Lucas Meyer Cosmetics targets whole-body freshness with sweat control solution

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant has launched KanuFresh, a natural-origin active positioned between conventional deodorants and sweat-control solutions.

Responsibly sourced from Australian kānuka leaves, the ingredient is designed to minimize visible signs of perspiration and odor rather than simply masking them, according to the company.

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics says the ingredient keeps skin visibly dry, fresh, and comfortable while supporting a balanced skin environment.

Its whole-body positioning encompasses the underarms, hands, and sensitive areas, reflecting the personal care industry’s expansion beyond conventional underarm deodorant. 

A three-pronged mechanism

KanuFresh which has the INCI designation Glycerin (and) Water (and) Kunzea Ericoides Leaf Extract, uses three complementary mechanisms targeting perspiration, odor, and irritation.

The ingredient modulates ion-channel activity to reduce visible signs of perspiration. It also inhibits enzymes involved in malodor formation while respecting the skin microbiome. Its third action targets inflammation and oxidative stress to support skin comfort.

The cosmetics and personal care ingredients manufacturer says in vitro studies showed that KanuFresh addressed sweat and odor formation without disrupting the skin’s natural microbial balance.

In company clinical studies, the ingredient reduced visible signs of perspiration by up to 54%, odor intensity by up to 44%, and irritation by up to 35%. The reported benefits were maintained for up to 24 hours.

Testing was conducted under stress and physical activity conditions on the hands and underarms of male and female volunteers representing skin phototypes I–VI.

The supplier positions the results as evidence that formulators can combine perspiration and odor management with skin-soothing benefits in a single active.

Global formulation credentials

KanuFresh is readily biodegradable and produced using 100% renewable energy, according to Lucas Meyer Cosmetics. Its formulation includes responsibly sourced raw materials and RSPO Mass Balance-certified glycerin.

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics positions KanuFresh for whole-body deodorant products requiring sweat control, microbial balance, and skin comfort.The ingredient is COSMOS-compliant, vegan, halal, and aligns with major international cosmetics requirements, including Chinese regulations and standards.

These credentials are intended to help formulators develop natural-origin deodorant and whole-body freshness products for multiple markets without compromising skin comfort or microbial balance.

The ingredient is also designed to blend with fragrance, allowing product developers to combine functional sweat and odor management with increasingly important sensorial and emotional benefits.

Whole-body shifts

KanuFresh enters the market as deodorant use expands beyond the underarms and increasingly overlaps with skin care, fragrance, and wellness.

A recent IFF survey found that 36% of consumers applied deodorant beyond the underarms, rising to 44% in the US. The fragrance supplier has also identified growing demand for formats combining odor and sweat control with skin gentleness, clean ingredients, and convenient application formats.

In North America, deodorant development is similarly moving toward products that combine conventional functionality with skin care and emotional wellness benefits. 

Scent demands in the spotlight

Fragrance is becoming more central to deodorant positioning as brands transform daily hygiene products into sensorial body care experiences.

Earlier this year, Eco-luxury body care brand Parudeesa introduced a solid deodorant body bar inspired by the Indo-Persian fragrance tradition of attar. The launch positioned deodorant as a skin care and multisensory product while targeting clean beauty and sustainability expectations.

Other personal care brands are using gourmand and comfort-led fragrances to add emotional appeal to functional products. To mark the fall season in the US, Dove, Old Spice, and Native released limited-edition ranges built around autumnal scents, nostalgia, and seasonal activities.