15 Zero Waste Deodorants For Plastic Free Performance
It’s no secret plastic stinks, but thanks to zero waste deodorant you don’t have to.
For a more sustainable smell, we’ve found some of the best plastic free deodorants to help you steer clear of all those hard-to-recycle tubes.
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Ethique’s waste free deodorant bars and tubes are amazingly effective for all-day wear and (in our experience) the product lasts ages.
Meow Meow Tweet makes zero waste deodorant in a paper tube or in cream form, depending on which application you’d prefer.
And Battle Green’s baking soda formula will ensure BO isn’t something you’ll need to battle anymore.
To learn why traditional deodorant is the pits and how we chose these more sustainable deodorant brands, roll-on down to the end of the article.
QUICK LINKS FOR ZERO WASTE DEODORANT BRANDS
- EcoRoots | Visit Store
- Ethique | Visit Store
- Fat & the Moon | Visit Store
- NaturisticBath | Visit Store
- Meow Meow Tweet | Visit Store
- Rainwater Botanicals | Visit Store
- The Natural Deodorant Co. | Visit Store
- Each & Every | Visit Store
- Battle Green | Visit Store
- Pack & Leaf | Visit Store
- No Pong | Visit Store
- Katie Mae Naturals | Visit Store
- Hammond Herbs | Visit Store
- Dirty Hippie Cosmetics | Visit Store
- Trail Botanica | Visit Store
1. ECOROOTS
*Note: Most EcoRoots products are palm oil free, including their plastic free deodorant.
About EcoRoots’ Sustainable Zero Waste Deodorant
EcoRoots‘ zero waste deodorants utilize mostly organic ingredients that work with your body’s natural functions to reduce odor—as opposed to blocking your pores.
Depending on your pits’ preference, they offer two options.
Their deodorant tubes which are packaged in compostable cardboard come in Coconut, Lavender, Eucalyptus Mint, or Unscented varieties.
A combination of coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and wildcrafted candelilla wax will keep your pits moist(urized) in all the ways you want and dry in those you don’t.
They also offer a sensitive-pit plastic free deodorant cream in the same scents that comes in a reusable glass jar with an aluminum lid.
Both styles are handmade in small batches and contain no baking soda, aluminum, parabens, silicone, preservatives, and toxic ingredients.
Both the zero waste deodorant tube and cream are free of all palm oil and its derivatives.
About EcoRoots
The sustainable roots of Colorado’s EcoRoots run deep, so it’s no wonder they’re a favorite zero waste beauty brand.
While they began as an ethical marketplace selling cleaning and personal goods made by other sustainable brands, their in-house line of products has taken centre stage with a healthy cult-following.
And considering everything is natural, vegan, cruelty free, plastic free, mostly palm oil free and made in the USA, it’s not surprising.
Orders ship in plastic free packaging (obviously) and each time you shop here means a contribution to Ocean Conservancy through EcoRoots’ 1% for the Planet membership.
EcoRoots has featured in an article on zero waste laundry detergent.
2. ETHIQUE
About Ethique’s Zero Waste Deodorant
We couldn’t possibly answer the question, “Which deodorant brands are zero waste?” without highlighting Ethique.
Catching a whiff of their zero plastic deodorant changed our personal care routine forever.
Their naked deodorant bars and compostable cardboard deo tubes were a revelation in our hunt for eco alternatives.
And with a range of scents, the fact that they’re vegan, palm oil-free, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, and non-toxic, what’s not to love!
If you want a zero waste baking soda free deodorant option, here it is.
They’re made of antibacterial magnesium hydroxide, anti-inflammatory zinc oxide, absorptive bamboo, jojoba oil, almond oil, and essential oils.
About Ethique
New Zealand company Ethique has cultivated a huge range of zero waste beauty products.
Whether you’re looking for zero waste shampoo bars, scrubs, deodorants, or cruelty free moisturizers, they’ve got it in a non-toxic, waste-free bar (or some newly launched compostable cardboard tubes).
Everything they make is palm oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to help you #giveupthebottle.
Aside from donating 2% of yearly revenue or 20% of profit to charity, Ethique is a Certified B-Corp, verified climate-neutral, and plastic free.
Also available on Amazon and Holland & Barrett (UK)
3. FAT & THE MOON
About Fat & the Moon Zero Waste Deodorant Cream
Fat & the Moon deodorant “is for the full spectrum of stinky”.
These creams block odors and bad microbes without plugging the body’s natural detoxifying and temperature regulating sweat system.
Made from “ethically and safely wildcrafted” ingredients like organic coconut oil aluminum-free deodorant, arrowroot powder, beeswax, and antibacterial essential oil, these sustainable deodorants are soothing and subtly scented.
If your skin puts the pH in pHincky, opt for their bicarb-free Sensitive Pit Cream.
The product comes in reusable deodorant glass jars.
If creams, in general, are not your shtick, they also make deodorizing body powders.
About Fat & the Moon
As you can see by their entertaining product descriptions, women-owned Fat & the Moon puts the “fun” in zero waste beauty fundamentals.
They have a huge selection of natural shampoo, skincare, zero waste makeup, and more, each handmade to order.
While not entirely a vegan company as some products contain beeswax, they are cruelty-free and palm oil free as well as largely organic.
They regularly donate to charity and sponsor local community causes.
Fat & The Moon has featured in an article on zero waste face wash.
4. NATURISTICBATH
*Note: NaturisticBath uses sustainably certified palm oil in their soaps but none in their deodorant.
About NaturisticBath’s Plastic Free Deodorant
NaturisticBath’s paper tube deodorant is planet and pit-friendly.
They’re vegan and formulated without artificial or synthetic ingredients, aluminum, and baking soda.
Minerals and probiotics will keep you feeling dry and smelling fresh, while organic coconut oil, shea butter, and more will soothe sensitive underarm skin.
You can choose between two sizes and a wide variety of both floral and earthy scents derived from pure essential oils.
About NaturisticBath
Shop owner Sandra started making soaps because of her crafty inclinations and sensitive skin that rendered her unable to buy most store-bought items.
This hobby became NaturisticBath, now offering shampoo and conditioner bars, handcrafted soaps, body butters and oils, lip balms, face creams, and more.
All products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or silicones, as well as being vegan and cruelty free.
Her soaps do contain palm oil sourced from Colombia, but it’s QAI-certified organic, as well as holding certifications by USDA, NOP, RSPO, and Rainforest Alliance.
They’ll come packaged either naked, or in glass jars, compostable tubes, or aluminum bottles (though these typically have plastic spray tops which we encourage you to reuse).
5. MEOW MEOW TWEET
About Meow Meow Tweet Plastic Free Deodorants
Meow Meow Tweet creates small-batch cruelty free deodorant in both stick and cream form.
This USA zero waste deodorant brand is 100% vegan and palm oil free.
Their zero waste deodorant with no baking soda is ideal for sensitive skin, while their mini sticks are perfect for travel or testing if MMT is right for you.
The packaging consists of either glass jars or compostable deodorant paper tubes.
About Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet is a small batch and zero waste skin care company offering body care, facial care, soaps, and deodorants.
They source all of their largely USDA-certified organic ingredients ethically from Fair Trade suppliers.
They support an impressive number of charities with ongoing monthly donations.
6. RAINWATER BOTANICALS
*Note: While the deodorants are vegan-friendly, their “healing salve” contains beeswax
About Rainwater Botanicals All Natural Deodorant
Rainwater Botanicals‘ plastic free deodorant is comprised of a blend of skin-soothing oils, bacteria-fighting arrowroot powder, and essential oils.
They also offer a zero waste deodorant for sensitive skin, which uses clay instead of baking soda.
All deodorants are cruelty free, vegan, palm oil free, and come in compostable paperboard tubes.
About Rainwater Botanicals
Rainwater Botanicals has three core philosophies: natural ingredients, no animal testing, and sustainability (focusing on local, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients).
They recently removed palm oil from their products and most products are suitable for vegans (except their healing salve which contains local beeswax).
By using paperboard, glass, or metal packaging and offering refills in compostable bags where possible, Rainwater Botanicals is zero waste down to the recycled paper mailers and boxes and vegetable starch packing peanuts.
They support the North Beach Paws no-kill animal shelter and local children’s charities.
Also available on Rainwater Botanicals
7. THE NATURAL DEODORANT CO.
*Note: We have attempted to confirm the policies directly with this brand with no response to date
About The Natural Deodorant Co. Deodorant Balm
The Natural Deodorant Co., as the name suggests, is a natural, zero waste deodorant brand in the UK.
They offer three formulas to best fit your body and lifestyle.
While not a plastic free antiperspirant, the aluminum-free balms are moisture absorbing and anti-bacterial, to keep you fresh and healthy all day via a variety of scents.
They’re cruelty-free, mostly organic, vegan, palm oil free, and packaged in glass tubs.
About The Natural Deodorant Co.
After a lot of trial and error to create a natural deodorant that lasted all day, The Natural Deodorant Co. launched its Clean Deodorant Balm, they’ve since stuck to what they know best.
They’re registered internationally as vegan and cruelty-free by The Vegan Society and are palm oil-free.
They also donate to CoppaFeel, an organization that promotes breast cancer awareness and prevention.
8. EACH & EVERY
*Note: We are confirming policies directly with this brand.
About Each & Every’s Sustainable Deodorant
“Prepare your nose for planet-friendly pleasure” with Each & Every’s no waste deodorant in a variety of delectable non-gendered scents.
They’re formulated sans aluminum, parabens, gluten, baking soda, or artificial fragrance.
Note this is not a zero waste antiperspirant; the logic being that our bodies are meant to sweat.
Instead, you’ll see EWG verified ingredients like coconut oil, tapioca starch, dead sea minerals, and natural essential oils.
You can choose between full-sized two-month lasting deodorant tubes and deodorant travel minis.
The tubes may look like your average deodorant, but they’re actually made from renewable and carbon negative sugar cane.
About Each & Every
Each & Every is a 100% vegan and cruelty free brand that also offers shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face oil, and reusable makeup wipes.
At every step of the supply chain (agricultural, extraction, harvesting, and distillation), they evaluate their partners on a set of Clean Criteria and how their practices consider local ecology.
While their plastic free deodorant packaging is not home compostable, their Conscious Club Recycling Program makes it easy to responsibly dispose of.
Once you’ve collected five containers (of any of their products), email Each & Every for a free return label and receive a $10 credit in exchange.
9. BATTLE GREEN
About Battle Green Natural Zero Waste Deodorant Balm
Battle Green’s made in the UK zero waste deodorants clearly have a cult following on Etsy.
PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free, these no waste baking-soda-based deodorants contain non-toxic ingredients like arrowroot powder, organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, soybean wax (instead of palm oil), and pure essential oils.
There are three scents on offer (Lavender and Tea Tree, Grapefruit and Mint, Orange and Patchouli) and the product comes in reusable deodorant tin pots or compostable cardboard tubes.
About Battle Green
Battle Green is a newish brand based in Wale’s beautiful Snowdonia region.
Their range of small-batch handmade products includes zero waste toothpaste, zero waste toothbrushes, and other bath and beauty products.
All vegan, all cruelty-free, all zero waste!
To give back, they are members of the Surfers Against Sewage 250 club, volunteering and sponsoring local beach clean-ups.
10. PACK & LEAF
About Pack & Leaf’s Zero Waste Deodorant in a Paper Tube
Pack & Leaf encourages us to leaf plastic behind with some of the best plastic free deodorant with baking soda.
Paired with all-natural ingredients like magnesium oxide, shea butter, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, jojoba seed oil, and vitamin E, you’ll find “no stink and no nasties”.
Essential oils make possible their scent combos: coconut & vanilla, cucumber & lavender, peaches & cream, and coconut & lime.
Per order, you’ll get not only a full-size cardboard tube but a travel deodorant stick too.
Because the formula is concentrated, expect the full size to last about four months.
About Pack & Leaf
Whether it’s their waste free deodorant or shampoo and conditioner bars, Pack & Leaf promises zero harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, aluminum, phthalates, triclosan, synthetic fragrance, alcohol, soy, or talc.
This female-founded brand is cruelty free, palm oil-free, and plastic free.
They donate 10% of profits to organizations like the Oceanic Society, WWF, and Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.
Through these, they’ve adopted several animals, including Howard the humpback whale, Jelapet the orangutan, and many others.
Also available on Pack & Leaf
11. NO PONG
*Note: No Pong’s Original and Bicarb-Free varieties contain beeswax are not vegan, but the Fragrance Free is vegan.
About No Pong Sustainable Zero Waste Deodorant Tins
No Pong, no problem.
Just apply a pea-sized amount of their sustainable deodorant cream and that’s all it takes to smell fresh all day.
All three varieties are Choose Cruelty Free certified, aluminum-free, and palm oil free.
The Original combines coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch, and essential oils, while the Bicarb Free formula swaps out potentially irritating baking soda for magnesium hydroxide and non-toxic food-grade Diatomaceous Earth.
Neither are vegan due to the added beeswax, which according to No Pong extends the life of the deodorant and prevents it from wearing off onto your sustainable clothing.
Their fragrance-free formula is vegan.
About No Pong
No Pong is one of the best zero waste deodorants in Australia, and it all started by forgetting deodorant on a trip.
Most products are made (and most ingredients are sourced) in Australia, but they have another branch for zero waste deodorant in Canada, where they make and ship products specifically for their Canadian customers to lower the cost and impact.
No Pong donates products to the Big Hug Box, which provides care boxes for people going through cancer treatment.
Also available on Well.ca (CA)
12. KATIE MAE NATURALS
About Katie Mae Naturals Plastic Free Deodorant
Katie Mae Naturals makes aluminum free zero waste deodorants out of raw organic coconut oil, beeswax, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, unrefined shea butter, essential oils, and (in some) baking soda.
Beeswax means they aren’t vegan friendly, but theirs is organically and ethically sourced from local suppliers.
The customizable scent selection is especially varied, and most come from Katie Mae’s own garden.
You have the option of one or a combination of the following scents: lavender, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, geranium, cedarwood, orange, patchouli, lemongrass, lime, vanilla, or unscented.
About Katie Mae Naturals
For plastic free deodorant made in the USA, Katie Mae and her husband Johnny make all their products right on their Ohio farm, from zero waste sunscreen to soaps.
They use only natural ingredients sourced locally or from her own farm (with a few exceptions from external Fair Trade channels).
Everything is 100% cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and includes no fillers, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
If you want a refill only, include an order note and the product will come without a jar (provided it’s not a liquid or cream).
Any plastic shipping materials they use are reused and recycled.
Katie Mae’s family partners with other locals to form a group called Sustainable Medina County.
13. HAMMOND HERBS
About Hammond Herbs Pit Stop Natural Deodorant
With scent combos including Lemongrass & Peppermint, Tea Tree & Lavender, Geranium & Cedar, Orange & Patchouli, Cedar & Doug Fir, Bergamot & Lime, or unscented, Hammond Herbs‘ zero waste deodorants are designed for all-day cover.
They’re free from aluminum, parabens, synthetic preservatives, synthetics fragrances, and animal testing.
They’re not vegan, however, as they do contain organic beeswax.
Other organic ingredients include cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, shea butter, arrowroot powder, essential oils, non-GMO vitamin E oil, and baking soda.
Their zero waste deodorant packaging consists of compostable cardboard tubes.
About Hammond Herbs
Based in Eugene, Oregon, Elise Hammond handcrafts (in small batches) body butters, deodorants, vegan tooth powders, and more.
All feature “ethically sourced materials” mostly from Mountain Rose Herbs, or local and Fair Trade sources.
They also come in compostable containers and ship everything 100% plastic-free.
Elise frequently donates to local charities that aid the homeless.
14. DIRTY HIPPIE COSMETICS
*Note: Dirty Hippie’s zero waste deodorants are palm oil free, but some other products are not guaranteed to be without palm oil derivatives until they find a new supplier.
About Dirty Hippie Zero Waste Deodorants
If you’re looking for plastic free deodorants in Australia, Dirty Hippie’s probiotic paste deodorant is one we’d certainly recommend.
It comes in various scents: Active (Virginian Cedar, Lime, and Eucalyptus), Fresh (Rose Geranium, Mandarin, and Cypress), and Earthy (Patchouli, Lavender, and Vanilla).
You can choose your preferred packaging, either compostable tubes or aluminum deodorant tins (depending on which size).
For the most sustainable zero waste deodorant packaging, you can send back the empty tins (refillable deodorants anyone?!).
They also offer a spray-on formula for sensitive skin that’s magnesium-based (aluminum and baking soda free) and comes packaged in a recycled brown glass bottle.
About Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Hailing from Bywong, Australia, Dirty Hippie Cosmetics handmakes oh-so-many cruelty-free and vegan eco friendly makeup and personal products.
Ingredients are sourced ethically, either through fair trade channels, buying local, or growing their own raw supply.
They can’t guarantee their moisturizers, eyeliners, zero waste mascara, facial primers, and concealers are palm oil-free due to a change on their supplier’s end. They’re in the process of finding a new source.
Their zero waste community-based operations are 50% carbon offset, solar-powered, and utilize natural rainwater
They’re also involved in a number of charitable initiatives and projects from raising awareness for suicide prevention to animal rescue to support for cancer sufferers.
15. TRAIL BOTANICA
About Trail Botanica Compostable Deodorant Tubes
If you’re active or outdoorsy, Trail Botanica (formerly Apothecary Muse) has some of the best zero waste deodorant when effectiveness and reliability are key.
With earthy-inspired and gender-neutral scents, these deodorants in a paper tube are a good zero waste natural deodorant for men.
All paraben and aluminum-free, you’ll find organic essential oils, coconut oil, candelilla wax, arrowroot powder, illipe butter, bentonite clay, grapeseed oil, and non-nano zinc oxide.
About Trail Botanica
“Adventure Skin Care” specialists, Trail Botanica’s all-vegan, palm-oil-free products include vegan sunscreens, muscle salves, and award-winning cold-process soaps.
Everything else is sustainably packaged in plantable wildflower seed paper, compostable cardboard, or reusable tins, with biodegradable labels printed with wax-based ink.
Founder Eryn Hughes is passionate about ethical sourcing, which is why she often forages for ingredients herself or uses local, organic companies.
She even delivers local orders herself by bicycle.
WHY PLASTIC FREE DEODORANTS?
Finding zero waste deodorant alternatives (or zero waste cleaning products in general) is an easy win if you’re striving towards a less wasteful lifestyle.
Not only are conventional deodorant tubes plastic, but sadly are rarely ever recycled properly due to a composite plastic combination of #2, #4, and #5 types of plastic even within the same tube.
For example, the roller dial and cap are often different plastic than the tube itself, and would thus need to be completely disassembled to be recycled properly and avoid recycling contamination (which can ruin the whole batch).
Having said that, the glass vs plastic packaging debate is not as straightforward as you might think. Still, we’d opt for glass containers over plastic.
SUSTAINABLE DEODORANTS WITH OR WITHOUT BAKING SODA
Sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda, is a common ingredient in many natural deodorants, though it is not, strictly speaking, “organic”.
Plenty of people have debated the question of whether baking soda belongs on the skin given it can cause irritation.
EWG has listed baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) as a low-risk, non-toxic ingredient, though baking soda doesn’t work for everyone.
If you have sensitive skin it can cause an adverse reaction, so do be mindful if you are choosing zero waste deodorant brands that use this additive.
Otherwise, it is a really effective ingredient for combating the odor-causing bacteria on your skin.
HOW WE FOUND THE BEST ZERO WASTE DEODORANTS
Plastic stinks, but so do lots of other mainstream beauty industry norms.
Plastic free deodorant brands are an improvement on plastic-laden personal care, to be sure, but our ideals of sustainable beauty take into account all of the following;
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic
- Palm oil free
- Ethical ingredient sourcing policies
- Thoughtful packaging: For this article, that meant zero waste, or that which is reusable or compostable, with the goal of sending nothing to landfills. This meant we had to first ask: which deodorant brands are plastic free?
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PLASTIC FREE DEODORANT
Time to throw your arms up and celebrate your great smelling pits!
You can also pat yourself on the back knowing that your choice of plastic free deodorant will prevent many plastic tubes from entering landfills and potentially contaminating large batches of recycling, too.
Always remember: plastic stinks, but you don’t have to.
That’s why we encourage you to share these zero waste deodorant brands with your friends and family (maybe those you find yourself in close quarters with too?!).
Hi Selene, sorry to disappoint, we do try to update the articles with new brands fairly regularly but there is a lot to cover and we also tend to stick to what’s been working well for us, even if they’ve been on the list for ages. We also have readers from outside the US so we do try to be inclusive.
Have you considered reviewing the old spice and secret no plastic releases? I’m curious how they stack up (or don’t, as the case may be).
I don’t expect them to be better, but I do expect them to be something I could point to for friends to try without having to special order just for deodorant.
Hi Vince, no we haven’t come across the Old Spice and Secret no plastic releases, we’ll take a look on the next update, thanks!
It would be nice if you could include price also. any maybe a follow up article for reusable packaging deodorant like Wild?
Thanks for the ideas Sophia!
Ooooh, you covered Hammond herbs! I’ve been using thier tooth powder and pit stick for almost a year and love those products so much! They ship in compostable packaging too.
This list is incredible and saves me a LOT of time in researching (especially the palm oil free aspect!), but I was wondering if there was any way to add where the brand is located (Country and/or state) since I want to limit the travel distance from my location, as I am sure others looking at this list are also looking to do. I was also wondering if there is any way to note if a company is woman-owned/black-owned/native-owned, since I want to support minority communities when possible (though I think currently there is no zerowaste brand like that). But thank you for this list, very comprehensive and easy to understand, thank you for this!
Thanks for the comment Jaime, so happy it’s helpful! Great ideas thank you. We have had folks ask for the location information before but generally the brands are US based (where most of our readers are) so we will specifically mention if a brand is not US based. As we grow we’ll look at doing country specific lists to be a bit more inclusive. One hot tip in the meantime – we love supporting small Etsy shops and you can search Etsy by location to find small makers that are close to you, if that helps (and Etsy offsets their shipping emissions). I love the idea of noting if a company is women owned/black owned or native owned – we will look to include that information (and more of those brands), thank you!
Doctors on youtube explain that the bacteria underneath your armpit are basic and aluminum is acidic which is why it counteracts those effects. I am trying to find a deoderant that simply uses compostable or plastic free packaging but that does not have baking soda, since it is basic. Do you have any reccomendations for me?
Ethique is awesome! Also No Tox Life. The reason why both of those brands work for me is because they’re the only ones that I have found to contain bamboo extract. And bamboo extract holds some huge amount of sweat? Lol I’m so sorry but I forgot the figures and don’t want to give you any inaccurate information. Also, Ethique smells like Lavender and Vanilla, while No Tox Life smells like Roses. I love them both! Oh, if you like coconut, I suggest Habitat Botanicals. They’re related to that one company that makes sustainable iphone cases. Anyways, Habitat Botanicals are great. All three of these companies don’t use baking soda and all are cruelty free, vegan, and palm oil derivative free. Also, all their packaging is compostable. Those are all my check marks lol Good luck!
Oh my goodness, this blog post is excellent and so informative! Thank you so much for taking the time to research each of these deodorants and even have a DIY option too. As a fellow blogger, I know how much work and effort goes into writing blog posts so I just wanted to give you two thumbs up. You’re amazing!
Also, I personally love Meow Meow Tweet’s deodorant. The lavender scent is so nice! 🙂
Hi, I’ve been using the Ben and Anna natural deodorant and I find it’s not super effective. I used another brand before which worked better for me. I checked reviews online and I think I’m not the only one who thinks Ben and Anna one isn’t up to much.
Are you aware that water is a chemical compound? Just curious.