Personal care products are going through a long-awaited vegan transformation. And deodorant is at the very forefront of vegan bodycare products.
Deodorant is easy to make vegan. No animal product blocks you from sweating. In deodorants, animal ingredients are just easily replaceable emollients.
The bigger problem in the deodorant industry is animal testing. Sadly, leading deodorant brands such as Dove, Nécessaire, Old Spice, Rexona, Degree, and Mitchum are still not cruelty-free.
To help you find the best vegan deodorants, we’ve picked a winner for every type of deodorant imaginable – from natural vegan deodorant creams to clinical-strength vegan antiperspirants.
Thanks to high-quality natural vegan deodorants, you can smell fresh for the whole day. While helping your health, the animals, and the environment.
Best Vegan Deodorants
These deodorants are all vegan and cruelty-free:
- Best overall: Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant
- Best natural: Schmidt’s Ecocert Natural Deodorant
- Best cream: Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant
- Best spray: Aesop Herbal Deodorant Spray
- Best roll-on: Crystal Lavender & White Tea Roll-On
- Best antiperspirant: Tom’s of Maine Antiperspirant
- Best clinical-strength: Jack Black Pit Boss Deodorant
- Best plastic-free: Ethique Rustic Citrus & Earthy Deodorant
- Best for sensitive skin: Each & Every Unscented Deodorant
- Best for men: Oars + Alps Deep Sea Glacier Deodorant
Best Vegan Deodorant Overall
1. Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant
Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant is the best vegan deodorant. It’s aluminum-free and gives excellent all-day protection with natural ingredients like baking soda and shea butter. The vegan deodorant stick doesn’t transfer on clothes and has a lovely subtle sweet scent.
- What we like: effective, natural, lovely scent
- What we don’t like: not the smoothest glide
Key ingredients: baking soda, shea butter, coconut oil, probiotics | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, talc-free | Average rating: 4.4/5 | Price: $13 (2.65 oz)
Best Natural Vegan Deodorant
2. Schmidt’s Ecocert Natural Deodorant
If you want a natural vegan deodorant, go for Schmidt’s. It’s EcoCert-certified natural as well as certified vegan. No aluminum salts, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Just natural coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. While chemical-free, the 24H odor protection is real.
- What we like: great odor protection from natural ingredients
- What we don’t like: can crumble a bit
Key ingredients: baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, magnesium hydroxide, essential oils | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, Ecocert-certified natural, aluminum-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, synthetic fragrance-free, filler-free, baking soda-free options for sensitive skin | Average rating: 4.2/5 | Price: $19.99 (3.25 oz)
Other organic vegan deodorants we like include Kopari Deodorant, Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant, Sam’s Natural Deodorant, and CocoPits Organics Natural Deodorant.
Best Vegan Deodorant Cream
3. Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
The best vegan deodorant cream is Sweet Pitti from Drunk Elephant. It’s so creamy and lightweight. It uses mandelic acid to kill odor-causing bacteria and arrowroot powder to soak up the sweat. We love how it keeps the underarms soft and moisturized with shea butter.
- What we like: hydrating creamy texture, lightweight feel
- What we don’t like: not enough for heavy sweaters
Key ingredients: mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, shea butter | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, baking soda-free, essential oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free | Average rating: 4.1/5 | Price: $16 (2 oz)
Best Vegan Deodorant Spray
4. Aesop Herbal Deodorant Spray
Aesop Herbal Deodorant Spray is our favorite vegan spray deodorant. It’s very quick and easy to use and it smells super fresh. The deodorant uses zinc ricinoleate which is an excellent natural ingredient to neutralize odor-producing bacteria without blocking sweat glands.
- What we like: comfortable to spray, blocks odor well
- What we don’t like: it’s quite expensive
Key ingredients: zinc ricinoleate, essential oils, botanical extracts | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, paraben-free | Average rating: 4.2/5 | Price: $35 (1.7 oz)
Best Vegan Roll-On Deodorant
5. Crystal Lavender & White Tea Roll-On Deodorant
Crystal has the best vegan roll-on deodorant. It’s invisible, non-messy, and really works to keep your armpits smelling good for the whole day. The ingredients have a good balance of natural yet effective. For $5.99, it’s also the best affordable vegan deodorant.
- What we like: invisible, affordable, effective
- What we don’t like: quite a heavy scent at first
Key ingredients: potassium alum, natural fragrance from essential oils, sodium bicarbonate | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum chlorohydrate-free, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic | Average rating: 4.2/5 | Price: $5.99 (2.25 oz)
Best Vegan Antiperspirant Deodorant
6. Tom’s of Maine Antiperspirant Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine has our favorite vegan antiperspirant. It effectively blocks sweat and wetness and keeps your armpits dry for up to 24 hours. It comes in a wide variety of scents for men and women. You smell fresh and feel dry even under stress and in a hot climate.
- What we like: actually keeps the pits dry
- What we don’t like: contains aluminum
Key ingredients: aluminum chlorohydrate, palm kernel oil, castor oil, olive leaf extract | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, recycled aluminum, synthetic fragrance-free, synthetic preservative-free | Average rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $5.99 (2.25 oz)
Best Vegan Clinical-Strength Deodorant
7. Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant & Deodorant
Jack Black Pit Boss is the best clinical-strength vegan deodorant. It’s great for both men and women. If nothing else has worked for you, this deodorant will. It provides an all-day protection from sweat and odor. The formula isn’t aluminum-free but heavy-duty options rarely are.
- What we like: the most effective deodorant we’ve tried
- What we don’t like: contains aluminum
Key ingredients: aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex, vitamin E, aloe leaf juice | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested | Average rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $22 (2.75 oz)
Best Plastic-Free Vegan Deodorant
8. Ethique Rustic Citrus & Earthy Deodorant
Ethique makes the best plastic-free vegan deodorants. This zero-waste vegan deodorant uses bamboo powder, zinc oxide, and magnesium hydroxide to absorb sweat and keep the skin odorless. The lime, eucalyptus, and cedarwood scent is very pleasant and genderless.
- What we like: eco-friendly, great unisex scent
- What we don’t like: not the smoothest glide
Key ingredients: bamboo powder, zinc oxide, magnesium hydroxide | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, all-natural, plastic-free, zero-waste, aluminum-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, preservative-free, synthetic fragrance-free, palm oil-free, sustainably-sourced ingredients, fair trade | Average rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $14 (2.47 oz)
Shop on: Amazon, Official site
If you are looking for a refillable vegan deodorant, our favorite ones are Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo, Wild Refillable Deodorant, Myro Pillow Talk Deodorant, Peach Not Plastic Deodorant, and Humankind Deodorant.
Best Vegan Deodorant For Sensitive Skin
9. Each & Every Unscented Deodorant
Natural personal care brand Each & Every has designed the perfect vegan deodorant for sensitive skin. Crucially, it’s fragrance-free and free from all potential irritants such as aluminum, baking soda, gluten, alcohol, or parabens. It performs great while being gentle to your skin.
- What we like: non-irritating, sustainable packaging
- What we don’t like: not strong enough for heavy sweaters
Key ingredients: magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, tapioca starch, coconut oil | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, natural, aluminum-free, paraben-free, baking soda-free, gluten-free, alcohol-free, unscented, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, sustainable sugar cane packaging | Average rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $20 (2.5 oz)
Shop on: Amazon, Official site
Best Vegan Deodorant For Men
10. Oars + Alps Deep Sea Glacier Deodorant
Oars + Alps Deep Sea Glacier Deodorant is the best vegan deodorant for men. Voted also among the best men’s vegan grooming products, this deodorant is just incredibly fresh. It keeps the pits odorless while being skin-friendly and aluminum-free. And it doesn’t stain the clothes.
- What we like: very crisp and fresh formula, doesn’t stain
- What we don’t like: need to reapply if you sweat a lot
Key ingredients: corn-derived propanediol, aloe, vegan glycerin | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, clean, aluminum-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, glycol-free, allergen-free fragrance, safe for sensitive skin | Average rating: 4/5 | Price: $14 (2.6 oz)
Best Vegan Deodorant Wipes
11. Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes
The best vegan deodorant wipes come from Lume. We love them for traveling and after workouts. The vegan body wipes are hypoallergenic and free from aluminum and baking soda. The low pH formula extends the clean feel with notes of fresh cucumber.
- What we like: very fresh, works for the whole body
- What we don’t like: not flushable
Key ingredients: mandelic acid, organic aloe vera juice | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, baking soda-free, paraben-free, talc-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic | Average rating: 4.4/5 | Price: $15.99 (45 wipes)
Best Vegan Deodorant Gel
12. Green Goo Natural Deodorant Gel
Green Goo vegan gel deodorant is another good pick – especially the Apricot Lemongrass one. The deodorant is natural and free of aluminum, baking soda, gluten, parabens, phthalates, and petroleum. It’s smooth to apply, feels comfortable on the skin, and leaves no white residue.
- What we like: nice natural gel formula, no residue
- What we don’t like: need to reapply if you sweat a lot
Key ingredients: vegetable-derived propylene glycol, calendula extract, sunflower seed oil | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, baking soda-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, petroleum-free, mineral oil-free | Average rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $7.99 (2.25 oz)
Shop on: Amazon, Official site
Best Alcohol-Free Vegan Deodorant
13. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant
If you are looking for an alcohol-free vegan deodorant, we love Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant. The alcohol-free formula is non-drying and non-irritating. It feels very comfortable and keeps you feeling fresh for the day with antiseptic eucalyptus and citronellyl.
- What we like: very clean feel, natural ingredients
- What we don’t like: may need to reapply during the day
Key ingredients: propylene glycol, eucalyptus leaf oil, citronellyl | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, alcohol-free, baking soda-free, synthetic fragrance-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, gluten-free | Average rating: 3.9/5 | Price: $22 (2.6 oz)
Best Vegan Crystal Deodorant
14. Nakd Thai Crystal Deodorant
Nakd Thai Crystal Deodorant is the best vegan crystal rock deodorant. Made from 100% mineral salts of potassium alum, it’s as natural as a deodorant gets. It’s fragrance-free and chemical-free and keeps the pits odor-free surprisingly well. Also, it doesn’t stain the clothes.
- What we like: natural crystal rock formula, works well
- What we don’t like: a bit messy to use
Key ingredients: potassium alum | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, all-natural, aluminum-free, baking soda-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, preservative-free, filler-free, unscented, hypoallergenic, aluminum chlorohydrate-free, made in Thailand | Average rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $18.95 (4.25 oz)
Shop on: Amazon, Official site
Best Vegan Deodorant Brands
These are the best brands for vegan deodorant in 2024. These companies keep the body odors away using natural cruelty-free ingredients that are safe for your skin.
Crystal
American company Crystal has been a leader in natural deodorants for years. Crystal is also 100% vegan and officially certified by Cruelty-Free International and PETA. All of their vegan deodorants are made in the USA using mineral salts and natural oils.
Native
Native is a 100% vegan and cruelty-free deodorant brand. Though owned by P&G, Native has stayed true to its vegan values and offers some of the most beloved cruelty-free vegan deodorants on the market. Native deodorants are also aluminum-free and paraben-free.
Schmidt’s
Schmidt’s vegan deodorant is made in the USA and 100% of natural origin. In fact, it is the first-ever Ecocert-certified natural deodorant. In addition to its bestselling vegan deodorant stick, the company also offers vegan deodorant jars and vegan deodorants for sensitive skin.
Lavanila
Lavanila from New York offers organic, clean, cruelty-free, and vegan deodorants that work well and keep away unpleasant odors. Their vegan deodorants are free of heavy chemicals and toxic components such as parabens, petrochemicals, silicones, synthetic fragrances, or aluminum.
Herban Cowboy
Herban Cowboy’s PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan deodorants are natural, clean, and made in the USA. The vegan deodorants from Herban Cowboy are free of phthalates, dyes, parabens, sulfates, and triclosan.
Pacifica Beauty
Pacifica is a 100% vegan and cruelty-free skincare and makeup brand. Pacifica offers many types of deodorants from vegan stick deodorants to vegan deodorant creams and vegan deodorant wipes. The brand also has a great charcoal-infused underarm detox scrub.
What Makes Deodorant Vegan?
Vegan deodorant does not include any animal-derived ingredients. Vegan deodorants are also not tested on animals or include components tested on animals.
The most typical ingredients that make a deodorant not vegan are glycerin, stearic acid, squalane, beeswax, or lanolin.
- Glycerin: emollient mostly made from animal fats (can be also vegan)
- Lanolin: an emollient derived from sheep’s sebaceous glands
- Stearic acid: a saturated fatty acid derived from sheep, cows, and pigs’ stomachs
- Squalene: emollient made out of shark liver fats
- Beeswax: stabilizing wax produced by bees
Instead of animal products, vegan brands use plant-based oils and emollients. The most popular ones are shea butter, cocoa butter, carnauba wax, and soy wax.
Vegan Deodorant Vs. Vegan Antiperspirant
Vegan deodorant and antiperspirant have the same purpose. Both block unpleasant body odors and keep the underarms fresh. However, they work differently.
Vegan deodorant kills the natural bacteria that make our bodies smell of sweat. They raise the acidity of our underarms which prevents the bacteria from spreading.
Vegan antiperspirant works by blocking the sweat glands. So there are no bacteria under the armpit that cause odors in the first place.
If sweating is a problem for you, go for a vegan antiperspirant. But if you don’t sweat much and just want to smell fresh, vegan deodorant will do the trick.
What To Look For In A Vegan Deodorant?
When shopping for a vegan deodorant, make sure that the deodorant is free of animal ingredients and that the company does not test on animals.
In terms of your health and environmental impact, it is worth avoiding harsh chemicals and metals such as aluminum in your vegan deodorant.
If you have sensitive skin, look for a deodorant that doesn’t contain soda. It can irritate the skin and we all know red underarms are a real torment.
Alcohol-free vegan deodorants are also better for dry and sensitive skin. In general, the more natural your vegan deodorant is, the better it is for your skin.
Instead of harsh chemicals, alcohol, and metals, natural vegan deodorant brands use arrowroot, baking soda, China clay, witch hazel, and zinc oxide.
How We Review Vegan Deodorants
Here are our criteria for reviewing vegan deodorants:
- Odor control – Above all, a vegan deodorant should keep you smelling good, we make no compromises there. A vegan antiperspirant should also be able to keep the armpits dry.
- Ingredients – Ingredients in vegan deodorants are crucial. We prefer vegan deodorants made from natural ingredients and use as little synthetic chemicals as possible.
- Packaging – Plastic-free, refillable, and sustainable packaging gets always extra points from us. The world needs more eco-friendly vegan deodorants.
None of our deodorant reviews has been incentivized by the brand of retailers. We select the best vegan deodorants based on online reviews, expert opinions, and personal experience with the products.
FAQ About Vegan Deodorants
Deodorants can be vegan but many are not. To find a deodorant that is free of animal ingredients, look for a certified vegan label on the packaging.
Vegan deodorant uses plant-based oils and emollients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, carnauba wax, and soy wax.
The most common vegan deodorants in drugstores are Native Deodorant, Crystal Body Deodorant Stick, and Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Natural Deodorant.
You can easily make vegan deodorant at home using baking soda, arrowroot powder, and shea butter (or coconut oil). Mix the ingredients to make a thick cream. Put it in a pre-cleaned jar and keep the lid on when you are not using it.
No. Dove’s status on animal testing and using animal byproducts is unclear. Plus, the company uses animal products in most of its products.
No. Degree does not test on animals but some of its deodorants contain animal byproducts, such as beeswax.
Yes. Crystal is vegan.
Yes. Native deodorants are all vegan and cruelty-free.
No. While Secret does not test on animals, the company has informed us their deodorants cannot be yet considered vegan.
Summary
We cannot live without a deodorant but we can live without a deodorant with harsh chemicals and animal byproducts in it. Vegan deodorants and antiperspirants are equally effective in neutralizing odors and making you feel fresh for the whole day.
Our favorite vegan deodorants come from Native, Crystal, Schmidt’s, Drunk Elephant, and many other cruelty-free and vegan brands. From aluminum-free vegan deodorants to plastic-free vegan deodorants, there is the right deodorant for every taste.
We are currently still looking for our favorite vegan invisible stick deodorant. As we try out new vegan deodorants all the time, we will make sure our favorites will be added to this list.
See also: Vegan Perfumes