Why We Use Konjac in Our Natural Water-Based Deodorant
More than just a natural gelling agent
When you think about konjac, you might think of food products such as konjac noodles. But this remarkable plant has another role that makes it particularly interesting in natural skincare.
At Natrl, we use konjac-derived glucomannan in our water-based roll-on deodorant. It provides the natural gel structure that allows the deodorant to roll smoothly onto the skin — but that’s not the only reason we chose it.
Konjac also brings some interesting skin-conditioning properties to the formula.
What exactly is konjac?
Konjac comes from the tuber of the Amorphophallus konjac plant, traditionally grown in parts of Asia.
The principal ingredient we are interested in is konjac glucomannan (KGM) — a naturally occurring polysaccharide made principally from glucose and mannose.
One of its most remarkable characteristics is its ability to absorb and hold water. It can swell considerably in aqueous formulations and form a smooth, stable gel. It also has excellent film-forming properties.
And those properties make it particularly useful in a water-based deodorant.
Why use konjac instead of simply using a conventional thickener?
Our deodorant is water-based, so we need something to give the liquid enough body to work effectively in a roll-on applicator.
Konjac glucomannan provides that viscosity naturally.
It helps create a gel with the right consistency so that the deodorant:
- rolls smoothly across the skin
- spreads evenly
- doesn’t feel excessively watery
- stays where it is applied
- gives the product its characteristic gel texture.
But importantly, we aren’t using konjac simply because it makes the product thicker.
We chose it because its natural properties also complement the way we want the deodorant to feel on the skin.
Konjac helps hold moisture
Konjac glucomannan is highly hydrophilic — in simple terms, it has a strong affinity for water.
This is one of the reasons it is such an effective gel-forming ingredient. Its molecular structure allows it to interact with and retain water within the gel network. Research into KGM consistently identifies its high water absorption, swelling and gel-forming capacity as key characteristics.
When applied to the skin, that water-rich character can contribute to a comfortable, hydrated skin feel.
This is particularly relevant to an underarm deodorant.
Your underarms deserve skincare too
We tend to think about the underarms only in terms of perspiration and body odour.
But the skin here can experience quite a lot of everyday stress.
Regular washing, shaving, friction from clothing and repeated application of deodorant can all affect how the skin feels.
That’s why we believe a deodorant shouldn’t simply be about controlling odour.
It should also be pleasant and comfortable on the skin.
The water-based nature of our deodorant provides a refreshing application, while the konjac gel helps give the formula a smooth, moisturising feel.
Konjac forms a light film on the skin
Another particularly interesting property of konjac glucomannan is its ability to form films.
Researchers have demonstrated the film-forming behaviour of KGM, and its combination with other biopolymers has been investigated for potential skin applications.
When our deodorant is applied, the water component begins to evaporate while the remaining ingredients are left on the skin.
The konjac-derived polymer can contribute to a very light conditioning film on the surface.
This is not a heavy, occlusive layer. Rather, it helps give the deodorant its smooth, comfortable after-feel.
A natural gel with a skincare role
This is what makes konjac so appealing to us.
It isn’t simply an ingredient added to make our deodorant thicker.
It provides a combination of properties:
Gelling
It gives our water-based deodorant its useful roll-on consistency.
Water binding
Its strong affinity for water helps create a hydrated gel structure.
Film forming
It can contribute to a light film on the skin after application.
Skin conditioning
These properties help create a smooth and comfortable skin feel.
Plant derived
Konjac glucomannan comes from a botanical source and fits naturally with our plant-based approach to skincare.
And there is another fascinating thing about konjac…
The konjac plant contains more than just glucomannan.
Konjac tubers also contain glycosylceramides, a class of plant sphingolipids related to the ceramides that are important components of the skin barrier.
Research into a specific konjac extract standardised for glycosylceramides has shown interesting effects on skin health when the extract was taken orally. However, this is different from the konjac glucomannan we use in our deodorant, so we don’t claim that our deodorant provides the same ceramide benefits.
We think this distinction is important.
Good skincare should be based on what an ingredient actually does — not simply on everything that can be associated with its source plant.
Why konjac makes sense for our deodorant
At Natrl, we believe that natural formulation shouldn’t mean choosing an ingredient simply because it sounds natural.
Every ingredient should have a reason for being there.
In our water-based roll-on deodorant, konjac has a very practical role: it creates the gel that makes the product work as a roll-on.
But its ability to hold water and form a light film also gives it a useful cosmetic role in helping the deodorant feel smooth, comfortable and conditioning on the skin.
So yes, konjac is our natural gelling agent — but it’s also part of what makes the deodorant a more skin-conscious formulation.
Natural deodorant. Smarter skincare.
Because your underarms deserve more than simply smelling fresh.
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