When it comes to reducing waste it’s the little things we use regularly, that can quickly add up to a garbage bag full of plastic. Ready to sit in a landfill for many years to come. But if we make little swaps like switching to Zero Waste Deodorant, zero waste toothpaste and zero waste floss we can keep a lot of waste out of a landfill or even the ocean as let’s face it recycling is definitely not our saviour as it stands.
If you’re always on the go you need a deodorant that is kind to the planet and kind to you, but tough on pesky odours. Let’s take a look at some of the best zero waste deodorants you can buy at the moment.
*This post contains affiliate links.
1. By Humankind
Ethics | Sustainably sourced, Cruelty-Free
Packaging | Cardboard Tube/Refillable container
By Humankind or BH as they sometimes call themselves, develops personal care products that are kinder to our bodies and the planet. For most of Humankind’s products, you have the option to select a refillable container when you purchase, and containers are free if you subscribe. Their subscription option is a great little help and massively convenient to help reduce plastic in the home.
The BH Zero Waste deodorant is said to be backed by science when it comes to eliminating body odour and bacteria.
They also don’t use any harmful GMOs, their product is aluminium-free as you’d expect and it’s ethically made. You can buy a variety pack if you’d like to try the various scents for 15% off.
The BH Deodorant sticks contain baking soda, Arrowroot, natural oils and Candelilla Wax amongst other things. You’ll find them in Eucalyptus, Lavender-Citrus, Rosemary-Mint and Coconut.
You can’t help but love their reusable packaging, it’s sleek, elegant and refillable.
2. Syringa Soapery
Ethics | Sustainably sourced, Cruelty-Free, Natural, Handmade
Packaging | Available in a Paperboard Tube
Syringa Soapery is an Artisan Soap company based out of Idaho in the USA. The company is owned and run by Cassidy Mason who started her shop on Etsy in 2018. She handcrafts all her products out of sustainably sourced and cruelty-free ingredients and you’ll even see local honey from Idaho in some of the products. We’re big fans of supporting small businesses.
Syringa’s zero waste deodorant contains organic coconut oil and African Shea Butter that softens the skin. Arrowroot absorbs excess moisture while baking soda eliminates odour just enough so it won’t irritate. They also add kaolin clay, which has a neutral PH leaving skin healthy and without dryness. Lastly, it contains beeswax which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s not vegan if you’re strict there. To top it all off, all products are made to order and can be found on Etsy.
This little 24-hour tube smell wonderful, and come in a large range of scents so there is something for everyone. We particularly love the pomegranate and apple, it’s divine but it’s hard to have just one favourite. The strawberry and guava one is a good choice too if you like the smell of candy. It’s available in an eco tube but these are smaller than a regular tube, however, you can order a few in one go if you’re worried you’ll run out.
3. Meow Meow Tweet
Ethics | Natural, Organic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan
Packaging | Cardboard tube
Meow Meow Tweet is a small-batch skin and personal care company that focuses on creating vegan-based products made with all-natural and organic ingredients. The brand comes in high regard in Zero Waste/plastic-free circles and is worth a try.
They make their product as if they’re culinary dishes and pay extra attention to the sourcing of ingredients and scents. They also donate to a list of good causes that can be found on the company’s website.
Meow Meow Tweet makes a few different plastic-free deodorant sticks, so there are options to choose from, but the baking soda free option is particularly good for those with sensitive skin. It’s biodegradable and works a dream. It’s available in Grapefruit, Rose Geranium and Cedar Spruce. The smell of this deodorant stick is decadent, it’s a little soft as with some of the other deodorant sticks so be careful not to over-apply.
4. Native
Ethics | Vegan, Cruelty-Free
Packaging | Cardboard Tube
Native is a more mass-market brand in the cleaner personal care space. They make a wide range of products including body wash, bar soap and toothpaste. They’ve made natural deodorant for a while, but this plastic-free tube is a recent addition to their range.
The product does not contain Aluminum or Parabens but rather natural ingredients such as Tapioca Starch, Oxokerite, Baking soda, Coconut oil and Shea Butter. You’ll find this zero waste deodorant in a wide range of scents including Coconut Vanilla, Lavender, Cucumber & Mint, Charcoal and Lilac.
It’s a great smelling deodorant that is good for odour control without being drying or irritating.
5. Fat & the Moon
Ethics | Natural, Organic, Cruelty-Free
Packaging | Aluminum Pot
Fat & the Moon handcrafts herbal body care products, perfect for those of us who look for natural and effective alternatives to chemical-based personal care items. The company was founded by Rachel Budde a herbalist who is passionate about the healing properties of plants and oils.
All her products are handcrafted and made to order so you’ll need to have a little patience when you place an order. But know that it’s made especially for you!
The Fat & the Moon Organic zero waste deodorant cream is made from coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot and essential oils. You might need to play around with the amount used as a little more might be needed to get the balance just right. We love that this deodorant pot is kind on the skin and won’t leave you with a nasty rash. It smells wonderful and leaves you feeling fresh all day long.
6. Earth Conscious
Ethics | Natural, Organic, Cruelty-Free
Packaging | Cardboard tube
Earth Conscious is a UK based brand that started out as an experiment at home with the aim to develop deodorants and baby balm using high quality and natural ingredients. All products are tested on humans, not animals and they are now selling nationwide from their base in the Isle of Wight. They love the sea, the natural world and gentle products that are kind.
The Earth Conscious zero waste deodorant stick has anti-bacterial properties that work to combat body odour all day long. It contains bicarbonate soda, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Arrowroot to help keep you fresh and dry.
Note this is an unscented stick so no fancy fragrances, but it has a slight hint of coconut due to the oil. You can get scented options such as lemon and rosemary. It’s a great natural product that works as you’d expect it to.
7. Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Ethics | Natural, Organic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free
Packaging | Cardboard tube
Dirty Hippie is a well-known name in the natural skincare realm straight out of New Zealand. They make all kinds of wonderful zero waste and natural products from soaps and hair care right through to deodorants – all in zero-waste packaging.
Their Probiotic zero waste deodorant is aluminium salt-free and packed with probiotics. They use arrowroot, bicarbonate soda and Kaolin clay mixed with tea tree oil and coconut to provide moisture. Then to top off the formula you’ll find a blend of pure essential oils that adds a natural scent.
This deodorant currently comes n 4 customised blends, one of which is perfect for sensitive skin that doesn’t like Bicarb soda very much. It has a nice and earthy scent that is not massively overwhelming. For some reason, the application tube can get a little sticky at times, but you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly.
8. Ethique
Ethics | Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-Free
Packaging | Plastic Free Deodorant Bar
We’ve featured Ethique in our Zero Waste shampoo post previously, and you’re probably no stranger to this brand as they are well-known for their toxin-free and low waste packaging products. They are one of the first zero-waste beauty brands and use all biodegradable ingredients and compostable materials for their packaging.
With this little bar, you can stay fresh and confident all day. It doesn’t contain aluminium or baking soda. They use Magnesium Hydroxide, zinc oxide and bamboo to absorb sweat and oil so it’s quite different from the other zero waste deodorants listed on the page. It is recommended that you reapply after exercise to ensure you stay fresh.
9. Totterdown Apothecary
Ethics | Sustainably sourced, Cruelty-Free, Natural, Handmade, Organic, Vegan
Packaging | Aluminium pot
Totterdown Apothecary is a handmade skincare brand from Bath in England. Their story began with a search for a good and effective natural deodorant. Owner Kim Hall was determined to make a toxin-free deodorant that actually worked without irritating the skin.
This deodorant has a lovely herbal fragrance that feels smooth on the skin and well, actually works. Kim uses coconut oil, bicarbonate of soda, arrowroot powder, soy wax and essential oils to make this amazing deodorant cream. These days you can find Totterdown in plastic-free shops at selected locations in the UK.
It’s a really good zero waste deodorant that makes a nice little gift for friends with a similar zero waste and eco-friendly mindset as you.
10. By Robin Creations
Ethics | Natural, Vegan, Organic, Vegan
Packaging | Aluminium spray bottle
Robin Creations is handmade in New Mexico, USA. All their packaging and shipping materials are plastic-free, which is always a great plus!
Made with 100% natural ingredients including magnesium oil that blocks odour, white vinegar and grain alcohol to kill bacteria and tea tree essential oils. They are currently in the process of changing their packaging, which means it will switch from an aluminium spray bottle to a glass one. They also make a Vegan Armpit Detox Mask with Charcoal and Bentonite Clay that will help your body speed up the natural detoxification process when switching to a natural zero waste deodorant.
This spray has a heavy cedar scent that is just incredible. It dries very quickly and feels clean on the skin.
11. Each & Every
Ethics | Natural, Vegan, Organic
Packaging | Sugarcane Tube
Each & Every was started in 2017 by two women frustrated by the lack of quality plastic-free deodorant options. So they tapped into world-class science, research and ingredient sourcing to create a deodorant made from simple and clean ingredients that work.
Each & Every is made with only 6 ingredients including essential oils and dead sea salt instead of baking soda. Their packaging is sustainable and plant-based made from sugarcane, a 100% renewable plant that is carbon negative and earth positive.
It has a nice and fresh smell and is great for people with sensitive skin that is prone to getting rashes. Just be mindful as using too much can stain your clothing. Don’t over-apply!
12. Haoma Organic Zero Waste Deodorant Spray
Ethics | Natural, Vegan, Organic
Packaging | Glass Bottle with Spray Pump
Hoama is an all-natural and organic personal care brand that specialises in skincare and perfume. They use essential oils, which means their products can be used as part of aromatherapy.
This is an organic zero waste deodorant spray that gives long-lasting protection, leaving you smelling fresh all day long. Hoama is handmade in the UK. It comes in three different scents; Floral, Fresh and Comfort. We love the Fresh scent as it smells clean if you can describe it as such and is made from a blend of 10 different plants. Comfort is designed for menopausal women delivering a fresh and floral scent of purity and cleanliness.
13. Battle Green Box
Ethics | Natural, Vegan
Packaging | Cardboard tube
Battle Green Box is a Zero Waste brand was established in 2018. The company is on a mission to help us all reduce plastic and save animal lives affected by microplastics around the world.
They traditionally make a range of personal care products including zero waste boxes with a selection of items to help reduce plastic in the home.
This Deodorant is handmade using orange and patchouli, but they also make, grapefruit and mint or Lavender and Tea tree if that sounds more like you. Each balm comes in a plastic fee cardboard tube that is biodegradable.
You won’t find harmful ingredients in this tube as it’s an all-natural product containing bicarb soda, arrowroot powder, shea butter, soy wax, organic coconut oil and essential oils. It smells divine and works a treat, keeping you fresh all day long.
14. Your Nature
Ethics | Natural, Vegan
Packaging | Cardboard tube
Your Nature makes natural deodorants from their base in Bristol. They use simple yet effective ingredients including coconut oil, shea butter & candelilla wax.
This is a vegan deodorant that comes in a plastic-free tube. rather than blocking your sweat glands, this zero waste deodorant allows your body to release toxins as it needs to. This deodorant is not an antiperspirant and won’t stop you from sweating, however, it works to absorb moisture and keep bacteria from producing nasty odours.
Your Nature comes in 5 scents one of which is unscented, we particularly like the cedarwood and grapefruit version, but scents are super personal so you’ll have to take your own pick to find a favourite amongst these mighty tubes.
15. Ku.tis
Ethics | Natural, Vegan, Organic
Packaging | Cardboard tube
Made by Pamper Dreams in Dartford, Kutis is a Natural, Organic and Plastic Free Deodorant. They’re a small family run business that focuses on making affordable natural bath and body care products. A perfect brand for helping you achieve your zero-waste goals on a budget. The push card on this tube is 100% biodegradable and recyclable making it a truly eco-friendly option that is kind to your skin.
It’s paraben and aluminium free as you’d expect from a zero waste deodorant and doesn’t contain palm oil. You’ll only find natural ingredients such as Arrowroot, Sodium Bicarbonate, Coconut Oil Shea Butter, Sunflower oil and a blend of essential oils in this little tube.
16. Caro’s Creams
Ethics | Natural, Organic Ingredients
Packaging | Cardboard tube
Caro’s Creams is a small business that was started by Caroline Caro in Bristol. She makes a beautiful rose-scented, natural and eco-friendly deodorant stick that is free from chemicals, aluminium and artificial fragrances.
This stick contains Organic Coconut oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, arrowroot and bicarbonate of soda, along with a blend of essential oils. The ingredients are 85% organic and 95% vegan, but it does use beeswax so can’t be classed as vegan, however, they have a vegan option available if this is a deciding factor for you.
It’s a creamy product with a nice long-lasting smell. It will be hard to choose a scent as it comes in a range of wonderful ones, including Grapefruit Cardamon, Lemongrass Thyme, Rose, Spearmint Eucalyptus and Orange and Lime.
The Ins and Outs of Zero Waste Deodorant
It’s important to know that natural deodorant isn’t generally the same as the full-on antiperspirant that you’ll find in a drug store or supermarket. It will take some time to adjust and get used to. Most of which works to control odour and not moisture.
So if you’re switching to a plastic-free deodorant it’s good to be aware that it won’t work like the supermarket options we all grew up with. The whole idea behind these is to be toxin-free and plastic-free while helping you to stay fresh throughout the day.
Potential Risks Associated with Traditional Deodorants
The roll-ons and sprays you’ll find in most stores usually contain aluminium-based compounds and other suspicious ingredients that help with odour but isn’t good for you necessarily.
Aluminium compounds are made to block the sweat glands, keeping sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that these compounds are absorbed into the skin affecting the estrogen receptors of breast cells. As you’re applying antiperspirant products close to your lymph nodes, you’ll potentially be delivering a high concentration of toxins close to the breast. The evidence on this is still patchy but is worth considering as I’m sure you have already. If you’d like to read more about the risks visit the American Cancer Society for more information.
Baking Soda or No Baking Soda?
Sodium Bicarbonate is also known as baking soda. Yes, this is the standard ingredient you find in your pantry used as a raising agent in the process of baking. Overall this is a love-hate ingredient when it comes to natural deodorant. Some people love it and others can’t seem to get on with it as it can cause skin irritations for some.
It’s not a toxic ingredient per se, but it’s not something that will work for everyone as mentioned. So it’s best to try out a few different options to see what works for you.
Making Your Own DIY Zero Waste Deodorant
The internet is full of interesting recipes for making your own deodorant and yes, this can be made at home along with other products such as DIY dry shampoo, shampoo bars and toothcare.
Most of the natural products you find today to start out as a kitchen operation by everyday people who get frustrated with the products available on the market.
There is no reason why you can’t turn this into a fun project or even a side business if you choose to. Soap making, in particular, is massively rewarding and a great science lesson at the same time if you’ve got young children. Just always be mindful of health and safety when making soaps around children as this can be dangerous as you’re probably aware.
