An extremely common question I see in the sustainability space is about zero waste deodorants, and which ones actually work. And I get it. I’ve tried over 10 different eco-friendly deodorant brands, and have FINALLY found one I love.



I want to help you find one that you love and that matches your sustainability values, so set out to put together this post. The result is over 50 zero-waste deodorant brands after hours and hours of research. If you’re simply here to look at the brands, I’d suggest popping down to ‘How this post is set up’ using the table of contents. Otherwise, continue onward!

What is no waste deodorant?

No waste or low/zero waste deodorant is deodorant in recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, reusable, or no packaging. Companies that have a focus on reducing their waste, also tend to have an interest in what ingredients they use, and where their ingredients come from. Therefore, 99.9% of these companies also produce an “all-natural”, “clean”, or “eco-friendly” deodorant as well. 

Why zero waste deodorant?

Every single piece of plastic that has been produced on this earth is still around. Plastic can take up to 450 years to decompose in a landfill, and less than 10% is recycled. Additionally, plastic has an infinite life and can only be recycled a handful of times before the quality degrades to a point where it can’t be reused, and it ends up in the trash. 

Supporting companies that focus on better packaging for the planet is a great way to reduce our single-use plastic use. 

Will I still sweat with zero waste deodorant?

That depends on if it is an antiperspirant or deodorant – yes, there is a difference! 

Deodorant is used to cover up the smell of our sweat mixed with bacteria, which creates body odor. 

Antiperspirant is created to prevent us from sweating in the first place, and kill some of the bacteria that causes us to stink. 

Antiperspirants are what contain aluminum, an ingredient that is added to help clog your pores to stop sweat. Deodorant does not contain aluminum. 

Most companies that offer zero waste deodorant offer just that: deodorant. Meaning it focuses on making you smell good, but doesn’t prevent you from sweating. 

There are many people out there that don’t believe we should stop ourselves from sweating, as that is a natural way our body keeps us cool. Additionally, there is some research out there that has linked aluminum to Alzheimer’s and also cancer. This is especially concerning for women who are at higher risk for breast cancer because the antiperspirant is applied in the area of breast tissue and lymph nodes. 

That all being said, the data is not 100% conclusive with those links, but many people are still opting away from aluminum, and thus looking for a deodorant that actually works.



I would recommend doing your own research on this topic to see what is the best fit for you. 

Do zero waste deodorants actually work?

Here’s the thing. I’ve tried a lot of zero waste deodorants, and have realized a few things. 

First, it’s all about body chemistry. We’re all different. Our bodies produce different levels of different hormones, our genetics come into play, and so many other variables. 

Additionally, did you know that there are different kinds of sweat?

Yep – you learn something new every day!

The first type of sweat is produced by the eccrine sweat glands, which are responsible for cooling down our body when we get hot. This type of gland usually produces water and is not normally responsible for creating bad body odor. 

The second type of sweat is produced by the apocrine glands and is found in the armpits, genitals, and feet. The type of sweat these glands produce contains lipids and proteins – something bacteria love to eat! Cue major smelliness. 

As someone who deals with anxiety quite often, I have noticed the different types of sweat, but never realized they were two different things! I’ve also noticed the smell of stress/anxiety sweat, and this may be TMI, but I also noticed that it stays on my clothes and such even after washing. It makes sense since this sweat contains more than just water, and that the bacteria can stick around. 

Side note: one thing I’ve found to help get rid of the stress sweat smell in clothes is using Dropps active wash.


If you’re not familiar with Dropps, they’re an eco-friendly, zero waste laundry and dishwasher detergent company. The active wash is a new product for them, but it helps with odor control and getting the soap into tight knit fabrics where the stank tends to hide.

So, what is the best zero waste deodorant?

Well, it may come as no surprise based on the information above, that it seems to depend on each person. 

But don’t worry, I’m not leaving you in the dark!

My absolutely favorite zero waste deodorant, especially after trying over 10 other kinds, is Little Seed Farm.

 

The best zero waste deodorant: Little seed farm 

I’m not alone in my love for this deodorant brand. I researched zero waste Facebook groups, asked on my own Instagram account, and have even had friends try it – all with rave reviews. 

It is truly the only zero waste deodorant that lasts a full day without having to reapply, keeps me smelling fresh (without smelling like it’s just covering up the scent), and seems to cover the ‘stress/anxiety’ sweat smell better than other brands. 

One thing I will say is that some of the scents work better for me than others. I love the ‘jasmine green tea’ scent, but I’ve tried lavender and charcoal, and those didn’t work as well for me. 

The great thing about Little Seed Farm is that they offer free samples (just pay for shipping) so you can pick a couple different scents to try before committing to an entire container.  

Packaging: Glass jar (with a jar return program)

Vegan: No, use beeswax, but certified cruelty free

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Get 10% off on this deodorant (and other zero waste, plastic free items) using code ‘ReduceRenew’, and this link. 

Honorable mention: Meow Meow Tweet

You’ve probably heard of Meow Meow Tweet, as they’re a pretty big company. 

I do like this deodorant, but it was one of those ones that worked most of the time. It definitely didn’t do much against the stress/anxiety sweat smell – and I’d often feel like it was just mixing with the smell instead of taking care of it. 

One thing I will note is that this is another brand that I found certain scents work better for me than others.

Overall, there are a lot of people who love this brand, and have good success with it. 

Packaging: Glass jar or paper tube 

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: There are a ton of different scent options! They also use ingredients that are palm oil free, and fair trade

Honorable mention: Pit Liquor

This deodorant comes in spray or roll-on, so if you’re looking for one of those, this may be a good option. 

I liked this deodorant a lot. It truly worked. The spray contains alcohol, so it kills any bacteria that causes some stank. 

The reason it’s under honorable mentions is that I would have to reapply it multiple times throughout the day. They do have a satisfaction guarantee though, and when I reached out to them, their customer service was AMAZING. 

Packaging: Glass bottle with a refill and sustainability program 

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: No

How this post is set up: 

As you can see from above, I went through each and every company on this list, and did the research for you on commonly asked questions when it comes to zero waste deodorant and your values.

I took a look at: 

• The packaging
• Whether the product was vegan or not
• Company location (most are located within the US (but may ship internationally), but I did include some from Canada, AUS, and the UK as well)
• If the deodorant contains baking soda
• Other items worthy of noting 
• I also included if the brand was BIPOC owned if that information was available
  
  

Additionally, I separated the brands out by deodorant in cream/stick form, spray/roll on, and crystal. I also included a couple of zero waste deodorant DIY recipes in case you want to explore making your own. 

Finally, I talk about detoxing your armpits, and answer some FAQs around that topic, because as you explore these brands, you’ll likely see that come up. 

Zero waste deodorants in cream/stick form

Apology

Neutralizes odors and helps control wetness (created by a heavy sweater) with all natural plants and minerals. 

Packaging: Reusable tin

Vegan: No, contains beeswax

Company location: California, USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Apothecary Muse

Adventure skincare made with natural ingredients. 

Packaging: Cardboard tube

Vegan: Yes

Company location: California, USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: They have three levels of deodorant (gentle (good for athletes), every day, and advanced – the latter which addresses hormonal stress sweat which can cause more odor)

Attitude

Clean products, less plastic, more trees. 

Packaging: Cardboard tube

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Canada, but ships to US and over 55 other countries

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Attitude offers many other types of skin care and pet care products as well. Products are certified by the EWG, ECOLOGO, and PETA. 

Bai-Li

Natural deodorant that actually works.

Packaging: Cardboard/paperboard tube

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Los Angeles, California, USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: Made in small batches

Battle Green

Zero waste lifestyle products.

Packaging: Cardboard tube or metal tin

Vegan: Yes

Company location: UK

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: PETA and FSC certified. Portions of certain product purchases and overall purchases go towards three different charities. 

Ben & Anna

Less plastic. Less CO2.

Packaging: Cardboard tube 

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Germany, but will ship to other countries 

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: Offers many other types of vegan skincare products as well as deodorant 

Body and Soul Naturally

Creating natural products that are beneficial for your body.

Packaging: Cardboard tube 

Vegan: No, contain beeswax, but are certified cruelty free

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: BIPOC owned, everything handmade for all skin types

Booda Organics

Your body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in. 

Packaging: Glass jar

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: Deodorant is handmade with only five ingredients. Booda Organics also sells other skincare products. 

by Humankind

Refillable deodorant to help reduce the single-use plastic in your life

Packaging: Refillable plastic container, however the refills are sent in paper packaging.

 

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: Free, carbon neutral shipping, and according to an independent test, be HumanKind deodorant is 40% better at killing the bacteria that causes body odor than other natural deodorants.  

Captain Blankenship

Organic cream deodorant that absorbs wetness and protects you from odor.

Packaging: Glass

Vegan: No

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: B Corp, 1% for the Planet, Leaping Bunny Certified. 

Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Company

Three different deodorant formulas that help neutralize odors and absorb wetness

Packaging: Glass or cardboard

Vegan: Some are, some aren’t. All are cruelty free.

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: They have lots of options in terms of scents, ingredients, and gluten free. They offer a nice filtering system, as well as a feature that helps you choose a product.  

Cleo Coco Deodorant Bar

This company has two different kinds of deodorants: one comes in plastic, one is a completely zero waste deodorant bar (that’s what I’ll be describing here). 

Packaging: Recycled cardboard 

Vegan: No, contains beeswax

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: No armpit detox required with this deodorant. 

Coconut Matter

Making a positive social impact and reducing plastic waste in the bathroom.

Packaging: Zero waste, compostable packaging

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Hong Kong, but ships worldwide 

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: Sustainably made in Hong Kong with ethically sourced ingredients. They also don’t use water in their product as a filler. 

Dirty Hippie

Dirty Hippie offers stick/jar probiotic deodorant and spray on deodorant. 

Packaging: Push-up cardboard tubes, glass jars, or glass spray bottles

Vegan: Some are, some aren’t

Company location: New Zealand 

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Sample packs are available to try before you buy a large container. The probiotic deodorant is supposed to help increase the good bacteria under your arms, similar to how a regular probiotic works. 

Ethique

Packaging: Compostable packaging

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA, but ships worldwide

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: Offers ‘mini bars’ for travel or to sample. They also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The company is carbon neutral and a tree gets planted for every order. Additionally, 2% of every sale gets donated to charity. It is a B Corp company, and certified palm oil free. 

Fat and the Moon

Small batch made body products which at its core, is all about healing. 

Packaging: Glass jar or metal tin

Vegan: No, contains beeswax

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: They offer a small tin for on-the-go, or to try it out. The website states that actress Kristen Bell uses this deodorant! 

Hammond Herbs

Natural home and personal care for low waste living. 

Packaging: Cardboard tube

Vegan: No, contains beeswax

Company location: California, USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes, but the company claims they use much less than other deodorants 

Other: They have a variety of yummy smelling scents, including an unscented option. 

Hey Humans

Ingredients made simple. 

Packaging: Cardboard tube

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes, but the company claims they use much less than other deodorants 

Other: Now available at Target! Co-founded by Jada Pinkett Smith. 

HunnyBunny

Made with only seven plant-based ingredients.

Packaging: Cardboard tube

Vegan: Unknown

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes, but only just a touch

Other: BIPOC owned, and sold through BLK + GRN

Katie Mae Naturals

Natural deodorants that really work. 

Packaging: Cardboard tube

Vegan: Some are, some contain beeswax 

Company location:Ohio, MN

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: This company offers plastic free and carbon neutral shipping. 

KS Botanicals 

Clean, sustainable, beauty. 

Packaging: Compostable tube

Vegan: No, contains beeswax 

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: Offers three unique scents

Ku.tis

Small batch natural skincare.

Packaging: Cardboard/paperboard tube

Vegan: Some contain beeswax, but they do offer a vegan line of zero waste deodorant

Company location: Wales, UK

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: Uses organic and fair trade ingredients 

Lush

Freshly made cosmetics and body products. Lush offers a variety of products, with one deodorant bar package free. 

Packaging: Package free.

Vegan: They do not test on animals, or use ingredients that the company tests on animals

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: They do have other deodorant options, but those come in plastic bottles. However, the company claims they have started using thinner plastic bottles to further reduce their environmental impact. Lush also has a store finder making it easy to find in person if desired. 

Myro

Refillable, customizable deodorant. 

Packaging: Refillable, plastic tube

Vegan: Unknown

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Unknown

Other: Offers three different formulas in a variety of scents so you can find the best fit for you. 

Native

Safe. Simple. Effective. 

Packaging: Cardboard tube

Vegan: Yes

Company location: San Francisco, CA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: Native is certified 1% of the planet. You can find it in mainstream stores like Target. 

No Pong

Australia’s #1 natural deodorant. 

Packaging: Reusable tin

Vegan: No, contains beeswax (there is one vegan option)

Company location: AUS, now also in Canada and USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes (there is one option baking soda free)

Other: The company states that they are a little different from other natural deodorants because the consistency is more like a lotion or a cream. 

OOliva

Ethically sourced, truly clean ingredients.

Packaging: Glass jar

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Seattle, WA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: This company also offers many other bath and body products

Oyin Handmade (Funk Butter)

An all natural, cream-to-powder formula to beat funk.

Packaging: Reusable container

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: The product can also be used for feat and hands. BIPOC owned, sold through the BLK + GRN site.

Pit Stop

Smell fresh, be confident. 

Packaging: Glass jar

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: This company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Plum Brilliance 

Clean, sustainable, natural beauty.

Packaging: Glass jar

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Valley Center, CA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: At the time of this posting (July, 2021), this deodorant is available for local pickup only.

Pretty Frank (formerly Primal Pit Paste)

Natural, organic, and vegan ingredients. 

Packaging: Plastic containers (#5, so recyclable in most curbside pickups), but moving BACK to zero waste packaging by the end of 2021

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA – ships to many other countries 

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Primal Pit Paste was founded in 2012, making it one of longer running companies out there. They offer different chemistries for a variety of body types. This was one of the first zero waste deodorants I tried! 

Primal Life Organics

Products that empower you.

Packaging: Cardboard container

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: This company seems to be one of the bigger ones in the list. They offer a wide variety of products, and seem to have won a number of awards. 

Rainwater Botanicals

Natural deodorant that actually works.

Packaging: Paperboard packaging

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: Member of the “Safe Cosmetics Business Network”.

Routine

Life changing natural deodorants. 

Packaging: Glass jars and cardboard sticks

Vegan: Some are, some aren’t

Company location: Canada

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: This company sells trial sizes so you can see if it works for you before committing to a full product. Additionally, this company sells their “perfectly imperfect” items at a discount, so if cost is a factor, this may be a great option. 

Schmidts

Proven odor protection, unisex deodorant. 

Packaging: Glass jars

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA/Canada

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Schmidts can be found at some big box and grocery stores

Sustain Yourself

Sustainable body care. 

Packaging: Glass jars

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Minneapolis, MN

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Woman owned. I’ve tried this deodorant, and while it didn’t work for me personally, I do like some of their other products (specifically the tinted lip balm which can double as blush).

Taylor’s Naturals

Quality. Integrity. Sustainability. 

Packaging: Glass jars or cardboard tubes 

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: This company offers samples if you want to try it out before committing to a full product. Additionally, they offer many other bath and body products, including a “baby and mama” line

Terra & Lava

Deodorant created by women who live in a humid, tropical climate. 

Packaging: Cardboard tubes 

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Guatemala 

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: They are a zero waste company. Any plastic they cannot recycle they use to make eco-bricks. BIPOC, woman owned. They use fair trade ingredients. 

The Healing Place

Formulas that are plant-based and rooted in holistic principles from Asia, Africa, America.

Packaging: Reusable tin

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Oakland, CA

Contains baking soda?: Yes, but a very small amount

Other: Uses ingredients that target the needs of melanin-rich skin. BIPOC owned.

The Home Farm

Unisex, magnesium deodorant. 

Packaging: Glass jar

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Orlando, FL

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: One jar will last 3-4 months.

The Natural Deodorant Co

Deodorant made to last all day. 

Packaging: Glass jar

Vegan: Yes

Company location: UK

Contains baking soda?: Yes

Other: This company has minis so you can try before you buy

Toms of Maine

Helping you live a naturally healthy life. 

Packaging: Plastic free packaging

Vegan: No, but products not tested on animals

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Has a partnership with Terracycle for items not able to be recycled. Can be found in many big box and grocery stores. They are also a certified B Corp. 

Unearth Malee

Asian inspired organic products. 

Packaging: Cardboard stick

Vegan: Yes

Company location: California, USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: BIPOC, woman owned

Way of Will

Deodorant with aromatherapy. 

Packaging: Cardboard 

Vegan: Yes

Company location: Canada

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: This appears to be a larger company, with many other bath and body offerings

We Love the Planet

Scents with reliable odor protection. 

Packaging: Cardboard or metal tin

Vegan: No, contains beeswax

Company location: California, USA

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Contains one unisex scent.

Wild

Sustainable, plastic free refillable deodorant. 

Packaging: Case is plastic, refills are in compostable packaging

Vegan: Yes

Company location: London

Contains baking soda?: Yes, but there are two options that are baking soda free

Xtremely Natural

Homemade with soul.

Packaging: Refillable container

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Unknown

Other: BIPOC owned.

“Zero waste” deodorant honorable mentions

Hume

100% performance. 0% toxins. A modern, gender neutral brand. 

Packaging: Plastic (why this is an honorable mention, but I appreciate the gender neutral aspect from the company)

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: Uses diatomaceous earth to help keep you dry without clogging pores. 

Secret Plastic Free

This is an honorable mention because while this specific deodorant is offered in a plastic-free container, the overall Secret company isn’t the greatest. You may call it greenwashing, but it also may provide access to an eco-friendly option for those who are looking at big box stores, or who don’t have luck with any of the natural deodorants. 

Packaging: Paper

Vegan: Yes

Company location: USA

Contains baking soda?: Unknown

Other: PETA certified (at least for this particular item), aluminum free

Etsy

A quick search on Etsy will bring up a TON of different zero waste deodorant options, plus you’ll be supporting small businesses and individual makers. If you are having trouble finding something on this list and want to explore on your own, Etsy could be a great option. 

Zero waste crystal deodorants

Eco Collective

Alum stone deodorant. 

Packaging: None

Vegan: Yes

Company location: WA, USA

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: This deodorant crystal can also be used as an aftershave. Alum deodorants help you sweat less, but don’t block pores. One stone should last two years with daily use. This company also offers an “imperfect” option for a discount. 

Salt of the earth

Crystal deodorant and deodorant spray. 

Packaging: Crystal deodorant comes in a plastic free box, the sprays come in a plastic container but you can buy refills for it

Vegan: Yes

Company location: UK

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: This company is “leaping bunny” certified.

Zero waste deodorant sprays

Dirty Hippie

Dirty Hippie offers stick/jar probiotic deodorant and spray on deodorant.

Packaging: Push-up cardboard tubes, glass jars, or glass spray bottles

Vegan: Some are, some aren’t

Company location: New Zealand 

Contains baking soda?: Some do, some don’t

Other: Sample packs are available to try before you buy a large container. The probiotic deodorant is supposed to help increase the good bacteria under your arms, similar to how a regular probiotic works. 

Salt of the earth

Crystal deodorant and deodorant spray. 

Packaging: Crystal deodorant comes in a plastic free box, the sprays come in a plastic container but you can buy refills for it

Vegan: Yes

Company location: UK

Contains baking soda?: No

Other: This company is “leaping bunny” certified.

What if I want to make my own? A zero waste deodorant recipe

If you want to try and make your own zero waste deodorant, there are lots of recipes out there. 

I’ve got a bunch of recipes saved on my DIY zero waste toiletries Pinterest board if you’re looking for a place to start. 

I’ve also heard of people using lemons and limes, or apple cider vinegar. The idea is that the citrus or vinegar helps cut down on the bacteria that makes us stink, leaving the pits refreshed! 

What is an armpit detox?

Finally, you may have heard that for some natural or zero waste deodorants to work, you need to do an armpit detox. 

But, what is it?

Some people claim that after years of using conventional antiperspirants, our body needs to go through a detox period in order to get rid of ‘chemicals’ and get used to sweating again. 

Arguments against say that our body is constantly detoxing, so you don’t need to do one. 

Some companies sell a ‘detox’ product, usually in a powder or liquid form. You use it for 5-7 days on average, but some claim you may need to use it for up to a month. 

Do I need to do an armpit detox?

I’ll be honest, I tried one. It came in a powder form with activated charcoal, and you mixed it with apple cider vinegar. Sure, it worked, but I was also using…apple cider vinegar… which kills bacteria that stinks, thus making the zero waste deodorant more effective. 

I’d recommend doing some additional research on it, and determining if it’s right for you. You can always try using a lemon/lime, or apple cider vinegar for a couple of days too, just to get rid of the bacteria, and see if that helps. 

Additionally, you could try a couple of natural deodorants (there are companies that offer samples), and if you find they’re not working, try a detox. 

How long does it take to detox armpits?

It depends on the brand you’re getting the detox materials from, but on average I usually see 5-7 days, but some companies claim it can take up to a month. 

These days, there are tons of different zero waste deodorant brands out there, which is great! They’re also becoming more accessible in price and the fact that you can buy some brands in big box stores. Use this guide as a starting point in your research to help you narrow down companies that match your values and go from there. Good luck! 

What is your favorite zero waste deodorant? Have you ever tried making your own?

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