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Fussy deodorant review: I tried this trending Dragon’s Den product ahead of summer

NATURAL deodorants are growing ever more popular – and Fussy is one of the best-known brands out there. But is it any good?

Scroll on to read my Fussy natural deodorant review and find out whether it’s worth the spend.

Natural deodorants have soared in popularity in recent years, as more of us turn towards cleaner alternatives for beauty and wellness essentials.

With all the hot weather this summer, and a trip abroad in the diary, I wanted something that’s better for my skin and for the planet.

I’ll be honest, I hadn’t considered using a natural deodorant before.

But the more I read about sustainable alternatives, the more I wanted to make the switch. 

Fussy deodorant started to trend after the brand’s founder, Matt Kennedy, appeared on Dragon’s Den in 2022, securing a joint investment from Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones.

Natural deodorants are not only safer for the environment thanks to their recyclable packaging, but they’re free from potentially harmful chemicals.

Which is always beneficial when your skin is dealing with summer sun, sweat, and SPF. 

Natural formulas don’t block the sweat glands either.

They’re also more gentle for sensitive skin and sensitive underarms, which is handy after a long-haul flight or scorching beach day when your skin needs extra TLC.

Fussy focuses on promoting sustainability without compromising quality (hence the brand name).

The deodorants come in compact, reusable cases with refills (ideal for popping in your hand luggage) and are designed to minimise single-use plastic.

All of Fussy’s products are vegan and cruelty-free, with packaging made from 100% recycled materials.

I assumed natural deodorants wouldn’t have the same refreshing feel as my trusty traditional roll-ons, but Fussy has amassed so many positive product reviews I wanted to try out the brand for myself.

Fussy Coconut Milk Deodorant, £15

Pros

• Prevents odour all day
• Natural ingredients
• No white marks
• Reusable case
• Subscription options for refills every three months
• Variety of scent options
• Mini options for on-the-go

Cons

• Doesn’t eliminate sweating
• Balm formula doesn’t glide on easily
• Pricier than regular deodorants

Rating: 4/5

How I tested

As Sun Shopping’s beauty deals expert, it’s part of my job to test the products that are trending right now.

Fussy’s deodorant is always popping up on social media, so I knew it was worth testing.

To test, I used Fussy’s deodorant daily over several weeks.

I wore it to work, to exercise, and overnight too, in order to test how effective the product is for eliminating sweat and odour.

I also wanted to know if Wild lived up to its hype, so I tested it out with a dedicated Wild natural deodorant review.

And as I’m completely new to using natural deodorants, I also tested the best natural deodorants in general, to really get a sense of which was best, and why. 

Fussy deodorant review: Quickfire Q&A 

How much is Fussy deodorant?

A one-off purchase costs £28, or subscribe and save 25% with free UK delivery.

The subscription automatically sends refills every three months with a 19% saving.

A one-time bundle of a reusable case and one refill costs £15, with additional refills costing £6. 

Mini trios cost £10, a pack of 3 refills costs £18, and a scent pack of 3 refills and a reusable case costs £28. 

You can also get a gift pack, which contains a washbag, a deodorant refill, a case, and bodywash bar. 

Who’s it best for?

Those who are looking to make the switch from traditional deodorants to a natural and sustainable option.

What we loved

This deodorant prevents odour all day without the need to reapply and is made with natural ingredients like sunflower wax, coconut oil, and shea butter.

Its clear formula avoids leaving white marks on clothes, and it comes in a reusable case with subscription refill options.

You can choose from various scents or go scentless, with mini versions available for travel and convenience.

What we didn’t love

As it’s not an antiperspirant, so it doesn’t stop you sweating, and the balm formula could apply more smoothly.

Plus, it’s more expensive than a regular deodorant. 

Fussy Deodorant review: quick summary

Fussy’s deodorant is a great option for those looking to switch up their everyday products with natural alternatives.

Like many people who haven’t tried natural deodorants before, I assumed they wouldn’t work as effectively as other options.

I used Fussy’s natural deodorant consistently for two weeks, and it left me feeling fresh throughout the day without needing to re-apply.

Fussy Deodorant Mini Trio in Sugar Crush, £10

I did find myself sweating slightly more than I usually do with other deodorants, as natural formulas don’t clog the sweat glands like other alternatives.

But because the ingredients allow the body to perspire normally, the roll-on still successfully kept any odours away for long periods.

My favourite part about the deodorant — aside from the fact that’s completely natural and sustainable — is that it didn’t leave any white marks on my clothing, which I’ve found to be an issue with so many deodorants over the years.

There’s a decent range of scents to choose from along with an unscented option, and the refillable case is slim and lightweight for carrying on the go.

Fussy Deodorant review: full review

First impressions

My Fussy package arrived with one scentless deodorant, a reusable case and a travel-sized version in the Sugar Crush scent, along with the brand’s washbag.

I was really impressed with the deodorant’s packaging.

The design is slim and lightweight, with eight colours to choose from, plus a limited-edition pearl case.

The pebble-shaped deodorant cases are made from recycled and recyclable plastics, while the refills are plastic-free and compostable.

The deodorant comes ready to use, so all I had to do was twist the base for the product to come to the surface.

The balm texture doesn’t glide on as seamlessly as other deodorants, but I liked that it didn’t leave a wet or sticky residue on my underarms.

I rotated between the scentless and Sugar Crush scent, which is part of the brand’s limited-edition winter collection.

I wouldn’t usually opt for a scentless deodorant, although I found myself gravitating towards it over Sugar Crush, which was too sweet for me.

Performance

I used Fussy’s deodorant once every morning, and I was ready to apply more throughout the day if needed.

I didn’t feel the need to top-up during any of the days that I tested the product, as one application left me feeling fresh all day.

However, I did find myself sweating slightly more than usual, as one of the main differences between regular and Fussy deodorant is the lack of antiperspirant in natural alternatives.

My bugbear with deodorants is the dreaded white marks that transfer onto clothing, particularly as I wear a lot of dark colours, so I was nervous when I saw Fussy’s balm consistency.

I was relieved that my clothes were completely free from white marks, both immediately after applying and throughout the day.

The deodorant’s lightweight texture is clear on the skin with a sheer tint that quickly disappears once it’s dry.

Some online reviewers noted that the deodorant left their clothing with dark stains, although I haven’t noticed any marks after wearing long and short sleeves.

The deodorant is easy to dispense by twisting the case at the bottom, and the balm doesn’t spill over the edges to make a mess, even after several uses.

How to refill Fussy deodorant

I found the deodorant easy to refill, as the new balm slots straight into the case when you remove the slide and press the buttons on either side.

What is the difference between natural and regular deodorants?

There are a few factors that set standard deodorants apart from natural formulas.

The main difference between the two is that regular deodorants contain antiperspirant, which prevents sweating, while the active ingredients block the sweat glands.

Natural deodorants also mask odours, but they don’t prevent sweating in the same way.

Those starting to use natural deodorant for the first time are likely to notice an increase in sweating, but it is thought that the body adjusts to the formula over time.

Is Fussy deodorant an antiperspirant? 

Fussy is a natural deodorant, not an antiperspirant.

This means it doesn’t stop you sweating, but it does stop you smelling. 

It prevents bacteria from building up (which is what causes body odour) with active ingredients like baking soda.

Ingredients like tapioca starch then absorb any sweat, and natural fragrances help to mask any odours.

What is the best Fussy deodorant scent?

Fussy offers a wide range of scents to cater to different preferences, so the best Fussy scent will be a matter of personal opinion.

But if you like Jo Malone, you’re in luck; the Tropic Tonic scent has been likened to the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne. 

Yep, Fussy even posted a Facebook video calling out the similarities in scent. 

But if you’re looking for something less fruity, Fussy bestsellers include:

Parma Violets, a sweet and powdery scent with hints of violet, iris and rose.

Coconut Milk, a fresh, tropical aroma with almond, vanilla and coconut.

Wilderness, with notes of bergamot, cedarwood and vetiver. 

Fussy deodorant: Where to buy

The Fussy website is the only place you can subscribe to get the deodorant delivered every three months, but you can make one-off purchases elsewhere, including several supermarkets.

• Fussy Topic Tonic Deodorant Starter Pack, £15, at Fussy – buy from Fussy
• Fussy Tropic Tonic Refillable Deodorant, £12 at Sainsbury’s – buy from Fussy
• Fussy Refillable Natural Deodorant Cloud Nine Starter Pack, £9.75 (was £13) – buy from Holland & Barrett
• Fussy Natural Refillable Deodorant Coconut Milk, £13 – buy from Waitrose
• Fussy Refillable Deodorant Wilderness, £12 at Boots – buy from Boots
• Fussy Natural Refillable Deodorant Lilac Case & Variety Refill Pack, £26 – buy from Amazon

Does Fussy deodorant leave white marks? 

The brand tested its formula on a variety of different fabrics and found that it doesn’t leave any white marks or stain. 

You only need 1-2 swipes, which helps it absorb into your skin rather than transferring onto your clothes. 

Fussy deodorant ingredients

Fussy focuses on filling its deodorants with natural ingredients, and the formula is free from aluminium, parabens and chemical preservatives.

Fussy ingredients include:

• Sunflower wax
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Caprylic
• Tapioca
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Magnesium hydroxide
• Lactobacillus
• Parfum

Alternatives

There are plenty of alternatives to Fussy’s deodorant on the market right now.

Some brands, like Fussy, are focused solely on natural formulas, while others have extended their deodorant range to include natural products.

These are some of the top brands that are also stocking natural deodorants:

• Wild
• AKT
• Salt of the Earth
• Glossier
• Mitchum

Fussy vs Wild deodorant

Fussy and Wild are both refillable natural deodorant brands with a focus on sustainability and clean ingredients, but here’s how they differ.

Price

A one-off bundle purchase from Fussy costs £15 and includes a reusable case and one refill, and further refills cost £6.

If you choose the subscription, it automatically sends refills every three months with a 19% discount.

Wild deodorant costs £12 for a one-off purchase, which includes a refillable case of your choice and three refills. 

Shoppers who subscribe to automatic refills every 3 months get a 20% discount, paying £9.60 every three months.

Effectiveness

I used Fussy’s deodorant consistently and it left me feeling fresh throughout the day without needing to re-apply.

For the first few days of using the Wild deodorant I didn’t feel as fresh as I typically would with a traditional deodorant. 

After that, I felt I had gotten used to it, and from then on I didn’t notice much difference at all.

Scents

Fussy has a smaller range of scents with limited editions offered seasonally, whereas Wild has a broader collection of scents.

Some of Wild’s scents are also designed specifically for sensitive skin, which are free from baking soda and feature rice starch instead.

There’s no overall winner, but you can read my Wild natural deodorant review for a bigger breakdown. 

The verdict: is Fussy Deodorant good?

I would recommend Fussy to those looking to get into natural deodorant.

There’s a great selection of scents, and I love that the case is slim enough to carry in my bag; although I felt fresh enough that I didn’t need to top up throughout the day.

Natural deodorants may not be the most effective for those who sweat a lot — while the formula does keep away odours, it doesn’t leave you feeling sweat-free from the get-go.

Everything about Fussy’s products is natural, from the formula to the recyclable packaging, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking to make more conscious choices with your beauty products.

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