Why You Need a No-Waste No-Plastic Deodorant in Your Life

Deodorants come in many varieties, from aerosol sprays to roll-ons and sticks. Most of these are not sustainable deodorants. Negative environmental impacts of ingredients like triclosan and volatile organic compounds aside, the major issue with many deodorants is the packaging.
 
As a stroll down any drugstore aisle will show you, most deodorants are packaged in materials that are not recyclable or degradable, such as plastic. Plastic deodorant packaging is usually made from a blend of different types of plastics, making it very difficult to recycle.
 
The combination of plastics means that recycling facilities can’t separate the materials in a way that would let them create new plastic pellets from the recycled material. This means most deodorant containers will end up in the landfill. Luckily, there are a few zero-waste deodorant options available.

What Deodorant Alternatives Are Available for Me?

There are some plastic-free deodorants made with natural ingredients out there for those of us who are not willing to put the needs of our pits above those of the planet. 

Body odour from the underarms is a by-product of bacteria feeding on our sweat. Artificial deodorants use antimicrobial ingredients like triclosan or ethanol to kill bacteria. These ingredients may damage the environment when they wash down our drains into surface water. That’s why you should consider a natural deodorant.

Ingredients of a Natural Deodorant

Natural deodorant is not only eco-friendly but also has no plastic and is made from natural ingredients.
 
Natural deodorants don’t need to rely on synthetic ingredients to discourage bacterial growth. Tea tree oil and coconut oil are examples of natural ingredients that have antimicrobial properties. Some natural deodorants may also use baking soda and magnesium hydroxide to absorb moisture and discourage bacteria.

A nice scent doesn’t need an artificial source either. Essential oils like bergamot, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, and more are used in natural deodorants for a pleasant odour.
 
Here are four plastic-free deodorant alternatives we approve:
 
·  Mulberry deodorant
 
Our very own plastic-free deodorant comes in a biodegradable and compostable package. Made from mainly organic or Ecocert ingredients, this zero-waste deodorant comes in five delicious natural scents as well as an unscented version.
 
·  Native plastic-free deodorant
 
This eco-friendly deodorant is packaged in paperboard and is shipped in 100% recycled paper. Native estimates that if users of their classic deodorant were to switch to the Native plastic-free deodorant, it would reduce plastic waste by up to 169 tons per year.
 
·  Dove’s refillable deodorant
 
This sustainable deodorant allows you to buy a stainless-steel case once, and refill it for life. They stand behind the durability of their case and will replace it for free if it is ever damaged. They do use some plastic in the refills to maintain freshness, but it is 98% recycled and is 54% less than regular deodorant.
 
·  Zero Waste MVMNT
 
This all-natural deodorant is made from plant-based ingredients and packaged in biodegradable paperboard tubes. It comes in either pink grapefruit or lavender and bergamot scents and is totally plastic-free.
 

Lead a Sustainable Life Starting with a Sustainable Deodorant

Choosing a no-waste deodorant is a great way to lead an eco-friendlier life. Deodorant is something we use every day, so making sure we make a plastic-free choice is a great way to reduce waste. Imagine how many plastic deodorant packages get thrown away per year in each home! We hope our suggestions help you choose the best plastic-free deodorant for you.