When I first started switching to more eco-friendly products, deodorant felt like one of the biggest challenges. Almost every brand came in a thick plastic tube, and I knew most of that plastic would end up in the bin. One day, after finishing my usual deodorant, I scooped out the tiny leftover bit at the bottom and weighed the empty tube. It came to 36 grams of plastic—all for something I would throw away every few weeks. That moment pushed me to look for better options.
So I decided to test five zero waste vegan deodorants to see if they could actually work in everyday life. Nothing fancy. Just normal days, morning showers, cotton T-shirts, and regular routines. No extreme workouts. No complicated systems. Just honest testing.
Seb, my partner, agreed to help too. He tried each deodorant once because, as he likes to say, he values “convenience above all else.” So you’ll get two perspectives: one from someone patient and curious (me!) and one from someone who wants things to be quick and easy (Seb).
Here’s what we found.
⭐ 1. Native (Plastic Free)
Native is everywhere online, so I was excited to try it. The deodorant feels smooth and goes on clear. But you have to push it up from the bottom of a paper tube, and the product isn’t attached. That means it can fall out if held upside down. I had no accidents, but it felt possible.
Seb didn’t love it. When the bathroom got damp, the tube softened and the lid wouldn’t close well. He also felt the deodorant tugged at his armpit hair.
Lasts: about 10.7 weeks
Value: mid-range
Vegan: yes
Cruelty-free: yes
⭐ 2. Attitude Natural Care
Attitude’s deodorant comes in a sturdy cardboard tube and feels thicker, almost like a paste. It works well and lasts through the day, but I used a lot of product—about 18 grams in one week. That’s much more than the other brands.
Seb found it sticky and said it pulled on his hair.
Lasts: around 4.7 weeks
Value: more expensive over time
Vegan: yes
Cruelty-free: yes
⭐ 3. Schmidt’s (Glass Jar)
Schmidt’s comes in a glass jar with a tiny spatula. You scoop out the deodorant, warm it between your fingers, and apply. In warm places, it melts smoothly. In colder places, like where I tested it, it was crumbly and left a film on my fingers.
But it works extremely well and you only use 2 grams a week. Very long-lasting.
Seb didn’t like the extra step. He prefers a quick swipe-and-go style.
Lasts: about 28 weeks
Value: excellent
Vegan: certified
Cruelty-free: certified
⭐ 4. Ethique (Solid Bar)
Ethique won me over almost immediately. The bar glides on easily, feels light, and leaves very little residue on my hands. The only challenge is carrying it when traveling—you’ll need a small tin or container.
Seb found it a bit dry and didn’t love the feel on his hands, but he admitted it worked well.
Lasts: around 35 weeks
Value: best overall
Vegan: certified
Cruelty-free: certified
⭐ 5. Ben & Anna
Ben & Anna’s tube feels strong and the deodorant stays firmly in place. Application feels dry and clean. But the cardboard tube does not love moisture. If you keep it in a damp bathroom, the edges soften.
Seb found the packaging too delicate and didn’t enjoy the texture.
Lasts: about 12 weeks
Value: moderate
Vegan: certified
Cruelty-free: certified
🌿 Our Top Pick
After weeks of testing, Ethique was the clear winner. It lasts the longest, gives the best value, has excellent sustainability credentials, and arrives in plastic-free packaging. For me, the tiny inconvenience of holding the bar is worth the planet-friendly benefits.
💭 What to Expect When Switching to Zero Waste
If you’re trying zero waste vegan deodorants for the first time, here are some friendly tips:
- The application may feel different at first. That’s okay.
- Keep paper tubes away from water.
- Apply only when your armpits are dry.
- Climate matters — some formulas soften in hot weather.
- A small tin or waterproof pouch helps when traveling.
- Buying directly from companies usually reduces plastic shipping waste.
Switching may take a little patience, but the environmental impact is worth it.
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Let’s Discuss!
Do you have a favourite zero waste vegan deodorant?
Have questions about one of the brands we tried?
Want us to test another one?
Share your thoughts in the comments. We love hearing from you!
