Natural deodorants. They can be a bit of a minefield, and I have had some success with a few over the past few years, and many failures. Now I have an extra element to consider: zero waste. Is it possible to find a zero waste natural deodorant that actually works? I’ve tried and tested three zero waste natural deodorants to find out.
They are all 100% natural, free of aluminium, and suitable for vegans. None of them are anti-perspirants, which block pores and stop you sweating. Instead, these deodorants work on the smell that happens when sweat comes into contact with bacteria.
First, let’s define what ‘zero waste’ means. Going Zero Waste defines it like this:
“The simple answer: We aim to send nothing to a landfill. We reduce what we need, reuse as much as we can, send little to be recycled, and compost what we cannot.”
Going Zero Waste
So I’ve tested three natural zero waste deodorants, which have three different kinds of packaging: a reusable tin, a paper tube, and a sugar cane tube.
Elsa’s Organic 100% Natural Zero Waste Deodorant Review
Elsa’s Organic Skin Foods is a thickish paste that you scoop out of the recyclable tin. It’s 100% natural, with a coconut oil base. I have it in Lemon Ice but have also used a few other fragrances, in their stick format, which you can read about here. You can check out their ingredients here:
“We finally created a formulation that is 100% effective, deodorises, leaves no stains, smells amazing and is gentle enough for children to use, while using no synthetics, toxic chemicals or animal by products.”
Elsa’s Organic Skin Foods
Application: Scoop our a pea-sized amount and massage in. It dries quickly and the tin lasts for absolutely ages.
Cost: £11 for 45g.
My Verdict on Elsa’s Organic 100% Natural Zero-Waste Deodorant
Initially this zero waste natural deodorant worked really well for me, and I have even given the plastic-packaged version a glowing report. However I have noticed that now I’ve used it for a long time, it seems to be becoming less effective. Perhaps my body has become used to it. Generally I would say this one is definitely worth a try, as for a long time this worked really well for me, even on hot days and during exercise. It is also free from sodium bicarbonate, so a good one if you are sensitive to that.
You can buy Elsa’s Organic Skin Foods natural zero waste deodorant here.
Nuud All-Natural Zero Waste Deodorant Review
Nuud is a light cream, in a sugar cane tube, which Nuud say you can apply every three days for effective protection from odour. They say it even works after showering. It allows you to sweat, which is important for your health, and one reason I don’t use an anti-perspirant.
“Nuud does not block the pores in your armpits, so your natural perspiration regulation remains undisturbed. Instead of masking the smell of perspiration using added fragrances, Nuud prevents the smell of your perspiration by tackling it at the source.”
Nuud
Sounds good, but how does it work? Nuud say:
“Nuud uses silver as an active substance, not nanosilver but microsilver. This is a natural ingredient that inhibits bacterial growth, and is certified. In addition, we opt for a tube made from sugar cane, a box made of unbleached FSC cardboard and our shipment is CO2 neutral.”
Nuud
It doesn’t contain aluminium, parabens, fragrances, or alcohol. This zero waste natural deodorant is not tested on animals and is 100% vegan. Here is a full list of ingredients:
Application: Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips and massage in. It dries straight away leaving no visible residue.
Cost: £12.95 for 15ml, which they say should last for 6 weeks.
My Verdict on Nuud Zero Waste All-Natural Deodorant
It does work well, but for me, only for one day. I have been using it every other day for about two months and by the middle of day two, I am conscious of the smell. Nuud say you should be able to go for up to three days without reapplication but I find that a bit unlikely based on my own experience. Even on day one, I did have a few ‘deodorant failures’ where I could detect a definite whiff. I certainly couldn’t go to three days! So it doesn’t give me confidence that it won’t let me down, so I can’t recommend this one in case it does the same for you.
You can buy Nuud zero waste deodorant here.
Earth Conscious Natural Plastic-Free Deodorant Review
Earth Conscious deodorant is a solid paste in a stick format, which smooths easily over arm pits. It’s actually one of the first natural deodorants I reviewed, several years ago. I liked it back then when it was packaged in a recyclable tin, and now it also comes in a paper recyclable tube, it still works just as well. It’s 100% natural and you can see the ingredients here. Please note that this deodorant contains bicarbonate of soda, which can cause skin irritation for some people.
“Earth Conscious deodorant is aluminium free, paraben free and contains no carcinogens or toxins allowing your body to perspire as nature intended. The 100% natural ingredients, that we source as certified organic where applicable, care for your skin whilst keeping odour at bay.”
Earth Conscious
It smells lovely and really does work. You can get it in several fragrances, and an unscented version. There’s even an extra strength variety. It lasts well, as you only need a little and I think it’s great value.
One tip: don’t accidentally place the tube in a small puddle of water. The cardboard packaging doesn’t hold up that well!
“Our postal packaging contains no plastic and the recyclable, lightweight, plastic-free containers take up minimal space – great for travelling! Earth Conscious products are cruelty free, vegan-friendly and being long lasting, our deodorant is a really ecological and economical choice.”
Earth Conscious
I took my last tube apart, to see how it works: all of this went into my compost bin.
Application: Swipe over armpits, and it dries quickly.
Cost: £7 for 60g.
My Verdict on Earth Conscious Natural Plastic-Free Deodorant
This is easily my favourite zero waste natural deodorant, and in fact it’s my favourite natural deodorant full stop. I used it in both Nashville and Florida on some very hot days and it didn’t let me down, and it is also effective during exercise. It does contain bicarbonate of soda, however, which can cause skin irritation for some people.
You can buy Earth Conscious plastic-free deodorant here for £7.
My Verdict on Zero Waste Natural Deodorants
Whilst all three deodorants are effective, my recommendation is Earth Conscious Natural Deodorant, or Elsa’s Organic Skinfoods Natural Deodorant if you are sensitive to bicarbonate of soda.
UPDATE: Since trying these three natural deodorants, I have discovered one that’s EVEN BETTER! Read all about it here:
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