Alicia Zalka, MD

Founder and CEO of Surface Deep

With a wealth of experience and insight from over 25 years as a multi-practice dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, Alicia Zalka, MD is one of today’s leading skin care experts. In 2012 she launched an online resource for skin care solutions and information and named it Surface Deep. In January 2020, Dr. Zalka launched the brand’s inaugural product, Surface Deep Anti-Odorant. 

The idea for Surface Deep Anti-Odorant came about during a trip to Aspen, Colorado, where she forgot to pack her everyday deodorant. Improvising with some glycolic acid exfoliant, Dr. Zalka discovered that in addition to cleansing her underarms, undesirable body odor did not develop.

Excited about how glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), could elevate daily hygiene, she researched and perfected the first “glycolic acid-powered” deodorant, Surface Deep Anti-Odorant. She coined this new term because it doesn’t mask odor with perfumes, like most deodorants; nor does it block sweat glands from their natural body temperature-regulating function, like most anti-perspirants. Surface Deep Anti-Odorant is patent-pending and features a proprietary formulation to prevent body odor, including glycolic acid, probiotics, fruit extracts, and aloe.

A renowned expert on skin health, Dr. Zalka regularly contributes her expertise and insights to media including Vogue, Family Circle, Glamour, The New York Daily News, Associated Press, and ABC News. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boston University, and graduated with honors from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in 1991. She also attended Yale School of Medicine and University of Rochester, where she trained in Internal Medicine and Dermatology, respectively. Dr. Zalka is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as the Dermatologic Surgery Society and the Connecticut State Medical Society, where she also served for each as a past president.

Dr. Zalka is planning on expanding Surface Deep with the future introduction of new AHA-based products, as well as educating women and men of all ages on skin health and sharing fact-driven advice for achieving “your most glowing skin self.”