This is the clean skincare brand we use after every trail run

What You Need To Know

Hello, Hodos

ALEX: As runners and gear reviewers, we spend a lot of time obsessing over carbon plates, critical foam midsoles, hydration, nutrition, and exactly how many gels we can reliably shove into our waistbelt. And mouths. Meanwhile, our skin, which takes the brunt of all of our miles, usually gets way less attention. If any.

Enter Hodos Labs. This small Pacific Northwest brand sits somewhere between skincare and running gear, creating products designed to address the things that accompany training and lots of time outside: chafing, sweat, sore muscles, tired skin, and you know, the general aftermath of long days out on the trail.

Hodos was founded by runner Evan Kinkel, who combined his background in skincare with his love of running. The result is a lineup that feels like the perfect post-run ritual. Their products range from anti-chafe and recovery sticks, magnesium spray, and muscle rub to natural deodorant, body wash, and cedar insect repellent.

Other cool things include glass, not plastic, bottles and containers, a commitment to zero parabens, sulfates, and synthetic ingredients, and 5% of their proceeds support Basic Rights Oregon.

I have been putting several of their products to the test over the past few months. Here are my thoughts.

ALEX: This might be the easiest product of the bunch to work into a routine. Spray it onto tired legs after a run or before bed and you’re done.

I really like the scent, and it’s refreshing after a long run. I did find that it leaves my skin feeling a little sticky once it dries, which I could do without. I’m also not completely sold on topical magnesium being a recovery game-changer, but I like the ritual of using it and how easy it is to reach for after training. I also love knowing the product isn’t full of chemicals.

I haven’t had lucid dreams or enhanced lucid dreams yet, but I’m cautiously optimistic.

ALEX: This is probably my favorite of the bunch. It contains menthol (bonus points for clearing my sinuses) and starts with a cooling sensation before slowly warming up, and it feels especially good on tired calves and quads after a long run. I really love the sensation of this one.  I would also love this in spray form, as it’s so convenient and doesn’t get all over your hands.

It’s not instantly repairing your legs, but when they’re tired and sore, it feels really good. I recently fell hard on my back and have been using this religiously to help chill things out.

Did I mention the amazing scent? I have sensitive skin, and strong scents usually trigger bad allergies. The scents associated with all of the Hodos Labs products are subtle, natural, and part of why I love using their products.

ALEX: This might be the most practical product for runners. You can apply it before running anywhere you’re prone to rubbing, then use it afterward on irritated skin. I love the ease and mess-free nature of the stick.

For trail and ultra runners, that’s especially useful when you’re dealing with hours of sweat, salt, dirt, wet clothing, and pack straps. The stick is also small and easy to toss into a running vest or travel bag.

ALEX: Like the rest of the lineup, this one keeps things simple. The cedarwood and neroli scent is a highlight (same scent as the reset spray), and it fits easily into a post-run routine.

That’s probably what I like most about Hodos Labs. You don’t need an elaborate recovery skincare routine to be a runner, and these products won’t replace the fundamentals. They’re just simple, enjoyable things to reach for when your legs and skin have taken a beating.

Hodos’ commitment to eliminating sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrance at accessible prices is admirable, and I love a company that cares about giving back.

This product also isn’t out quite yet, so stay tuned for a launch in the near future.