In partnership with Salt & Stone. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
I’m a big fan of little treat culture. Bringing home farmers market flowers, springing for the extra for guac at Chipotle, buying the fancy body wash to upgrade the 5-in-1 sitting in my shower. Indulging in little luxuries to spice up the more mundane parts of my routine is how I survive working full-time, living in Los Angeles, and trying to feel like I have it all together. Is my bathroom counter clutter-free and candle lit? No, but I aspire.
It didn’t take long before Salt & Stone landed on my radar (the brand is viral and often sold out). The LA-born brand makes daily essentials (think deodorant, body wash, body mists) that are clean, alcohol-free, and built around curated fragrance families. You can even shop by scent on their site—a feature that is both helpful and deeply enabling if you have strong opinions about bergamot.
I set out to test their best selling andeditor-loved Aluminum-Free Deodorant, and I have thoughts. Here's the scoop...
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This Deodorant That Made Me a Believer
I’ve tested enough “clean” deodorants to know the bar is on-the-floor low. Most either quit halfway through the day or leave my armpits feeling like I smeared on a gritty paste of essential oils — trust me, I’ve tried tons. But Salt & Stone’s Aluminum-Free Deodorant was the first to earn a spot in my routine. It’s smooth (not chalky), non-toxic, aluminum-free, and actually works. As in, 48-hour coverage through my meeting marathons, weightlifting gym sesh, and white-knuckling it through rush hour traffic on my way to dinner across town.
Even with the great formula, the scent is what keeps me hooked. I wear Neroli & Basil, and it’s bright, citrusy, and green with a grounding herbal background. It smells complex in a way you don’t expect from deodorant — more like a niche fragrance you’d find in a downtown boutique. (That’s probably the best compliment I’ve ever given to a deodorant.) People have stopped to ask me what scent I’m wearing, and I relish in telling them it’s actually my deodorant.
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The (Kinda Genius) Discovery Sets
If you're interested in giving things a go but aren't sure where to start, Salt & Stone’s Discovery Sets are clutch. They let you test-drive multiple fragrances before committing to a full-size bottle — whether you’re exploring deodorants, body mists, or both. It’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to figure out what you actually love.
Then there’s the Build-Your-Own Mini Set. You can customize a kit with deodorant, body mist, body wash, hand cream, or lotion — all TSA-friendly and designed to smell good together. I sprinkle them throughout my life in my carry-on, work tote, glove box. It’s a very low-effort way to feel like you’ve got it together, even when your week says otherwise.
The TL;DR
I’ve tried a lot of clean body products that either smelled great and didn’t work, or worked but smelled…not great. Salt & Stone nails both. I actually reach for this deodorant every day — because it feels good, smells amazing, and makes my routine feel a little less nuts. If you’re looking for easy upgrades that don’t feel basic, this is where I’d start.
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