Let's Talk About Musk
- marybklein
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
I was texting my best friend the other week about natural deodorants, and as the conversation progressed, it hit me: I know a weird amount about natural body musk. And, apparently, choosing a deodorant scent based on your natural musk isn’t common knowledge (shocking, I know). That realization made me think this might be valuable information to share with a broader audience. So, if you’re ever considering switching to natural deodorant (I say considering because spending $15 on one definitely feels like a commitment), I wanted to share some guidance to help you choose one that has a better chance of working for your body.
Before I launch into the deodorant recommendations, I want to preface this topic with a few disclaimers:
It’s important to accept that with any natural deodorant, there will never be such a thing as completely erasing the natural, sometimes subtle, smell of sweat. (Sweat is fine, but BO crosses the line.)
If you want to smell like a fresh load of laundry or a fairy that just woke up in a garden bed of lavender, natural deodorant is probably NOT for you.
If you sweat a lot, you will likely end up with stained clothes (hello, our sweat is not just water).
Natural deodorants are not antiperspirants. If you don’t like sweating or the feeling of damp clothes, natural deodorant may not be for you.
I have a VERY sensitive nose and an extremely acidic natural musk. As fun as that combination is, it was relatively easy for me to figure out which deodorant aromas would work. It may not be easy for you to find your natural musk so it may take some trial and error.
Now that we’ve set expectations, let us begin:
How the Heck Do I Find My Natural Musk
Understanding your natural musk is something that is actually explored in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and also in perfumery science. Not only can you apply this knowledge to your natural deodorants, but also to other fragranced products that you like to use.
The How To:
Sleep without deodorant for 7 days (or just don’t wear deodorant for 2-3 days, your call, but I recommend just sleeping without it.)
While doing the above, sleep in the same shirt, sheets, etc. NO WASHING.
At the end of the week, smell your sleep shirt and use the following profiles for making note of specific smells (explained below.)
Natural musks tend to fall into a blend of the categories below. If you notice one is more prominent, ensure to make note and choose scents that complement it.
Musk Profiles:
a) Sour/Acidic: Often described as vinegar-like; commonly associated with Propionibacterium in sweat.
b) Onion-like/Sulfury: Caused by bacterial breakdown of sweat into 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol. Often more prevalent in females.
c) Rancid/Cheesy/Musky: Caused by 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid, often more prevalent in males due to higher Corynebacterium populations.
d) Fruity: Often noted alongside onion-like, characteristic of certain axillary odor components.
e) Animalic/Creamy: Described as dairy-like or musky (often "fatty" or "oily" notes.)
f) Woody/Spicy: Less common in natural odor, often related to specific metabolic dietary, or environmental factors.
What Can Affect Your Musk Profile:
Biological Sex: Male sweat is generally more intense, often smelling more pungent/cheesy, while female sweat is often rated as more fruity or oniony.
Age: Body odor changes over the lifespan. Elderly individuals (75–95 years) often have a less intense, less unpleasant scent (sometimes described as "fatty" or "grassy") compared to younger adults.
Diet: Foods like garlic, onion, alcohol, and red meat can significantly alter the scent profile.
Stress/Emotion: Anxiety-related sweat produces a distinct, often higher-intensity scent compared to neutral or exercise-induced sweat.
Hygiene/Bacteria: The density of Corynebacterium (producing cheesy odors) and Staphylococcus (producing sour/onion odors) in the underarm dictates the specific smell.
February's Hero Product: Primally Pure Deodorant
One of my close friends (and dear client) has been recommending Primally Pure since she first came to see me almost two years ago. She finally convinced me to give their deodorant a shot. As someone who has tried what feels like almost every natural deodorant out there and nearly given up, I was intrigued when she told me she’s been using Primally Pure’s for years. When trying it myself, I focused on the biggest concerns and goals most people have when choosing a natural deodorant. I’ve organized my thoughts around those priorities to (hopefully) make this easier to navigate.
Primally Pure Geranium Deodorant
Criteria | Rating | Notes |
Longevity | 10/10 | I typically only had to apply 1x a day to maintain freshness (unless I was sweating substantially, then it was 2x a day.) |
Odor Control | 8/10 | I had no BO smell after intense cardio, just didn’t smell good due to the amount of sweat (which I feel makes sense). I do want to note that once I re-applied the deodorant after the intense workout (without showering), it immediately did a great job covering the intense sweat aroma. |
Sweat Absorption (Moisture Management) | 8/10 | Depends on which phase I’m in for my cycle, about 70% of the time I had no moisture. |
Residue/Staining | 7/10 | No staining, but I’ve noticed a texture difference (clumping) on porous or fuzzy-like fabrics. |
Scent Variety | 6/10 | Multiple options for different musks/preferences, I just wish they had a few more options as there are only two scents that work for me (the geranium + tea tree.) |
Ingredients/Skin Sensitivity | 10/10 | They have a sensitive line, but even with the standard I’ve had no reactions. |
Cost | 10/10 | Don’t get me wrong, $14-$16 a bottle does feel expensive, but when considering the brand, eco-friendly packaging, clean ingredients and sourcing, I personally feel the cost is worth it. |
Scent Compatibility Guide:
A, B, C: Bergamot+Eucalyptus, Geranium, Tea Tree
D, E, F: Vanilla+Citrus, Lavender, Lemongrass
Note: I'm cautious to try the charcoal or blue tansy deodorant due to reviews complaining of stained clothes.
Overall, it’s the first natural deodorant that made me feel like I wasn’t compromising effectiveness for ingredients. However, to ensure satisfaction, it’s important to keep in mind my previously shared disclaimers as well as giving your body several weeks to adjust and understanding how to properly find a scent compatible with your natural musk.
I have yet to try the deodorant in the summertime, but I will update you once I get the chance to do so. Regardless, my experience thus far has been enough to convert me and I’m trialing a few other Primally Pure products that I hope to write about soon. Hopefully, this newfound knowledge has not only assisted you in learning something new about yourself, but also boosted your confidence in trying natural deodorant or at least giving it another shot.
Stay fresh,
Mary | Honey Glow Wellness
