Glossier causes a sensation with every new launch.
The internet-breaking beauty label famed for its pastel pink colourways, game-changing Boy Brow waxy pomade and scented-so-good-you’ll-want-to-eat-it Balm Dotcom tinted lip balm, has unveiled its latest innovation and fans of its signature Glossier You fragrance are going to be very excited.
The brand has revealed a deodorant, but no ordinary deodorant. In its approach to product formulation, Glossier has created this hygenie product from a skincare perspective with skin-friendly ingredients that will suit the most sensitive of pits. Free from any nasties, this natural formulation has just the essentials - no aluminum, baking soda, acids or water that may cause irritation. It packs superfruit elderberry extract and coconut oil for their nourishing properties, potato starch to absorb moisture and magnesium hydroxide to balance pH and reduce the possibility of sweat stains.
The balm-cream texture comes as a stick that you slide into the case and so can be replaced and also recycled once it’s finished, while the case remains reusable to cut down wastage. There are three different scents as well as an unscented option.
Notes of pink pepper, iris, ambrox and ambrette make up the Glossier You refill that was created to enhance your natural aroma, and there’s also Orange Blossom Neroli that you’ll find across the product line-up, especially in the Body Hero collection with the pairing of pear, mandarin and cypress.
Last and new to the brand is Sandstone that takes its scenting inspiration from California’s Big Sur with sandalwood, clary sage and fig leaf as the predominant perfume.
The deodorant is already a hit among Glossier’s loyal fan base with 96 per cent of those tested agreeing that their underarms felt smoother, softer, nourished and conditioned in just one day of use. This same figure attested to feeling clean and fresh by the end of the day, while 93 per cent said it absorbed moisture and 90 per cent claimed it gave odour control.
With such high praise, we knew we had to test the formula for ourselves.
Does the Glossier Deodorant pass the ES Best sweat test? Scroll to find out.
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Ellie Davis, Shopping Editor
I made the switch to natural deodorant at the beginning of lockdown, taking the opportunity of our forced confinement to let my pits adjust to the aluminium-free formula that can take up to four weeks of feeling not-so fresh - and I’ll never look back.
With the likes of Wild and Fussy already on rotation in my collection, having a product that will switch my allegiance is no easy task. Much like its peers, the Glossier Deodorant has a refillable case with recyclable refills so it nails the sustainability element and the latter are available at a slight discount. The first purchase is £18 and then £15 thereafter for just the refill, not much of a saving in financial terms, but a win from an environmental perspective. The scent options are varied, which is appreciated.
I tried the Orange Blossom Neroli and the fragrance is fresh and addictive from the second you remove the lid. That said, it’s not overwhelming and shouldn’t interfere with your signature scent. The refill slots into the case with ease but our only gripe is the casing could be something more hard-wearing like aluminium instead of the white plastic.
The texture appears like a balm but glides on like a cream. Natural deodorants can be difficult to rub in but this is clear on application and doesn’t leave a white cast. Glossier suggests that you only need one or two swipes for all day protection - I am always paranoid about BO so I was liberal with it and I smelled citrusy sweet through to the evening.
Saskia Kemsley, SEO Shopping Writer
Like Ellie, I also made the switch to natural deodorant during the first lockdown. It must have had something to do with the countless Tik Toks riddling my For You Page warning me of the dangers associated with the aluminium content in most sprays. In a blind panic, I bought the first natural, aluminium-free roll-on that appealed – which happened to be the Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant.
Upon discovering Glossier was putting a fresh contender into the natural deodorant ring, my interest was piqued. I tried Sandstone which carries similar notes to the Malin + Goetz deodorant - adore. The sandalwood, sage and fig leaf scent felt fresh and clean with a hint of spa-like luxury.
Despite the easy-gliding creamy texture, it didn’t leave my underarms feeling damp. My sole qualm with Glossier’s deodorant is that I wish the twist function was somehow at the bottom of the container rather than at the top, below the balm itself. I understand that this is a functional design for the refillable deodorant insert, but I’d prefer not having to roll up the balm practically all the way (risking breakage, mind) to avoid the ridged edge chafing against my underarms.
Nevertheless, the deodorant left me feeling fresh, dry and clean for the remainder of my day. That makes it a winner in my eyes.
Peter Bevan, Shopping Writer
As a relatively sweaty individual, as much as I’d like to say I use natural deodorants 24/7, they don’t always work for me. On particularly active days, or occasions when I’m going from very hot to very cold (Central Line travellers, I see you), it’s usually a no go. The only exception was AKT, a deodorant-focused brand founded by West End performers who weren’t happy with the natural options on the market.
With Glossier’s unscented natural stick deodorant, I can add another winner to the list. After using it on a freezing cold day in London that involved many drastic temperature changes, my pits felt fully dry and protected. After application, the formula dried quickly so I wasn’t left with the uncomfortable syrupy feeling that some cream-textured sticks can leave, and I enjoyed the lack of moisture all day long.
I have to admit, I had my doubts about a unisex deodorant. Having used some that aren’t designed specifically for men in the past, to much disappointment due to both the scent and the performance, I wasn’t expecting to be impressed. However, the unscented aroma suited me well, leaving my Santal 33 aftershave to lead as the main character in my aroma profile, with no sickly sweet, artificial fragrances emenating from my underarms.
In classic Glossier style, the packaging is sleek and minimal, with the cult favourite logo embossed on the side, and the sustainable aspect is a clear improvement from other natural options on the market which tend to be a one-and-done situation - even if they are recyclable. Easy to apply, all you need to do is twist the cylinder and the cream easily glides out of the top and onto your skin.
I’ve not yet tried it out during a workout, but, thusfar, am impressed by the results. Definitely worth the £18 investment.
