Plastic waste is a growing concern across the globe, with many industries contributing to the issue. One such industry is personal care, specifically deodorant. Traditional deodorant tubes are made of plastic and are often not recycled properly due to the varying types of plastic used in a single tube. However, there is a solution to this problem: zero waste deodorant.
Zero waste deodorant comes in various forms, including cardboard tubes and refillable options. Sustainable Jungle has compiled a list of low waste deodorant brands that are both sustainable and effective. The website independently researches all products and asks brands to confirm their claims, ensuring that the recommendations are trustworthy. By using zero waste deodorant, individuals can reduce their plastic waste while still maintaining personal hygiene.
Low Waste, Low Stink With The Best Plastic-Free Deodorants
1. Ethique
Ethique offers a range of sustainable beauty products, including their Aluminum-Free Zero Waste Deodorant. These cardboard sticks are vegan, palm oil-free, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, and non-toxic. They’re made of antibacterial magnesium hydroxide, anti-inflammatory zinc oxide, absorptive bamboo, jojoba oil, almond oil, and essential oils. For those looking for a zero waste baking soda-free deodorant option, Ethique is a perfect choice.
If you’re looking for a plastic-free men’s deodorant, we recommend trying the Rustic™ Citrus & Earthy Deodorant Stick. Ethique is a Certified B Corp, verified climate-neutral, and plastic-free. Ethique’s deodorant is available on Amazon and Holland & Barrett (UK).
2. PAPR Cosmetics
PAPR Cosmetics is a carbon-neutral and cruelty-free company that offers a Vegan Zero Waste Deodorant. Their formula is paraben, silicone, sulfate, palm oil, and aluminum-free. Instead, their sustainable zero waste deodorant makes use of ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, tapioca starch, castor oil, and shea butter. PAPR Cosmetics offers a range of scents, each in an FSC-certified cardboard tube printed with soy ink. For every tree that goes into their sustainable forestry certified packaging, they replace it by planting a new one.
3. Trail Botanica
Trail Botanica offers Compostable Deodorant Tubes that are perfect for those who are active or outdoorsy. All of their deodorants are paraben and aluminum-free. They use organic essential oils, coconut oil, candelilla wax, illipe butter, bentonite clay, grapeseed oil, and non-nano zinc oxide. Their earthy-inspired and gender-neutral scents make them a scent-sible choice for all genders and skin types. Trail Botanica is a vegan and palm-oil-free company that also offers vegan sunscreen, 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.
4. Fat & The Moon
Fat & the Moon offers Zero Waste Deodorant Cream that is aluminum-free and “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, arrowroot powder, beeswax, and antibacterial essential oil, these sustainable deodorants are soothing and subtly scented. If your skin is sensitive to bicarb, opt for their bicarb-free Sensitive Pit Cream. The product comes in a recyclable deodorant glass jar or sustainable deodorant tins, that are smaller and perfect for on-the-go use. Fat & the Moon is a women-owned company that 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.
5. Wild
Wild’s Plastic-Free Deodorant UK is perfect for those looking for a natural deodorant that is also plastic-free. Wild offers a refillable deodorant that comes in a range of scents. The deodorant is made with clean, non-toxic ingredients and is cruelty-free. The packaging is also recyclable and compostable. Wild offers a subscription service where you can get refills delivered straight to your door.
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Is There A Zero Waste Antiperspirant?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a zero waste antiperspirant. Antiperspirants work by blocking sweat glands with aluminum salts, and aluminum-free deodorants are not effective at stopping sweat altogether. However, it is possible to find aluminum-free deodorants that come in zero waste packaging.
Some natural deodorants contain baking soda as an active ingredient. While baking soda is generally considered a low-risk, non-toxic ingredient, it can cause irritation for some people, especially those with sensitive skin. In these cases, it is recommended to use baking-soda free natural deodorants.
It is important to note that sweat itself is odorless, but it can mix with bacteria on the skin and cause body odor. Therefore, it is important to find a deodorant that effectively combats odor-causing bacteria.
While it may be disappointing to learn that there is no zero waste antiperspirant, there are still options available for those who are looking to reduce their waste while maintaining good hygiene. By choosing aluminum-free deodorants and opting for zero waste packaging, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment without sacrificing their personal care routine.
How We Found The Best Zero Waste Deodorants That Work
Looking for a zero waste deodorant that actually works can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you out, we’ve done the research and testing for you. Here’s what we found:
Non-Toxic Ingredients
When looking for a zero waste deodorant, it’s important to prioritize non-toxic ingredients. Many conventional deodorants contain harmful chemicals like parabens, propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, opt for deodorants made with nourishing plant oils and essential oil scents. Some effective ingredients to look for include baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, shea butter, and tea tree oil.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Animal testing is cruel and unnecessary. Look for deodorants that are certified cruelty-free and vegan. While some deodorants may contain beeswax, it’s important to avoid animal-derived ingredients whenever possible.
Palm Oil-Free
Palm oil production is a major contributor to deforestation and habitat loss. Look for deodorants that are palm oil-free or contain sustainably sourced palm oil.
Ethical Ingredient Sourcing Policies
It’s important to support companies that prioritize ethical ingredient sourcing policies. Look for deodorants that use fair trade and organic ingredients whenever possible.
Thoughtful Packaging
While fully package-free deodorant isn’t always possible, look for deodorants with minimal and plastic-free packaging. Better yet, opt for deodorants with reusable or compostable packaging.
Final Thoughts On Natural Plastic-Free Deodorant
In conclusion, finding a zero waste deodorant that works doesn’t have to be a challenge. By prioritizing non-toxic ingredients, vegan and cruelty-free certifications, palm oil-free and ethically sourced ingredients, and thoughtful packaging, you can find a deodorant that’s both effective and sustainable.
Remember, making the switch to a zero waste deodorant not only benefits your health and the environment, but it also sets an example for others to follow. So go ahead, make the switch and celebrate your great smelling pits!
