This natural deodorant with niacinamide is made for brightening dark underarm skin and neutralizing odor. I put Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Bright Deodorant to the test, and this is my honest review.
Dark underarms? Or perhaps on your bikini line? You're not alone! Now there is a clean deodorant targeted to treat such hyperpigmentation with niacinamide and alpha arbutin while also leaving you smelling fresh. But does it work? I tried this clean deodorant and have mixed thoughts. Keep reading for my complete, honest review.
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Why You Need A Clean Deodorant
For me, switching to clean deodorant was an easy choice. The main ingredient in typical antiperspirant deodorants is aluminum, which has been linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. While the evidence is inconsistent and lacking, the ability for aluminum to interfere with estrogen receptors has been demonstrated. Furthermore, other chemicals commonly found in typical drugstore deodorants have been linked to breast cancer too. Even a small amount of evidence is enough cause for me to avoid regular deodorant, given my genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
When I decided to make the switch to natural products several years ago, deodorant was one of the first products I focused on, since I use it daily and in close proximity to susceptible breast tissue. That said, it's a process finding the right natural deodorant. Not all of them are created equal.
Clean deodorant with niacinamide and alpha arbutin brightens dark underarms and neutralizes odor.
Meet the Product: Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Bright Brightening Deodorant + Body Balm
What It Is: A clean deodorant and skin brightener that can be used to treat hyperpigmentation on underarm skin, as well as elsewhere on the body, such as the bikini line, inner thighs, and body acne scars.
What It Claims: "2-in-1 deodorant brightens dark underarms and controls odor with natural brightening ingredients niacinamide and alpha arbutin." - Kaia Naturals Website
Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Bright Brightening Deodorant: My Honest Review
Ingredients: 9/10
Formulated under strict EU standards without aluminum, baking soda, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Cruelty-free and vegan. Active ingredients include niacinamide and alpha arbutin.
Experience: 9/10
The packaging is nice and the product rolls on clear without feeling sticky. The vanilla and pear scent is subtle and pleasant. The product didn't leave any staining behind on my clothes, which is a major plus!
Performance: 6/10
I'm torn on what rating to give this deodorant. In one area, it worked great as advertised, but in another, it just didn't work for me. So the 6 is a compromise. Performance as a deodorant was not good for me. After just a few hours, my underarms were stinky. I had to reapply multiple times throughout the day, and even then, I felt I needed to shower and start over! Fail. For now, I'll be sticking to my current favorite deodorant.
HOWEVER, in the brightening department, I think it works well as advertised! I don't have and hyperpigmentation in the underarm area, but I did have a few dark spots on my bikini line from past ingrown hairs, so I tested it out on those. After just a few uses, I was surprised to see noticeable brightening! So it does get points for working as a skin brightener.
Value: 7/10
Again, I'm torn on what to rate the value. It depends on the use, I think. At $26, it's a little more expensive than some clean deodorants, especially if it doesn't work for you to neutralize odor. However, as a skin brightener, it's probably an affordable treatment option that will last for a good while.
Overall: 7.7/10
Overall Impressions
I wanted to love this deodorant, but I just didn't. It simply did not work with my body chemistry to keep me smelling fresh, which is obviously the number one function of a deodorant. I do think it is effective as a brightening treatment, though (and an affordable one at that!), so it probably depends on your goals. The reviews from many people state that it works great for them as a deodorant, so it could work for you if you're in need of a brightening solution. It may be worth a try if you have dark underarms, especially in tandem with the brand's brightening kojic acid bar.
Buy It: Kaia Naturals Brightening Deodorant + Body Balm
(Psst! Get $10 off when you try it at Credo Beauty!)
- Reviewer Stats
- Age: 30s
- Hair Type: Oily + Color Treated
- Skin Type: Oily/Combo
- Concern: Breakouts + Preventing fine lines
