What is AHA Deodorant? Your Holy Grail for Bright, Odor-Free Underarms
January 29, 2026
By: Lauren Sindel
Meet the New Soft Serve AHA Deodorant
Most deodorants just mask odor. Our new Soft Serve Serum Deodorant with 5% AHA targets body odor at its source—the buildup of odor-causing bacteria on your skin.
Formulated with a blend of lactic acid and mandelic acid, this deodorant exfoliates dead skin cells and lowers skin’s pH to eliminate odor-causing bacteria without blocking your body's natural sweat production. Boosted with vitamin C and niacinamide, it visibly brightens underarm skin and reduces the appearance of discoloration.
Clean and aluminum-free with a delicious strawberry vanilla scent, our AHA Deodorant is exactly what you need for bright, smooth underarms that stay smelling fresh.
How Does AHA Deodorant Work?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are exfoliating acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid that remove dead skin cells from the surface to smooth texture, brighten skin, and fade hyperpigmentation.
When used on the underarms, AHAs lower the skin’s pH, creating an environment less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria. Ultimately, they provide odor control and protection to keep your underarms smelling fresh and BO away.
Lactic acid is an AHA and a humectant, so it gives you a combination of odor protection, brightening, and hydration. Mandelic acid prevents bacterial growth while regulating oil production and unclogging pores to fight body odor and ingrown hairs.
AHA Deodorant vs Regular Deodorant
Traditional deodorants only mask odor with fragrance or block sweat with aluminum-based compounds. AHA deos work differently because they target odor at the source, exfoliating skin, lowering pH, and reducing bacteria naturally. The result? Long-lasting freshness without irritation or blocked pores.
What Makes Our AHA Deodorant Different

Truly's Soft Serve AHA Deodorant combines four active ingredients (lactic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C) to effectively address body odor, stubborn dark spots, rough texture, and ingrowns.
What’s more, it feels light and silky on the skin. Fast-drying and residue-free, you don’t get that uncomfortable sticky feeling with this deodorant. It dries within 60 seconds so you can get dressed quickly without transfer.
Mandelic Acid: AHA that targets body odor at its source by eliminating odor-causing bacteria. Research in dermatology demonstrates that mandelic acid can regulate sebum production while maintaining a balanced, healthy underarm environment.
Lactic Acid: This alpha hydroxy acids helps reduce body odor by gently exfoliating the skin and supporting natural hydration. Studies show that it significantly increases skin hydration
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens and evens out the skin tone, helping to fade dark spots and discoloration over time. Clinical studies show that topical vitamin C is effective in treating uneven skin tone.
Niacinamide: With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and soothes inflammation while offering brightening effects. It’s been proven to calm redness and support skin barrier health.
How to Use Our AHA Deodorant

1. Apply generously to clean, dry underarms.
2. Let it dry for 30-60 seconds before getting dressed.
3. For best results, use this AHA deodorant daily.
4. Pair with Soft Serve After Shave Oil + Soft Serve Perfume Mist for all-over strawberry vanilla smoothness.
AHAs in Deodorant FAQ
What is AHA Deodorant?
A deodorant with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) is a gentle skincare product that exfoliates underarm skin, reduces odor-causing bacteria, and keeps you fresh all day while brightening discoloration. Unlike some traditional antiperspirants, it doesn’t block sweat but instead targets the source of odor naturally.
What are the Benefits of Deodorant with AHA?
AHA deodorants target body odor at the source by reducing bacteria. By acidifying the skin and lowering its pH, odor-causing bacteria struggles to survive. Alongside this, AHAs remove dead skin cells and promote cellular turnover which help to fade discoloration, brighten dark underarm skin, and smooth texture.
What is the Best AHA Deodorant in 2026?
Truly’s Soft Serve Serum Deodorant is the best AHA deodorant in 2026. Inspired by the TikTok-viral, bestselling body oil, this deodorant’s just as effective at brightening and smoothing the skin with the same delicious strawberry vanilla scent - with added body odor-fighting action.
It targets the root cause of body odor so you don’t have to put up with a deodorant that doesn’t last beyond an hour. Infused with odor-fighting 5% AHA, it’ll keep you smelling fresh for hours while visibly brightening armpit skin and preventing ingrowns after shaving.
Is it Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Our AHA aluminum-free deodorant is formulated without baking soda and parabens, and designed to be as gentle as possible on the skin. However, we do recommend patch testing before using, especially if you have sensitive skin. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Who Should Avoid Using It?
Avoid if you have open wounds, severe eczema, or known allergies to AHAs. Consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure.
Is it Travel Size?
Yes, our AHA deodorant is 50 ml, which means you can safely pack it in your carry on.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
You’ll smell scrumptious immediately and notice a drastic improvement in odor control from the first use. Visible brightening and discoloration correction can be seen within 30 days of daily use. For best results, use in your daily body care routine.
New here? Browse our bestsellers and discover your new dream product. At Truly, we combine clinical-grade actives with delicious scents and luxe textures for the visible results you want to see AND the luxurious experience to go with it. Because you deserve both!