I was originally given a refillable Wild deodorant case a couple of years ago by a family member who had tried it and didn’t like it. And whilst I was a bit sceptical about whether or not it would work for me, I really liked the concept of a vegan, refillable, natural deodorant, so bought some refills to give it a try.
Nearly 2 years later and I still use this product, and have recently tested their new roll-on version too. So, I’ve now updated this Wild Deodorant review to reflect that experience because although it isn’t faultless, as natural deodorants go, I think Wild is really pretty good.
Pros
- Works pretty well
- Amazing scents
- Metal case
- Stick & roll-on version
Cons
- White marks with stick
- It’s not for everyone
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Wild Discount code for 25% off: VEGANMUM
What is Wild natural deodorant?
Well, it probably helps to clarify what it isn’t! This deodorant doesn’t use ingredients like aluminium salts, so it won’t work in the same way as an anti-perspirant. Basically, that means you may still sweat, but the product will deodorise it to neutralise the smell. To some extent it soaks up the dampness too, and I’m also pretty certain that after using it for some time, I stopped sweating quite so much. I have no scientific basis for that though! Anyway, see my FAQs for more information.
My experience with Wild Deodorant
When I first tried this product a couple of years ago, my expectations were low because I already knew that Wild didn’t work for some people (which is how I came to inherit the case in the first place)! But after an initial transition period, I found that it was very effective for day to day use and I’ve been using it ever since.
My armpits continue to smell of their amazing fragrances even during a weight-training session at the gym, and we all know how risky it can be to lift your arms up in public when you’re hot! However, there are some occasions when I will apply a refillable anti-perspirant instead (I use Make Waves), but really only if I’m going somewhere hot and sweaty and wearing something tighter fitting and light.
I love the look of Wild’s aluminium refillable cases too, and they continue to look great even after years of solid use. But the original stick version has a tendency to get messy, with scrapes of deodorant squidging out over the lip and onto the lid, even after they re-designed it. I do sometimes get white marks on dark clothing too.
Fortunately though, this doesn’t happen with the new Wild roll-on deodorant which I find dries quickly, and with no sticky residue. But, I just don’t think the fragrance is as strong with the roll-on.
Anyway, I cover all this off in a bit more detail below, and look at the pros and cons of the Wild stick deodorant vs their roll-on version.
Wild deodorant stick vs roll-on
In this table, I make a direct comparison between the creamy stick version and the liquid roll-on product based on my experience of using them.
| Wild stick deodorant | Wild roll-on deodorant | |
| White marks? | Sometimes | Never |
| Effectiveness of deodorant | Excellent | Good |
| Fragrance level | Excellent | OK |
| Easy to refill? | Good | Excellent |
| Efficiency of case | OK | Excellent |
So, in conclusion, the stick format has excellent fragrance levels and I find it very effective at deodorising smells, but the roll-on is easier to refill, the case doesn’t get messy and it has never left white marks on my clothes.
It stops me smelling
Wild’s stick deodorant generally stops me from smelling, and very effectively. The natural ingredients in Wild – like baking soda and coconut oil – are included to deodorise the sweat, so getting a whiff of any unpleasant odour is pretty rare, although it does occasionally happen. But when it does, I find that a quick re-application tends to refresh everything perfectly!
Consequently, I use Wild nearly all the time whether I’m working, going to the gym, walking the dog, or going out somewhere a bit special. But it did take a few weeks for me to get used to because it doesn’t actually stop you from sweating (which, let’s face it, is a natural process) and I initially found that a bit disconcerting. I guess over the years I was used to anti-perspirants blocking up my sweat glands with aluminium salts!
To combat that, the stick product contains ingredients like tapioca starch to help soak up any escaping sweat and it must do a good job because I’ve never experienced ending up in a sweaty armpit armageddon, however hot I’ve been. And I’ve never found any sweat stains on my clothes either.
I haven’t found the roll-on to be as effective during the summer heat though – it’s fine when the weather is not too hot, but it didn’t perform as well for me in the gym for example.
Wild range of scents
They have some really lovely scents in their refill ranges – even the sensitive versions (which don’t contain baking soda). My particular favourite is Cherry Blossom, but I would happily wear any that I’ve tried to be honest, and that’s quite a few in nearly 2 years! And most could be considered gender neutral too.
It’s always fun to see what they come up with in their limited edition range which often changes with the seasons (they can get pretty inventive) and I do like the fact that their sensitive range contains a good selection of scents.
And in my experience when I use them, the fragrances are strong enough that I can still get a good hint of them at the end of the day (if and when I choose to sniff my armpits which isn’t very often) but they don’t go into battle with any other personal products I might use. However, I find the stick fragrances hang around a lot longer than the roll-on.
You can also get a great range of their fragrances in Wild’s body wash – read my guide to the best vegan shower gels for more detail.
The cases are robust
The cases for the roll-on and the stick are made of aluminium and come in a good range of colours and patterns. My original green one, which came to me second-hand, still looks and works like new 2 years later, so they are very robust. But there were some issues with the original stick versions, so the more recent case design that I now have (pictured right) is better because:
- it’s easier to pull apart to insert the refill
- the twisting mechanism seems smoother
- I can get to the end of the refill
However, the refill still seeps over the edge of the lid and can get pretty messy, although nothing a quick wipe with a tissue can’t solve.
So, although this is my 2nd case in 2 years, it still seems like a better option to me than buying disposable deodorants and anti-perspirants to chuck into landfill every few weeks.
My verdict on this Wild deodorant review
I like Wild deodorant very much. I think the concept of a natural, refillable product that works with my body’s natural function of sweating rather than fighting against it is a good one, and it works for me, and for many other people I know too. It fits with my personal values too in that it’s vegan and cruelty-free, and the brand also seems to be committed to good environmental practices.
I think they have the best range of scents, they’ve improved their case, introduced a roll on liquid version, and even have a small range of mini deodorants too that come in cardboard tubes. These are great for travelling, but are also an option if you wanted to try the product out without investing in a case first. I do still alternate occasionally with Fussy deodorant though which seems to keep them both working effectively.
So overall, I think Wild Natural Deodorant is a good, but not faultless, product. It’s reliable, does its job pretty effectively, and competes well with its rivals on cost. And if you decide to give it a try, you might just fall in love with their fragrances. I certainly have…
Alternatives to Wild
It doesn’t work for everyone, although Wild does state that you need to give it a transition period for your body to acclimatise to not using anti-perspirant. That acclimatisation period was about 2 weeks for me but I do know people that have tried it and found that it’s not right for them. If that happens, then you could try another natural refillable deodorant like Fussy, which uses a different formulation, or go for one of the more natural refillable anti-perspirants like Make Waves.
My husband’s problem with Wild deodorant was different and he ended up getting a rash under his arms when he started using it. It’s likely to be because of the baking soda, which some people can be sensitive to, and that’s why Wild has their sensitive range of scents which avoids that ingredient.
Wild Discount code: VEGANMUM
More deodorant articles
You can take a look at my Vegan Deodorant guide and other reviews below for an insight into some of the best products available at the moment.
FAQs
Why is my Wild deodorant not working?
For some people, there is a transition period when you first start using a natural deodorant like Wild. This can make it seem like it’s not working and that it’s not for you.
However, as I’ve mentioned in this Wild Deodorant review, Wild are clear that you should really persevere because it is caused by the good and bad bacteria in your armpit getting involved in a bit of fisticuffs. The bad guys have had it their own way for a long time if you have been using anti-perspirant, but don’t worry, the good bacteria normally wins in the end…if not, why not give a natural antiperspirant a go? I use Make Waves.
Does Wild stop you sweating?
No, it does not contain aluminium salts and other ingredients that an anti-perspirant might contain to stop your body from sweating. Wild’s view (and I personally think this makes a lot of sense) is that your body should sweat – it is a natural process and has a function. Usefully though, Wild does contain tapioca starch that helps to absorb the sweat rather than stop you from making it in the first place.
Why do my armpits itch after using Wild deodorant?
There could be several reasons:
- have you just shaved your armpits?
- is this the first time you’ve used Wild?
- do you have very sensitive skin?
If any of these things are an issue, you could try Wild’s sensitive range which still smell great and solve the problem for lots of people. However, if that doesn’t help, you may need to find another product. And of course, if you are worried by any reaction to a product that doesn’t get better when you stop using it, consider taking professional medical advice.
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