Cypress Essential Oil: Why It's in Our Natural Deodorant

There are ingredients we choose for what they do. And then there are ingredients we choose for what they stand for.

Cypress essential oil is both.

What is cypress essential oil?

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean. Its essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs, producing a clean, woody, slightly smoky scent that is unmistakably fresh. It has been used for centuries for its purifying and calming properties — in ancient Greece, cypress trees were planted near temples as symbols of life and eternity.

In skincare and natural deodorant, cypress essential oil is valued for its:

• Antiseptic properties — it helps inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the skin
• Astringent effect — it gently tightens pores, which can help reduce perspiration naturally
• Calming scent — grounding and fresh, it works beautifully for all genders
• Anti-inflammatory qualities — gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types

It is the perfect companion to our certified organic potassium alum — together they create a formula that works with your body, not against it.

The story behind our formula — and a change we had to make

When we first created Undercover Agent, our original formula included rosewood essential oil (Aniba rosaeodora). Rosewood has a soft, warm, floral-woody scent and beautiful skin properties. We loved it.

But as we learned more, we became deeply concerned. Rosewood trees in the Amazon are being harvested to near extinction. The demand for rosewood essential oil has contributed to devastating deforestation in Brazil. For a brand built on the belief that what is good for your skin should also be good for the planet, continuing to use rosewood was simply not an option.

So we changed it.

We replaced rosewood with ho wood oil (Cinnamomum camphora linalooliferum) — a sustainably harvested alternative that shares many of rosewood's beautiful properties. Ho wood has a soft, slightly floral, woody warmth that complements cypress perfectly. It is calming, grounding, and kind to skin. And crucially, it is sourced responsibly, without threatening the ecosystems it comes from.

It was not the easiest decision — reformulating takes time, testing, and investment. But it was the only decision that felt right.

This is what sustainability means to us at True Organic of Sweden. Not just choosing organic ingredients, but asking harder questions. Where does this come from? What impact does it have? Can we do better?

We believe we always can.

Cypress and ho wood together — what you smell and feel

The combination of cypress leaf and ho wood creates a scent that is clean, fresh, and quietly sophisticated. It is not loud or sweet — it is the kind of scent that feels like a deep breath of forest air. Completely unisex. The kind of scent people notice and ask about.

It is our most-loved scent for a reason.

Why it works as a deodorant

Cypress essential oil does not just smell good — it actively contributes to the deodorant's effectiveness. Its natural antiseptic properties help create an environment where odour-causing bacteria struggle to thrive, working alongside our certified organic potassium alum and the gentle pH-balancing action of triethyl citrate.

The result is a deodorant that lets your body breathe, eliminates odour naturally, and leaves you smelling like yourself — just fresher.

Try the Original Cypress

If you have been curious about making the switch to natural deodorant, the Original Cypress is the perfect place to start. It is our most classic scent — the one that started it all, and the one our customers come back to again and again.

👉 Shop Undercover Agent Original Cypress

Want to stock up or share with someone? The 2-pack is great value and means you always have one to hand.

FAQ

Is cypress essential oil safe for sensitive skin?
Yes — cypress essential oil is generally well-tolerated. Our formula is also free from alcohol and aluminium chloride, making it gentle for most skin types including sensitive skin.

What does cypress essential oil smell like?
Clean, fresh, and woody — slightly smoky with a green, forest-like quality. It is completely unisex and subtle enough to wear with any fragrance.

Why did you change from rosewood to ho wood oil?
Rosewood trees are critically endangered due to overharvesting in the Amazon. As a brand committed to sustainability, we made the decision to switch to ho wood oil — a responsibly sourced alternative with similar properties — because caring for the planet is non-negotiable for us.

Is your deodorant really natural?
99% natural — the only non-natural ingredient is baking soda. Our potassium alum is certified organic in its purest mineral form.

Does it stop sweating?
No — and that is intentional. Our deodorant eliminates odour without blocking your sweat glands. Sweating is a natural and important body function. We work with your body, not against it.