You may have heard of Plastic Free July, but if you're wanting to make a difference all year round by making sustainable changes, then you might be interested in starting to use plastic free deodorant. After all, these little changes to our lifestyles such as plastic free products, producing less waste and being wary of what we consume means we're well on our way to making the world a better environment one step at a time.
So, how do these deodorants work in terms of creating a more sustainable planet? What is plastic free deodorant, and how do you use it? We're here to answer some of those questions, as well as find you the best natural deodorants with real customer reviews to make the process of finding an alternative that much easier.
How long does plastic take to decompose?
Well, given that plastic can take up to 500 years to decompose in a landfill, switching to an alternative deodorant is in the best interest of the planet. From plastic free sunscreen and moisturiser to cleaning products, making choices that are eco-friendly has become a lot easier for us in recent years.
Although sustainable products are more expensive than the likes of single-use plastic, they're also better for the environment. Sometimes, eco-friendly products will also be refillable, meaning you're getting the most out of the product.
What is plastic free deodorant?
Quite simply, this deodorant is manufactured without the use of plastics.
The majority of our deodorants come in an aluminium or plastic spray bottle. Other times, a roll on deodorant can come in a glass bottle with a plastic roller. So, this means you have to take them apart to recycle them. In other cases, it may mean you can't recycle them at all. It's always worth checking the recycling requirements before you buy.
Not only this, but the aerosols themselves have an impact on the planet. Harmful volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere contribute to pollution and damage to the ozone layer. Therefore, plastic free, eco friendly or natural deodorants have been developed to help combat these common problems.
Best plastic free deodorant UK
Best plastic free deodorant in crystal form
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Made from a potassium alum crystal which works to prevent odour causing bacteria, this deodorant from Salt of the Earth is entirely free from plastics. While it's unscented, which may not be an issue for some, it's a long lasting product and a little goes a long way. It even retains its shape with the heat, meaning you won't have any problems with it melting down.
Pros:
• An affordable choice
• Long lasting product
• Doesn't melt in the heat
**
Cons:**
• Contains alum
**
Review:** "Decided I wanted to start using natural deodorant around 3 years ago and I’ve never quite found ‘the one’ until now. I used the spray version and it was good, but this one is by far the best. I absolutely love it. I was concerned about it being unscented but it really doesn’t make a difference."
Best plastic free deodorant with activated charcoal
With activated charcoal ingredients, this all natural deodorant eliminates odour and provides long lasting protection without interfering with the natural perspiration process of your body. Free from any harmful ingredients, it's made from a blend of coconut oil, cacao seed butter, tea tree oil and activated charcoal to effectively neutralise body odour and deliver natural anti-bacterial benefits.
Pros:
• Made from natural ingredients
• Long lasting protection
• Free from parabens
**
Cons:**
• May stain light coloured clothing
**
Review:** "I love this product, I was looking for a deodorant that was natural, not tested on animals and was minimal waste. This ticked all the boxes. It works great."
Best plastic free deodorant with active magnesium
www.friendlyturtle.com
Scence are a brand based in Cornwall that prides themselves on having formulas crafted using natural ingredients and all presented in beautiful paper packaging. From their range of natural deodorant, there are so many lovely scents to choose from that offer long lasting protection. Active magnesium works hard throughout the day to keep you smelling fresh and feeling dry.
Pros:
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Good choice of scents
• Long lasting protection
Cons:
• May be fiddly to apply
**
Review:** "I was dubious about trying an eco deodorant but I saw this being reviewed on a programme and thought I'd give it a go. I'm glad to say I'm converted! Lovely fragrance and felt fresh all day."
Best plastic free deodorant with citrus scent
A fresh citrus scent keeps you feeling fresh in the form of a soothing balm. The Natural Deodorant Co have a range of deodorants made from all natural and vegan friendly ingredients. With an uplifting scent of lemon and geranium, it gives long lasting protection against odour for a fresh feeling throughout the day.
Pros:
• No white marks on clothing
• Long lasting protection
• Gentle against skin
**
Cons:**
• May be gritty in consistency at times
**
Review:** "Love this product! Please don’t stop making it! I found it after searching around and around for natural based deodorants for many years, I have spent a lot of money trying out different types, some of which actually did the opposite of their function! I’m sure you have experienced that frustration if you are reading this, unless you are lucky enough to be finding this product straight away that is."
Best plastic free deodorant with customisable case
www.getfussy.com
**Tried and Tested by Digital Writer, Emily Gilbert.
Read our review of Fussy deodorant here.
**
Fussy is a brand dedicated to being sustainable. They specialise in natural, vegan-friendly deodorant that's free from aluminium and parabens. The case is made from waste material, meaning it's also recyclable and compostable. The brand claim that its science based formula will give you a full day of protection from body odour.
Pros:
• No white marks on clothing
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Good choice of scents
**
Cons:**
• We can't think of any
**
Review:** "I have tried so many deodorants in my time. Having tried these I can honestly say that it is the best I have ever used."
Best premium plastic free deodorant
www.aktlondon.com
From AKT London, this natural deodorant balm with refreshing scents of mandarin and neroli is made with an enriched blend of premium botanicals to keep you smelling divine all day. Its Deo-Barrier Complex™ formula means it moisturises and absorbs instantly, creating a barrier on your skin.
Pros:
• No white marks on clothing
• Award winning
• Great scent
**
Cons:**
• Is sensitive to temperature
**
Review:** "AKT is fantastic - deodorant is natural, clean and keeps me fresh all day. I absolutely love the scent and knowing it’s actually good for my skin is a great comfort - I highly recommend!"
Best plastic free deodorant overall
www.wearewild.com
Wild has a similar process to selecting a deodorant to Fussy, as you can customise your deodorant by case design and scent. They have a range that's made particularly for sensitive skin without the use of baking soda. With packaging made from compostable bamboo pulp and refills readily available, they're a brand dedicated to making sustainable products.
Pros:
• Customisable cases
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Good choice of scents
**
Cons:**
• Can leave white stains
**
Review:** "Great product!!! Love the fragrance, the packaging, the fact that it’s so good for the environment and how lovely it feels on my skin!!!"
Best plastic free deodorant without bicarbonate
A balm that's great for sensitive skin as it claims to be free from bicarbonate, Star Cloud unscented balm neutralises odour-causing bacteria with a powerful blend of pre and probiotics. Free from parabens and other harmful ingredients, this vegan friendly formula allows your body to naturally detoxify. It is unscented, however, other variations from the product, such as Space Cat and Moon Goo, have a scent.
Pros:
• Free from bicarbonate
• No white marks on clothing
• Suitable for sensitive skin
**
Cons:**
• It has no scent
**
Review:** "I have tried a few different natural deodorants and have to say this is the best I've found. Most use bicarbonate of soda, this one doesn't, which can leave skin red and irritated. This one has not irritated my skin at all, there is no underarm odour or sweating. The smell is pretty neutral and unnoticeable. Mild enough for kids to use when they get to the age for needing deodorant. Has been great for myself and kids."
Best plastic free deodorant with vitamins
The Your Nature natural deodorant stick is free from parabens as well as other harmful ingredients and allows your skin to breathe naturally. An organic blend of ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter and mango butter, as well as vitamin E, help the skin to feel fresh. With plastic free packaging and a vegan friendly formula, we recommend this deodorant as an alternative to the traditional.
Pros:
• Free from parabens
• Contains vitamins
• Scented options available
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Cons:**
• It has no scent
**
Review:** "This natural deodorant comes in plastic free packaging. it is easy to use and applies smoothly. The outer cardboard cover lid allows for the stick to sit above the top of tube during storage, meaning that you don't have to push it up and down every time - this might not sound like much, but from previous experience using a different brand, I can say that it makes use a lot simpler. The deodorant is colourless, effective, does not stain my clothes. All good."
Best long lasting plastic free deodorant
andkeep.com
For long lasting and minty fresh protection, this deodorant from Earth Conscious provides the maximum possible effectiveness without compromising the natural ingredients. Made from a blend of essential oils and free from parabens, this vegan friendly formula has anti-bacterial properties to neutralise odour.
Pros:
• An affordable option
• Contains essential oils
• Long lasting protection
**
Cons:**
• May not be suitable for sensitive skin
**
Review:** "After trying several plastic free deodorants, this is my favourite. My husband loves it too, it really is strong protection."
Best natural plastic free deodorant
www.etsy.com
This natural deodorant bar is derived from salt from the Himalayan mines and carved from chunks of Himalayas crystals. It leaves a layer of protection that helps to prevent odour causing bacteria from forming. Just dampen with water to apply, and the ancient natural salts will deter odours.
Pros:
• Made from natural Himalayas crystals
• Great value for money
• Hypoallergenic formula
**
Cons:**
• It has no scent
**
Review:** "I’ve never used a deodorant like this before, the seller was really helpful in answering my questions which gave me the confidence to give it a try. Really pleased I did!"
Best plastic free deodorant for vegans
www.friendlyturtle.com
These natural deodorants from Kutis use a combination of natural scents to keep you smelling divine throughout the day. The responsibly sourced ingredients of sunflower wax, bicarbonate of soda, arrowroot powder and coconut oil have been blended with essential oils with antibacterial and odour fighting properties for a lovely smell.
Pros:
• Handmade in Wales
• Ethically and responsibly sourced ingredients
• Made from recyclable materials
**
Cons:**
• Smaller than expected
**
Review:** "Lovely product, great scent, love that it’s recyclable, works a treat and brilliant for travelling."
Best plastic free deodorant with choice of scent
www.etsy.com
This bestselling natural deodorant on Etsy is made from all naturally occurring ingredients with a good variety of scents to choose from. A way to detoxify your body, this deodorant contains no harmful ingredients yet is still effective at killing bacteria that cause odour.
Pros:
• A bestseller
• An affordable option
• Good choice of scents
**
Cons:**
• May not be suitable for sensitive skin
**
Review:** "Beautiful smell to the deodorant and arrived really quickly. Great to find packaging that can actually be recycled and isn't plastic. Very reasonably priced and seller left a lovely personalised note inside the package. Would repurchase, thank you!"
Best anti inflammatory plastic free deodorant
www.etsy.com
Another great natural deodorant from BattleGreenBox on Etsy, this balm contains chamomile for a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. It is free from bicarbonate, paraben and other synthetics that may cause irritation to the skin. A vegan friendly formula, it's made with effective natural ingredients including organic shea and cocoa butters to keep the skin feeling soft.
Pros:
• Anti inflammatory
• Free from parabens
• Moisturising properties
**
Cons:**
• Scent may not be the most long lasting
**
Review:** "I already have a deodorant from Battlebox which I love, but I wanted one without bicarbonate which would be gentle enough to use after shaving. This does the job perfectly although it can be a bit slippery to hold when using. They actually sent the little storage tin at no extra charge, so thank you for that!"
Best effective plastic free deodorant
www.etsy.com
For a cream deodorant that's effective, long lasting and suitable for sensitive skin, Fit Pit is the way to go. The award winning formula is free from harmful ingredients, is vegan friendly and doesn't leave stains on your clothes. Highly rated for it's effectiveness for keeping odour at bay, this deodorant made from natural ingredients is a good choice.
Pros:
• Free from parabens
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• No white marks on clothing
**
Cons:**
• Smaller than expected
**
Review:** "I'm a returning customer and this is my third order. The product is amazing and does what it claims. It lasts quite a long time since you only need a little daily. 10/10 would recommend it!"
Best plastic free deodorant: Our verdict
In our opinion, the best plastic free deodorant is Wild. They have overwhelmingly positive reviews, with almost perfect review ratings across multiple review sites. A close second is Fussy, which is another one of our favourites.
We love that the process of selecting a deodorant means you can customise the packaging as well as scent, along with being able to get refills instead of buying a new deodorant every time. Or, if you choose, you can recycle it with ease as the packaging is made from bamboo pulp packaging that is compostable.
As well as having a selection of amazing scents, Wild doesn't contain any harmful ingredients. Made from natural, hypoallergenic and vegan friendly ingredients, this deodorant is a fantastic choice for all. It even has specialised formulas for those with sensitive skin.