AKT is the creation of two theatre actors, Ed Currie and Andy Coxon, who felt mainstream deodorants weren't helping them through eight intensely physical shows a week - shows that involved dancing under hot lights and running between a dressing room five flights away from the stage. Not to mention the rehearsals, classes, and training sessions during the day. Final thoughts: Even though I also love some other natural deodorants , if you're looking for that extra level strength (and luxury all-natural scent), I would highly recommend giving AKT a go. Key specs – Type: Replaceable push-up; Vegan friendly: Yes; Container: Reusable metal holder/Bamboo pulp refills; Quantity: 43g per refill

One side benefit of natural deodorants is that they don’t contain aluminium, so you won’t have to worry about stubborn yellow stains on the underarm fabric of your gym T-shirts. As this is one of the brand’s strongest formulas, it recommends that most users start with the Clean Deodorant Balm, and those with sensitive skin should consider the Gentle Deodorant Balm instead. Created by West End dancers who couldn’t find a deodorant that could withstand their training regime, AKT battles body odour with a firm commitment to the environment and kindness to skin.This unusually-named deodorant eschews sweet, fruity or flowery scents. Its fragrance is strong without being overwhelming – think fire, smoke, wood and leather – and endures all day long. However, despite the intense fragrance, the balm itself is light, soft and comprised of natural ingredients such as Shea Butter and Calendula Oil. Awake Organics recommend patch testing to ensure that your skin isn’t irritated by the bicarb (or essential oils) in the balm. If it’s too potent, you can consider its Space Cat or Star Cloud deodorants instead, or just save the Moon Goo for hotter, busier days. Running with the luxe and efficacious ethos behind Akt, Currie and Coxon also wanted the deodorant balm to be a self-care moment for people, too. That's why they've designed the brass applicator that's inspired by the ancient Chinese healing technique, Gua Sha. The applicator has dual purpose: first, to help apply the product and second, to give yourself a little massage afterwards. "So you put a pea size amount on the applicator, and just apply it to your underarm," explains Coxon. "You can literally, like spreading butter on your toast, just spread until it's absorbed." The company describes the potent formula as being perfect for gym days, holidays and extra busy days – and in our testing, it worked wonders. The smell is sweet and mild and it’s wonderfully easy to apply as its consistency is more like a butter than a cream. The end result is a deodorant that works incredibly well. We detected no unpleasant odours and it also serves to keep dampness at bay effectively.

Inspired by their industry, the typography is based on the old theatre billboards, the spacing is like cinema and movie theatre signs, and they've even named the fragrances after scenes. My favourite detail, though, is the directions for using the product. "Let's set the scene," it begins. "You open the box and take out The Deodorant Balm . . . Akt lasts all day. But you put it in your bag. Who knows where today will take you." It's this level of consideration and, let's be honest, cheekiness, that made me so excited by Akt — but to find out the product works? Well, I'm sold for life now, aren't I. This is why several brands suggest patch testing their stronger products before applying liberally, and most of the products here also come in gentler, everyday formulas which are perfect for regular use on even the most sensitive of skin – these tend to do away with the bicarbonate of soda.

Where many natural deodorants smell feminine, floral, or are very citrus-heavy, Akt's fragrances are created for all genders. In my opinion, they have more fresh, earthy, and spicy notes — which I love and actually think is sexy — and would compare all three to the style of perfumes that Le Labo or Malin + Goetz are known for. "We never wanted it to be gender specific," says Currie. "Because it's 2020 — it's just a good deodorant that's going to work for anyone." verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Squeeze a little from the small tube, apply it with your fingers and it smooths on easily and is absorbed instantly. You can buy a separate applicator if you don’t like using your fingers, though. In colder seasons we’d advise warming the tube slightly before use or you’ll struggle to squeeze any out.