Is Degree ethical and cruelty-free?

Overview

Degree is a popular deodorant and antiperspirant brand owned by Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies. Positioned as a reliable, long-lasting odor protection brand, Degree is widely available in drugstores and supermarkets globally. The brand itself does not prominently market ethical or sustainable attributes, and it is not certified cruelty-free by major organizations like Leaping Bunny or PETA. However, Unilever has made corporate-level commitments to environmental and social goals, including plastic reduction, carbon neutrality, and fair labor practices across its supply chain.

Certifications

Degree does not hold any third-party ethical certifications for its deodorant products. It is not certified by Leaping Bunny, Cruelty Free International, or the Vegan Society. Unilever as a whole is B Corp certified for some of its subsidiaries, but the Degree brand specifically is not listed as a certified B Corp. Additionally, Degree products do not carry organic or fair trade certifications. For consumers seeking verified ethical labels, Degree does not currently meet that bar.

Animal Testing & Vegan Range

Degree is not claimed to be cruelty-free by the brand or its parent company. Unilever states it does not test finished products on animals unless required by law, but it acknowledges that some ingredients may be tested by third-party suppliers to meet regulatory requirements in certain markets, such as China (where animal testing is mandated for imported cosmetics). Degree products are sold in China, which typically requires animal testing for imported cosmetics, thus making the brand non-cruelty-free. There is no official vegan product line under the Degree brand; ingredients may include animal-derived components like stearic acid or lanolin, so vegans should check individual product labels.

Sustainability Pledges

Unilever has committed to making all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, and Degree packaging is expected to align with this goal. Degree uses some recycled plastic in its aerosol cans and roll-ons, but specific percentages are not always disclosed per product. Unilever also aims to achieve net-zero emissions from its own operations by 2030 and across its value chain by 2039. Additionally, Unilever has a Sustainable Living Plan that includes water conservation and sourcing of renewable energy. However, these are corporate-level pledges and not all are implemented uniformly across the Degree brand.

Sourcing & Labor

As a Unilever brand, Degree is subject to Unilever's Responsible Sourcing Policy, which requires suppliers to adhere to standards on forced labor, child labor, working hours, and wages. Unilever publishes a list of its tier 1 suppliers and conducts audits through the Sedex platform. However, given the complexity of global supply chains, there is limited publicly available information on specific raw material sourcing for Degree products. Unilever is a signatory to the UN Global Compact and reports on human rights due diligence.

Controversies Context

No major controversies have been specifically tied to the Degree brand. Unilever has faced broader criticisms regarding palm oil sourcing, plastic waste, and marketing practices across its portfolio. Degree itself has not been involved in notable scandals, but consumers concerned about corporate ethics may scrutinize Unilever's overall record.

Bottom Line

Degree is a conventional deodorant brand without significant ethical credentials. It offers no cruelty-free or vegan guarantees, is sold in China where animal testing may occur, and lacks independent certifications. Its parent company Unilever has ambitious sustainability goals, but these are not fully transparent or verified at the brand level. For ethically conscious consumers, Degree may not be the best choice unless they are comfortable with Unilever's broader corporate approach and check individual product ingredients for vegan compliance.