Which Vegan Deodorants Actually Work?

Have you ever tried a natural deodorant that just... didn’t pull its weight?

You're not alone — and you're definitely not being unreasonable. I’ve tested more deodorants than I can count (and probably smelled like a mix of citrus and disappointment more times than I’d like to admit). When I first made the switch to vegan and cruelty-free body care, deodorant was *the* hardest one to get right. Some would work for a few hours, some felt sticky, others caused irritation. And some did absolutely nothing. I wasn’t just after something “natural”, I needed something that would actually hold up in the Queensland heat.

First, what makes a deodorant vegan?

It's not just about being cruelty-free — though that’s part of it. A vegan deodorant doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients (things like beeswax, lanolin, or carmine), and hasn’t been tested on animals. It also skips the synthetic fragrances and aluminium compounds you’ll find in most commercial options.

So if you've been wondering, *is deodorant vegan?* — the answer is, not always. But there are plenty that are, and they don’t require compromising on performance.

The deodorants I’ve tried that actually worked

I’ve tried dozens. Maybe more. Some made me smell like essential oil soup by midday, others gave me rashes. But there are a few I’ve kept coming back to — and I now stock many of them because I believe in them.

Let’s start with Agent Nateur. It’s clean, effective, and doesn’t rely on overwhelming fragrance to cover up odour. I wear their holi(stick) quite a bit in warmer months and find it genuinely helps with wetness as well. You can shop that brand right here:

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Another underrated winner? Ursa Major. Their deodorants have this light, fresh scent and go on super smooth — not gritty or sticky like some natural sticks. I find they’re especially good after a workout or a long day outdoors.

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Common complaints (and my honest take)

Let me be real: a lot of vegan deodorants get a bad rap — and sometimes for good reason. I’ve read the same threads online where people say things like “I sweat through it within an hour” or “smells good in the jar but useless on my skin.” I’ve felt that frustration too. But here's the thing — part of that is detox.

When you switch from antiperspirant, your body freaks out a little. You’re not clogging your sweat glands anymore. It can take 1–2 weeks for your body to stabilise. I always tell my customers: *give it time, but also don’t settle*. You’re allowed to want something that works now.

This article goes into more on why that adjustment phase happens, and how to support your skin through it. But again — don’t blame yourself if a product just isn’t it.

Sprays versus sticks

Everyone has their preference. I personally prefer a cream or stick, but if you’re looking for a vegan spray deodorant, there are a few nice options — especially if you’re sensitive to baking soda. This review includes some low-irritation formulas that work well even on freshly shaved skin.

We’ve got a range of options in the store — stick, spray, cream — including brands that focus on sensitive skin or are totally bicarb-free.

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The brands worth checking out

Aside from the ones I’ve already mentioned, there are a few other vegan deodorant brands I keep an eye on and rotate through:

1. frank bare — Australian-made, with gentle formulas that are ideal for first-timers.

2. mukti organics — more than just skincare, they have beautiful body products too.

3. living libations — really unique blends, a bit niche, but honestly very effective.

4. recreation beauty — Aussie brand that nails both scent and staying power.

Things to avoid if you’re switching

If you’ve been thinking of making the move to a natural vegan deodorant, avoid ones that are overly fragranced (especially with synthetic scents), have alcohol high up in the ingredient list, or use “fragrance” as a blanket term. Your armpits are sensitive — treat them like you’d treat your face.

It’s also helpful to exfoliate lightly under the arms a few times a week. I know that sounds excessive, but it helps. You don’t want deodorant building up on the skin. If you’re using a gentle exfoliant already, you can multi-task with it.

If you're not sure where to start

I totally get that standing in front of 15 options — or scrolling through them — can feel overwhelming. If you're unsure, just reach out to us here and I’ll help recommend something based on your skin type, lifestyle, and scent preferences. I’m always happy to chat.

Why I’m picky about what we stock

I only bring in products I truly believe in. And I know that everyone’s skin reacts differently. That’s why I focus on brands that are not only vegan and cruelty-free, but also transparent about their ingredients. You can learn more about how I define “clean” on this page, and why that matters when you're applying something to your skin every single day.

Whether you’re looking to go vegan, avoid aluminium, support ethical brands — or just want to smell good without toxins — there’s a plant based deodorant that can work for you.

If you’ve tried some before and felt let down, don’t write them all off. The right one’s out there — and I’ve got a few up my sleeve that might surprise you.