Deodorant is a product that *most people use every day. Unfortunately, conventional deodorants have a lot of downsides. Many of them are filled with chemicals that can be harmful to the user, the manufacturing process is often not sustainable, and some deodorants contain artificial fragrances that can cause irritation in some users.
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives available. Deodorants made with natural ingredients are becoming more and more popular. Thankfully, there are lots of options if you’re looking for an eco-friendly deodorant that won’t harm you or the environment!
We’ve rounded up some of the best eco-friendly deodorants to switch to.
The 9 Best Natural Deodorants
Wild
Wild was the first deodorant with plastic-free refills in the UK. You start by choosing one of their reusable aluminium cases, and selection of scents to start with.
Then simply order your new refills when you run out. Every time you refill your case, you’ll save 30 grams of plastic going to landfill. The refill cases are also compostable!
| ✨ 12 Refill scents to choose from | 💸 Subscribe & Save 20% on refills |
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | ❌ Free from aluminium |
| 🐰 Cruelty-free | 🤟 Plastic-free |
Earth Conscious
Earth Conscious roll on deodorants are use natural ingredients that not only smell great but are also good for your health and the planet. All of the packaging is fully recyclable and uses no plastic.
Their products are also produced on the Isle of Wight, meaning they won’t travel far to reach you!
10p from every sale also goes to the Marine Conservation Society who help to protect the UK coastline.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| 🙌 No Aluminium, Parabens, or Carcinogens | ♻️ 100% Recyclable |
| 🌿 All natural ingredients | 🐰 Cruelty free |
Biork
A somewhat different option to some of the other options, Biork is an unscented crystal deodorant stick that is housed in a biodegradable cork container.
The crystal in this stick is potassium alum, which is a natural mineral salt that is able to form a prevents the growth of odour-causing bacteria caused by sweating.
To use it, you simply wet the mineral stick and apply to your armpit– easy!
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| ⏱ Long-lasting | 🇬🇧 Made in the UK |
| ♻️ 100% Recyclable | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
Lush
Popular natural cosmetics company Lush offer a roll on deodorant bar scented with patchouli and camomile.
You can visit one of the many Lush stores and even ask for a small sample if you’d like to try it before you buy it!
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| 🐰 No Animal testing | 💚 Natural fragrance |
Your Nature
The Your Nature vegan deodorant is handmade in Bristol and is made using all natural scents such as Grapefruit, Tea Tree, and Sandalwood.
All of its packaging is completely free of plastic, and it can be fully recycled once the stick has been finished!
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| 🖐 Handmade | 🇬🇧 Made in the UK |
| ♻️ 100% Recyclable | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
AKT Deodorant Balm
The AKT deodorant balm is a more premium option that contains a mix of natural plant powders to absorb perspiration.
The AKT brand was developed by a pair of West End performers who set out to combat the stifling effort of performing on stage under heavy lights for hours.
Tested on and approved by professional dancers, this deodorising balm can be applied to armpits, feet, head, or anywhere!
The packaging is 100% plastic free and recyclable.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| 💚 All natural | 🇬🇧 No Aluminium |
| ♻️ 100% Recyclable | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
SmartyPits
SmartyPits deodorant was created when founder when Stacia Guzzo helped her mother go aluminium-free, having struggled to find an antiperspirant that suited their needs.
Through years of hard work, Guzzo eventually created her own aluminium-free deodorant on a kitchen stove. Fast forward to now, SmartyPits deodorant is now available globally!
Their range of sustainable deodorant sticks are plastic-free, made with natural ingredients, is 100% recyclable, and most importantly: aluminium-free.
| ⏱ Long-lasting | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| 💚 All natural | 🇬🇧 No Aluminium |
| ♻️ 100% Recyclable | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
Salt of the Earth Deodorants
Salt of the Earth offer a range of plastic free deodorants that all use 100% natural ingredients.
You can choose a crystal deodorant stick (similar to Biork), a deodorant balm, or a stick.
Their refillable deodorant sticks come in 10 different scents, including an unscented version is you prefer au natural.
They also offer a crystal deodorant stick that I’ve tried and tested, check out our review!
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| ♻️ 100% Recyclable | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
The Natural Deodorant Co.
The Natural Deodorant Co. offer three different types of deodorant: the ‘Clean’ deodorising balm for daily use, a ‘Gentle’ cream for sensitive skin, and ‘Active’ balm – for more extra busy days.
All of their deodorants use 100% natural plant-based ingredients, and comes in 100% recyclable plastic-free packaging.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| ⏱ 24hr protection | 🇬🇧 Made in the UK |
| ♻️ 100% Recyclable | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
What to look for in an eco-friendly deodorant?
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for an eco-friendly deodorant that will work well for you. First, it is important to find a formula that works for you and your daily routine.
More and more options are becoming available out there for people who are looking for an eco-friendly deodorant, but not all of them are equally as environmentally friendly. Many still contain harmful chemicals, while others only contain natural ingredients.
Similarly, the eco-friendly deodorants on our list are made with recyclable or compostable packaging, while others are only partially recyclable. It is important to find a formula that works well for you, but also fits your environmental values!
Pick a formula made with natural ingredients
Whatever you products you use on your skin can end up in your bloodstream, so it’s really important to think about the the ingredients of the products that you are using. Over exposure to aluminium and parabens, which are in conventional deodorants, have been linked to cancer and diseases like Alzheimer’s (source) so switching to a natural deodorant is likely to be better for your own health.
What happens when you switch to natural deodorant?
It can take between 2-4 weeks for your body to adjust to switching to a natural deodorant. This is because typical antiperspirants contain aluminium, which block the pores in your armpits and preventing sweating. Sweat is a natural part of our bodies and is healthy!
You’re likely to notice that you’ll start to smell towards the end of the day, as regular antiperspirants change the microbial ecosystem of your skin and reduce the number of microbes that are responsible for producing the bad smells from body odour.
But fear not! Once your body has adjusted to your new routine, your body odour will return to normal.
