by the clear blue water and white sand found at Playa Paraíso in Tulum, Mexico. This fresh and earthy scent combines lemon, patchouli, sage, and cedarwood to create a pleasant but not overwhelming fragrance. It's a nice way for me to switch up the more woodsy notes found in Havana.

Monaco Natural Deodorant

Inspired by the annual Rose Ball held at the Salle des Etoiles in Monaco, this floral scent utilizes rose, oud, patchouli, and mandarin. It's the most traditionally-feminine fragrance offered by evolvetogether and is an excellent option for anyone who loves using rose-scented beauty products like lotions and perfumes. However, while I enjoy receiving roses and seeing them in gardens, I'm not a huge fan of their rich aroma, which is why Monaco is my least favorite scent.

Charitable Giving

Throughout June, evolvetogether is donating 5% of each deodorant sale to Athlete Ally, a nonprofit that focuses on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports. Outside of June, the company is donating 5% to Take 3 for The Sea, which focuses on stopping plastic pollution. In addition, shoppers purchasing any evolvetogether product have the opportunity to donate $1 — the cost to plant a tree — to One Tree Planted, a nonprofit that focuses on global warming and deforestation.

The Closing Argument

I'll admit that deodorant isn't the most exciting or sexiest beauty product available — but it's a universal must-have for people of all ages, so I think it's essential to invest in one that works for you. Luckily, after testing the evolvetogether natural deodorant, I found that it's an excellent product that keeps odor and moisture under control while providing functional benefits like softening my underarm skin and gliding on clear. It's mess-free, eco-friendly, and available in three enticing scents.

If you're unsure about which scent to try, I highly recommend opting for the mini trio as I did. The brand tells me each mini deodorant lasts about 80 uses, so once I run out, I plan on upgrading to the full-sized Havana natural deodorant that lasts up to an impressive 120 uses.

You Might Also Like