Advertisement
Beauty

Does using this $21 charcoal deodorant for a month really make you less stinky?

Dominique Lamberton explores the the good, the bad — and the smelly.

Takesumi Detox Charcoal Deodorant, $21.

The reviewer: Dominique Lamberton, associate editor

The backstory: This 99 percent natural black-coloured stick (which goes on clear) is charcoal-based and free of aluminum, parabens, baking soda and propylene glycol. You're meant to wear it for 30 consecutive days, allowing your body a chance to adjust (and, hopefully, reduce B.O. along the way). But the caveat is that the deodorant works in “stages” (read: you may smell along the way).

The test drive: Weeks 1 to 3 were smooth sailing — most days I didn't even have to reapply in the afternoons. I was virtually odourless, and pretty dry too. And then, bam. I was hit with a huge dose of reality at the beginning of week 4 — with a particularly strong odour in my left underarm. I started reapplying multiple times a day — and sometimes it didn't even mask the smell fully.

The results: In my post-Takesumi Detox world, I've noticed that I've levelled out. I still keep the mini stick handy at work, but I'm not getting hit by a big, unexpected whiff anymore. I’m not going to lie: Nothing beats antiperspirant (and for big events or hot summer days, I’ll reach for it again), but the 30 days gave me time to really commit to trying a natural deodorant — and to let my body adjust to it.

Takesumi Detox Charcoal Deodorant, $21, kaianaturals.

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement