It's Time I Finally Talk About This

Product reviewed

Cheeky deodorant: an aluminum-free deodorant sold via usecheeky.com.

Named/mentioned variants:

• “License to Clean”
• “Loi Lavender”

Key features / claims

• Aluminum-free but claims to “actually work”—the speaker contrasts it with other aluminum-free deodorants described as ineffective.
• Long-lasting protection and “smells amazing.”
• Developed from scratch: 1.5 years of R&D with 100+ formulations. The chemist is said to have referenced 92 iterations in one notebook, plus another notebook.
• Targeted odor-fighting approach:
  • Creates an inhospitable environment for odor-causing bacteria using magnesium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate at irritation-safe concentrations.
  • Uses a “hero ingredient” called Simo (described in subtitles as a propanediol caprylate / propanediol caprylate-related ingredient—shown as “prop… capri”).
    • Positioned as selective for odor-related bacterial metabolites.
    • Framed as gentle with a high natural origin index.
  • Additional odor/microbiome-support ingredients mentioned:
    • polyglycerol 3 caprylate
    • triethylcitrate
• Microbiome-friendly framing: the formulation is described as more selective than approaches focused only on bicarbonate/oxide, with an aim to avoid harming beneficial skin microbes.
• Educational transparency: “Skin School” on the website where the chemist explains ingredients and how they work; described as updated over time with testing.
• Fragrance safety/testing: fragrances are said to follow IFRA guidelines, supported by dermatologist clinical testing for irritation/sensitization.

Pros (as stated in the video)

• Works better than other aluminum-free deodorants (strong claim by the speaker).
• Gentle for sensitive skin, designed to avoid irritation/rash risks associated with some aluminum-free deodorants (and potentially aluminum for sensitive skin).
• Long-lasting odor protection.
• Good scent (“smells amazing”).
• Evidence-driven/transparent: R&D process, ingredient explanations, and dermatologist testing.
• Value vs competitor: commonly positioned as cheaper in practice than Dr. Squatch due to creator codes and discounts.

Cons / limitations (mentioned)

• Aluminum-free may not match aluminum antiperspirant strength for very heavy sweating (“D1… top tier” sweat level).
  • The speaker notes it may not provide the same protection as aluminum antiperspirants.
• Relatively high price: $14 per stick (though often reduced via codes).
• The speaker acknowledges deodorant is not an antiperspirant, so it may not suit everyone’s sweat levels.

Comparisons made

With Dr. Squatch

• Dr. Squatch aluminum-free deodorant price cited as $13.
• The speaker claims Cheeky is often cheaper in practice because users frequently apply ~10% creator codes and because Cheeky runs extra deals.
• Qualitative take: Dr. Squatch isn’t as good (speaker opinion).

Aluminum vs aluminum-free

• Aluminum antiperspirants: described as effective but can irritate some sensitive skin.
• Aluminum-free deodorants: claimed to have historically performed poorly in the market, motivating Cheeky’s reformulation.

Ratings / numerical scores (mentioned)

• Price: $14 per stick
• Creator code discount: 10% off
• Effective/typical price with code: implied as $12.60 per stick (“at 1260 per stick”)
• Competitor (Dr. Squatch) price: $13

Verdict / recommendation (based on the video)

The speaker strongly recommends Cheeky’s aluminum-free deodorant for:

• People who want aluminum-free performance that controls odor (not just “natural deodorant vibes”)
• People with sensitive skin
• People who value ingredient transparency and testing

However, the video suggests that if you heavily sweat, you may not get the same level of protection as an aluminum antiperspirant. Overall, it’s presented as the best aluminum-free option among the alternatives discussed.

Unique points mentioned (consolidated)

• Eric background anecdote used to reinforce a “hygiene” motivation (not a product feature).
• Variants mentioned: License to Clean and Loi Lavender.
• Claim that aluminum-free deodorant historically underperformed, prompting Cheeky’s R&D.
• 1.5 years R&D and 100+ formulations, including detailed iteration history (Natalie’s notebooks).
• Odor mechanism:
  • Environment: magnesium hydroxide + sodium bicarbonate
  • Selective odor-target ingredient: Simo (prop-related caprylate ingredient as stated)
  • Other ingredients: polyglycerol 3 caprylate, triethylcitrate
• Focus on microbiome balance, not wiping out all microbes.
• “Skin School” as an educational hub for ingredient explanations and ongoing updates.
• Fragrance approach: IFRA compliance plus dermatologist clinical testing for irritation/sensitization.
• Pricing: $14, often reduced with 10% creator codes and promotional deals.
• Vs Dr. Squatch: described as price-competitive with discounts and qualitatively superior per the speaker.
• Clarification: deodorant vs antiperspirant—aluminum-free deodorant isn’t designed to stop sweating like an antiperspirant.

Speakers / voices

• Main narrator: argues hygiene importance, presents brand story and mechanism claims, covers pricing and direct comparisons (especially Dr. Squatch), and offers “works/doesn’t work” opinions.
• Chemist Natalie: details formulation iterations and explains how ingredients target odor and support microbiome balance.
• Secondary/other voice (brief aside): comments that “Skin School” might sound “pornographic,” but frames it as educational.