Lavender & Helichrysum Sensitive Deodorant

35g and 70g | Biodegradable cardboard tube | from £7

A gentle, bicarb-free, aluminium-free deodorant handcrafted in West Wittering — specifically formulated for sensitive underarms, reactive skin, and anyone finding conventional natural deodorants too harsh. Powered by magnesium hydroxide and kaolin clay rather than bicarbonate of soda, and scented with pure helichrysum and lavender essential oils. Vegan, plastic-free, and kind to the most delicate skin.

The sensitive skin solution that doesn't compromise on performance

Bicarbonate of soda is the most common active ingredient in natural deodorants — and for most people it works brilliantly. But for sensitive skin, recently shaved underarms, or those in the early stages of transitioning from conventional antiperspirants, the high alkalinity of bicarb can cause redness, itching, and irritation. This formula was developed specifically for those people.

Instead of bicarbonate of soda, this deodorant uses magnesium hydroxide as its primary odour-neutralising active. Magnesium hydroxide works by creating a mildly alkaline environment on the skin's surface that inhibits the odour-causing bacteria responsible for underarm smell — achieving the same result as bicarb but at a significantly gentler pH, making it far less likely to cause irritation. It's one of the most effective and well-tolerated alternatives to both aluminium and bicarbonate of soda currently available in natural deodorant formulation.

Kaolin clay supports the magnesium hydroxide by gently absorbing excess sebum and surface moisture — the same kaolin used in the gentlest cosmetic clay masks, valued precisely for its mildness. Tapioca starch and arrowroot powder complete the moisture-absorbing layer, working together to keep underarms feeling comfortably dry throughout the day without any occlusive, pore-blocking effect.

The base is where this formula particularly shines for sensitive skin. Cupuaçu butter — cold-pressed from seeds of the Amazonian cupuaçu fruit — has an exceptional ability to absorb moisture and is one of the most nourishing and skin-compatible plant butters available. Babassu oil, cold-pressed from the nuts of the Amazonian babassu palm, is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil with a fatty acid profile remarkably similar to coconut oil but significantly less likely to cause sensitivity reactions — making it ideal for reactive underarm skin. Together they create a genuinely nourishing base that conditions rather than merely tolerates sensitive skin.

Candelilla wax provides the solid stick structure — plant-derived, vegan, and the same carefully chosen wax used across the entire Puremess deodorant range.

Helichrysum and lavender essential oils create a beautifully soft, calming scent that feels genuinely therapeutic. Helichrysum italicum — sometimes called the immortelle or everlasting flower — is one of the most prized botanicals in natural skincare, steam-distilled from the golden flowers of the helichrysum plant and valued for its extraordinarily gentle and skin-compatible properties. Its scent is warm, honeyed, and faintly herbal — quite unlike anything else in the essential oil world. Lavender brings its familiar, universally beloved calming character, complementing the helichrysum beautifully and grounding the blend. Together they create a scent that feels less like a grooming product and more like a botanical ritual.

What's in it — and why

• Cupuaçu butter (Theobroma grandiflorum) — cold-pressed Amazonian seed butter; exceptional moisture absorption and nourishment; ideal for sensitive skin
• Babassu oil (Orbignya oleifera) — cold-pressed Amazonian palm oil; lightweight, fast-absorbing; similar fatty acid profile to coconut oil but gentler for reactive skin
• Arrowroot powder (Maranta arundinacea) — absorbs excess moisture; keeps underarms comfortable and dry
• Kaolin clay — the mildest cosmetic clay; gently absorbs surface moisture and sebum without irritation
• Tapioca starch — fine, silky powder; adds additional moisture absorption and a smooth skin feel
• Magnesium hydroxide — the key active; creates a mildly alkaline environment that inhibits odour-causing bacteria; significantly gentler than bicarbonate of soda
• Vitamin E (Tocopherol) — natural antioxidant support and oil preservation
• Candelilla wax (Euphorbia cerifera) — plant-derived wax; provides the solid stick structure; suitable for vegans
• Helichrysum flower oil (Helichrysum italicum) — steam-distilled from the immortelle flower; one of the most prized and skin-compatible botanicals in natural skincare; warm, honeyed, faintly herbal scent
• Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) — calming, skin-compatible, and beautifully aromatic

Full INCI: Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuaçu) Seed Butter, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Kaolin, Tapioca Starch, Magnesium Hydroxide, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Limonene**, Linalool** **Naturally occurring in essential oils

How to use

Push up from the base to reveal the deodorant stick. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry underarms. Allow a moment to absorb before dressing. Reapply as needed — a little goes a long way.

💡 Transitioning tip: This formula is ideal for anyone switching from conventional antiperspirants — the magnesium hydroxide is significantly gentler than bicarbonate of soda, making it an excellent first step into natural deodorant without the irritation risk.

✨ Sensitive skin tip: For best results, apply to fully dry underarms at least 20 minutes after shaving, when the skin has had time to settle.

The Puremess Promise

✔️ Handcrafted in small batches in West Wittering, West Sussex ✔️ Bicarb-free, aluminium-free, paraben-free and free from synthetic fragrance ✔️ Natural, vegan, and cruelty-free ✔️ Presented in a biodegradable cardboard tube — plastic-free and zero waste

Made with love, in West Wittering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the regular Puremess deodorants? The key difference is the active odour-neutralising ingredient. The regular Puremess deodorant range uses bicarbonate of soda — highly effective but with a high alkalinity that can cause irritation for sensitive skin. This sensitive formula replaces bicarb with magnesium hydroxide, which achieves the same odour-neutralising result at a significantly gentler pH. The base also uses cupuaçu butter and babassu oil rather than the coconut-derived base of the regular range — both chosen specifically for their superior compatibility with reactive and sensitive skin.

Does magnesium hydroxide work as well as bicarbonate of soda? Yes — it works through the same mechanism, creating a mildly alkaline environment that inhibits the odour-causing bacteria responsible for underarm smell. The difference is the degree of alkalinity — magnesium hydroxide is significantly gentler on skin than bicarbonate of soda, making it much less likely to cause the redness, itching, or irritation that some people experience with bicarb-based natural deodorants. For most people the performance is comparable; for sensitive skin it's often superior because it can be used consistently without the irritation that forces people to stop.

What is helichrysum and why is it special? Helichrysum italicum — also known as the immortelle or everlasting flower — is one of the most prized botanicals in natural skincare. Steam-distilled from the golden flowers of the helichrysum plant, the essential oil has a warm, honeyed, faintly herbal scent that's quite unlike anything else in the essential oil world. It's valued for its extraordinarily gentle and skin-compatible properties — making it a particularly fitting choice for a sensitive skin formulation. It's a premium ingredient that elevates this deodorant well beyond a functional product.

Is this suitable for recently shaved underarms? Yes — this is one of the few natural deodorant formulas genuinely suitable for application to recently shaved skin. The absence of bicarbonate of soda removes the primary cause of post-shave stinging and irritation in natural deodorants. We'd still recommend waiting 15–20 minutes after shaving to allow the skin to fully settle before applying.

Is this suitable as a first natural deodorant? Absolutely — it's the ideal starting point. The gentle magnesium hydroxide formula is significantly less likely to cause the skin reactions that put people off natural deodorants during the transition period. If you've tried bicarb-based natural deodorants before and found them irritating, this formula is specifically designed for you.

Is the packaging really plastic-free? Yes — the deodorant comes in a biodegradable cardboard tube with no plastic components. Push up from the base to apply, and when finished the tube can go straight in your home compost or recycling.