Degree is one of the most popular deodorant brands on the market. With different product lines for men and women, Degree offers a wide range of antiperspirant and deodorant options. But is it actually an effective deodorant? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of using Degree deodorant.
How does Degree deodorant work?
Like most antiperspirants, Degree contains active ingredients that block sweat glands and reduce perspiration. The main active ingredients in Degree deodorants are:
- Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly – This is the most common active ingredient in antiperspirants. It forms a plug in the sweat ducts to prevent sweat from reaching the skin’s surface.
- Alcohol – Helps facilitate the blockage of sweat glands.
- Fragrance – Masks body odor.
By reducing the amount you sweat, Degree aims to eliminate body odor caused by the interaction of sweat and bacteria. The fragrances in the deodorant also help mask any existing body odor.
Does Degree deodorant last all day?
Degree markets many of its products as providing strong, long-lasting protection from sweat and odor. However, results can vary from person to person based on:
- Body chemistry – Some people naturally sweat more than others.
- Climate/environment – Hotter climates and active lifestyles lead to more sweating.
- Product usage – Applying correctly and reapplying can impact duration.
Most Degree deodorants claim to provide odor protection for up to 48 hours when used correctly. However, for heavy sweaters or very hot/humid climates, reapplication during the day may be necessary to maintain effectiveness.
What are the key ingredients in Degree deodorants?
In addition to the active ingredients mentioned above, Degree deodorants also contain the following key ingredients:
- Probiotics – Help balance skin microbiome and inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
- Prebiotics – Provide nourishment for probiotics.
- Minerals – Like magnesium, zinc, and copper help neutralize odor.
- Plant extracts – Natural extracts like eucalyptus help fight odor.
- Silica powder – Absorbs sweat to prevent moisture buildup.
These additional ingredients provide extra odor and wetness protection. Degree stresses using clean ingredients and avoiding controversial components like parabens, aluminum, and talc in their products.
What are the different product lines?
Degree offers specialized products for men and women:
Degree Men
- Adventure – High activity protection.
- Ultraclear Black + White – Unscented, dermatologist-tested.
- Men Clinical – Reduces stress sweat.
- Men Dry Protection – Extra dry formula.
Degree Women
- Invisible Solid – Goes on clear, no white marks.
- Crush – Fruity scents like citrus and berries.
- MotionSense – Adapts to activity and stress.
- UltraClear – Unscented, sensitive skin.
This wide range caters to different needs like scent preferences, skin types, and activity levels. There are also separate teen and kids lines.
What are the advantages of Degree deodorant?
Here are some of the benefits that Degree deodorant offers:
- Established brand – Degree is owned by Unilever, a major CPG company, so it has wide availability and brand recognition.
- Variety of scents – Many scented options for men and women like cool rush, lavender, and cinnamon.
- All day protection – Products are designed to provide odor protection for up to 48 hours.
- MotionSense technology – Line with microcapsules that burst to provide extra protection when active.
- Dermatologist tested – Many products approved for sensitive skin.
- Aluminum/paraben free options – Degree UltraClear line caters to ingredient preferences.
- Affordable – Products cost between $3-$8 making Degree accessible.
For shoppers looking for a trusted brand name, variety of scents, sensitive skin formulas, and effective protection, Degree has a lot to offer.
What are the disadvantages of Degree deodorant?
A few potential drawbacks of Degree deodorant to consider are:
- May cause irritation – Some natural ingredients and scents can cause skin reactions for sensitive individuals.
- Staining – White residue from antiperspirant ingredient can stain dark clothing.
- May require reapplication – Protection diminishes over time, requiring reapplication during long or active days.
- Not natural – Those looking to avoid aluminum, preservatives, and artificial fragrances may not like Degree.
- Not clinical strength – Does not have the highest levels of active ingredients for extreme sweating.
People with sensitive skin or preferences for clean/natural products may get better results from other brands. Degree is mid-range in terms of strength and some formulas can leave white residue on clothing.
How does Degree compare to other deodorant brands?
Degree stacks up well against other popular deodorant brands:
| Brand | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | $3 – $8 | Established brand, lots of scents, sensitivity/ingredient options |
| Dove | $4 – $8 | Mild scent, some clinical protection options |
| Secret | $3 – $10 | Strong scents, clinical strength options |
| Old Spice | $3 – $7 | Focused on men, sport/fresh scents |
Degree is competitively priced and offers similar features to these other major brands. Key differences are Degree’s MotionSense line, variety of scents, and number of aluminum/paraben free options.
Is Degree cruelty free?
Degree deodorants are not certified cruelty-free. Parent company Unilever does not have a strict ban on animal testing for all brands and products. However, Unilever does have a policy against testing on animals for cosmetic purposes and aims to push for change in regions where animal testing is required by law, like China.
For shoppers looking for a cruelty-free deodorant similar to Degree, some options are:
- Schmidt’s
- Each & Every
- Native
- Dr. Bronner’s
These brands have received certification through Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Cruelty-Free International. Overall Degree’s parent company is making steps to eliminate animal testing but cannot yet be considered 100% cruelty-free based on current policies and practices.
Conclusion
Degree deodorants provide odor and wetness protection that lives up to the claims for most users. The variety of scents, formulations for different needs, affordable price point, and accessibility as a major brand make Degree a good choice for many consumers.
Potential downsides are possibility of irritation for sensitive skin, aluminum ingredients, and lack of natural options for some lines. Degree compares well to other popular drugstore brands but falls short for shoppers wanting clinical strength protection or cruelty-free certification.
At the end of the day, Degree is a very solid mid-range deodorant in terms of performance, price, and availability. For most consumers looking for an effective daily deodorant, Degree products can get the job done.