Unilever’s Degree Deodorant is partnering with college athletes for its first-ever campaign. Some of the athletes are shown above. 

One of the key pillars of Unilever’s sustainable business strategy is to contribute to a fairer, more socially inclusive world. Purpose-led initiatives will amplify athlete stories and experiences, and provide equal compensation to both male and female athletes. The campaign sets a thoughtful and positive precedent for working with college athletes as the ability to monetize college athletes’ name, image and likeness. 

Rob Master, VP of media and digital engagement at Unilever NA, says, “This moment represents a tremendous opportunity to set the precedent for working with college athletes in a meaningful and thoughtful way. It’s not just about the star players or top draft picks – we want to amplify the voices and stories of athletes across the spectrum of college sports who have dedicated their lives to their sport and inspired others through their stories.”

Degree Deodorant will commit $5 million over five years to social initiatives that inspire people to “break limits.” The initiative supports those who face the biggest barriers to being active and provides them access to coaches and mentors, along with safe spaces to move.

Chiara Grillo, senior marketing manager, Degree, says, “Our Degree team strongly believes that movement has the power to unlock physical, mental and social benefits that can transform lives, and being able to work with extraordinary college athletes who embody this every day is something Degree and Unilever are thrilled to celebrate. We now have an opportunity to further champion the stories of how college athletes have overcome personal and societal challenges and how they encourage others to keep moving to break their own limits.”

The brand will celebrate college athletes through a number of programs, including funding local community projects, such as recreation centers and youth organizations—and content partnerships.

Degree’s New Products & Packaging

Degree also recently introduced Degree Inclusive—the world’s first adaptive deodorant for people with visual impairment and upper limb motor disabilities.

“We’ve built a prototype with @wunthompson, an inclusive team of designers, therapists, engineers, consultants, and people living with disabilities from around the world,” the brand stated on Instagram. 

According to the brand, one in four Americans have a physical disability, yet many products aren’t designed with them in mind. Degree is working with a diverse community of people with disabilities to ensure the package’s design meets the needs of people with visual impairment and upper limb motor disabilities. Two-hundred people will trial the prototype and share their feedback as part of a beta program to optimize the design. See more about its features. 

Also—the new Degree Maximum Recovery Body Wash & Soak is shown above. It’s Health Magazine’s 2021 Beauty Award Winner.