9 Best Plastic-Free Deodorant Bars and Sticks

Best deodorant bars and sticks - plastic free

Most deodorant available in stores comes in a plastic or aluminum container. Switching to a plastic-free deodorant is a great way to reduce plastic consumption and be more environmentally friendly. 

Plastic-free deodorants come in many forms:

  • Refillable deodorant in a metal or glass container
  • Stick deodorant in compostable packaging 
  • Crystal deodorants made from naturally occurring minerals 
  • Paste deodorant that comes in a small metal or glass tin

The majority of the options below are stick deodorants in cardboard packaging. 

Another plastic-free, cost-effective, and customizable option is making your own deodorant. There are recipes available online if you are the DIYing type. If you’re not too keen on making your own, read on for a round-up of options you can purchase. 

Adjusting to Natural Deodorant

Remember that everyone’s body chemistry and preferences are different. You may not find the right product for you immediately, and it may take a bit of trial and error until you find what works for you. Additionally, if you’ve been using an antiperspirant/deodorant combination today, there may be a short adjustment period when switching to natural deodorant. 

Best Plastic Free Deodorant Bars and Sticks

Attitude Deodorant

Sale
ATTITUDE Plastic-Free Deodorant, EWG Verified, Aluminum-Free, Dermatologically Tested, Plant and…
  • EWG VERIFIED: clean ingredients and full transparency
  • INGREDIENTS OF NATURAL ORIGIN : Formulated with 99.5% naturally sourced ingredients* including baking soda to combat unwanted odors
  • GOOD FOR THE PLANET : Biodegradable packaging made from FSC-certified cardboard

This deodorant is packaged in biodegradable paper and comes in a variety of scents. To use the product, you push up like a push pop. The company is based in Montreal and claims to be EWG verified. Additionally, this may be a good option for those sensitive to natural deodorants containing baking soda. 

When researching the company, I learned they were founded in 2006 and are grounded in the ethos of developing products better for health and the environment. They also have other personal care products, including innovative packaging to reduce plastic waste, including refillable items. They use cardboard that is FSC-certified, and their products are EWG Verified, Vega, & Cruelty-Free. 

Pros:

  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Biodegradable packaging
  • EWG verified 
  • Hypoallergenic 
  • Not tested on animals

Cons:

  • Push up style packaging doesn’t recede easily if you push up too much
  • Some reviews claim the product is too dry
  • Not clear – may stain

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, cornstarch powder, Coconut oil, Sunflower seed wax
  • Scent Options: Lemon Leaves, Olive Leaves, Orange Leaves, Red Vine Leaves, White tea leaves, Unscented
  • Packaging Material: Paper

Primal Life Organics Stick Up Deodorant

Sale
Stick Up Natural Deodorant for Women and Men with Bentonite Clay Powder, Arrowroot, Magnesium, Zinc,…
  • STAY FRESH AND HEALTHY – Whether you’re looking for deodorant for women or deodorant for men, our natural deodorant will keep you healthy. Hemp seed oil fights inflammation and odor-causing…
  • SMELL AND FEEL GOOD – Just 1-2 swipes of Stick Up removes the stink, leaving your underarms smelling pleasant. Choose your perfect natural deodorant: Black Lavender, White Lavender, White Coconut, and…
  • SWEAT HEALTHY – Your deodorant shouldn’t stop you from sweating, it should keep your sweat healthy and free from odor. We created a synergistic blend of ingredients that works effectively to help…

Primal Life Organics began in 2012, and they offer a variety of natural products. This deodorant comes in biodegradable paper packaging in a variety of scents. To use, you push up like a push pop because the container is a cylindrical shape. 

Their Black Lavender and Black Rouge variants contain activated charcoal, which may irritate some. Their deodorants seem to last a long time. In fact, some reviews state that with daily use the products lasted them over 6 months. 

Pros:

  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Not tested on animals
  • Made in USA (Ohio!)

Cons:

  • Not clear – may stain
  • Push-up style packaging doesn’t recede easily if you push up too much

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Magnesium oil, zinc oxide, bentonite clay, arrowroot powder, activated charcoal
  • Scent Options: Black Lavender, White Lavender, White Coconut, and Black Rouge
  • Packaging Material: Paper

Lafe’s Deodorant Stone 

Lafe’s Natural Deodorant | 5.5oz Unscented Crystal Rock Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant Stone |…
  • NATURAL WITH NO TOXINS OR BAKING SODA – Lafe’s deodorant contains no Baking Soda, no Aluminum Chlorhydrate, no Propylene Glycol, no Triclosans, no Petroleum, no Colors or Dyes, no Mineral Oils, no…

This product is a crystal rock deodorant stone, which is different from the usual stick deodorants most of us are familiar with. Crystal forms of deodorant have been used in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years, but they have only gained popularity in Western cultures recently due to interest in natural and low/no-waste alternatives. Our editor Kait learned about deodorant stones like these through Zero Waste Home, a website and a book you might want to check out for additional zero-waste information.  

This particular deodorant stone arrives in a biodegradable paper box. To use it, you wet the stone and apply it to your underarms after the shower. 

Since this naturally does not have a scent, this could be a great option for those sensitive to smells. According to reviews, the smaller option comes with a plastic base, but the larger option is plastic-free and a size that you can hold in your hand. A soap dish is a perfect holder for this when not in use. Note that you may have an adjustment period when switching to crystal deodorant. 

Lafe’s Natural BodyCare is a family-owned, certified B-Corp that offers a variety of personal care products that are organic and natural. 

Pros:

  • 24-hour protection
  • No staining residue 
  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Not tested on animals
  • Long-lasting (1+ years)

Cons:

  • Smaller option may contain a plastic base

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts)
  • Scent Options: Unscented
  • Packaging Material: Paper; smaller size may arrive with a plastic base

Native Plastic Free Deodorant

Native Deodorant Contains Naturally Derived Ingredients, 72 Hour Odor Control | Deodorant for Women…
  • Charcoal – An ocean fresh mineral frangrance with a hint of citrus.
  • Effective Protection – We tested thousands of ingredients before finding a recipe that feels light and fresh under your arms, but provides you with effective protection against odor.
  • Goes on Easy – Native Deodorant is a solid deodorant that you can apply easily. We also use both safe, synthetic, sustainable fragrances (free of phthalates) and natural fragrances.

Native’s deodorants have graced many local store shelves, and I’m excited to see they’ve come out with a plastic-free option. They have a wide variety of scent options, including a charcoal version and a sensitive version that is baking soda free. I’m a fan of this brand myself and have used the Lavender Rose scent. 

Our editor Kait has tried Native deodorants too — she likes the Charcoal and the Sandalwood & Shea Butter scents but felt other scents were too strong, so this may be a consideration if you prefer lighter scents. 

The company uses naturally derived ingredients and is cruelty-free and vegan.

Pros:

  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Not tested on animals
  • Vegan 
  • Made in USA (San Francisco based)

Cons:

  • Many of their formulations contain baking soda, so a consideration if you are sensitive 
  • Not clear – may stain

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, tapioca starch 
  • Scent Options: Charcoal, Citrus & Herbal Musk, Coconut & Vanilla, Cotton & Lily, Cucumber & Mint, Lavender & Rose, Unscented 
  • Packaging Material: Paper 

Ethique Deodorant Stick

Personally, this is my favorite looking deodorant stick. I love the fun colors. These deodorant sticks come in a cardboard container that you push up. There are various scents, and they are all baking soda free. 

You may be familiar with Ethique’s shampoo and conditioner bars. They were one of the earlier options I used to see in local stores. I learned that the shampoo and conditioner bars were how the company started: Brianne West, CEO & Founder, started Ethique in her kitchen in 2012 when she began experimenting with solid shampoo bars!

Pros:

  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Not tested on animals
  • Vegan
  • Made in USA (San Francisco based)

Cons:

  • Not clear – may stain

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, bamboo extract, magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide
  • Scent Options: Lavender Vanilla, Unscented, Citrus & Earthy
  • Packaging Material: Paper

MAGSOL Plastic Free Deodorant

MAGSOL Plastic-Free Natural Deodorant for Women – 100% Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Plastic Free…
  • Magsol natural deodorant
  • Baking Soda Free – most natural deodorants contain baking soda which is a skin-irritating ingredient, causing rashes and redness for many. MAGSOL is pH balanced and made to work with even the most…
  • What Makes MAGSOL Different? Food-Grade Magnesium Oxide – this key ingredient provides all-day odor protection by limiting moisture buildup under the armpit, keeping you dryer and fresher for…

This is another push-pop style deodorant that comes in plastic-free cardboard packaging. Compared to some of the other products, I didn’t find as much about the founder of the company or the company ethos, though a little digging made it seem like the company is around 4 years old. 

Overall, I was impressed by the variety of scents that are offered. Additionally, they claim that the deodorant is smooth glide and doesn’t contain grittiness, which can sometimes occur in natural deodorants. 

Pros:

  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Baking soda free 
  • Made in USA (Houston, Texas-based)

Cons:

  • Not clear – may stain

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Almond oil, magnesium oxide, beeswax, natural oils
  • Scent Options: Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, Lavender, Lemongrass, Jasmine, Rose, Hunter
  • Packaging Material: Paper

Papr All Natural Deodorant

PAPR – All Natural Deodorant In a Zero Waste Paper Packaging, Coastal Forests – Cedarwood & Cypress
  • PĀPR: All natural aluminum free deodorant in plastic-free, sustainable packaging. Our zero waste deodorants work really well for you and our beautiful planet. We care about Mother Earth just as much…
  • HIGHLY EFFECTIVE: We use formula with all Natural and Safe Ingredients for long lasting protection. It took 2 years of development, before finding a vegan deodorant formula that truly works. PĀPR…
  • PLASTIC-FREE: PĀPR paper deodorant is completely plastic-free. Say goodbye to single-use plastics that end up in a landfill. We use FSC certified paper from responsibly sourced forests with a very…

This Los Angeles-made deodorant stood out the most to me visually, and when learning about the company, I learned that one of the co-founders is a graphic designer. 

I was impressed to learn that their company is certified carbon neutral and their production process is fully solar. According to their website, they also give back and donate 1% of their revenue to the Ancient Tree Archive

Some of the scents are described to be fairly strong, and it depends on your personal preference whether this is a plus or minus for you. 

Pros:

  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Cruelty-free 
  • Vegan
  • Paraben free
  • Made in USA (Los Angeles based)
  • Carbon neutral company 
  • Fully solar production process

Cons:

  • Many of their formulations contain baking soda, so a consideration if you are sensitive 
  • Not clear – may stain

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Coconut oil, tapioca starch, shea butter, essential oils 
  • Scent Options: Cedarwood & Cypress, Grapefruit, Lemongrass & Bergamot, Musk & Ylang Ylang
  • Packaging Material: Paper

Pack & Leaf Zero Waste Deodorant

Natural Deodorant Stick Set, Aluminum Free & Zero Waste Deodorant with Full & Travel Size, Coconut &…
  • 4+ MONTHS SUPPLY LASTS MUCH LONGER THAN OTHER BRANDS of natural deodorant; this 2 pack includes a total 3.7 ounces, one full size stick for your bathroom and one travel size for on the go
  • MINI DEODORANT IS PERFECT FOR TRAVEL and fits in your handbag, gym bag or backpack; enjoy the convenience and peace of mind of applying fresh scent to your armpits at any time
  • PLASTIC FREE VEGAN DEODORANT WITH 100% COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING in eco-friendly, zero waste biodegradable cardboard push up tubes

The Pack & Leaf zero waste deodorant offers another option for a fully biodegradable deodorant. This company was founded on the ethos of reducing and eliminating plastic. They claim to donate 10% of their profits to marine conservation programs. 

They offer a variety of scents, and the packaging is push-up style packaging. Something I love about this one is that they offer a mini size that you could take with you on the go to reapply. Throw one in your handbag or gym bag, and then keep a full size at home. 

Pros:

  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Cruelty-free 
  • Vegan
  • Paraben free

Cons:

  • Many of their formulations contain baking soda, so a consideration if you are sensitive 
  • Not clear – may stain

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Magnesium Oxide, Arrowroot Powder, Candelilla Wax, Baking Soda, Jojoba Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Vanilla Extract.
  • Scent Options: Coconut & Vanilla, Coconut & Lime, Peaches & Cream, Cucumber & Lavender
  • Packaging Material: Paper

HiBAR Natural Plastic Free Deodorant

HiBAR Plastic Free Deodorant | Fresh Rain & Cucumber – Aluminum Free Deodorant with Baking Soda, All…
  • Natural Deodorant: HiBAR Natural Aluminum Free Deodorant Fresh Rain & Cucumber is a natural deodorant for women and men made with quality ingredients and no parabens or aluminum. It provides all-day…
  • Superior Odor Protection: Our formula has undergone rigorous testing, incorporating thousands of ingredients, to ensure it feels light and refreshing under your arms while providing robust protection…
  • Smooth Application: Our solid Native Deodorant glides on effortlessly. We carefully select safe and sustainable synthetic fragrances, free from phthalates, alongside natural scents for a pleasant…

I’ve been a fan of HiBAR for a while now for their salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars as well as their solid face wash. I was excited to come across the HiBAR deodorant in my local refill shop and had to try it. So far, I’ve been really pleased with the formulation. It glides on smoothly, and I haven’t experienced any stains on my clothing as a result. It was my first time using the push-pop style deodorant packaging, and once I got the hang of it, it was easy to use. 

HiBAR ships with plastic-free biodegradable packaging – no plastic tape, no bubble wrap.

Pros:

  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Aluminum-free formulation
  • Baking soda free
  • Cruelty-free 
  • Vegan
  • Paraben free
  • Made in USA (St. Paul, Minnesota based)

Cons:

  • N/A

Specs:

  • Main Ingredients: Coconut oil, arrowroot powder, shea butter
  • Scent Options: Fresh Rain & Cucumber, Bergamot & Cedar, Lavender & Jasmine
  • Packaging Material: Paper

Deodorant Bar vs. Deodorant Paste

Deodorant bars and sticks are the typical roll-on type that we are most used to, and the type of deodorant that we’ve included many examples of above. Deodorant paste is another eco-friendly option that is less commonly known. While the application method of paste may seem unusual because you massage the product directly onto your armpits — there are benefits to this massage. Let me share a few features of each:

Deodorant bars

Pros

  • Quick and easy to apply
  • Best for travel
  • Firm texture, if this is your preference 
  • Packaged in a biodegradable cardboard container 

Cons

  • Product may not last as long compared to paste

Deodorant Paste

Pros

  • Lasts longer than a deodorant bar since only a small amount is needed
  • Packaged in a recyclable tin

Cons

  • Application requires massaging into armpits like applying lotion; not ideal on-the-go
  • Can melt in hot climates 

Deodorant Bar Usage Tips

How to Use a Deodorant Bar

You use deodorant bars just like usual stick deodorant. Swipe a few times (1-2 is all you need) on clean and dry underarms. Take care to avoid staining dark clothes since these options may have varying degrees of residue they may leave behind. 

Best Times to Apply Deodorant

The best time to apply deodorant is when you are clean and dry after the shower. Wait a moment to allow your pores to be dry, and wait slightly longer if you shave your underarms so you don’t irritate your skin. 

Since these are deodorants and not antiperspirants, you may in some cases opt to reapply before a workout to stay fresh. 

How to Store Deodorant Bars

Keep your deodorant bar in a cool and dry place out of direct sunlight since many of these are made from natural butters and oils. Additionally, keep the lid closed for any of the bars that come in a cardboard container. This will help maintain the consistency of the bar.

Considerations Before Purchasing Deodorant

Adjustment Time

If you’ve been using an antiperspirant/deodorant combination, it may take time for you to adjust to a non-antiperspirant deodorant variety. You may feel like you’re sweating more than usual. Give it a time, a few weeks or so to adjust and see how you like the new deodorant product. 

Allergies or Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you may opt for baking soda-free options. Another consideration may be selecting a fragrance-free option for sensitive skin, health reasons, or sensitivity to strong scents. Some brands also do dermatological testing and claim to have a hypoallergenic product. When stated by the brand, I’ve included this above. 

Scented vs. Unscented

I noted this above, but choosing a scented versus unscented option is personal. I prefer scented deodorants, but many others may prefer unscented varieties due to sensitivity to smells or sensitive skin. Others may choose fragrance-free because they prefer to avoid fragrance in their personal care products for health reasons. 

Plastic Free Deodorant Bar Comparison Chart

Product Image
ATTITUDE Plastic-Free Deodorant, EWG Verified, Aluminum-Free, Dermatologically Tested, Plant and...
Stick Up Natural Deodorant for Women and Men with Bentonite Clay Powder, Arrowroot, Magnesium, Zinc,...
Lafe's Natural Deodorant | 5.5oz Unscented Crystal Rock Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant Stone |...
Native Deodorant Contains Naturally Derived Ingredients, 72 Hour Odor Control | Deodorant for Women...
Ethique Botanica Floral Deodorant Stick for Men & Women - Aluminum-Free, Plastic-Free, Vegan,...
MAGSOL Plastic-Free Natural Deodorant for Women - 100% Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Plastic Free...
Product Name
ATTITUDE Plastic-Free Deodorant, EWG Verified, Aluminum-Free, Dermatologically Tested, Plant and…
Stick Up Natural Deodorant for Women and Men with Bentonite Clay Powder, Arrowroot, Magnesium, Zinc,…
Lafe’s Natural Deodorant | 5.5oz Unscented Crystal Rock Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant Stone |…
Native Deodorant Contains Naturally Derived Ingredients, 72 Hour Odor Control | Deodorant for Women…
Ethique Botanica Floral Deodorant Stick for Men & Women – Aluminum-Free, Plastic-Free, Vegan,…
MAGSOL Plastic-Free Natural Deodorant for Women – 100% Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Plastic Free…
Main Ingredients
Arrowroot powder, cornstarch powder, Coconut oil, Sunflower seed wax
Magnesium oil, zinc oxide, bentonite clay, arrowroot powder, activated charcoal
Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts)
Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, tapioca starch
Sweet almond oil, bamboo extract, magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide
Almond oil, magnesium oxide, beeswax, natural oils
Scent Options
Lemon Leaves, Olive Leaves, Orange Leaves, Red Vine Leaves, White tea leaves, Unscented
Black Lavender, White Lavender, White Coconut, and Black Rouge
Unscented
Charcoal, Citrus & Herbal Musk, Coconut & Vanilla, Cotton & Lily, Cucumber & Mint, Lavender & Rose, Unscented 
Lavender Vanilla, Unscented, Citrus & Earthy
Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, Lavender, Lemongrass, Jasmine, Rose, Hunter
Packaging Material
Paper
Paper
Paper; smaller size may arrive with a plastic base
Paper
Paper
Paper
Price
$12.57
$16.97
$7.99
$17.99
Product Image
ATTITUDE Plastic-Free Deodorant, EWG Verified, Aluminum-Free, Dermatologically Tested, Plant and...
Product Name
ATTITUDE Plastic-Free Deodorant, EWG Verified, Aluminum-Free, Dermatologically Tested, Plant and…
Main Ingredients
Arrowroot powder, cornstarch powder, Coconut oil, Sunflower seed wax
Scent Options
Lemon Leaves, Olive Leaves, Orange Leaves, Red Vine Leaves, White tea leaves, Unscented
Packaging Material
Paper
Price
$12.57
Buy Now
Product Image
Stick Up Natural Deodorant for Women and Men with Bentonite Clay Powder, Arrowroot, Magnesium, Zinc,...
Product Name
Stick Up Natural Deodorant for Women and Men with Bentonite Clay Powder, Arrowroot, Magnesium, Zinc,…
Main Ingredients
Magnesium oil, zinc oxide, bentonite clay, arrowroot powder, activated charcoal
Scent Options
Black Lavender, White Lavender, White Coconut, and Black Rouge
Packaging Material
Paper
Price
$16.97
Buy Now
Product Image
Lafe's Natural Deodorant | 5.5oz Unscented Crystal Rock Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant Stone |...
Product Name
Lafe’s Natural Deodorant | 5.5oz Unscented Crystal Rock Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant Stone |…
Main Ingredients
Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts)
Scent Options
Unscented
Packaging Material
Paper; smaller size may arrive with a plastic base
Price
$7.99
Buy Now
Product Image
Native Deodorant Contains Naturally Derived Ingredients, 72 Hour Odor Control | Deodorant for Women...
Product Name
Native Deodorant Contains Naturally Derived Ingredients, 72 Hour Odor Control | Deodorant for Women…
Main Ingredients
Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, tapioca starch
Scent Options
Charcoal, Citrus & Herbal Musk, Coconut & Vanilla, Cotton & Lily, Cucumber & Mint, Lavender & Rose, Unscented 
Packaging Material
Paper
Price
Buy Now
Product Image
Ethique Botanica Floral Deodorant Stick for Men & Women - Aluminum-Free, Plastic-Free, Vegan,...
Product Name
Ethique Botanica Floral Deodorant Stick for Men & Women – Aluminum-Free, Plastic-Free, Vegan,…
Main Ingredients
Sweet almond oil, bamboo extract, magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide
Scent Options
Lavender Vanilla, Unscented, Citrus & Earthy
Packaging Material
Paper
Price
Buy Now
Product Image
MAGSOL Plastic-Free Natural Deodorant for Women - 100% Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Plastic Free...
Product Name
MAGSOL Plastic-Free Natural Deodorant for Women – 100% Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Plastic Free…
Main Ingredients
Almond oil, magnesium oxide, beeswax, natural oils
Scent Options
Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, Lavender, Lemongrass, Jasmine, Rose, Hunter
Packaging Material
Paper
Price
$17.99
Buy Now

FAQs

How many swipes of deodorant is best?

1-2 swipes are usually enough. Make sure to apply the deodorant so you fully coat your underarm area. 

Should you apply deodorant after showering?

Applying deodorant after showering is best since you’ll be clean and sweat-free. Wait a few moments to dry off and allow your pores to close up, especially if you shave your underarms. You want to avoid applying deodorant to freshly shaven skin, which is more sensitive. 

How many months does a stick of deodorant last?

With typical use, a stick of deodorant may last 2-3 months. Note that every product has a shelf life, but with daily use, most won’t have to worry about getting past the expiration date. There are some telltale signs of deodorant that has expired — a rancid smell, a change in texture, or a noticeable difference in effectiveness. 

What zero-waste deodorant doesn’t stain clothes?

Clear deodorants are best if you’re concerned about stained clothes (it’s always those dark shirts!). However, if you get deodorant on your clothes, one quick solution is to use nylon tights to rub the stained fabric. 

Why Trust A Clean Bee

Nageen Mir is a St. Louis-based writer who has contributed to A Clean Bee on sustainable living topics since 2022. In this article, she gathered and researched plastic-free deodorant options to recommend to you. She used A Clean Bee’s philosophy, selection criteria, and her personal experience with various products to develop her recommendations. 

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