Body odour begins with a fascinating interaction between our sweat, hormones and skin microbiome.
Most of us begin using deodorant around puberty, when we first notice our body scent changing. I remember this well. I was active in sport from a young age and often felt self-conscious about body odour. I used deodorant every day, yet I knew very little about the science behind it.
At Matinata, we believe understanding the skin leads to better skincare. That philosophy shaped re.fresh: an effective natural deodorant created around the biology of body odour and the needs of delicate underarm skin.
The microbiome behind body odour
Our skin is home to a diverse community of microorganisms known as the skin microbiome. Just as the facial microbiome influences the condition and balance of our complexion, the underarm microbiome plays an important role in our individual body scent.
The body has two main types of sweat glands:
- Eccrine glands produce the light, watery perspiration found across most of the body.
- Apocrine glands, concentrated in areas including the underarms, become active around puberty in response to hormonal changes.
Apocrine secretions contain lipids and proteins. When certain underarm bacteria metabolise these substances, they create volatile scent molecules, including particularly pungent compounds known as thioalcohols.
A Scientific Reports study identified a specialised enzyme found within a small group of underarm bacteria. This enzyme transforms odourless sweat precursors into the molecules associated with characteristic underarm odour.
This explains why body scent is so individual. The composition of our skin microbiome combines with hormones, genetics, diet, stress, clothing and environment to create a scent profile unique to each person.
For a deodorant to perform beautifully, its formula needs to understand this process.
Deodorant and antiperspirant: two distinct approaches
Deodorant and antiperspirant each serve a different purpose.
Antiperspirant manages wetness
Antiperspirants use aluminium-based active ingredients to form temporary, superficial plugs within the sweat ducts. This reduces the amount of perspiration reaching the skin’s surface and helps the underarm remain drier.
Deodorant manages odour
Deodorants focus on the biological and chemical processes that create body odour. Their ingredients may influence the formation of malodour, capture scent molecules, care for the skin and add aromatic freshness.
Matinata re.fresh is a deodorant. Natural perspiration continues while its functional ingredients work together to keep the underarms feeling fresh and comfortable.
Why underarm skincare deserves special attention
The underarm is a uniquely active and delicate area of the body. It contains a high concentration of sweat glands and sits close to axillary lymph nodes and breast tissue.
The skin is naturally warm and moist. Regular shaving or waxing, friction from clothing and the daily application of a leave-on product make comfort and ingredient selection especially important.
We approached re.fresh with the same care we bring to facial skincare. Its pH-balanced formula combines active odour control with glycerin, lavender hydrosol and carefully selected botanicals that leave the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
The result is daily freshness that also feels like beautiful skincare.
Why many women are choosing aluminium-free underarm care
Research into personal-care ingredients and breast health continues to evolve.
Scientists have detected parabens in human breast-tumour samples and measured aluminium in breast tissue and nipple fluid. These studies documented the presence of these substances and opened further questions about everyday exposure, breast biology and ingredient choice.
Their contribution is to record what was present. Research into the source of these substances and their possible health effects is conducted separately and continues across tissue, laboratory and population studies.
For many women, this growing area of research has made transparency especially valuable when choosing products used close to the breast every day.
Matinata re.fresh is made with 99.6% ingredients of natural origin. Its formula is aluminium-salt-free, paraben-free, sodium-bicarbonate-free and synthetic-fragrance-free.
This gives women a considered aluminium-free choice with the performance they expect from a daily deodorant.
The science behind re.fresh
The effectiveness of re.fresh comes from an intelligent trio of functional ingredients. Each performs a distinct role within the odour-control process.
1. Zinc ricinoleate captures odour molecules
Zinc ricinoleate is a zinc salt of ricinoleic acid derived from castor oil. It is recognised in cosmetic science for its ability to bind with certain odour-producing molecules.
Once captured, these molecules become less volatile and less noticeable to the nose. This gives zinc ricinoleate an important role in managing odour that has already developed.
Research into zinc ricinoleate’s odour-adsorption activity has explored the molecular interactions behind this effect.
2. Triethyl citrate helps limit the formation of malodour
Triethyl citrate is a citric-acid-derived ester, sometimes known as a lemon ester.
Underarm bacteria use enzymes to break down components of sweat into scent-producing compounds. Triethyl citrate helps limit this enzymatic activity, reducing the development of malodour on the skin.
This allows the formula to support freshness from the beginning of the odour-forming process.
3. Sage brings purifying botanical freshness
Sage completes the trio with its purifying properties and clean herbal aroma.
Research into sage extracts has demonstrated deodorising and antimicrobial activity against bacteria associated with underarm odour.
Within re.fresh, sage complements the formula’s active odour control and contributes to its naturally refreshing scent.
Together, the trio creates a complete approach to freshness:
- Triethyl citrate helps limit the development of malodour.
- Zinc ricinoleate helps capture scent molecules.
- Sage supports purifying botanical freshness.
Three ingredients. Three complementary actions. One beautifully balanced formula.
Botanical freshness meets skincare comfort
A product used every morning should feel as beautiful as it is effective.
re.fresh combines sage, mint, lemon, bergamot, lavender and juniper to create a fresh, refined and naturally aromatic scent. Its herbal character feels clean and uplifting, with a light unisex profile.
Glycerin and lavender hydrosol help the underarm skin remain soft and comfortable. The light, milky emulsion applies as a fine spray and dries comfortably on the skin.
re.fresh was designed for the realities of everyday life:
- comfortable application on delicate skin;
- gentle care following shaving;
- a fresh scent that feels light and refined;
- a formula that dries without leaving unwanted marks on clothing;
- reliable freshness through work, travel, movement and warm weather; and
- natural perspiration accompanied by intelligent odour control.
It transforms deodorant from a basic necessity into an effortless skincare ritual.
A note for sensitive skin: Botanical essential oils contain naturally occurring fragrance allergens. Highly reactive skin may benefit from a patch test before use.
Why we believe re.fresh sets a new standard for natural deodorant
The formula brings together everything we want from daily underarm care: intelligent science, natural-origin ingredients, skin comfort, a beautiful scent and dependable performance.
A complete odour-control system
The combination of triethyl citrate, zinc ricinoleate and sage addresses several stages of the odour-forming process within one formula.
Skincare-level formulation
The pH-balanced milky emulsion feels soft and comfortable, with glycerin and botanical hydrosols caring for an area of the skin that deserves thoughtful attention.
A naturally refined scent
Sage, mint, citrus, lavender and juniper create a fresh herbal aroma suitable for women and men.
An aluminium-free daily choice
The formula offers effective freshness in a deodorant made with 99.6% ingredients of natural origin.
Performance loved by customers
re.fresh has earned a perfect five-star customer rating.
One customer tested it during a twelve-hour shift in an operating theatre beneath a heavy lead apron and reported lasting freshness with no unpleasant odour. Others praise its performance during hot weather, hiking, exercise and long, active days.
Customers consistently celebrate the qualities at the heart of re.fresh:
- effective odour control;
- a gentle, comfortable skin feel;
- a light herbal scent;
- clean clothing after application; and
- freshness that lasts through demanding days.
These experiences are why re.fresh has become a Matinata bestseller—and why so many customers return to it.
The new ritual of freshness
The best daily products make life feel easier and a little more beautiful.
re.fresh brings science, botanicals and skincare together in one light, milky spray. It supports natural perspiration, cares for delicate underarm skin and provides the dependable freshness that gives you confidence throughout the day.
A thoughtful formula. Three intelligent hero ingredients. One effortless daily ritual.
re.fresh Natural Deodorant
50 ml | €18
With care,
Natalie
Owner, Matinata Skincare
Health note: Sudden or persistent changes in body odour or sweating can sometimes have an underlying medical cause. A healthcare professional can offer personalised guidance.