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I started this blog with a focus toward fashion and style. The last thing I thought I’d be passionately writing about is deodorant. But here we are – and I’m so excited to give you the full low down (spoiler alert, I’m #obsessed!).
I attended the Beauty2 event in NYC a few weeks ago where I met a bunch of independent, clean beauty brands. There I met Rebecca So, the founder of Sway (and a fellow CPA!) and as she enthusiastically walked me through her brand’s products, I honestly just fell in love with the packaging and formulations. Sway is planning on coming out with some great new products such as a heavenly micellular water, refreshing spray, and beauty oils/tonics and I am beyond here for it!
I’d like to preface this review by saying while Sway generously provided the reviewed products for free, I initiated the opportunity to review their products and all opinions are my own. ✌️Got it? Good – now let’s get to the good stuff.
I’m giving you the full review on Sway’s staple 3-product deodorant system:
Left to right: Sway underarm detox masque, Sway detox deodorant, Sway dusting powder
THE CLAIM: Innovative apple-cider based deodorant formulation. All natural and aluminum and chemical free formulations. Effective and long-lasting protection, weightless, cleaning feeling, and (the hallmark claim) residue and stain-free.
Packaging – 15/5 Stars
I love this packaging system. Like a moth drawn to light, I was zombie-drawn to the bright colors and sleek modern design of their products and booth at the back of the event space. Not only do the branding and colors look good, (that Tiffany-blue color is so pretty) but the packaging itself is super smart and functional. The deodorant uses a large roller ball application which makes zero mess and is super easy to use.
My favorite product by packaging alone is the dusting powder. It has the cutest little poof on top which deposits the perfect amount of powder on my underarms. Genius. The detox mask comes in an unremarkable squeeze tube, but it gets the job done.
Sway Detox Deodorant – 4/5 Stars
The Good: The smell of this product makes me swoon every time I use it. The original scent is citrus-lavender and I love that it’s not obnoxiously perfumey, fruity, or musky. It’s a beautiful light, fresh, and clean smell that I personally would love to have as my signature scent.
It stays true to the claim that no residue is left behind and it gives you a very ‘clean’ feeling when you apply it. I’m a big fan of Schmitt’s all natural deodorant, but the downside to using that product is that it is very messy and you can’t wear it with synthetic fabrics because the essential oils in the formula stain anything that isn’t cotton with large grease stains. Sway’s product leaves NO residue and is not messy at all!
No residue!
The Bad: Like most natural products, it does take a few days to allow your body to adjust to the formulation. There is also a slight vinegar smell that goes away after it dries. The first time I applied it, I kept smelling myself (because the scent, once dry, is DIVINE), and I was a little disappointed about a couple hours later when I just smelled like B.O. But I’ve found that the more I transitioned to using the product, the longer it lasted. It does take time, about 5 days for your body’s PH to adjust to begin to experience the long-lasting effects. Also, each body is different and from reading other reviews, some body chemistries just don’t jive with this product.
It does take a minute or two (not seconds) for the formula to absorb and dry onto my skin. In wanting to use the dusting powder as the direct next step in my routine, I had to change up my routine. After applying the deodorant, I do my make up, and finish with the dusting powder as the final step. Not a deal breaker, but I did have to think about how to best slip these products into my current routine rather than a 1:1 swap.
*I’d also like to note that my two comments above were also told to me by the founder and brand reps themselves. So, on a personal level I appreciate their transparency and the fact that they know their products inside and out.
Sway Dusting Powder – 5/5 Stars
This product is just adorable! But aside from great packaging, this dusting powder is a great compliment to the deoderant. While it works similar to using baby powder, the powder itself is much more sheer. It has a wonderful citrus smell, and you can re-apply this throughout the day (especially during the transition period). Also, I love that the formulation is talc and chemical free. They also make a body powder which I will also be adding to my cart ASAP.
The little ‘poof’ on this dusting powder is cute AF!
Underarm Detox Mask – 5/5 Stars
I expected this product to be messy, gross, and a pain to use. The reality is that using the silicone brush to apply the product was super easy and not messy! A little goes a long way in terms of product. So you get a generous amount of product in the package. I usually apply this on nights that I shower. I just throw on a tank, the mask, and just chill out or check emails while it sets. After washing, the mask gives a super clean feeling to my underarms. It also noticeably helps to speed up the transition process. Awarding the max 5/5 stars because I have no complaints!
Detoxin’ like a boss
Overall – 4.5/5 Stars
The Good: These products have great formulations that work. Also, they’re super affordable. You can buy the deodorant and powder as a set for $16 or separately for $12 and $5, respectively. The most expensive item is the detox mask at $22 but a little goes a long way.
Many natural deodorants are a baking soda and essential oil based which can be messy and you can’t wear them with synthetic fabrics. Sway’s formula is clear, clean, and leaves NO residue! It’s actually pretty amazing not having deodorant residue on your clothes or jackets. This is perfect for going out in that favorite LBD. Also the product scents and packaging are top quality. If you have sensitive skin, or have had irritation with baking-soda based deodorants, Sway would be a great option to try.
The Bad: There is a transition period as your body becomes used to a natural deodorant which takes a few days. Also, while a vinegar-based deodorant works for the majority of people, it does not work with every body chemistry. There is also sometimes a light vinegar smell. While I can wear this deodorant confidently at work and in the evenings or otherwise low-impact activities, I haven’t tried it when I’ve had the dreaded ‘nervous sweat’ or super sweaty activities and I am unsure how it would hold up.
Good For:
- Sensitive skin
- If you wear a lot of synthetic/fragile garments (leaves no residue)
- All skin types (both young and aging skin)
- Date nights and events (leaves no residue)
- Wallet-conscious
Not Ideal For:
- If you have a severe aversion to the smell of vinegar
- Looking for instant results (there is a transition period of about 5 days)
- If you have severe underarm odor issues
