Sol de Janeiro has just launched its Rio Deo aluminium-free deodorant in a new scent; beauty and wellness editor Laura put it to the test to see how it fared when exercising…
Deodorant: not exactly the most glamorous beauty product, but an essential one. Luckily, Sol de Janeiro makes some that are about as sensorially appealing as a deodorant can possibly be.
Sol de Janeiro already sells its Rio Deo aluminium-free deodorant in a number of the brand’s best-loved scents, including Cheirosa 62 and Cheirosa 40, priced at £16, and the latest fragrance to join the line-up is the mood-boosting Cheirosa 59, a woody, sweet combo of vanilla orchid and sandalwood that you’ll also find in the bestselling Delicia Drench Body Butter.
Having never tried SDJ’s deodorants before I was keen to see how this compared to my usual high street aerosol antiperspirants, I tested it out before my reformer pilates class – here’s how it performed…
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Pros
- Aluminium-free, if that’s something you look for in a deodorant
- Smells amazing
- Glides smoothly on and feels gentle on the skin
- Stops odour
- Is refillable
Cons
- Does leave faint white marks on dark clothing
- Won’t stop you from sweating
- More expensive that a lot of deodorants and antiperspirants
Rio Deo is a twist-up, refillable, solid cream deodorant with a 98% naturally derived formula that’s free from aluminium (some feel that aluminium-free formulas are kinder on the skin), plus also contains papaya enzyme to gently exfoliate the skin, helping to minimise the risk of ingrown hairs in this area. The original stick costs £16, and refills are £14.
It’s worth noting that, unlike antiperspirants, deodorants such as this one won’t stop you from sweating, but instead eliminates odour, in this case with citric acid ester that prevent odour-causing bacteria from forming. Plus, of course, you’ve also got Sol de Janeiro’s amazing fragrances here as well.
Ahead of my regular reformer pilates class, I swapped out my usual aerosol for this. I was immediately impressed by how smoothly it went on to the skin – no dragging or crumbling – and if you’re familiar with SDJ scents, you can imagine just how great this smells. Like a lot of solid deodorants, it does leave white marks if dark clothing is rubbed against it, but if you’re careful with how you get dressed, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Pilates might not seem like the most strenuous exercise but I do usually work up a slight sheen, but wearing Rio Deo I felt confident that I wasn’t going to put my fellow gym goers off their class. I also had to log onto my laptop and start work as soon as I got home, and I didn’t feel the need for another shower – a big win in my eyes.
While I think I’d still stick to my trusty antiperspirants for extra-sweaty activities such as running or spin classes, I’ll definitely reach for this stick for everyday wear, or when I want a luxurious scent that lasts all day.
Another similar formula that I’m a fan of is Glossier’s Deodorant, especially in my favourite scent, You. I know AKT’s The Deodorant Balm, currently £17.85, is also popular, as are Wild’s deodorants in their chic refillable cases, from £12.
