We know what you're thinking. Sure, zero waste deodorant is good for the planet.

But is it actually going to work on my sweat glands? Whenever the topic of reducing our carbon footprint comes up, people tend to get skeptical.

And of course, when it involves a product that you put on your body, it's only natural to be skeptical. Healthy, even.

But for those skeptics out there who think natural deodorant is just the newest fad, allow us to enlighten you. Or rather, maybe you could indulge us.

Because as a zero waste deodorant line, we're passionate about the environment and keeping you smelling fresh. Trust us, the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

See Related: Best Aluminum Free Deodorant And Antiperspirants For 2022

Conventional deodorants vs. natural deodorant

Just a quick note on the traditional deodorant you're probably using. Conventional deodorants are great at clogging your sweat glands.

And maybe even blocking your pores to prevent you from sweating in the first place. But have you ever considered that that's a little invasive of your body's natural process?

On the other hand, natural deodorants work to neutralize body odor. They're particularly good at absorbing moisture, just not stopping it from happening in the first place.

But since sweating is only natural, maybe those natural deodorants are on to something. So, care to get familiar with some zero waste deodorants that will actually help your skin get back to its normal self?

The best zero waste deodorants

First of all, we want to commend you for your bravery. As a skeptic, whether self-proclaimed or not, you're venturing into the zero waste deodorant territory.

And that's a big step. So, are you ready to take a look at which plastic free deodorant might become your new best friend?

#1. PAPR Cosmetics

Here at PAPR Cosmetics, we pride ourselves on our zero waste deodorants that are aluminum free, paraben free, vegan and cruelty free, and silicone-free. Oh, and we're carbon neutral too. (No biggie.)

We decided to ditch the plastic tubes not because they're so cliche. But because they tend to stick around. Like, forever.

And we don't know about you, but that's a little stalker-ish, right? Either way, we prefer to use compostable cardboard tubes that house naturally derived ingredients instead of synthetic fragrances.

Every deodorant stick we produce is made with coconut oil and shea butter to give you that smooth glide. And our unique scents come from cold pressed essential oils.

For those of you with sensitive skin, we also carry baking soda free deodorant as well. But if baking soda doesn't irritate you, you can enjoy that fresh feeling from the other zero waste deodorants in our line.

But enough about us. We're just one of the many zero waste deodorant brands for you to choose from. But just to be clear - we will definitely keep you stank free.

#2. Myro

For those that are just dipping their toes into the zero waste deodorant lake, definitely give Myro a try. They're not entirely plastic free.

Instead, they provide compostable refills for a chic-looking case you only need to buy once. To combat odor, Myro uses corn starch, barley powder, and glycerin as their deodorant base.

But the myriad of scent options they provide will make you feel luxurious alone as you browse through their catalogue. Not to mention that their zero waste deodorant is also vegan and cruelty free.

#3. Tierra and Lava

Okay, there's a really good reason why we can call Tierra and Lava a zero waste deodorant line but not a plastic free deodorant line. Through production they do use some single use plastic.

But (and that's a big but) they convert all plastic during production into ecobricks! So we like to say that they're basically plastic free.

Either way, this woman-owned Guatemalan company uses only organic ingredients that are locally sourced. They're also Certified Fair Trade.

A quick note to the skeptics, if they're still out there: if you're going to switch from a traditional deodorant to a natural deodorant, there will be a tiny itty bitty stinky period.

But Tierra and Lava are even on top of that with their "ARMPIT DETOX" to help accompany this transition. Now that's thinking ahead! Not stinking ahead...

#4. Meow Meow Tweet

Anybody who loves the planet and cute little cartoon cats will absolutely fall in love with Meow Meow Tweet. Their zero waste deodorant that's also palm oil free comes in two different forms - both of which are still plastic free packaging.

If you prefer a deodorant stick, you can grab a hold of one of their compostable paper tubes. Or, if you prefer plastic free glass jars, you can indulge in their baking soda free deodorant cream.

Either way, the arrowroot powder and magnesium will help you keep underarm moisture and odor causing bacteria under control. And the sensitive skin of your pits will be grateful for the jojoba oil, coconut oil, and shea butter that's also present in this formula.

Finally, the cherry on top is their refreshing scent. You can indulge in lavender or tea tree oil and go about your day, knowing you're not sacrificing the planet for the sake of stank free pits.

#5. Forever Fresh Deodorant

Another natural deodorant company that can help you go zero waste is Forever Fresh Deodorant. Their aluminum free deodorant cream contains no synthetic substances.

And its creamy texture makes it easy to spread. With that being the case though, you might want to avoid putting it in extreme heat!

Otherwise, this long-lasting deodorant that comes in a tin and metal lid will help you manage excess moisture. And the coconut oil will keep you feeling fresh and breezy.

#6. Lush Deodorant Bars

Bet you didn't know Lush was getting in on the plastic free natural deodorant game, did you? Well, they are!

They are currently offering two different types of natural deodorant, both of which are zero waste. The first deodorant bar is T'eo which neutralizes odors with tea tree essential oil and absorbs sweat with a variety of powders.

Their second deodorant bar is Aromaco. Its active ingredients eliminate microbes and odor causing bacteria while tightening your pores and soothing your skin.

So yeah. You'll probably feel lush when you use these. But an environmentally conscious lush at that.

#7. Plum Brilliance

Coming from sunny San Diego is our next zero waste deodorant cream Plum Brilliance! Amazing name, right?

This company comes with plastic free packaging as each deodorant cream is packed into a glass jar. Which, by the way, is considered the best zero waste packaging option available.

With organic ingredients like arrowroot powder, shea butter, and coconut oil, you won't have to worry about any words you can't pronounce from the label. And the lavender scent will smooth out any other cares you might be carrying.

Not to mention that their ingredients are also sustainably sourced. Really, what more could you ask for?

#8. Dirty Hippie

A little tongue in cheek, we admit. But Dirty Hippie earns their eco friendly deodorant title with style.

Their vegan and cruelty free deodorants are aluminum free and toxin free. Not to mention that they have baking soda free options too!

And to further their commitment to a zero waste lifestyle, they make their deodorants in small batches. That way, they don't overproduce and leave deodorant containers lying around everywhere.

Oh, and they're certified organic. Pretty impressive, huh?

#9. Chagrin Valley

There are a lot of zero waste deodorant options out there. And that's not even talking about the form that these deodorants come in!

But Chagrin Valley offers not just a deodorant stick. But a clay or cream option as well.

With multiple scents and a baking soda free option, this family-owned business is sure to steal your heart. Well that and any other odor that might be lying around...

#10. Pit Stop Deodorant

Call us crazy but we love these cheeky zero waste names! Pit Stop Deodorant is here to deliver you a deodorant stick that contains baking soda or not.

Their compostable packaging makes it easy to go plastic free. And the organic ingredients used will only make you feel reassured at their commitment to practicing safe and sustainable cosmetics.

And for looking for a fragrance free option? They've got that too. It's like a one-pit-stop-shopping!

What to look for in a zero waste deodorant

It'd be nearly impossible for us to list out every single zero waste deodorant bar that existed. But in an effort to keep you accompanied along your zero waste deodorant shopping journey, we thought we'd leave you with a few more tips.

Only natural ingredients

Like we mentioned earlier, traditional deodorant works differently from natural deodorant. And mainly that difference lies in the ingredients being used.

You'll want to look for certified organic on the label of your deodorant bar. And mainly, you'll want to stay away from parabens, aluminum, or any other ingredient that can't just glance at and immediately know how to pronounce it.

Ingredients like baking soda, cocoa butter, or even sweet orange essential oil are good indicators of what all the product is using. And this will ensure that you're not packing any toxins onto your body either.

Plastic free packaging

Okay, yes, this is the main point of zero waste deodorant. But if you remember correctly, we did list some that had a refillable plastic case.

While these types of deodorant may not be entirely plastic free, they still make an incredible impact on benefiting the environment. Mainly that they're not emitting nearly as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than other traditional deodorants would.

That being said, a glass jar is the best option if you're thinking solely about the environment. But any changes that you're willing to make in your deodorant game will greatly help nurture the planet.

Sensitive skin options

A lot of natural deodorants will include baking soda. But for those with sensitive skin, you'll want to look for ingredients that are less abrasive.

You could even try making your own DIY deodorant to ensure that you know exactly what's going into your deodorant bar. But many natural deodorant companies are cognizant of the irritation baking soda can create.

FAQs about zero waste deodorant

Okay, fine. Because we love you so much and really want you to get to know a good zero waste deodorant bar or two...

Do eco friendly deodorants actually work?

Yes! But remember: eco-friendly deodorants work differently than conventional deodorants. And especially antiperspirants.

An antiperspirant will actively clog your pores to keep you from sweating. But natural deodorants won't keep you from sweating.

They'll keep you from stinking. Typically, there is a transition period where your sweat glands will decide to open up.

So if you're worried about having a little stink, try transitioning over a long weekend. Either way, your body will make the transition and will probably be healthier for it in the long run.

Why plastic free deodorants?

Ah, the age-old question. On the environmental front, plastic is everywhere. And to add more plastic onto plastic seems, well, irresponsible.

But if that argument doesn't grip you, maybe this one will. Some of these natural deodorants are much longer lasting than traditional deodorants.

So when you switch over, you're actually saving yourself money. Whether it's a refillable case or a bar that lasts around six months, these kinds of deodorants tend to be more reliable.

Not to mention that they also don't rub off toxins onto your skin. So you're not only doing the planet a favor when you switch over to plastic free deodorants.

You're doing yourself a favor. Both financially and health-wise.

Here's to sustainable living!

We can only hope that we've swayed the skeptics out there. But allow us to reiterate: these natural deodorants actually work.

So now, you can smell fresh and give back to the environment. These brands make it so easy to do so!

In other words, you have no excuse. Just kidding. But not really. So here's to sustainable living!

Keep Reading: Best Plastic Free Deodorant Options For 2022

--

PAPR Cosmetics is on a mission to create conscious beauty products with as little impact on the planet as possible. Our products are fully recyclable, vegan, and cruelty-free. When we take down one tree, we plant a new one. For more information and sustainability tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Tumblr.