Simply speaking, a sustainable deodorant is similar to a traditional deodorant in that it’s designed to combat sweat and smelliness, but without the chemical nasties or environmental damage. It will use natural ingredients to allow the body to sweat as normal while absorbing moisture and masking odour (although it’s worth remembering that sweat itself doesn’t actually smell – you only get that musty funkiness once the sweat been exposed to air and gets old).

They come in spray, stick and even balm varieties (but never aerosols) and are far kinder to the environment in terms of their packaging, with refillable formats and easily-recyclable metal containers taking precedent over problematic plastic.

Overall, they’re designed to have a much more positive impact on the planet, and the really sustainable ones will align with ethy's six pillars of sustainability: stable climate, clean planet, animal welfare and biodiversity, resource usage, thriving communities and healthy people.

Always look for evidence and proof such as certification or accreditation of sustainable practices. 

What is a sustainable deodorant?

The short answer to this is: yes! Individual reviewers, consumer champions such as 

 all agree that sustainable deodorants are effective at keeping their promise to tackle odour.

After years and years of smothering our sweat glands with synthetic chemicals, our bodies do need something of an adjustment period. 

The sudden absence of ingredients like aluminium and parabens means that at the outset you might experience a little more sweating or smelliness – this is your body essentially going through a deodorant detox as it purges the toxins and chemicals it’s been harbouring for such a long time.

You might assume that it’s the natural deodorant at fault, but it’s simply the adjustment, so stick with it!

You can help manage the detox process by:

Taking warm baths and showers or sauna to encourage sweating

Wearing loose sleeves and breathable fabrics

Keeping natural deodorant wipes close by to tackle any sweatiness on the go

Do sustainable deodorants work?

There are lots of options on the market, which is great news for the planet – this means the industry is slowly shifting in a more sustainable direction.
Below are some of our favourite sustainable deodorant brands creating products that help keep you fresh and clean without causing a stink for the planet.

What are the best sustainable deodorant brands?

Sustainability is at the forefront of Raw Nature’s product development. Their clean, toxic-free formulations harness the power of 100% natural ingredients for a safe body care experience, designed to leave you smelling great and feeling confident throughout the day.
Raw Nature is taking action for a cleaner planet, responsible resource usage as well as protecting animals through vegan, cruelty-free and waterless formulations that are packaged entirely plastic-free.

They also work to better their community through various charitable initiatives in New Zealand where the brand was born.

RAW NATURE

Wild is completely reinventing the idea of sustainable deodorant with its innovative refillable applicator made from durable aluminium in four eye-catching colours. Its compostable, plastic-free refills are made from vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, and are available in six fresh scents.

Starting from £12, with refills on subscription from £5 per refill. 

WILD

Kutis believes the natural world provides everything we need for our skin, so its small-batch, hand-poured deodorants are made of only the finest ethically-sourced ingredients. Packaged in cardboard, these deodorants come in a variety of essential oil blends for beautifully-smelling odour-fighting properties.

KUTIS

Pit Putty is switching things up with fresh, natural deodorants in balm and stick formats. Completely plastic-free, handmade in the UK and 100% vegan, Pit Putty’s deodorants are available in five gorgeous scents, as well as a completely fragrance-free option. The company also offers and 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.

Balms priced at £8.99, sticks at £9.99.

PIT PUTTY

On a mission to create the ultimate natural deodorant, The Natural Deodorant Co has created beautiful deodorant creams that are 100% natural and free from preservatives, alcohol, artificial fragrance and palm oil – and they’re registered with the vegan society. Apply once for 24 hours of protection and freshness.

Deodorant creams priced at £12.50 each, or trial them first with a plastic-free mini, from £4.

THE NATURAL EARTH DEODORANT CO.

Made from natural and organic ingredients, and 100% plastic free, deodorants from Earth Conscious come in balm or stick formats in a range of citrus, floral and minty fragrances. Based on the Isle of Wight, Earth Conscious donates a percentage of every sale to the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity for the protection of seas, shores and wildlife.

Deodorant sticks and balms priced at £7 each.

EARTH CONSCIOUS

Deodorant has been a mainstay for most of us since our teenage years. We all know that sweating is a completely natural process, but deodorant helps us to feel fresh and smell clean, which is an important part of self-care for many people.

However, while the products we’ve come to rely on are good for stopping the stink, they’re not so great for our bodies, or even the planet. Traditional antiperspirant deodorants work by blocking pores to prevent sweating with chemicals like aluminium and parabens. These are often linked to health concerns such as breast cancer, and although there’s no conclusive evidence that this is the case, they can lead to dryness and rashes, as well as staining on clothing. And in aerosol form, they’re toxic to the environment.

Then you’ve got the packaging side of things. 

The deodorant industry produces a whopping 6.8 million kilograms of plastic waste every year

, much of which ends up in landfill or marine environments.

But in the past few years, the deodorant industry has seen a significant shift. A raft of eco-conscious brands have launched altogether more sustainable deodorant options, while existing personal care companies have made changes to their formulations or packaging to try to mitigate the impact of their products.


Armpit Detox: Sustainable Deodorant Wins Hands Down

Your guide to which plastic and chemical free brands are proving better for the armpit as well as our planet.

It’s actually quite simple! As long as the 

tea comes from organic tea leaves, no pesticides have been used, there is a fair and direct relationship with the farmers, and last but definitely not least - sustainable and eco friendly packaging is being used. 

We won’t name and shame them, but there are a lot of big brand tea companies out there who will put their own profits over sustainability.

Workers at a tea plantation in western Kenya, Africa, 2018. 

Unsustainable tea companies use excessive amounts of pesticides on the crops for pest control, which can lead to the fertility of the soil being heavily affected. As well as this, some of these companies who claim to use “natural flavours”, are far from natural whatsoever. These “natural” blends may taste natural, but are in fact created in labs. How crazy, and deceiving is that?

By supporting tea brands that source their tea sustainably, from smaller independent farmers who focus on keeping the soil, and the environment around them, as healthy as possible, we can avoid being misled into buying a product that is actually not natural or sustainable at all. Do your research before buying!

Forager Health Balance: A floral blend packed full of Vitamin C to support a healthy immune system. Designed to help balance and regulate hormones.

So, what makes tea sustainable?

 is a leading international sustainability non-profit organisation that works in partnership with business, government and civil society to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable future.

In 2013, Forum for the Future created a campaign called 

. The project involves companies and individuals across the tea industry, from pickers and packers to producers and purchasers, coming together to solve tea’s sustainability issues by the year 2030.

What does the future hold for sustainable tea?

Forager Health is committed to making sure that their ingredients have been obtained in a responsible and sustainable way. Being ethically sourced, means that all employees involved with the production of the teas are paid fairly, and that the gathering of ingredients is done responsibly - by not using pesticides, not damaging the surrounding environment, and not using excess water to clean the tea leaves.

Tea has to be kept in great packaging to ensure its freshness and long shelf life. That’s why Forager Health uses ziploc compostable pouches that are starch lined and ideal for tea, in a sustainable and eco friendly manner. The paper used has a 100% plastic free, heat sealable lining, providing a strong water and moisture seal.

Forager Health Anxiety blend: A great way to relax and unwind. Packed with adaptogenic ingredients to help you increase resistance against stress.

3. Plastic free tea bags, made by NASA Corporation

Wait, what? Yes, in January 2020 NASA Corporation launched NeoSoilon®.
NeoSoilon® is a 

 sugar cane. PLA (polylactic acid) is a polymer resin made by the lactic fermentation of glucose which is derived from corn starch. Non-GMO is a non-genetically modified organism, like a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has NOT been modified in a laboratory. These tea bags are also home compostable, within 6-8 weeks!

More information about this revolutionising technology can be found 

 of plastic being wasted globally on a yearly basis, and 

 of that plastic being used in packaging (which is opened once and then discarded), it is essential that we choose to shop from companies who use the least amount of plastic possible.

From tea bags, to packaging, to labels, to shipping boxes, to packaging tape and leaflets, there is absolutely no plastic whatsoever coming near you when you buy from Forager Health.

Forager Heath has been awarded ethy accreditation for their commitment to a clean planet, healthy people, thriving communities and responsible resource usage and production.

More companies need to lead by example, as environmentally friendly products and packaging become a mandatory decision for all modern day business owners.

“Sustainability is treating ourselves and our environment as if we are to live on this earth forever” 

What makes Forager Health sustainable?

Recently, we sat down with the ethy accredited member and London based, plastic free and sustainable tea company 

, to find out what a sustainable tea brand looks like, and the importance of one.

Forager Health founders Sam and Niall enjoying a cup of their sustainable tea blend. 

tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world

, this is a prime example as to why consuming sustainable tea is so important - not only for our health, but for the planet’s, and the humble, hard working farmers who pick our tea leaves.

What is sustainable tea?

Find out what a sustainable tea brand looks like, and the importance of one.

Brands that are contributing to a stable climate are being proactive about measuring their impact, setting targets and actively reducing their emissions. This includes initiatives such as aiming for or achieving carbon neutral status, using renewable energy and investing in reputable carbon offsets.

Look out for these ethy trust marks which indicate a brand is accredited in this area: 

1. Stable Climate

We’re all about a clean planet with a flourishing ecosystem. Achieving this means using fewer plastics and exploring innovative new ways to package products, so brands that are contributing to a clean planet put recycling, composting, upcycling and waste reduction right at the top of their agendas.

Look out for these ethy trust marks which indicate a brand is accredited in this area:

2. Clean Planet

We need to be smarter about the way we use the Earth’s resources and approach development in a way that maintains sustainable balance. This means using water mindfully, keeping supply chains local and embracing a circular economy so we get the most benefit and value out of everything we use.

3. Responsible Resource Usage and Production

Healthy people make a healthy planet. Socially-responsible businesses making strides in this area will be focused on the health and wellbeing of their customers and providing products that support healthy lifestyles and contribute to public health as a whole. Think natural, organic ingredients.

4. Healthy People

Businesses can be a real force for good when they support the communities that operate throughout their supply chains. From social enterprises and cooperatives, to brands championing Fairtrade and the Living Wage, we believe all businesses have a responsibility to give back to society.

5. Thriving Communities

To create a truly sustainable world then we need to consider the wildlife that we share the planet with. This means transitioning to a greener way of doing things that respects our animal friends and supports ecosystems, habitats and thriving biodiversity. Brands working hard to protect the interests of wildlife will be vegan friendly, cruelty free and proactive about protecting natural environments.

6. Protecting Biodiversity and Animal Welfare

Explore ethy verified sustainable brands below

Most of us want to live a little more sustainably, but there are lots of factors to consider when you’re trying to make good choices for people and the planet. Plastic, carbon emissions, animal welfare, workers’ rights… It can be hard to know what to look out for.

And let’s be honest, a lot of the language around sustainability is quite bleak. We talk about ‘harm’, ‘damage’, ‘waste’ and ‘consequences’, so how can we get excited about a cleaner, greener tomorrow and actively choose good products when everything sounds so depressing?

Typically, if we focus on something, we get more of that, and we don't want more climate change, we want a stable climate, a clean planet, equality, and good health.

So, instead, we asked - what should we focus on to have the most impact right now? Which actions would help to make a sustainable future a reality?

This is why we created six overall sustainability paths to lead us into a sustainable future. It is how we can turn the negative narrative on its head and it starts with the way we talk.

For example, instead of climate change, we want to aim for a stable climate. So, let’s start asking ourselves, our community and brands around us - how can we create a stable climate?

This positive outlook is reflected in the language of our accreditation system for brands, which covers what we think are the most important areas of sustainability. These six areas of optimism – which we call our paths – will be vital if we’re to achieve a truly sustainable future.

Look out for our ethy trust marks which make it easy for brands to illustrate their accreditation and good green efforts in these areas. Trust marks help you see at-a-glance how the products you choose are making a meaningful difference – with no negativity in sight!

Six things to look for when you’re shopping sustainably

Find out how to turn the tide on climate anxiety inducing talk and inspire positive action and empowerment in our everyday lives instead. 

'For every bit of every body' is the ethos of grüum: an inclusive skincare and haircare brand made for everyone, regardless of age, gender or race. Based on Scandinavian ideals, grüum's range of products and formulations are designed for purpose, both in terms of high-performance and consideration for the environment. 

From Razors & Shaving Products to Skincare & Haircare, grüum's products don't distinguish between male and female. Their One Range for All is entirely cruelty-free and centered on natural ingredients, free from EDTA, parabens, artificial colours or other harmful chemicals. grüum also boast the UK’s very first razor cartridge recycling scheme, whereby customers can return used razor cartridges for recycling.

The majority of products are made here in the UK by their climate positive workforce. grüum is also an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer, ensuring a fair and sufficient wage for its entire workforce.

To further minimise their environmental footprint, grüum also offer an extensive range of plastic-free products and is also accredited 'plastic neutral' by RePurpose. Orders are delivered in cardboard packaging which is full recyclable.

grüum

For every bit of every body

Today's picks

A detailed explanation of refillable product(s) and refill system.

Brands can provide links to refillable products or visual evidence of their in store refill system. 

The company manufactures or sells (at least one) refillable products alongside an accessible way to refill these, or has set up and operates a refill system.

A brand or store can enable customers to refill their own containers by selling refillable products.

Refillable Products

The company operates a refill system or provides (at least one) refillable product(s) alongside an accessible way to refill these, designed to reduce the production and use of single-use plastics and other resources.

Clean Planet

Cruelty-free certification from a reputable third party.

The company is certified as cruelty-free by a reputable third party, demonstrating a commitment on behalf of the company and its suppliers, to not test ingredients, formulations or products on animals.

Cruelty Free

The company and its suppliers abide by cruelty free principles, meaning they ensure that no products, ingredients or components are ever tested on animals.

Protecting Biodiversity and Animal Welfare

Documentation demonstrating compliance with standards set out in EN 13432

Substantial percentage (51%+) of a brand's packaging must meet the industrially compostable criteria.

Materials undergo at least 90% biodegradation within 6 months in an industrial facility in the presence of oxygen, microorganisms and high temperatures (50–60°C).

Industrially Compostable

The brand manufactures or sells products or packaging that are industrially compostable, meaning these materials will degrade in an industrial compost environment.

Documented evidence of how the company empowers employees to live more sustainably.

The company has implemented a minimum of three of the below policies to empower employees to live and work more sustainably:

Support employees to choose active and low carbon travel.

Flexible work from home options for employees.

Implement and promotes a plant-based, healthy food policy.

Review estate landscapes to improve spaces for employees and clients.

Employees are trained about climate action and environmental policies.

Employees are empowered to reduce carbon and resource use.

Climate responsibility is written into employee job descriptions.

Employees are encouraged to bring ideas about sustainability to management.

Offers a cycle to work scheme for employees.

Empowered Employees

The company takes action to empower its employees to be happier, healthier and live more sustainably.

Thriving Communities

Visual or documented evidence of water efficient mechanisms and processes.

Links to products or services that are designed to ensure water efficiency.

The company has implemented a minimum of two of the below policies to minimise the wastage of water:

Installation of low flow taps and systems

Captures & recycles greywater in manufacturing systems

Redesigned products or services to be more water efficient

Water Efficient

The company is taking measurable steps to reduce the amount of water used and wasted.

Responsible Resource Usage and Production

Certification or documentation from a relevant organisation to demonstrate compliance with the above standard. E.g. OK compost HOME; Europe: prEN 17427 (2020) - Packaging.

Substantial percentage ( 51%+) of a brand's packaging or products must meet the home compostable criteria.

Home compostable materials undergo 90% degradation after 12 months at ambient temperature, in the presence of microorganisms and oxygen, in a domestic composting unit.

Home Compostable

The brand manufactures or sells products or packaging that are home compostable, meaning these materials will compost into soil at lower temperatures. Therefore these products or packaging are suitable for the compost heap at people’s homes.

Full list of ingredients, components or materials used for all products that are labelled as vegan.

Products specified as vegan are free from ingredients derived from animals – including honey, collagen, albumen, carmine, cholesterol and gelatin, keratin, lanolin, silk protein and beeswax.

The company must clearly label which products are vegan.

Vegan products must make up a minimum of 30% of the company’s offering. For example, if the company has 10 products on offer, at least 3 of them must be vegan.

The company has not already received ethy's 100% Vegan trust mark.

Vegan Friendly

The company offers a selection of 100% vegan products. Products specified as vegan do not contain any ingredient or component derived from animals, which applies also to the packaging and production process.

Copies of the company's commercial EPC certificates for all company premises.

The company's offices, workspaces, factories or physical stores hold a valid commercial EPC certification.

All EPC certifications have been graded B or above - meaning they have achieved a high level of energy efficiency.

Energy Efficient

The company is taking measured steps to reduce its energy use across company premises.

Stable Climate

Full list of ingredients used in any waterless product formula.

The product(s) must be an alternative to conventional products that most often contain water.

Products that the company labels as waterless, must be formulated without any water, though they may contain other liquids as a base.

Waterless Products

The company offers water-free alternatives to conventional products that most often contain water.

Detailed breakdown of how the brand practises a circular economy model.

The brand has implemented a circular business model that is designed to keep products and materials in use to reduce the amount of waste and pollution created. This can be a full business model or within a part of your operations e.g. closed loop supply chain with collection service; service for consumers to return and reuse of those materials, etc.

The activities are planned to be ongoing long-term, or at least minimum of next 12 months.


Circular Economy

The brand has implemented a circular business model that is designed to keep products and materials in use to reduce the amount of waste and pollution created.

Existing certification of Social Enterprise status by Social Enterprise UK, Social Enterprise Mark CIC, or alike.

If the organisation can provide evidence that they have met all of ethy’s Social Enterprise criteria for the past 12 months and do not hold an existing certification, then they can choose to provide the below proof to gain ethy’s Social Enterprise trust mark.

Governing documents (such as Memorandum and Articles of Association, SCIO Constitution, Trust Deed or other company Rules available in the public domain) which include the overarching social aims that the organisation is working towards achieving and rules on distributing at least half of annual profits towards achieving the social purpose.

Persons of Significant Control registrations, Shareholding Statements.

Company’s annual accounts and supporting statements.

Up to date (published within the last 12 months) social impact report with outcomes delivered for a minimum of 12 month period.


The organisation has set a defined primary social and/or environmental purpose, which means they are supporting the community in overcoming a need or a challenge.

The organisation must operate independently from the public sector or other corporate interests such as part or whole ownership by other companies with different interests.

The organisation reinvests or gives away 50% or more of any annual profits made towards achieving the social purpose.

The organisation obtains 50% or more of its income from trade.

The organisation is actively working towards and achieving the set social objectives, monitoring, evaluating and setting new targets.

The organisation is transparent about their purpose and activities through a social impact report​​ (published within the last 12 months) with outcomes delivered for a minimum of 12 month period.

Unincorporated organisations and start-up organisations (<24 months) are not eligible.


Social Enterprise

An organisation with a primarily social purpose, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners. They reinvest or donate at least half of their profits to support the community in overcoming a need or a challenge.

Fair trade certification from fair trade standards auditors / accreditors such as: FLOCERT, The Fairtrade Foundation, Fairtrade International, Fair For Life, Naturland Fair

Or proof of membership as a Fair Trade Enterprise of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).

The brand holds a valid certification, membership or licence that demonstrates that the products that they manufacture and/or sell have been sourced from a fair trade supply chain and are fair trade certified.

Fair Trade Certified

The products are sourced from a verified fair trade supply chain and are fair trade verified.

Specification of the components of packaging which are recycled.

Information on where the recycled materials are sourced from, e.g. ocean plastic, post consumer waste, etc.

Supporting evidence in the form of a letter from the recycling manufacturer or alike.

Minimum 51% of the brand’s primary product packaging has been made from recycled materials.

Minimum 96% of the packaging material is recycled.

Applies to primary packaging only. This is the packaging in direct contact with the product itself.

Empowering you to act for a sustainable future

1k+

10k+

Discover how-to guides and inspiration to live sustainably

Armpit Detox: Sustainable Deodorant Wins Hands Down

What is sustainable tea?

Six things to look for when you’re shopping sustainably

Sustainable shopping at your fingertips

Your daily dose of eco-swap inspiration

grüum

What can you do as an individual?

Discover sustainable accredited brands

Stay informed

Join the team

Does your brand take sustainability seriously?