Fight the Funk with Vegan Deodorants

Spring is in full swing! Sandals are unpacked, bare shoulders and legs have been re-introduced to the wonder of sunshine. Heck, summer isn’t even far away at this point. Maybe you’ve already been to the beach!?

Of course, the rise in temperatures outside also means a rise in perspiration, and all of the “wonderful” personal scents that flow along with it.

Some people are perfectly happy to embrace their body’s natural odor, but not all of us are on that page. Fewer still appreciate those frisky aromas wafting from others, especially in enclosed spaces. Think of a crowded subway car at rush hour when half of the people around you are reaching up to grab the bars, and then imagine if most of them were doing so without deodorant.

Fortunately, there are many vegan deodorants out there so you don’t have to worry about slaughtering your friends and coworkers with ghastly B.O. all summer.

I’ve read great reviews about Bubble and Bee’s Pit Putty, which comes in a variety of scents to suit anyone’s tastes. The original lemon and clove formula sounds like a great spicy scent, but also comes in a variety of other smells as well. Made with all-natural ingredients like organic arrowroot powder, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic lemon essential oil and organic cloves essential oil, it’s healthy, non-toxic, and must smell absolutely divine.

Earth Science Naturals have some stick deodorants that have also received great reviews, and after reading the ingredient list, I’m not surprised. Their rosemary-mint scent must also be great for any gender to use, as it would be a fresh, herbal and neutral scent.

One that I’m particularly eager to try is the pure vanilla deodorant by Lavanila, which apparently leaves you smelling like a scrumptious cupcake all day. I’d be totally cool with smelling like cake for hours and hours, though I can’t promise I won’t embarrass my friends by smelling myself in public. This one is a bit pricier than some other vegan deodorants out there, but apparently it’s well worth the cost. In most cases, you really do get what you pay for, and knowing that your body products are cruelty-free and devoid of carcinogens sounds like a pretty worthwhile investment.

LUSH has several vegan deodorants to choose from, in forms ranging from bar to cream or powder. A favorite of mine is Aromaco, which my Sir uses as well. It has a very neutral scent that works well for both men and women, and though it does have patchouli in it, there’s just a hint of it: you won’t end up smelling like a minty compost heap with this stuff. Trust me on this: I usually loathe patchouli with a seething passion, and this stuff actually smells great. Like other deodorants, it won’t stop you from sweating, but it will destroy the nasty bacteria that cause the icky reekings.

Of course, in addition to these cruelty-free de-stinkifiers, you could always try making your own formula. One delightful vegan mama that I know makes her own with a mix of baking soda, corn starch, and essential oils like lavender and tea tree: these oils are renowned for their antibacterial properties, and can work wonders to combat midsummer underarm funk. Others that work well are clove, rosemary, grapefruit, and mint: just use sparingly!

What is your favorite deodorant?