When I started my cruelty free journey, one of the things I really struggled with was deodorant. I used Nivea roll on deodorant for a long time, and really liked the way it performed but hated the fact that Nivea is not cruelty free so I began my search for a suitable replacement. I’ve tried powders, sprays, pastes and roll ons; the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ve finally found two deodorants that I really like, so I thought a post about cruelty free deodorant might be helpful.
The Guv’ner Deodorant Powder, $19.90 from Lush
Lush has always been my first port of call when it comes to cruelty free goodness, so naturally it was the first place I went to get a cruelty free deodorant. Apparently this is a men’s deodorant, but to be honest I feel like deodorant shouldn’t be gendered and everyone should just wear something they like the smell of so that everyone is walking around smelling of deliciousness. I liked the scent, which was a bit woodsy but not overpowering, and it did the job of keeping me smelling nice for hours on end (including when I was exercising. I found the powder a bit messy and hard to get used to, and I never quite adjusted to the feeling of the powder (which was quite gritty in comparison to other powdered Lush products that I love, like the Silky Underwear Dusting Powder), so the search for my holy grail deodorant continued.
Eco Tan Deodorant, $16.65 from She Lives Cruelty Free
I had heard so many good things about Eco Tan’s deodorant and I love the scent of coconut, so this was an obvious choice for me. I liked that it was made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, lavender extract, radish root and good old coconut; and without things like aluminium, parabens and other hidden nasties. It comes in a spray bottle that is like a spritzing bottle you’d find with a toner. The scent is amazing, it’s coconutty and delicious, making your armpits feel like they’re going on a tropical holiday. Sadly this product requires reapplication during the day, which made it a bit of a hassle. Also, I’m not sure if my bottle was faulty or if the method of delivery leaves a lot to be desired, but I found that the liquid came out in a stream rather than spraying a wider area, which obviously makes application difficult. I notice that the packaging has changed since I bought my bottle so perhaps this has been fixed now?
Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste, $18.50 from Oh Natural*
There is very little that sounds appealing about the words “deodorant paste”, but before you run screaming, hold up a minute. In my search for a cruelty free deodorant, this is the first one I’ve found that I really truly do like. Yes, it’s weird that it comes in paste form and you have to rub it into your armpit, but I’ve found it to be the most effective at keeping me smelling nice – even after vigorous exercise. To use it you scoop out a pea size amount from the pot and rub it in – I highly recommend using the back of your nail to get it out, because no one likes having paste under their nail! It’s vegan and Australian made from only natural and certified organic ingredients with no alcohol, aluminium or parabens, and it’s hands down my favourite deodorant product.
Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Lavender Deodorant, $7.05 from iHerb
When I made my first iHerb order and saw this deodorant, I had to buy it to test it out even though I’d already found a product I liked, because there is something so quick and easy about a roll on. It was the first cruelty free roll on deodorant that I had come across, and I wanted to know if it was as good as the roll on stuff I had been getting from the supermarket. I was not disappointed! It applies the same, smelled nice and lasted most of the day. I found that it didn’t stack up as well as the Axilla paste when I was active, but Kiss My Face does have a couple of other options including Active Life (fragrance free or cucumber green tea) and Sport that would be better in that respect.
My verdict:
The Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste was a clear winner for me because it smelled pleasant, but wasn’t overpowering, meaning I could wear it with my favourite perfume, and more importantly kept me smelling good all day – even when I was exercising – without the need to reapply. I will definitely be using this as my go to deodorant from now on!
What’s your favourite cruelty free deodorant? Have you tried any of these?
*I tried this product courtesy of Oh Natural, but as always all opinions are my own.
I’ve ordered the Black Chicken product and will be very interested to see whether it works well on me. I am menopausal and work in a very warm environment during the warmer months and my role is a very physical one so sweating is a big issue for me. I will report back once the temperatures warm up….:-)
Good luck Lynne, I hope you like it and can’t wait to hear how it works out for you xo
I feel so bad. I’ve been spouting on to my friends how I no longer use cosmetics, moisturisers, shampoo or toothpaste etc. that is tested on animals … but was obliviously rolling rexona and dove on my pits, daily. Thanks for this blog. Perfect! I will use up my leftovers and then start with the cruelty free items above. May leave the paste for home but stash a ‘kiss my face’ (Love the name!) roll on in my gym bag for ease of application. Thanks!
It was the last change I made when I went cruelty free too. What’s your favourite cruelty free find?
Well I had been using Za (awesome BB cream and mascara) as the sales lady assured me they were cruelty free, but after searching on the web I can’t find any facts to substantiate that, so … I’m looking for a new waterproof mascara and I’m off to buy body shop BB cream. Thanks for all the tips. Love your page 🙂 x
Unfortunately Za isn’t cruelty free 🙁 The Body Shop has lovely BB creams though (I use this one) and they have waterproof mascara as well 🙂 xo
For a long time I used the Weleda range deodorant which are not tested on animals, although some of their products do contain animal products I think??. There was a rose scented one which was delicious! It was also super effective and meant I smelled like roses when I got sweaty. ♥
Oooohhhhh I do love rose scented everything. Maybe I’ll have to try that…
http://www.thecrystal.com is my favourite, available in quite a few places in NZ 🙂
Thanks for the heads up! xo
Fantastic blog – am always on the hunt for something cruelty-free that works 😀
Thanks lovely xo
I have recently brought the Black Chicken Deodorant, and will be doing a review on it really soon! So far, i am really impressed by it! I don’t think Rexona clinical protection will be in my life for much longer
I think this is SO much better than Rexona! Smells better and isn’t tested on animals? Check and check!
plus no added nasties= Check and supports a company that has great ethics= check
Oh my goodness really? Its that good? I seriously need to get some of this then. Thanks so much x
Yep, it’s that good!
Mumof3munchkins, it really is good. But, i am still trialing it because i really want to put it to the test before i make the call. I’ll let you know next week if you need it in your life 🙂
Yes! Great timing for me to read this blog post, I’ve just been investigating how to replace my beauty and bathroom products with completely natural & cruelty free alternatives. I have to say I’m not usually a fan of Lush as they use a pile of ingredients (including parabens) that I try to avoid. I used to buy a homemade deodorant balm from a work at home mother that had a very short and acceptable ingredients list, but sadly she doesn’t make it any more… The Black Chicken product sounds pretty similar though and I think you’ve just convinced me to try it. Thanks for the reviews 🙂
You’re welcome Meryl! If there is anything else you’re wanting to replace, sing out – chances are I’ve already tried replacements and can point you in the right direction 😀 xo
The idea of a paste-form deodorant in a tub is a little off-putting personally, as the tub looks pretty big and it just doesn’t seem like the most sanitary way to dispense. In saying that, roller deodorants are probably worse with half the ball in contact with the solution inslide the bottle at any time. Omg. Ew. T_T
Black chickens though, that part sounds fun!
It’s not like you’re going to be putting anything into the paste other than your (presumably clean) finger tip – you scoop out a small amount and rub it in. When you’re done, wash your hands. Not sure what would be unsanitary about that? It’s no different to applying makeup with your fingers?
What a great review of products that can be pretty hard to track down.
I totally get the whole aversion to rubbing paste in but it’s only skin right? A paste/cream is probably the more usual approach to managing skincare anyway. But then I’m still dealing with much worse as I have very small humans to take care of so my ickiness bar is set very very high. Very high.
My ickiness bar is pretty high too (tiny humans are gross), I think it’s just the odd feeling, because it’s obviously thicker than moisturiser or any other makeup I’d rub in! I definitely got used to it though.