6 of the Most Effective Zero Waste Deodorants 

A young blonde woman putting deodorant on her armpit

These zero waste deodorants are not only good for the planet but good for your body and super effective. Made with the most effective natural ingredients, these will not disappoint. 

Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes

Have you ever left the house, are well on your way to your destination, and realized you forgot to put on deodorant? Argh! Are you already uncomfortable just reading that?

Trying a new deodorant can be just as bad — you have to choose a day where you’ll be comfortable if it doesn’t work, but you want to make sure the new deodorant can keep up with your activities. And you’re probably also carrying backup deodorant just in case, even though it can take a couple of weeks for your body to adjust to the switch. It’s stressful just thinking about it! 

Stressful though it may be, deodorant is a daily part of our routine and not something a lot of us want to live without. Making the switch to a zero waste deodorant is a great way to add more sustainability to your lifestyle and explore zero waste products. 

Below are 6 effective zero waste deodorants that are striving for a cleaner future with less waste. 

  • No Tox Life
  • Fat & The Moon
  • Hammond Herbs
  • Noniko
  • Circular Bodies
  • Sustain Yourself

1. No Tox Life Underarm Detox Bar ($6)

This first one isn’t quite a deodorant but it’s first on the list for a reason! When switching to a natural, sustainable deodorant, it’s recommended to give your body a couple of weeks to adjust to the change before you make your final decision. 

Your sweat isn’t actually what gives you body odor, it’s the bacteria in your armpits trying to break down your sweat. Depending on what type of deodorant or antiperspirant products you’re using, certain bacteria may be more prevalent; detoxing your pits could help speed up the process of making way for the new bacteria and reduce the adjustment period to a new, natural deodorant. 

It’s also not a bad idea to give yourself an extra thorough wash and gentle exfoliation — this detox bar was meant for the delicate skin under your arms and won’t be too harsh or irritating. After your first detox, keep it on hand to use every now and then or use it to exfoliate anywhere else you may need it! 

Small White Box Labeled: Vegan Underarm Detox. Clay + Charcoal Solid Cleansing Bar

This zero waste bar comes completely free of plastic packaging, wrapped only in a cardboard box that can be recycled.

2. Fat & The Moon Sensitive Pit Cream ($6)

Whether you’ve been trying to DIY your deodorant or you’re ready to try a natural, sustainable deodorant, Fat & The Moon Pit Cream is an excellent place to start. The incredibly powerful duo of coconut oil and baking soda keep bacteria in check, while arrowroot powder is added for extra moisture absorbency. The creamy texture makes it super easy to apply and a light citrus-y scent will keep you odor-free without clashing with any other scents. 

Hate those white streaks left with conventional deodorants? You won’t find any of those here! Available in 2oz or 6oz jars that are perfect for traveling, every batch is handmade to perfection and stored in a recyclable and/or reusable container. 

If you’re sensitive to baking soda, definitely check out Fat & The Moon’s Sensitive Pit Cream.

Glass jar with white aluminum lid. Black label with white writing that says Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream.

This zero waste deodorant comes in a glass jar that can be recycled or upcycled after use and is packaged in 100% recyclable materials. Everything is shipped entirely plastic free.

3. Hammond Herbs Pit Stop Natural Deodorant ($11)

This aptly named zero waste deodorant will be your only armpit Pit Stop for the day. Not only do we not want chemicals in our cosmetics, we also don’t want them in our water or environment. Using organic, Fair Trade, and non-GMO ingredients wherever possible, Pit Stop is made with less baking soda (and more arrowroot powder) than other natural deodorants; perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. 

If the idea of using your fingers to apply your deodorant isn’t appealing, this deodorant has an easy push-up applicator that’s completely biodegradable. Available in four scents you’ll have no problem finding a scent that works best for you. Hammond Herbs also supports the local community by donating 5% of profits to the local charity, FOOD For Lane County.

Cardboard tube resting in a wicker basket with herbs. Tube is labeled Pit Stop Natural Deodorant. Tea Tree & Lavender

Push-up tube + packaging is completely biodegradable. Shipped (and made) with no plastic.

4. Noniko Natural Deodorant ($40)

Noniko Zero Waste Deodorant was designed, and packaged, with a future free of single use plastics in mind. Made with 6 simple ingredients, your deodorant will come in a 100% stainless steel case. 

It’s meant to be used for a lifetime but whenever you’re done with it you can send it back to the company to be cleaned and put back into rotation along with your refills. Refills are shipped quarterly to reduce shipping waste and everything is 100% plastic free! 

Handcrafted in small batches in San Diego, Noniko is a women owned and run company. As a 1% for the planet organization, 1% of revenue goes towards organizations that protect our planet-including organizations that fight against plastic waste.

Two stainless steel tubes, one on top of the other. One is open showing the top of the white deodorant, the other is closed with a stainless steel lid. Noniko is labeled on the canister.

Tubes are made from 100% stainless steel — they can be returned for upcycling and a second life. All packaging and shipping is 100% free of plastic. 

5. Circular Bodies Deodorant Spray ($15)

Not named after spherical humans but rather the act of minimizing waste at all points of the production process; Circular Bodies strives for circular production and manufacturing practices and sustainability. 

If baking soda and/or arrowroot powder, found in most other sustainable deodorants, causes you to have an irritation or rash, this deodorant spray might be your best option! 

Magnesium is the first ingredient which helps absorb moisture and block odor without clogging pores or allergic reactions. Coconut oil acts as an antibacterial agent while also moisturizing your delicate skin and reducing odor. Lavender and Tea Tree oils help fight bacteria and calm skin down while providing a subtle scent. Containers are returnable to be reused in the future.

A hand holding a clear spray bottle - glass jar with white substance and black lid. Labeled Deodorant Spray

Products are made in glass bottles designed to be upcycled or returned to be reused. Once you have collected 4 bottles, you’ll be sent a free return label. Product labels are compostable, the shipping is 100% recycled paper and tape which can be recycled or composted. 

6. Sustain Yourself Sensitive Skin Deodorant ($8-$26)

This all natural zero waste deodorant contains only a few ingredients and no baking soda! Arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture while coconut oil kills odor causing bacteria. An organic essential oil blend of grapefruit, bergamot, sweet orange, and lemon tops it all off with a fresh, citrus-y grapefruit scent that’s not too overpowering. Also available in unscented and Cedarwood in 1oz, 2oz or 4oz glass jars to match any of your commitment needs — and perfect for traveling! 

Two glass jars side by side. Both labeled deodorant for sensitive skin. One is a 6oz size and the other a 2 oz size

Labels are compostable and made from tree-free sugar cane! Jars are glass and can be recycled, or upcycled for any other household need. Packaging is 100% recycled content and/or 100% recyclable or biodegradable including biodegradable or water soluble packing peanuts and compostable tape. 

So many products in the cosmetic industry contain plastic, are made with plastic, or rely on plastic, but deodorant does not need to be one of those products anymore! 

It can take a few tries to get the right zero waste deodorant for you so don’t be discouraged if the first one doesn’t work. Try reading reviews and looking out for skin types, occupations, and hobbies that are similar to yours to get an idea of where to start. 

It can be a frustrating journey but remember that you’re not alone. It will be worth it to slowly transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. Once you’ve mastered zero waste deodorant, who knows what you will conquer next! 

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