10 Sustainable Deodorant Options
Week 16
The deodorant industry produces over 15 million pounds of plastic waste every year. Of course, one way to eliminate deodorant waste is to simply stop using it. Now, I'm aware of my first world privilege here, but I can't imagine life without deodorant. If I had to choose between make-up, hair products, clothes, or deodorant for the rest of my life, deodorant would win hands down. Instead of giving it up completely, I've found ten sustainable options that eliminate my deodorant plastic waste contribution.
It may take a few tries to find the deodorant that works best for you and your skin. Perhaps find a friend or family member also looking to make the switch so you can try each other's purchases. If you find that your armpits are easily irritated, try an option without baking soda. Be advised that switching to an all-natural deodorant may require a few weeks of detox before your armpits stop smelling completely. During this time, I recommend keeping your deodorant on hand and reapplying often.
No Tox Life
No Tox Life is my go-to for sustainable deodorant since it is plastic-free, cruelty-free, and made from all natural, plant-based ingredients. I brought a bar of No Tox Life deodorant on my Appalachian Trail thru-hike last year and was blown away by how well it worked on my husband and I who were sweating all day long and only showering once a week. This deodorant bar comes without any extra packaging, so you simply have to pick it up and apply as you would normal deodorant. It should be kept in an air-tight container so it stays moist and easy to apply. You can find it online; $7.98 for a 1 oz bar or $14.98 for a 3.5 oz bar.
Little Seed Farm
Little Seed Farm is another popular choice among some of my low-waste friends and family members. It is still plastic-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, but the ingredients don't irritate their sensitive skin. Little Seed Farm deodorant cream is $10.00 for a 2.4 oz glass jar with metal lid. It can be applied with your fingers or you can opt to buy a bamboo applicator. Oh, and they offer free samples!
Native
Native has been a long-time, popular choice for natural, cruelty-free deodorant and after receiving multiple requests for plastic-free options, they gave the people what they wanted. One 2.65 oz deodorant stick in a cardboard tube costs $13 on their website, or $11 with a subscription. You may also be able to find plastic-free Native at your local Target.
Schmidt's
Schmidt's offers an all natural, cruelty-free deodorant cream that comes in a glass jar with a recyclable plastic lid. They include a spatula for easy application, or you can use your fingers. You can find this product on their website at $8.99 for a 2 oz jar.
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet offers an array of deodorant options to suit a multitude of needs. You can choose between deodorant cream in a glass jar or a deodorant stick in cardboard tube, with or without baking soda, and scented or un-scented. All Meow Meow Tweet deodorants are $14 and you can find them on their website or at Package Free Shop.
by Humankind
by Humankind is an all-natural, cruelty-free brand. They offer deodorant sticks in a refillable plastic tube and refills that come in compostable cardboard packaging. A 1.6 oz stick can be found online for $12 and the optional refillable tube is an extra $3.
Secret
This week, on Earth Day, Proctor & Gamble announced the roll out of a plastic-free option for Secret deodorant sticks. You can also opt for a reusable plastic tube and plastic-free refills. These new deodorant sticks are free of aluminum and parabens and in 2020, Secret became a cruelty-free brand. These sticks are currently being sold online at $9.97 for a 2.0 oz tube and in May they will be available in 500 Walmart stores across the US.
Old Spice
Proctor & Gamble also announced a plastic-free option for Old Spice deodorant. You can also opt for a reusable plastic tube and plastic-free refills. These new deodorant sticks are free of aluminum and parabens, but Old Spice is not yet a cruelty-free brand. These sticks are currently being sold online at $9.97 for a 2.0 oz tube and in May they will be available in 500 Walmart stores across the US.
Ethique
Ethique deodorant bars are all natural and cruelty-free. They come in compostable cardboard packagine and can be found online at $13 for a 2.47 oz bar.
Make your own
One of the most sustainable options you have to is make deodorant from natural ingredients you may already have at home. Click here for step-by-step instructions.