Say no to animal testing with these 5 Cruelty-Free & Vegan Deodorants

Last updated on:
October 26, 2023
Written by:
Unnati Mavchi
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In our fast-paced world, the quest for the best deodorant often revolves around one primary goal – staying fresh. Yet, it's crucial to remember that the pursuit of freshness should never come at the cost of innocent lives. Traditional deodorant brands often subject animals to painful and unnecessary testing, a reality that many of us may not be aware of.

In this blog post, we're shedding light on the concept of cruelty-free deodorants and the transformative power of making a compassionate choice. Not only does cruelty-free deodorant help you maintain freshness, but it also aligns with your values of kindness, sustainability, and ethical consumption. It's a chance to embrace a new standard of personal care – one that champions not just your well-being, but the well-being of our planet and all its furry inhabitants.

Let's explore a world of deodorants that protect animals, prioritize ethical practices, and promote the use of natural, skin-friendly ingredients.

Why choose cruelty-free deodorant?

Choosing cruelty-free deodorant is not just about being kind to animals; it is also about making a sustainable and compassionate choice for yourself. By opting for cruelty-free deodorant, you are supporting brands that prioritize ethical practices. You can feel good about using a product that aligns with your values and does not harm innocent animals in the process.

Furthermore, these products are often made from natural and organic ingredients, which are better for your skin and overall health. Lastly, most cruelty-free deodorants are often environmentally friendly, as they are packaged in recyclable materials and do not contribute to animal cruelty or the depletion of natural resources.

Understanding the concept of cruelty-free

To fully comprehend what cruelty-free means, it is essential to understand the testing methods used by some companies. Traditional deodorant brands often subject animals to painful and unnecessary testing, such as rubbing chemicals onto their skin or forcing them to inhale toxic fumes. Choosing cruelty-free deodorant means selecting a product that has not been tested on animals at any stage of its development.

How to identify cruelty-free deodorant

Identifying cruelty-free deodorant can be a daunting task, as many brands claim to be cruelty-free without providing clear evidence. To ensure you are making an informed choice, look for certifications from reputable organizations such as Leaping Bunny or PETA. These certifications guarantee that the product has not been tested on animals. Additionally, you can also check the brand's website for a detailed cruelty-free policy, which should provide transparency about their testing methods.

Are all cruelty-free deodorants vegan?

While many cruelty-free deodorants are vegan, not all of them are. To ensure a deodorant is vegan, look for the "vegan" label or check the ingredients list for any animal-derived ingredients.

Comparing different types of cruelty-free deodorant 

Cruelty-free deodorants come in various forms, including spray, stick, and roll-on. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Spray deodorants are convenient and quick to apply, but they can sometimes contain aerosols that are harmful to the environment. Stick deodorants are easy to use and often come in recyclable packaging, making them a sustainable choice. Roll-on deodorants provide long-lasting protection and are gentle on the skin. Consider your personal preferences and environmental concerns when choosing the type of cruelty-free deodorant that suits you best.

Top cruelty-free deodorant brands

1. Meow Meow Tweet:

  • Meow Meow Tweet presents Organic Vegan Deodorant Sticks, a no-fuss and effective vegan and cruelty-free solution for staying fresh.
  • These deodorant sticks are not just cruelty-free but go further by being plastic-free and biodegradable, making them ideal for eco-conscious individuals.
  • Handmade with love, these deodorants are free from palm oil and primarily consist of organic and fair trade ingredients.
  • Ingredients like organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter provide both skin moisture and a nurturing base for this cruelty-free deodorant.
  • Arrowroot powder and baking soda work in harmony to absorb moisture and neutralize odors, complemented by delightful essential oils for a fresh fragrance.
  • If you have sensitivity concerns, there's a baking soda-free version available.
  • Meow Meow Tweet also offers a deodorant cream in a glass jar with an aluminum lid, contributing to a plastic-free approach.
  • Beyond deodorants, Meow Meow Tweet's sustainable beauty brand encompasses a diverse range of products, from soaps to facial care and zero waste lip balms.
  • Many of their products are designed for multi-usage, reflecting their commitment to efficiency and sustainability.
  • The brand has earned the Plastic Negative Certification through rePurpose Global and carries the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification.

2. Tom’s of Maine

  • Tom's of Maine offers natural deodorants and antiperspirants for long-lasting odor and wetness protection.
  • All Tom's of Maine products are proudly marked with "Not tested on animals," reaffirming their cruelty-free status.
  • Their natural deodorants are aluminum, paraben, and artificial fragrance-free,  and also vegan ensuring a gentle and effective solution
  • For those seeking wetness protection, Tom's of Maine Antiperspirant is made with recycled aluminum to keep underarms dry, along with natural fragrances for a pleasant scent.
  • Additionally, their products contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, emphasizing their commitment to natural and wholesome ingredients.
  • For those in need of extra-strength clinical protection,Tom’s of Maine makes a perfect choice.
  • The products are well-received by users, offering 24 hours of odor protection and coming in light fruity scents or an unscented option.
  • Tom's of Maine is a cruelty-free brand certified by Peta. As per them, their products are not tested on animals anywhere in the world, including mainland China, and they do not engage in animal testing for finished products or ingredients.
  • While Tom's of Maine itself is cruelty-free, it's important to note that it is owned by Colgate-Palmolive, a non-cruelty-free parent company.
  • Tom's of Maine products are not sold in regions where animal testing is required by law, indicating their commitment to cruelty-free practices.

3. PAPR

  • PAPR Cosmetics offers cruelty-free and vegan deodorants with a focus on using the best ingredients for both health and the environment.
  • Their deodorants are free from parabens, silicone, sulfates, palm oil, and aluminum, making them a conscious choice for those who care about what goes on their skin.
  • While not baking soda-free, there is an unscented option for those with sensitive skin or concerns about essential oils.
  • PAPR Cosmetics draws inspiration from paper, known for its versatility, lightweight nature, and functionality. Their deodorants come in fully recyclable and biodegradable FSC sustainable forestry certified paper tubes, printed with soy-based dyes.
  • As part of their commitment to the environment, PAPR Cosmetics plants a new tree for each one used, demonstrating their dedication to being carbon-neutral and preserving the planet.
  • The brand's mission revolves around creating effective, safe, and conscious beauty products with a focus on using the best possible ingredients with minimal impact on both the planet and human health. All their ingredients are PETA-certified vegan and natural, ensuring a refreshing choice for body odor and the Earth.


4. HiBAR

  • HiBAR offers a natural, vegan deodorant with an oval-shaped design and a simple push-up applicator for easy application.
  • You can choose from three natural fragrances derived from essential oils: Fresh Rain & Cucumber, Lavender & Jasmine, and the best-selling Bergamot & Cedar.
  • This aluminum-free solid deodorant provides all-day protection without harming animals, the environment, or your skin. It is also palm oil-free.
  • When the deodorant reaches the end of its life, the container is 100% compostable or recyclable, reflecting HiBAR's commitment to sustainability.
  • HiBAR is dedicated to preventing the disposal of approximately 1.3 billion plastic deodorant containers in US landfills each year, making eco-conscious and cruelty-free products.
  • All HiBAR products are Leaping Bunny Certified and packaged in plastic-free materials, which include recyclable and compostable shipping materials..
  • HiBAR's products come in plastic-free packaging, including recyclable and compostable shipping materials.
  • Since its inception, HiBAR has prevented nearly five million plastic bottles from becoming waste and collaborates with rePurpose Global to address the plastics crisis. Their products are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and animal-derived ingredients.

5. By Robin Creations

  • By Robin Creations offers a cruelty-free and vegan homemade deodorant that effectively combats odor.
  • Two product options are available: solid deodorant sticks in compostable cardboard packaging and deodorant spray in recyclable aluminium containers (with plastic spritz caps).
  • The solid deodorant sticks contain natural ingredients such as arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, and candelilla wax, providing a traditional approach to odor control.
  • On the other hand, the vegan spray deodorant takes a distinct approach to address odors. It relies on magnesium oil to block and prevent odors, while white vinegar, grain alcohol, and tea tree oil are used to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
  • For individuals with sensitive skin, the solid deodorant sticks are recommended due to the potential drying effect of grain alcohol. However, this quality may be desirable in the underarm area.
  • By Robin Creations is an all-vegan skincare brand based in New Mexico, specializing in everyday personal care essentials such as vegan sunscreen and toothpaste.
  • They handcraft their products in small batches, primarily using domestically-sourced organic plant oils and butters. Some of the herbs used are grown by Robin herself.
  • While not all of their products are plastic-free, most items are thoughtfully designed to minimize plastic usage through the utilization of aluminium bottles and refill pouches.

Choosing a cruelty-free deodorant is a small change that can have a significant impact. By opting for sustainable and compassionate options, you are supporting ethical practices and making a positive difference for animals and the environment. Take the time to research and choose brands that align with your values, and enjoy the benefits of using a deodorant that is kind to both your body and the planet.