If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Does the Crystal Mineral Deodorant Really Work? We Put It to the Test

perfume and oil

@gouldhallie

We put the Crystal Mineral Deodorant to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Natural deodorants have been growing in popularity in recent years, in large part due to the "clean" beauty movement and inconclusive concerns surrounding aluminum. "There are no strong epidemiologic studies in the medical literature that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim," an American Cancer Society report says. "In fact, a carefully designed epidemiologic study of this issue published in 2002 compared 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women without the disease. The researchers found no link between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, deodorant use, or underarm shaving"

While the above research means most deodorants should be safe to use, if you do choose to go aluminum-free, you have more options than ever. Celebrities like Ashley Graham have given the Crystal Mineral Deodorant a try and raved about it, so we decided to put it to the test to see if it performs. Read on for our full review of this buzzy deodorant.

Crystal’s Body Deodorant Stone

Best For: Sensitive skin types and anyone who wants to avoid aluminum-based deodorants.

Uses: A daily deodorant for odor-blocking without the use of aluminum.

Potential Allergens: Mineral salt

Hero Ingredients: Mineral salt

About the Brand: In 1984, the founder of Crystal traveled to France and learned of a mineral salt product used to purify water—which, he discovered, forms a protective barrier on the skin against odor-causing bacteria, according to the brand. Thus, the idea for the first-ever crystal deodorant was born.

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stone with Dish

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stone

Crystal

The Feel: Silky without a trace of stickiness

The Crystal Mineral Deodorant isn't actually crystal, but rather a large chunk of mineral salt shaped into a chic, gem-like stone. It also comes in a stick format with the same formula, so which to choose depends on your personal preference. To use it, simply moisten the top of the rock and applied it to clean skin, which we did in the morning before heading out, filling the same place in our routines as regular deodorant. The texture is super silky and soft, and not at all rough and abrasive. It doesn't leave underarms sticky or with chalky, white residue either.

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick and cap

Ali Webb

The Results: Rough at first but showed improvement

The Crystal mineral deodorant offers odor protection using only mineral salts and can be a gentle alternative to products with aluminum, phthalates, and parabens. I consider my underarms pretty standard–not overly sensitive or sweaty, but average enough to worry about forgoing antiperspirant for a natural deodorant.

I went on with my days like any other, sweating through my morning commute and freezing in the office. The first day wasn’t great: I noticed sweat and odor early on in the day which, naturally, was concerning to me while I stood close to coworkers in meetings and on my way to lunch. But our contributing features editor, Amanda, reassured me: “In order to successfully become a natural deodorant user, you have to go through a ‘mainstream deodorant detox,’” she wrote in a piece about just that.

"When people have been using mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants, their bodies are prevented from sweating—ingredients like propylene glycol and aluminum salts stop the natural process of sweat,” explains organic skincare guru Susan Griffin-Black, cofounder of EO Products, an essential oil-focused natural skincare brand. “The first few weeks of using a deodorant without these ingredients [aluminum and preservatives] is often the smelliest time of a person’s life,” says Black. At least I’m not the only one, I thought as I used a makeup wipe under my arms in the office bathroom.

However, much to my surprise, I didn’t notice excessive perspiration or smells come day five—which, in New York in September, is quite the feat. It even felt fun each morning to incorporate the stone into my routine.

More Reviews

"The Crystal Stone Deodorant is a suitable formula for less-hot days when you’re not sweating a lot. For me, it didn’t combat odor while commuting in 90-degree summer heat. However, I do love that it doesn’t leave behind any residue or stickiness after application." — Olivia Hancock, editor

"I’ve always been curious about deodorant stones, as people seem to either swear by them or avoid them entirely. My opinion actually falls somewhere in the middle—it goes on smoothly without greasiness or residue, which makes me prefer it over some other natural deodorant options, but it wasn’t strong enough to compel me to turn to it during heat waves or more active days. That being said, it’s a decent option for low-key days, and the stone format looks chic on your vanity or shelf." — Ali Webb, associate editor

The Value: Affordable compared to the competition

This deodorant is a few dollars pricier than your average drugstore pick, but the larger size means things will probably even out in the long run. It's also on the cheaper side compared to other natural deodorants. The stone can last for more than a year with daily use, which makes it an even better value.

Similar Products: You've got options

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant: This is a luxe natural deodorant that still won't break the bank. It also comes in a Sport Luxe version if you need extra strength for working out (or day-to-day sweating during your commute).

Native Deodorant: Native is a cult favorite of the natural deodorant world. With a host of incredible scents including seasonal additions plus an unscented option, there's something for everyone.

Final Verdict: A little sweaty, but worth it

The Crystal mineral deodorant may be less powerful than the chemical-laden antiperspirant options, and it won't cut down on your sweat. But to be fair, that’s the way it is with most natural deodorant options, and you'll probably get more used to it over time as your body acclimates. If you’re looking for a natural option, this is a great pick to consider—and if it doesn't sound ideal to you, there are so many alternatives in today's market.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. American Cancer Society. Antiperspirants and breast cancer risk. Updated October 14, 2014.

Related Stories