I review products for a living year-round, but if there’s one category that is particularly made for stress-testing, it’s deodorant — specifically in the summer months. Dallas is an especially demanding place to live and manage not to be sweaty and stinky. (The day I’m writing this is a balmy 102°F.) But as someone who has largely broken up with aluminum-based deodorants, I have to admit that it’s been a difficult, and at times smelly, endeavor to stay cool and comfortable. What I thought was an impossible task, however, has been disproven by Oak Essentials’ Microbiome Balancing Deodorant.

The brand, founded by Jenni Kayne of luxury-sweater fame, has become one of my new favorites, and I can’t help but feel like it’s somewhat slept on. Its body products in particular are among the most luxurious and nourishing I’ve tried, with a focus on botanical ingredients like blue tansy, rose oil, olive extract, and sea algae, to name a few. (Oak Essentials even launched a hand-care collection with Jenni Kayne, which is easily my new status hand soap.) But back to the deodorant stick: Keep reading for why it beats every other non-aluminum deodorant in my collection. 

What is Oak Essentials’ Microbiome Balancing Deodorant, and what are the benefits?

In typical antiperspirants, aluminum is the active ingredient that essentially plugs sweat glands to reduce perspiration and wetness. (And while the ingredient isn’t inherently bad, sensitive skin types may find it irritating, particularly after shaving. Then there’s the telltale white residue and yellow marks it can leave on clothing.) Deodorants, by contrast, target odor but won’t necessarily keep you dry or sweat-free. (That distinction alone comes down to personal preference.) As the name suggests, Oak Essentials’ Microbiome Balancing Deodorant aims to not only target B.O. but also to deliver skincare benefits to the underarm skin — which, frankly, goes through a lot. Between regular shaving, sweating, and friction, the skin under your arms deserves — but rarely gets — some T.L.C.

Here’s where a product like Oak Essentials’ deodorant comes in. Since it’s something you may apply several times a day, it’s also an opportunity to give your underarms a little extra skincare love. The stick is formulated with noni fruit stem cells, which the brand says help balance the underarm microbiome (aka the natural community of bacteria on your skin) and keep odor-causing bacteria at bay. In lieu of aluminum salts, magnesium hydroxide helps absorb moisture, while blue tansy — a botanical ingredient often used in acne products to help soothe irritation and visible redness — helps neutralize odor, calm sensitive skin, and also gives the product its a natural periwinkle hue. (Don’t worry, it glides on clear.)

What makes Oak Essentials’ Microbiome Balancing Deodorant special?

I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the only aluminum-free deodorant I’ve been able to wear in the summer without worrying about B.O. I work out often and sweat a lot, and this kept up with all of it. Even on those aggressively hot Dallas days, I never found myself doing the subtle underarm sniff test halfway through the day, which, for an aluminum-free deodorant, is saying something. (I will say, this won’t stop you from sweating, so if that’s a dealbreaker, know that going in.)

My lone gripe with this deodorant is that the blue tansy-and-chamomile fragrance is barely noticeable, which was probably intentional so as not to clash with other fragrances. For that reason, I’ll occasionally wear a separate body mist (don’t worry, a gym-friendly one) for a little extra olfactory insurance if I know I’m headed to a packed yoga studio.

As for the skincare benefits, I can’t say I’ve noticed a dramatic difference; that being said, I don’t shave regularly because I’ve had my underarms lasered, so my skin is already starting from a pretty soothed, happy place. That said, it does feel really nice and gentle on the skin — almost like a serum-stick texture — which did hydrate and calm any heat-related redness.

What to know about Oak Essentials’ Microbiome Balancing Deodorant:

• Contains magnesium hydroxide and blue tansy to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Soothes irritation and balances the underarm microbiome.

Where can you get Oak Essentials’ Microbiome Balancing Deodorant, and is it worth it?

You can purchase Oak Essentials’ Microbiome Balancing Deodorant for $26 on Oak Essentials’ website, Ulta Beauty, and Nordstrom. And while yes, that’s much pricier than what you would find on drugstore shelves, I will say this stick has lasted me a surprisingly long time — I’m still on my first one and have been using it all summer — and for me, it performs better than drugstore aluminum-free alternatives. And as someone who loves smelling good, the peace of mind I get with this stuff is truly priceless.

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