It all began with Love Your Body Oil, the first blend Chey Birch created at her dining table in Bondi; the product that gave Black Chicken Remedies its name and heart. But it wasn’t long before Chey recognised the need for a natural deodorant that worked. Out of that came Axilla™ Natural Deodorant, which quickly became a cult favourite and the brand’s global hero. This year, Chey is blowing out 13 candles for Axilla™, celebrating the deodorant that changed the way we think about natural self-care.
At Flora & Fauna, we’ve always admired Black Chicken Remedies for their commitment to values-led beauty and wellness. Founded by Chey Birch, the brand was built on the belief that what you put on your body should be just as natural, safe, and nourishing as what you put in it. But Chey’s vision goes further, it’s about living consciously, reducing waste, and choosing better for both people and planet.
To celebrate Axilla’s 13th birthday, Chey is sharing her top sustainable lifestyle tips, the very values that have shaped Black Chicken Remedies from day one.
Start with everyday rituals:
"I believe the biggest impact comes from the products you use every single day," Chey explains.
That’s why deodorant was one of the first Black Chicken Remedies products. Axilla’s nourishing formula, packed with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and essential oils, makes the daily ritual of applying deodorant a natural, skin-loving choice. Switching out your most-used products is one of the easiest ways to live more sustainably.
Go plastic free where you can:
"Our community wanted a more sustainable way to enjoy Axilla, and we listened," says Chey.
That’s how the Plastic Free jars with pop lids were born. By moving away from single-use plastic, Black Chicken Remedies created durable, recyclable tins that reduce waste without sacrificing convenience.
It’s a small switch, but when used daily by thousands of people, the collective impact is huge.
Choose multipurpose ingredients:
Chey’s philosophy is simple: fewer products, better ingredients. Shea Butter is a perfect example. Found within the Axilla™ Natural Deodorant and across the range, it deeply nourishes, soothes, and protects the skin.
"When you choose multipurpose ingredients, you reduce clutter, save money, and make a more sustainable choice," she says.
Let your values guide you:
For Chey, sustainability isn’t just about packaging, it’s about living consciously. That means choosing cruelty-free and vegan products, supporting transparency, and prioritising quality over quantity.
"When your values lead the way, you naturally choose products that are better for your health and the planet," she shares.
Celebrating 13 years of Axilla™ natural deodorant:
Thirteen years on, Axilla has grown from a single formula to a full family. There is an option for everyone, and the range continues to expand.
- Axilla™ Natural Deodorant Paste Original – the cult classic with bicarb soda for maximum odour protection.
- Axilla™ Natural Deodorant Paste Barrier Booster – bicarb-free and enriched with chamomile and zinc oxide for sensitive skin.
- Axilla™ Natural Deodorant Paste Original and Barrier Signature – same award-winning protection with a luxurious blend of ylang ylang and sandalwood within the Original and Barrier Booster base formulas.
- Axilla™ Natural Deodorant Spray – a quick-dry, travel-friendly option for life on the go.
- Axilla™ Natural Deodorant Paste Plastic Free Range – eco tins with pop lids, available in both Original and Barrier Booster.
"It’s been amazing to see how Axilla has evolved while staying true to our values. Every birthday reminds me that natural, effective products can also be sustainable and that conscious living is possible for everyone." – Chey Birch
Chey’s approach to sustainability is about progress, not perfection. Start with what you use daily. Choose plastic free when you can. Simplify with ingredients that work harder for you. And always let your values lead the way.
At Flora & Fauna, we’re proud to celebrate 13 years of Axilla and the sustainable values Chey continues to champion. Here’s to many more years of natural confidence and conscious choices.
