Beauty Boss: Board Certified Dermatologist Alicia Zalka, Founder of Surface Deep, an Innovative Personal Care Brand
Dr. Alicia Zalka. Photo courtesy of Surface Deep
Our latest Beauty Boss is Dr. Alicia Zalka, Founder of Surface Deep— an innovative personal care brand featuring unique formulas that banish odors and are made from plant-derived ingredients and fruit-based acids. All of their skin health products help nourish the skin microbiome, are clean, natural, effective, and cruelty-free.
Dr. Zalka is a renowned skin health expert, a practicing dermatologist of over 25 years, and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. It was during a trip to Aspen where she forgot to pack her regular deodorant and had to improvise by using glycolic acid, which not only got rid of the odor but kept it from returning. That experience ultimately led her to create the first-to-market AHA-powered deodorant that launched in 2020.
Since founding Surface Deep, the line has expanded to include a variety of products ranging from cleansing wipes and pads to odor-prevention spray and pH balancing skin wash. Instead of simply hiding odors, the formulations work with the skin’s own barrier defenses to keep skin smooth, bright, balanced, and odor-free.
We chatted with Zalka, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.
Surface Deep is a personal care brand featuring unique formulas that block odors and are made from plant-derived ingredients and fruit-based acids. Photo courtesy of Surface Deep
When was Surface Deep founded and what does the name mean?
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Brand launched in 2020 just before the start of the pandemic. The name Surface Deep goes back to 2012 when it began as an informational website about skin care. "Take care of the skin surface and the benefits are deep" is the meaning.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
I had a great dissatisfaction with my daily natural deodorant, which never really worked and left residue on my skin. Not to mention, it was loaded with too much perfume that tried to mask odor—not get to the bottom of it and prevent it. I knew there had to be a better way. The invention happened in my own bathroom.
Does Surface Deep have a hero product?
Our hero product is our Anti-Odorant Spray. It sells out all the time.
What’s your favorite product from your brand?
My personal favorite is a tie between the Anti-Odorant Pads that come in a jar. They are both an odor fighter and a skin wellness product.
But I also love our fragrance-free pH Balancing Skin Wash that leaves skin so smooth with barrier function nurtured and bonus—no body odor all day—just fresh and clean.
Where are your products sold?
Amazon and on our website.
Future plans for the brand?
Retail store shelves are next. New product launches this year. World domination in the natural deodorant market!
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Spray provides a new and effective way to spray-away and prevent odar all day on underarms and feet. Photo courtesy of Surface Deep
Who inspires you?
Many people do. In the body care and skin care business, Dr. Barbara Sturm. Dermatologists: Jean Bolognia and Zoe Draelos.
Secret to success?
Gratitude every single day.
Beauty secrets?
Maintain the skin's natural pH of 5.5, known as the acid mantle (eg. use glycolic acid-based products like my brand).
Protect the skin from too much sun (I am always found in the shade).
Drink water all day long.
Avoid smoking at all costs and keep alcohol intake to a bare minimum like almost never.
Wellness tips?
Intentional deep breathing.
7-9 hours of sleep every night or as many as possible.
Soothing music.
Vegetarian diet or diet minimizing animal-based protein.
Daily walks in nature or other exercise—keep moving.
Best advice?
I've been given: Forgiveness. You can always stay angry but you can’t get back the time you wasted holding a grudge.
I give about skin care/cosmetic procedures: Do as little as possible as often as possible.
How do you like to relax?
All the things I listed under wellness tips—especially walking in nature.
For more information and to purchase, visit Surface Deep’s website and follow on Instagram: @surfacedeep
[Images courtesy of Surface Deep]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk