The deodorant market
In 2021, the worldwide deodorant market was estimated to be worth an incredible £60 billion ($73 billion) and 79% of people in the UK include a deodorant in their weekly shop. Leading names range from Dove, L’Oreal and Nivea to Lynx, Sure, alongside supermarket own brands.
What are the problems with traditional deodorant brands?
Popular roll on deodorants are generally made from plastic and due to the mixed materials often used they can be more difficult to recycle. As such, many empty roll on deodorants will be heading for an incinerator, or worse, landfill.
Aerosol sprays are generally made from tin-plated steel and aluminium. They can be recycled, if they are completely empty. They may otherwise be separated as hazardous waste and not recycled.
Whatever guise your big brand deodorant comes in, problems may also lie on the inside. Many products can contain at least some of these chemicals:
- Aluminium compounds
- Parabens
- Steareths
- Triclosan
- Propylene Glycol
- TEA and DEA
- Artificial colourings
Palm oil and other environmentally harmful ingredients are also widely used.
Eco friendly deodorants – our favourites
In recent years we have tried and tested a wide range of eco friendly deodorants. Here are our favourites…
Made: Isle of Wight, UK
Packaging: Cardboard tube that is recyclable and compostable or an aluminium tin that is recyclable. Both are plastic free. A newer unpackaged ‘bare bar’ is also offered.
Ingredients: Made from 100 % natural, certified organic (where applicable), ingredients, with no Parabens or aluminium traces and palm oil free.
Fragrances: Six varieties as well as an unscented option.
Price: £7.00 (60g stick or tin) or £9.00 (90g bare bar).
Other: 10p from every sale is donated to the Marine Conservation Society in the UK. Vegan, endorsed by the Naturewatch Foundation and Soil Association approved.
Our rating: 9/10
Made: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Packaging: A refillable tin. Plastic free.
Ingredients: Made from 100% natural and organic ingredients, with no parabens or aluminium traces and palm oil free.
Fragrances: Two varieties.
Price: £8.00 (60ml tin)
Other: Vegan and cruelty free.
Our rating: 10/10
Made: Wales
Packaging: Cardboard tube that is recyclable and compostable. Plastic free.
Ingredients: Made from 100% natural ingredients, with no parabens or aluminium traces and palm oil free.
Fragrances: Four varieties.
Price: £6.50 (55g stick)
Our rating: 8/10
Made: Shropshire and Oxfordshire, UK
Packaging: Recyclable and reusable glass jar and aluminium lid. Fit Pit will give you up to 30p for every jar returned.
Ingredients: Made from 100% natural and organic ingredients, with no parabens or aluminium traces and palm oil free.
Fragrances: Three varieties.
Price: £6.00 (25ml jar) or £11.40 (100ml jar)
Other: Vegan and Soil Association approved.
Our rating: 8/10
Made: UK
Packaging: Cardboard tube that is recyclable and compostable. Plastic free.
Ingredients: Made from 100% natural and organic ingredients, with no parabens or aluminium traces and palm oil free.
Fragrances: One variety but options with or without bicarb are available.
Price: £6.99 (stick)
Other: Vegan and cruelty free. Save up to 30% by subscribing.
Our rating: 8/10
Other brands you may also want to check out include Scence, Wild, Green People and the The Natural Deodorant Co.
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Plastic Free Home - Environmental and Zero Waste Blog 
I use Schmid’s natural deodorant, and it has always worked for me. However, sometimes I do think of switching to an even more eco-friendly option. Thanks for this post! I’ll try it. 🙂
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