Why we <3 AHA Deodorant
For any number of reasons you may want to wear deodorant. Most common is experiencing body odor as an unpleasant— not only to you, but concern for others who are exposed to it. You also may have learned, masking odor with a non-synthetic fragrance is not always the best solution since, sometimes, for some bodies, on some days, as the fragrance wears off, body odor will arise again.
This is when an antimicrobial approach to body odor using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in deodorants comes into play.
Sweating & B.O.
It is a common misconception that the chemicals secreted in sweat cause body odor but this is not the case; the sweat we secrete from eccrine and apocrine glands is odorless. Body odor is created when sweat encounters the bacteria readily found on the skin and goes through a chemical reaction of decomposition.
Another misconception is that deodorants and antiperspirants are interchangeable. Antiperspirants are meant to reduce/inhibit sweat using aluminum-based ingredients such as aluminum chloride, chlorohydrate, sesquichlorohydrate, dichlorohydrate and sulfate to reversibly block sweat by plugging the eccrine duct. If you sweat a lot, antiperspirants can be a good option for you, but if odor is your concern, there are natural deodorants that work.
As the name suggests, deodorants protect the skin against body odor. Bacteria on your skin is what causes sweat to smell, so deodorants increase the skin’s acidity and kills the bacteria on your skin. and makes the skin less attractive for future bacteria growth. We’ve found Corpus Natural Deodorants to work for many Boketto customers. Team Boketto each have their favorite scent, too!
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of fruit-derived acids that naturally balance your skin’s pH. A multi-purpose ingredient with a variety of applications and benefits. You may know that AHA is often found in skincare as it helps smooth fine lines, improve skin texture and tone, and unblock and cleanse pores. Some examples of AHAs include glycolic, malic, tartaric, lactic and mandelic acids. All are especially effective at a pH below 4.5— outside of the optimal growth range for odor-causing bacteria.
The use of AHAs in deodorants may seem unconventional but it is an innovative way to tackle body odor— by tackling the growth conditions microbes. In addition, AHAs can assist with exfoliation of the underarms, which in turn can reduce hyperpigmentation and reduce ingrown hairs from waxing or shaving.
Why Monks Natural AHA Deodorant
AHAs are the star ingredient of Monks Natural Deodorant sprays for their ability to target odor-causing bacteria, which in turn balances skin pH and eliminates odor. Their proprietary formula also contains probiotic-rich saccharomyces ferment, which helps break down sweat, and Cordyceps mushrooms that smooth and moisturize skin. Available in two gender-neutral scents:
Yuzu Santo Rare and sparkling citrus balanced by earthy noble woods. Invigorating yet refined. Top: Yuzu peel, bright citrus, white flowers; Heart: Evergreen leaves, amber, leather; Base: Green balsam, palo santo, warm musk
Copal Green Dry and woody vetiver enlivened by peppery notes of honeyed copaiba balsam. Virile and emotive. Top: Hints of pepper, sweet grass, serene meadow; Heart: Warm wood, creamy balsam, honey and smoke; Base: Green earth and roots, wet green leaves, sacred resins.
Monks’ formulas are also crafted to improve skin by including natural, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and medicinal plants that further balance the skin’s pH.
Yes, sustainable, plant-based ingredients can craft gentle yet hyper-effective products that respect both body and planet.