7 Vegan & Cruelty-Free Deodorant Brands Keeping Animal-Testing Away From Your Armpits
Let’s be honest: animal testing is the pits.
Want cruelty-free deodorant that’s good for you, better for our planet, and kind to all our furry friends?
No sweat!
We’re here to ply your pits with the many magical plant-based deodorant benefits.
If you were wondering if conventional brands are tested on animals, sadly yes.
Animal testing for conventional deodorant is done in ways that would make you embrace your au naturale odor for the rest of your life if you knew the hairy details.
And it’s no secret brands like Secret aren’t vegan, since they usually contain common animal byproducts like lanolin, animal glycerine, squalene, or static acid without specifying if they’re animal derived or not.
That’s in addition to the slew of chemicals in conventional deodorant, like fake fragrances, parabens, and triclosan.
It’s time to axe the Axe—but what deodorant is cruelty-free?
Lots of them! Saying NO to B.O. doesn’t have to harm an animal as these vegan and cruelty-free deodorants are proving.
Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.
The Best Cruelty-Free Deodorants to Say Goodbye to Odor Causing Bacteria & Animal Harm
Ethique’s vegan deodorant sticks are everything we want for our pits: convenient, waste-free, carbon-neutral, and of course, all natural.
In addition to being vegan and cruelty-free, deodorant from Meow Meow Tweet comes in adorably designed compostable cardboard tubes or reusable glass jars.
If you want to make like a (Certified Leaping) Bunny and hop to our considerations for vegan deo, jump here.
The Full List Of Vegan Deodorant Brands
1. Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet’s Organic Vegan Deodorant Sticks
Are there any vegan deodorants?
There sure are, and here’s a no-fuss effective vegan deodorant from Meow Meow Tweet, which is also a deodorant not tested on animals.
Even more, their Zero Waste Deodorant Stick is plastic-free, biodegradable, handmade, palm oil-free, aluminum-free, and filled with mostly organic and or fair trade ingredients.
Organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter moisturize the skin, while arrowroot powder and baking soda absorb moisture and bad odors—with delightful essential oils to replace them with something sweet smelling.
If your pit sensitivity extends beyond your compassion for animals, they offer a baking soda-free version.
We’ve tested them out and especially love the Eucalyptus Lemon scent. Its bright yet subtle scent is refreshing and earthy, making for a cruelty-free deodorant men and women alike can enjoy.
There’s also an Underarm Primer helpful for those transitioning to non-aluminum deodorants.
About Meow Meow Tweet
In addition to deodorant, this all-around sustainable beauty brand also makes soaps, facial care, zero waste lip balm and much more.
Most products are designed for multi-usage. For example, their deodorant cream is equally good for pesky foot odors or the décolletage area.
MMT is Plastic Negative Certified through rePurpose Global and their products are Leaping Bunny cruelty-free.
The gender-neutral founders make gender-neutral products and regularly donate to several charities.
2. Ethique
Ethique’s Best Plant-Based Deodorant
Trade baking soda and aluminum for wonder ingredients (including bamboo!), and you get one of Ethique’s solid zero waste deodorant sticks.
And if you’re still wondering, “Are vegan deodorants good?” Ethique proves they can be even better—we should know, since we’ve used them.
The bamboo is effective in absorbing up to 200% of its own weight in your oil and sweat (who woulda thought!). While the magnesium hydroxide takes care of bacteria, zinc oxide keeps inflammation down, and jojoba and sweet almond oil maintains soft and supple pits.
They have an Unscented formula—a cruelty-free men’s deodorant for those gentlemen who prefer understated—as well as Rustic Citrus & Earthy and Floral Lavender options.
Because these vegan deodorants come in a cardboard tube, just toss it in your indoor compost bin when empty.
About Ethique
Ethique’s cardboard tubes and naked bars are bar-none some of the best in zero waste skin care.
They take care of it all, from haircare and moisturizing to home cleaning products.
The Certified B Corp started revolutionizing our favorite household products in New Zealand, and now operate out of the USA, too.
Throughout it all, they’ve prevented the manufacturing of 28 million plastic bottles!
They also now donate 2% of all sales (greater than profits) to non-profit organizations, have an office powered by renewables, are certified Carbon Neutral, and plant a tree for every order.
Also available on Amazon | Holland & Barrett (UK) | Nourished Life (AU)
3. EcoRoots
EcoRoot’s Vegan Friendly Deodorant
It’s pit heaven featuring eco-paste perfection thanks to EcoRoots’ organic, palm oil-free, baking soda-free, vegan, non-aluminum cruelty-free deodorant.
Thanks to its blend of magnesium hydroxide and other natural ingredients, this deodorant works hard to reduce odor causing bacteria and absorb wetness.
It’s super simple to apply and features a light creamy texture, all the while packaged in an eco-friendly glass jar with bamboo spatula and recyclable metal lid.
After testing, we can not only tell you this vegan deodorant really works, but that we love the addition of the bamboo spatula for application. It just makes the fingers a bit less messy!
It’s available in six scents derived from essential oils: Coconut Scent, Lavender Scent, Eucalyptus Mint Scent, Citrus Scent, Rose Geranium & Unscented.
Regardless, each deodorant features organic arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and unrefined shea butter, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
About EcoRoots
EcoRoots is rooted in all things ecological, natural, and animal-friendly.
The Colorado-based sustainable store batch creates all its products by hand in the US and ships each item in low-waste packaging.
EcoRoots’ entire line of eco-friendly toiletries contains zero toxic ingredients or animal testing.
The occasional product has palm oil or organic beeswax, but otherwise you’ll find most palm oil free and vegan products.
EcoRoots is a member of 1% for the Planet and supports non-profit organizations like the Ocean Conservancy, who assist with urgent ocean restoration initiatives.
4. By Robin Creations
By Robin Creations’ Vegan Spray Deodorant
Not only is this homemade deodorant cruelty-free and vegan, but By Robin Creations promises it “stops the stink right in its tracks”.
You can choose between solid deodorant sticks (in compostable cardboard) and deodorant spray (in recyclable aluminum, though the spritz caps are plastic).
While the sticks contain common natural ingredients like arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, and candelilla wax, the vegan spray deodorant takes a slightly different approach to your armpits.
Magnesium oil blocks and prevents odors while white vinegar, grain alcohol, and tea tree oil kill odor causing bacteria.
If you have sensitive skin, we recommend sticking with the sticks, as it were, because grain alcohol can also be dehydrating—though in the armpits, this may be desired!
About By Robin Creations
New Mexico based By Robin Creations is an all-vegan skincare brand that specializes in everyday personal care basics like vegan sunscreen, toothpaste, and much more.
Everything is handcrafted in small batches from mostly domestically-sourced organic plant oils and butters.
Some of the herbs are grown by Robin herself.
While not everything is plastic-free, most items thoughtfully minimize plastic through use of aluminum bottles and refill pouches.
5. Plantish Future
Plantish Future’s Vegan Deodorants
Plantish Future believes in a green tomorrow and backs this with its high-quality plant-based deodorant.
They keep their deo selection small, with just Natural Rose & Citrus or Unscented options.
You can choose from a cardboard deodorant tube or a solid deodorant bar.
We’ve tested the unscented vegan deodorant sticks and were impressed with their longevity. Plus, unlike some other natural vegan deodorants we’ve tried, the gentle formula doesn’t irritate our armpit skin in the slightest.
Magnesium hydroxide and arrowroot powder eliminated excess moisture, while shea butter, coconut oil, and rice bran wax provided excellent moisturizing qualities.
The additional anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin E and kaolin clay helped us stay chafe-free all day.
About Plantish Future
Plantish Future understands sustainability looks different for everyone. That’s why they offer an extensive catalog of low-waste, sustainable alternatives for all of your home, kitchen, beauty, and bathroom needs.
Each of their products is carefully designed with vegan, plastic-free, and plant-based ingredients. Nothing is tested on animals and handmade in Canada (though they have fulfillment centers across North America).
Plantish is a BIPOC, Queer, and woman-owned business that supports several causes and partners like the Global Conservation Force, LGBTQ+ communities, and the Vancouver Black Library.
Also available on Etsy
6. PAPR Cosmetics
PAPR Cosmetics’ Cruelty-Free & Vegan Deodorant
Why slather harmful products on our bodies that later trash our oceans, when we can use the best ingredients with the least impact for our health and this beautiful blue rock we call home?
Enter PAPR Cosmetics, whose vegan deodorant never features parabens, silicone, sulfates, palm oil, or aluminum.
Keep it mind if you have sensitive skin, it’s not baking soda free, but there is an unscented option in case essential oils bother your skin.
Otherwise, choose between five unique scents, like So Hot Right Now, an herbal musk that makes it the ideal men’s vegan deodorant scent.
All PAPR’s products are inspired by… yep! Paper, because it’s versatile, lightweight, and functional.
It makes sense then that these vegan deodorants come in fully recyclable and biodegradable FSC sustainable forestry certified paper tubes printed with soy-based dyes.
For each tree used, PAPR Cosmetics plants a new one.
About PAPR Cosmetics
Carbon-neutral and cruelty-free PAPR Cosmetics is passionate about protecting our planet and our bodies, which is why they are weary of the trash conventional cosmetics creates and the ingredients in them that we do not know.
Their mission is to create effective, safe, conscious beauty products, always with two main things in mind: use the best possible ingredients with the least impact on our planet and our health.
With all PETA-certified vegan and natural ingredients, biodegradable sustainable packaging, and one tree planted for each tree used, Paper is refreshing for not only your body odor but also the Earth.
7. HiBAR
*Note: Some HiBAR products contain honey.
HiBAR’s Natural Vegan Deodorant
We love HiBAR’s stylish, natural, fresh, plant-based and animal harm-free deodorant that comes oval-shaped with a simple push-up applicator.
There are three refreshingly natural fragrances from essential oils to pick from: Fresh Rain & Cucumber, Lavender & Jasmine, and their best-seller, Bergamot & Cedar.
This aluminum-free solid deodorant offers all-day protection without harming our furry friends, the planet, or our armpits. Besides no nasties in their formula, there is also no palm oil.
At its end of life, the deodorant container is 100% compostable or recyclable.
About HiBAR
You’ll never have to sacrifice smelling fresh for the sake of the planet with HiBAR, who work tirelessly to prevent the whopping 1.3 billion plastic deodorant containers that currently end up in US landfills every year.
The clean beauty brand makes all sorts of environmentally friendly, cruelty-free zero waste face wash bars and eco-friendly shampoo bars—both of which we’ve tested and loved.
No matter which HiBAR product you feel a higher calling to, you’ll get zero parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, or animal-derived ingredients
Their products are all Leaping Bunny Certified and come contained in plastic-free packaging, which includes recyclable and compostable shipping materials.
Since opening, HiBAR has eliminated almost five million plastic bottles from becoming waste and they also partner with rePurpose Global to tackle the plastics crisis.
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How We Found The Best Cruelty-Free Deodorant Brands
We sniffed out these brands using our ethical and sustainable beauty criteria, obviously first aiming to ensure they aren’t cruel towards animals—or our planet.
So, how do you know if deodorant is vegan? For instance, is Secret tested on animals?
In the commercial deodorant department, you unfortunately don’t. Your best bet is to reach out to the brand directly to learn their sourcing and ingredients.
Though a whiff of good news is that both Suave and Secret are now PETA-certified cruelty-free!
But for us, here’s everything we evaluated these brands on:
- Non-toxic: You may have noticed these brands made totally natural deodorant without potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, triclosan, phthalates, talc, silica, aluminum chlorohydrate, propylene glycol, artificial colors, or aluminum. Talc is now a classified carcinogen and silica can lead to lung cancer, silicosis (an irreversible scarring and stiffening of the lungs), kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Propylene glycol not only irritates the skin, but also can cause damage to your central nervous system, liver, or heart. No thanks!
- Cruelty-free: Can deodorants be tested on animals? They sure can. Deodorant companies apply deodorant directly to an animal’s underarms—or worse, apply the harsh chemicals to their eyes. We don’t need to harm or kill another living being to feel comfortable when raising our arms after a workout.
- Vegan: Like much of the commercial beauty aisle, many popular deodorants may be cruelty-free, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t vegan. They’ll contain trace amounts of animal derived ingredients like animal glycerine, squalene, lanolin, or static acid.
- Palm oil-free: or if it contains it, we want it sustainably and ethically harvested.
- Ethical ingredient sourcing policies: for example, this is especially the case with essential oils, as global high demand pushes many aromatic plant species toward extinction.
- Thoughtful packaging: recyclable, at the very least, but zero waste to get a green box in our book.
A Note On Antiperspirants:
Is there a cruelty-free antiperspirant?
We make a stink about the best non-toxic deodorant not being anti-perspirant, and for good reason! Sweating out our sweat glands is the body’s necessary way to rid itself of toxins, which is why we always advocate for skipping antiperspirants.
Plus, aluminum (the key ingredient in antiperspirant deodorants) not only blocks our body’s natural ability to sweat, but can build up to harmful levels over time.
That’s why we’re aluminum-free, all the way.
Final Thoughts On Animal Cruelty-Free Deodorant
Your hunt for an effective cruelty-free and vegan deodorant that works won’t involve a hunted and harmed animal, which is why we congratulate you on choosing one of the best all-natural cruelty-free deodorants listed here.
With every swipe or push up of the compostable tube, you’re not only applying a natural, anti-bacterial, and health-supporting deodorant but you’re also taking a stand against unnecessary animal harm.
What’s more is that these vegan deodorants also care about the planet, which is why they put important considerations to action like carbon offset shipping, recyclable or compostable packaging, and natural ingredients.
We probably (admittedly) still have friends who haven’t yet given the big bad deodorant brands the Axe—so do them a favor, share this list of vegan deodorants with them so that they know that it’s no Secret that more Suave and sustainable alternatives exist.
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