Provided is a cosmetic use, as deodorant active agent, of an essential oil of Satureja montana comprising more than 60% by weight of geraniol and more than 5% by weight of trans-β-caryophyllene, and in particular an essential oil of Satureja montana L. ssp. variegata or Satureja Montana var. citrodoria oil. Also provided is a cosmetic method for treating human body odors, in particular the armpits or feet, which comprises applying, to human keratin materials, at least one Satureja montana essential oil comprising more than 60% by weight of geraniol and more than 5% by weight of trans-β-caryophyllene, and in particular an essential oil of Satureja montana L. ssp. variegata or Satureja Montana var. citrodoria oil or a composition containing same in a cosmetically acceptable medium.
