No Pong Australia: Tested and Reviewed

I’ve spent most of my life reaching for the same supermarket antiperspirant without giving it a second thought. Conventional, aluminium-based, job done.

Why Switch to a Natural Deodorant?

So when No Pong landed on my desk, I was curious rather than converted – could a natural deodorant actually hold up to the demands of trail running, long days, and an Aussie climate? 

The short answer is yes. Emphatically. 

How No Pong Works

No Pong is an Australian-made, aluminium-free anti-odourant, and the formula is straightforward and clean – coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch, beeswax, and a blend of Australian certified organic essential oils. No parabens, no triclosan, no aluminium salts blocking your pores. It works by creating a water-resistant environment where odour-causing bacteria simply can’t survive, rather than plugging sweat glands the way conventional antiperspirants do. 

Why It Matters for Trail Runners

For runners, that distinction actually matters. Sweating is your body’s primary cooling system. Suppressing it during long efforts isn’t just unnecessary, it’s counterproductive. No Pong lets your body do what it needs to do, and the smell? That’s the part this product takes care of. 

The Science Behind It

It’s worth understanding a little of the science here. The reason conventional antiperspirants work is that aluminium salts temporarily block sweat ducts, reducing perspiration at the surface. The reason they’ve faced increasing scrutiny is that same mechanism – and growing consumer awareness around what we’re putting on our skin daily, particularly in areas close to lymph nodes. 

No Pong sidesteps this entirely. The baking soda creates an alkaline environment where the bacteria responsible for body odour struggle to thrive, while the coconut oil and beeswax form a gentle barrier that keeps the formula in place without sealing anything off. 

Scents and Everyday Use

I’ve been rotating between three scents: the Original (citrusy with a hint of vanilla), Beach Shackin’ (eucalyptus and lime – basically a coastal holiday in a tin), and Luscious Lime, which is exactly as fresh as it sounds. All three are subtle enough to wear without competing with anything else, which matters when you’re hours into a run and sensory overload is already a risk. 

Oh, and there are vegan and bi-carb free options available too.

Application and Performance

Application takes a small adjustment: a pea-sized amount warmed between the fingers and applied directly, but it becomes second nature quickly. One caveat worth naming: on genuine heavy effort days, you may need a mid-day reapplication. It’s a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, and there are limits.

For most training runs, commutes, and everyday wear, a single morning application holds up well. For race day or back-to-back big effort sessions, carry the tin. 

Trail-Tested Practicality

The practicalities for trail runners really stacks up nicely. The 35g tin fits easily into a running vest pocket or kit bag without adding meaningful weight – relevant for anyone counting grams on a long day ahead. A single tin lasts roughly a month with daily use, and the 85g version extends that considerably. 

For multi-day events or remote races where resupply isn’t an option, that one little tin goes a long way. 

The coconut oil base means No Pong sits comfortably against skin even in heat, without the tacky or sticky sensation that some natural deodorants leave during sustained effort. And for anyone who shaves underarms and has ever made the mistake of applying conventional deodorant immediately afterwards – the sting is real, and No Pong simply doesn’t do it. A small thing, but a real one. 

Verdict

No Pong is Aussie made, independently owned, and has been building a loyal following in the endurance community for good reason. And once converted, most people don’t go back. 

VITALS

RRP No Pong 35g Tin $10.95 AUD

RRP No Pong 85g Tin $14.95 AUD

nopong.com.au