Choosing the right deodorant means that no matter how hectic your schedule gets, you’ll feel and smell fresh. Whether it’s skin sensitivity, cruelty-free products or annoying white marks that are top of your list—we break-down your options below:

Vegan and cruelty-free deodorant

Veganism is becoming more popular, but did you know that not all deodorants are vegan?

Make sure you check the label on your products to ensure they state they are suitable for vegans, if this benefit is key for you.

Did you know all deodorant produced in the EU are cruelty free? Yes that is true. It is illegal in EU to sell products that have been tested on animals, therefore all products that are produced in the EU have to be cruelty-free or they will not be sold in any stores.

If you want to find out more about deodorant, visit the page How is deodorant different from anti-perspirant and what type of deodorant is right for you?

Deodorant for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin then you’ll be all too familiar with the irritation caused by certain products or ingredients. Products created specifically for sensitive skin have been tried and tested to make sure they’re suitable for skin that needs an extra gentle touch.

If you want a product that will care for your skin, choose a deodorant designed specifically for and tested on sensitive skin.

Which deodorant ingredients can aggravate sensitive skin?

Most beauty products contain multiple ingredients so it’s no wonder that you might feel a bit worried trying a new product if you have sensitive skin.

If you’re using a new brand of deodorant for the first time, check the ingredients to see if there’s anything in it that you know you’re allergic to or check the suitability to sensitive skin on the pack.

If you’re prone to dry or irritated skin then do a patch test (see below!) before using the product.

Below are some of the ingredients that might impact sensitive skin:

  • Alcohol—alcohol kills bacteria and quickly cools the skin, which is why it’s found in many deodorants. Although effective at fighting bacteria and leaving you feeling fresh, the downside is it can dry the skin out, especially if you use it daily.
  • Strong fragrances—knowing you smell good can give you a boost of confidence throughout your day, but did you know that some fragrances can irritate sensitive skin? If you have sensitive skin then look for skin friendly products that offer great fragrances whilst being suitable for sensitive skin, like Soft & Gentle 0% Aluminium range.

Should I avoid deodorant with aluminium in it if I have sensitive skin?

Deodorant doesn’t contain aluminium, but products marketed as anti-perspirant deodorants more likely do, the anti-perspirant in them usually relies on aluminium to minimise sweat.

Why not try a free from aluminium anti-perspirant such as Soft & Gentle 0% Aluminium anti-perspirant roll-ons? This range is a great alternative if you are keen to avoid aluminium but still want to feel both dry and fresh during the day.

You can read more about the benefits of aluminium-free deodorant here.

Worried about having a reaction to deodorant? Try these tips!

To be confident that your new deodorant will care for your skin, and not aggravate it, try the following:

  • Do a patch test—trying the product before you commit to using it is the best way to see if it’s a good fit for your skin. Test a little of the product on a small patch of skin and leave it for 24 hours to see what happens. If you notice any redness or feel itchy, it’s not the product for you!
  • Choose a brand that is designed for sensitive skin—this is probably the simplest way to minimise the risk of a reaction. These deodorants have been tested on people with sensitive skin so are likely to be less harsh than regular deodorants.

Why not try our 0% Aluminium Dry Deodorant? It is suitable for sensitive skin and formulated with a trio of plant extracts.

  • Don’t use deodorant on inflamed skin—if your skin is cracked or sore, or if you have eczema or dermatitis and are having a flare-up, hold off using deodorant until your skin feels better. Even deodorant designed for the most sensitive skin can upset sore skin and cause a nasty sting.

What should I do if I have a reaction to using a deodorant?

If you’re unlucky enough to have a flare up after putting on deodorant, it is best to stop using the product immediately and speak to your doctor about what you should do to avoid further reactions. You might also want to make sure you contact the consumer care team of the brand you are using and let them know about what happened.

Deodorant designed to minimise white marks

The last thing you want when you pull on your top in the morning is to look in the mirror and be greeted with white marks on your clothes. White marks are mostly caused by anti-perspirants, due to the aluminium salts contained in the product, but some deodorant brands can cause the same problem, particularly those that contain high levels of powders.

If you find your clothes have white marks on them, this can be a sign that you’ve used too much deodorant, or it could be down to how the product has been formulated, so always check that anti-white marks is clearly stated on the pack! If it isn’t, then it’s time to switch things up and look for a product designed to minimise white marks.

How do you avoid white marks after using deodorant?

  • First, choose a product that’s designed to leave no white marks
  • Apply to completely dry skin
  • Don’t apply too much product—just a couple of swipes of roll-on or a 2–3 second spray with a spray can is enough
  • Wait until the deodorant has dried completely before getting dressed

Different size deodorants: Which is best for your handbag or hand luggage?

Having a deodorant on-hand is a great way to give yourself a boost of freshness throughout the day. But if you’re stuck for space, you can still get all the perks of on-the-go freshness, just in a smaller package.

Look for deodorant in cans with 150ml or less on the label, these are much smaller than regular-size sprays and much more suitable for your handbag!

Deodorants in smaller size packaging are not only more convenient but can also fit snuggly into your hand luggage if you need to freshen up during a flight.

If your handbag is still overflowing, then you might want to opt for a roll-on format for freshness on the go.

As with all other liquids, you’re only allowed to take deodorant in your hand luggage if the containers are 100ml or less, unless you are using a stick format. You’ll need to pack it in a clear plastic bag, along with the other liquid products you’re taking.