An interview with Kate Drummond, VP of Marketing and Business Development at P2 Science, on how green chemistry is elevating the deodorant aisle.

HAPPI:
Kate, let’s start with what you’re seeing in the deodorant category. What’s changing?

Kate Drummond, P2 Science:
A lot. Deodorant used to be a functional, almost forgettable category—but now it’s being reimagined. Consumers want more than odor protection. They want clean labels, elevated sensoriality, and multifunctional formats. Premiumization is driving innovation across scents, textures, and claims. You see it in the rise of new formats, like deodorant serums, fine and sophisticated fragrances, and multifunctional claims. This isn’t just hygiene—it’s beauty.

HAPPI:
What role does green chemistry play in this evolution?

Drummond:
A critical one. Clean beauty expectations are reshaping how formulators approach deodorants. Traditional ingredients like aluminum salts, talc, and volatile silicones are falling out of favor. Green chemistry allows us to rethink the material palette. At P2, we develop sustainable ingredients from renewable terpenes—materials that are not only plant-based and biodegradable but also designed for performance and sensorial appeal. That’s where our Citropol® line of polymeric emollients really shines.

HAPPI:
You’re launching a new concept called Green Chem for Your Body Chem at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day. Tell us about it.

Drummond:
We’re really excited about this new concept. Green Chem for Your Body Chem is our feel-good take on next-gen deodorants. It’s a concept that celebrates the power of green chemistry to create better products for people and the planet. There’s something for every brand in the deo space, from prestige to mass, with an undertone of sustainability, performance, and clean beauty. We have created formulations that work to control odor and extend fragrance, feel good on the skin, and offer market-relevant formats, including sticks, bars, and creams. We’re introducing it with four concept formulas that showcase our globally compliant Citropol® DE-4 and Citropol V6, plus other plant-based waxes and butters.

HAPPI:

What sparked your team’s focus on the deodorant market?

Drummond:
It was a combination of consistent customer conversations and clear market momentum. The deodorant category kept coming up as a space undergoing reinvention—consumers are looking for cleaner, more effective options, and brands are eager to differentiate through format, function, and feel. As we listened, it became clear that our technology and product portfolio were a strong match for this evolving landscape. That’s why we decided to invest in the category with innovative formulas that meet both performance demands and sustainability expectations.

HAPPI:
Can you walk us through those formulations?

Drummond:
Of course. We have created a novel formula that blends sustainable luxury, odor protection, and wellness. Our Daily Detox Deo is sculpted in a sensory massage format, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. This formula features over 60% P2 ingredients—including Citropol® DE-4, Citropol® F, and our blends with natural-based butters. We also developed a new natural deodorant stick formula optimized for glide and reduced crumbling. A third formula is a clean, aluminum-free, and silicone-free deodorant in a soft cotton scent, inspired by mainstream aluminum-free launches. And finally, we created a cream-based, whole-body deodorant that reflects the growing interest in multi-zone odor protection. All the formulas feature Citropol® F, our sustainable fragrance enhancer for longer-lasting scent.

HAPPI:
What do you think is driving the shift and adoption of whole-body deodorant?

Drummond:
It’s really about total body care. Consumers are looking for odor protection in places like feet, thighs, and chest—and they want products that feel good, absorb quickly, and nourish the skin. The diversity of formats, like creams and sprays, makes that possible. Our Citropol® ingredients are perfect for all of these formulas, from sticks to serums; they offer a silky feel, extend fragrance longevity, and leave behind no greasy residue. So, you can achieve sensorial luxury in a clean formula with an easy-to-use format.

HAPPI:
Any final thoughts on what’s next for green chemistry-powered deodorants?

Drummond:
We believe the future is multifunctional, planet-conscious, and deeply personal. Green chemistry is the enabler, not the compromise. Whether it’s elevating texture, improving fragrance experience, or replacing legacy ingredients, P2 is here to power the next generation of feel-good formulations.

Catch P2 Science at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day, June 3–4 at Booth 1767
To experience Green Chem for Your Body Chem firsthand or book a meeting, visit www.p2science.com