We’ve been using it for 15 years. That says it all.
There are beauty products you try. And then there is Soapwalla deodorant—the one you adopt for life. Since its creation in Brooklyn in 2009, this ivory cream packaged in a glass jar has become one of the rare “holy grails” of natural cosmetics, a status reserved for formulas that reconcile what once seemed incompatible: real effectiveness, without aluminum salts, parabens, or petrochemical derivatives.
Its founder, Rachel Winard, a former lawyer, trained violinist, and yogini, originally formulated it for herself. Living with lupus, an autoimmune disease that makes the skin intolerant to most conventional cosmetics, she spent months testing what was available on the market before realizing she would have to invent everything from scratch. She arrived at this deodorant after more than 2,000 iterations in her New York kitchen, with one non-negotiable rule: only include ingredients you would feel comfortable eating.
Discover the full Soapwalla collection
Fifteen years later, Soapwalla deodorant is still handmade in small batches in the same Brooklyn workshop. And it is still considered, by the most demanding beauty editors, as the absolute benchmark in natural deodorant.
Here is everything you need to know before adopting it—and all the secrets to getting the very best results.
Why the cream format changes everything
The first thing that surprises you with Soapwalla is the format. No stick, no spray. A glass jar, a texture reminiscent of cake frosting, and finger application. Unusual, yes—but far from a purely aesthetic choice: it is precisely what makes the formula possible.
Traditional sticks require synthetic waxes and hardeners to hold their shape. Sprays rely on propellant gases and solvents. The jar, on the other hand, frees the formulation. Soapwalla can concentrate its active ingredients (ultra-fine plant powders, white clay, essential oils) without diluting them in an industrial base. The result: superior performance at equal dosage, and a pea-sized amount is enough to protect one underarm for 24 hours.
This concentration also explains the longevity of a jar. A 60 ml format lasts between 3 and 6 months depending on your frequency of use, bringing the daily cost well below that of a conventional drugstore deodorant.
What’s in the formula—and why it matters
The original version
The original Soapwalla deodorant is built on a short, readable formula:
- Organic shea butter and organic jojoba oil to nourish and soften the underarm skin, one of the thinnest and most delicate areas of the body.
- Organic cornstarch and kaolin (white clay) to absorb moisture without blocking sweat glands.
- Baking soda to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
- Organic essential oils of lavender, peppermint, tea tree, bergamot (bergaptene-free), and sweet orange for their antibacterial properties and their fresh, herbal, slightly camphoraceous scent profile.
- Organic rosehip oil and vitamin E for their regenerating and antioxidant benefits.
No artificial waxes, no hardeners, no synthetic fragrance. This purity explains both the product’s effectiveness and some of its unique characteristics—starting with its sensitivity to heat.
A powdery finish with zero residue
This is one of the details that truly makes a difference in everyday use, yet is rarely discussed. Once absorbed, Soapwalla cream leaves a dry, powdery finish, with no greasy residue and no white or yellow marks on clothing. No streaks on your black blouse collar. No stains on your white t-shirts.
This dry finish is made possible by ultra-fine plant powders and kaolin clay, which instantly absorb excess moisture. You can get dressed seconds after application, without waiting and without worrying about transfer.
At Superskin, we have been using this deodorant for 15 years. That says everything about the trust we place in it—and the consistency of its results over time.
Original or Citrus: how to choose between the two classic versions
Both contain baking soda and offer the same 24-hour effectiveness. The difference is purely olfactory.
The Original features a fresh, herbal, slightly camphoraceous scent dominated by lavender, peppermint, and tea tree. It’s a unisex, “spa-like” signature, appreciated by those seeking a clean and subtle freshness.
The Citrus version delivers a sunny blend of bergamot, lime, grapefruit, litsea cubeba, and a soft vanilla finish. Brighter, more immediate, more radiant. Ideal for summer or for those who enjoy starting the day with an uplifting scent.
Both are suitable for women and men alike. The whole family can share the jar.
View the Soapwalla Original deodorant
Sensitive underarms? The baking soda-free version
This is the most important distinction in the range. The baking soda in the original formula is highly effective, but its alkaline pH (around 9) can disrupt the skin’s naturally acidic pH (around 5.5), potentially causing tingling or redness in sensitive individuals.
If your skin is reactive, thin, or if you’ve had bad experiences with other natural deodorants, don’t push through with the original formula. Soapwalla spent five years developing a baking soda-free sensitive skin version with comparable effectiveness.
The sensitive skin formula is based on:
- Magnesium hydroxide, which neutralizes bacteria like baking soda but with a much gentler pH compatible with the skin.
- Activated charcoal to absorb moisture and purify.
- Club moss extract (Lycopodium clavatum), a little-known yet highly absorbent ingredient.
- Cajeput and palmarosa essential oils for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.
- Shea butter and jojoba oil to instantly soothe compromised skin.
This version has a naturally grey tone due to activated charcoal. It fades completely upon application, leaving no visible marks on the skin or light-colored clothing if you allow proper absorption time.
Discover the Soapwalla sensitive skin Lavender Mint deodorant