Vegan deodorants are keeping our underarms and the environment smelling sweet.
Natural deodorants have become increasingly popular in recent years, with celebrities such as Alicia Silverstone and Khloe Kardashian opting for paraben-free pits. Most commercial deodorants contain a plethora of chemicals with the most active substance being aluminum chlorohydrate. While this compound is highly effective at keeping us dry, it is also an incredibly energy intensive substance to produce, making alternatives with more biotic ingredients better for the environment. The use of synthetic chemicals in our self-care products has also been linked to various health problems, meaning natural vegan deodorants are a great choice for our underarms, as well as our noses.
Deodorant or Antiperspirant?
While the terms tend to be used interchangeably, the two products do quite different things. Put simply, deodorant stops us from smelling when we sweat, while antiperspirant stops us from sweating in the first place.
Although our entire bodies are covered with up to four million sweat glands, it is the sweat released by our apocrine glands which can end up ponging, and these are densely packed in the underarms and groin. The sweat itself is odorless, but apocrine gland sweat is laced with lipids and proteins, which the natural bacteria on our skin loves to feast upon, resulting in odor. Deodorants work by killing the bacteria, preventing it from breeding in our sweaty regions and creating that ripe scent we’ve all encountered on crowded public transport.
Antiperspirants on the other hand, block the sweat glands and stop sweat from being released. This means there is nothing for bacteria to feed upon so no scent is emitted. Antiperspirants also keep our underarms dry which is a concern for many people, especially those fond of light colored fabrics. Luckily, many natural vegan deodorants also contain moisture-absorbing ingredients such as arrowroot to keep stickiness at bay.
Why Choose a Natural Vegan Deodorant?
The Environment
Aluminum is the main component of that popular gland-plugging compound, aluminum-chlorohydrate, and the process for extracting this light metal involves open pit mining. This process strips the surrounding landscape of its natural vegetation and disrupts the native creatures’ habitat. To extract the aluminum ore from its base rock, bauxite, an extensive smelting process is required where the material is heated to 1,000º C before using electrolysis to harvest the aluminum ions from the molten bauxite. The water electricity and energy resources required for this process are immense and coal accounts for half of the fuel used in the smelting process. This makes aluminum a highly environmentally unfriendly metal to produce for cosmetic products, but existing aluminum-based items are almost infinitely recyclable.
Sustainability
As with most chemical-based products, the ingredients used in many commercial antiperspirants are synthesized in labs through a number of reactive processes, using copious amounts of resources and non-biodegradable waste products. Products which utilize more natural ingredients are considerably more sustainable as they come from renewable sources such as plants.
Some of the natural deodorant companies on the market are extending their sustainable policies to their packaging. New cosmetic company Natural Vegan is a zero waste line which places high emphasis upon cradle to cradle packaging. Not only are all of its products wrapped in 100 percent recycled paper, string or cardboard, even its loofahs are made of natural gourd. Natural Vegan’s deodorants come in rolled tucked and fitted recycled brown paper and the company has developed the world’s first paper bottle for which it is seeking financial backing. Oregon-based vegan company Schmidt’s also uses 100 percent recyclable BPA-free applicators for its stick deodorants, while its deodorant pastes are packaged in glass jars. To encourage its customers to reuse the jars, the company runs a recycling club, offering one free deodorant for every five jars returned.
Personal Health
As well as being bad for the environment, studies increasingly show that using chemical-based antiperspirants is bad for our health. It should be noted, that although people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease have been shown to have higher concentrations of aluminum in their brains than is typical, no link has been confirmed between the metal and the disease. However, rolling abrasive chemicals on our sensitive underarms does raise several health concerns. Many commercial antiperspirants contain chemicals such as triclosan which has been linked to endocrine disruption and propylene-glycol which studies have shown to trigger allergic reactions and lead to skin irritation.
Furthermore, sweating is an entirely natural process, through which the body expels excess toxins, salts, and proteins from our bodies. Preventing ourselves from sweating leaves us more likely to overheat in the hot weather and more prone to dry skin. Some people even savor the scent of well-seasoned flesh, with nineteenth-century French statesman Napoléon Bonaparte being a key example. In his now infamous love letter to his future wife Joséphine, the French Emperor gave clear instruction: “I am coming home. Don’t wash.” However, for those of us who’d rather not revel in our own parfum, a natural deodorant will ensure you’re kept daisy fresh.
Vegan Deodorant Ingredients
With all the scents, extracts and minerals that nature has to offer up for grabs, natural deodorants can vary hugely in their contents, with some using essential oils while others may focus upon ground herbs. However, there are some hero ingredients commonly found in natural deodorants which are listed below.
Baking Soda: Often used in toothpastes and in traditional cleaning products, baking soda, or Sodium Bicarbonate both absorbs moisture and neutralizes whiff-causing bacteria due to its alkali properties.
Arrowroot: This naturally occurring plant starch absorbs moisture like a powdery sponge. It is also less abrasive than baking soda, making it an ideal ingredient for people with delicate skin.
Kaolin Clay: Also known as China clay or white clay, this mineral compound has been revered for its moisture absorbing abilities for centuries and has been used in products ranging from diaper- rash cream to foundation.
Witch Hazel: Created from the bark and leaves of a deciduous shrub, witch hazel is prized for its antibacterial properties. It is also an astringent, meaning it causes the pores to restrict, which when applied to the armpits means less sweat can escape.
Hops: Harvested from the flowers of the hop plant, hops are best known as an ingredient in beer brewing, but they also restrict the growth of bacteria, making them a useful pong-preventer in deodorant.
Alum: Otherwise known as Potassium alum, this naturally occurring mineral compound can be considered the original deodorant, having been rubbed under the arms or people in Thailand and the Far East throughout history. Alum works by forming a layer on the skin, trapping the sweat so that bacteria can’t rush in for a smelly feeding frenzy. Today it is used in many natural deodorants and is the main component of mineral rock products.
Zinc Oxide: This compound is antibacterial and forms a protective layer which prevents any aromas from escaping. It was also the main ingredient in the first ever commercial deodorant, Mum, which was patented by Edna Murphy in 1888.
Many natural deodorants are also scented with essential oils, some of which are antiseptic in addition to smelling heavenly. There are a huge range of products on the market these days, whether you glisten, glow or sweat like a pig taking part in a hot yoga session, one of these 19 natural vegan deodorants will be perfect for your pits.
19 Vegan and Cruelty-Free Deodorants To Keep You Feeling Fresh
1. Sam’s
If you’re looking for an unscented, fragrance-free, and aluminum-free deodorant, this is the one!
Get it here.
2. Spirit Nest
This deodorant claims to provide all-day protection, keeping you fresh and odor-free. It’s also naturally-formulated and non-toxic. It’s made from just five simple ingredients that are vegan and edible (although maybe don’t take that as a challenge accepted…). Plus, this is gluten-free, aluminum-free, soy-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, GMO-free, BPA-free, and eco-friendly.
Get it here.
3. Botanik
Botanik Natural Deodorant uses certified organic, high-quality, natural ingredients for long-lasting freshness, claims the company. It’s also aluminum-free, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free, non-toxic, and contains no added propylene glycol. The container is recyclable, BPA-free, and the label is made from tree-free paper.
Get it here.
4. Pacifica Beauty
Deodorant doesn’t work for everyone’s needs. Pacifica’s paraben-free deodorant wipes are “natural towelettes infused with coconut milk and essential oils,” says the company.
Get it here.
5. Purelygreat
According to Purelygreat, this EWG verified, aluminum-free, stain-free deodorant needs merely one application per day and one jar will provide an average of 2-3 months deodorizing.
Get it here.
6. Good For You Girls
No aluminum, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, dyes, gluten, or animal products are present in this product. It applies clear, meaning the no-stain formula will not leave a white residue under the arms.
Get it here.
7. Dirty Kids Organics
This vegan deodorant is designed for kids. It’s also gluten-free, paraben-free, BPA-free, certified GMO-free, soy-free, and unscented. Perfect for applying before sports practice.
Get it here.
8. Stick-It
According to Stick.It., this deodorant will never irritate your skin. “Perfect for even very sensitive skin so go ahead and stick it where you need it. Made with Organic ingredients, non-GMO, no salt, no alkaline, no fake stuff and definitely no aluminum!” explains the company.
Get it here.
9. Cira Spa
“Made with the purest, most natural ingredients available, ingredients you know and can feel good about putting on your skin,” says Cira Spa. Additionally, the manufacturing facility never tests on animals.
Get it here.
10. JK Naturals
JK Naturals claim this deodorant will give all day odor protection. “Does not contain parabens, propylene glycol, petrochemicals, aluminum compounds or synthetics such as artificial colorants or fragrance oils. Mild scent from blend featuring Amyris, patchouli and lime essential oils.” Try applying this before working out.
Get it here.
11. Bali Secrets
As Bali Secrets says, this product will leave zero stains on clothes and contains no aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium, parabens, phthalates, or baking soda. Also, the bottle is recycling-friendly and BPA-free. Perfect for coeliac vegans, and those looking to nourish their skin!
Get it here.
12. El Sobador
“This deodorant controls regular odor with the power of mineral salts & a subtle essential oil scent,” says El Sobador, and the product has a sophisticated yet subtle scent. If you’re globe-trotting, or lead an on-the-go lifestyle, this product in an essential in your bag.
Get it here.
13. Primal Pit Paste
“We worked tirelessly to create a formula for an all-natural deodorant that achieved the same results as synthetic formulated deodorants. Our aluminum free baking soda is a natural remedy to neutralizing odor-causing bacteria produced in the armpits,” describes Primal Pit. The company’s deodorant tub is beeswax-free, and perfect for hot temperatures.
Get it here.
14. Bare Naturally
Bare Naturally lives up to its namesake, it’s “free of all chemicals including aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens & phthalates.” If you want to smell like coconuts and lime, this product is cheaper than a trip to the tropics.
Get it here.
15. Earth Science
Free of gluten, animal products, and parabens, this deodorant will have you exuding a fresh herbal smell, while rocking sweat-stain-free pits.
Get it here.
16. Tom’s of Maine
Smell fresh all day long with Tom’s of Maine’s Natural Deodorant Stick. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, and all the ingredients are natural.
Get it here.
17. Crystal Deodorant
Made from natural minerals, this paraben-free, natural lavender and white tea deodorant won’t leave a mark on your clothes.
Get it here.
18. Kaia Naturals
Made by Kaia Naturals, this Takesumi Detox Deodorant is designed to eliminate all the toxins from your body. According to the brand, this product has “the power to clean deep inside sweat glands.”
Get it here.
19. Schmidt’s
Schmidt’s is on a mission to “change the way you think about natural.” According to the brand, this smooth and creamy gentle formula is award-winning, helping you to neutralize odor and stay fresh all day.
Get it here.
20. Native Deodorant
This product uses tapioca starch to sop up sweat, while the essential oils of your choice leave you smelling like a summer glade. The cruelty-free company offers customers a range of personalised scents to choose from, including Yuzu and Orange Blossom or Cucumber and mint.
Get it here.
21. Lavanila
From a company which specializes in all natural ingredients, this deodorant is made from aloe, lemon peel and antibacterial beta-glucans.
Get it here.
22. Weleda
This certified vegan product from European company Weleda uses antibacterial lemon peel oil and evaporative alcohol to keep you dry and citrus fresh.
Get it here.
23. Meow Meow Tweet
Made with baking soda, lemongrass and sunflower seed wax, this deodorant is one of five deodorants from the fully vegan company. All scents are available as either a stick or a cream and the products are either baking soda or arrowroot and clay based.
Get it here.
24. Soapwalla
Founded in Rachel Winard New York kitchen in 2009, this fully vegan company makes its deodorant creams using corn starch, kaolin clay and lashings of plant extracts.
Get it here.
25. Sky Organics
Made with organically grown plant extracts and baking soda, you can’t get much more natural than this woody scented deodorant.
Get it here.
26. Zionhealth
One of six in the cruelty-free company’s Clay Dry range, this deodorant harnesses the detoxifying power of ion clay minerals, and combines it with other natural ingredients including with hazel and green tea extract.
Get it here.
27. Real Purity
Founded in 1985, Real Purity champions natural botanicals and the power of plants. The aloe and vegetable glycerin in its five deodorants have a cooling effect upon the skin, meaning there’s less sweat for the baking soda to soak up.
Get it here.
28. Erbaviva
Also available in Lemon and Sage, this vegan deodorant uses quickly evaporating grain alcohol to dispel sweat while killing bacteria with sweet smelling ginger and cypress extracts.
Buy it here.
29. Sukin Natural Deodorant
This zinc-based product is from vegan company Sukin in Australia and should be sprayed on as and when required.
Buy it here.
30.Tarte’s Clean Queen
Made from corn starch, aloe, and plant extracts, this mineral-free product is certified vegan.
Get it here.
