Posts by Emma Håkansson

The Best Sustainable Deodorants for You and the Planet (2025)

woman putting on non-toxic, sustainable deodorant

With all sorts of claims that some deodorant ingredients cause breast cancer and other serious illness, problems like animal testing, non-recyclable packaging and ineffective ingredients, finding the right sustainable deodorant for you and the planet can be tough. Luckily, we’ve broken down what you need to look out for, and which deodorants we love most.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us! Cover Image: Wild

Does deodorant cause breast cancer or other diseases?

If you've ever read about the potential health impacts of deodorant and antiperspirant (the two are in fact different, as only the latter actually blocks sweat, the former just masks smell), you might feel quite alarmed by the supposed risks. A quick Google can tell you that your deodorant will give you breast cancer, Alzheimer's, kidney disease, and other frightening illnesses. But are these claims backed up by science?

Peer-reviewed, scientific sources tell us that in the case of breast cancer, Alzheimer's and kidney disease alike, even conventional deodorant use is likely not linked to the development of these diseases or that results are inconclusive. It is recognised that further research is needed in the area – so there's nothing stopping you from erring on the side of caution – but that with the studies done up until today, no clear, causal link is found.

What ingredients should you avoid in your deodorant?

If you want to avoid the ingredients in question here, they are aluminum and parabens. Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants, as they create a temporary 'plug,' which stops the flow of sweat from sweat ducts to the surface of your skin. Frequent application of aluminum-based products to the armpit, which is close to the breast, can lead to absorption into the skin. This absorption may have hormonal effects that contribute to the growth of breast cancer cells. So the logic around potential links between aluminum and other diseases is the same – absorption is the risk. There is also some fear that temporarily blocking the ability to sweat means temporarily losing the ability to release toxins – but lymph nodes, which are not connected to sweat glands, are responsible for this.

Similar concerns relate to parabens, which do have weak estrogen-like properties. But, again, there is no conclusive evidence that aluminum or parabens at the levels they exist in deodorant causes these diseases. Some people are concerned, though, that it is the build-up of aluminum and parabens across their skincare regime and diet that creates risk. This is particularly relevant for parabens, which manufacturers widely use in cosmetics, food, shampoo, and skincare products. If you're concerned about them, you can avoid these ingredients when you see them listed on deodorants and other products.

Is all deodorant vegan and cruelty-free?

When we talk about the deodorant that is best for us and the planet, we need to consider the other living beings here with us. Many deodorants are still tested on animals. Animal testing of deodorant isn’t simply putting some roll-on in the underarm of a rabbit, but smearing the ingredients and chemicals used in deodorants onto their shaved bare skin, and into their eyes.

Perhaps the most upsetting form of animal testing is the acute oral toxicity test, where rats are forced to swallow a substance until they become incredibly sick and ultimately die. The purpose of this test is to see how long it takes for half of the exposed animals to die within 14 days of swallowing the substance. Unfortunately, this is all too common in the personal hygiene and cosmetics industry.

What’s more, not all deodorant is vegan. Some deodorant contains gelatin – made from boiled animal skin, tendons and bones, while others may contain beeswax, animal-derived glycerine made of animal fat (vegan glycerine from vegetable oil fortunately exists too), and other unappealing and cruel ingredients.

For those wanting to avoid supporting all of the above mentioned cruelty to animals, there are a huge range of vegan and animal-testing free certified deodorants available.

How does deodorant packaging impact the planet?

It’s estimated that 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging is produced every year. Unfortunately, a large amount of this packaging is not able to be recycled, ending up in landfill, or if not properly disposed of, the ocean.

The health of the planet and our personal health are completely intertwined. While personal hygiene, skincare and makeup companies must take responsibility for the impact of their products and use more sustainable and even reusable packaging, we have a part to play, too.

Today, there are deodorant brands that sell refillable roll-ons, which use glass packaging that is more valuable in recycling systems, and even compostable packaging. These are great options to choose.

For a topic as simple as deodorant, a lot of concerning points have been raised here! Luckily, it’s not so hard to avoid all of these concerns, while staying fresh as a daisy. Here are some of our favourite natural, aluminium and paraben free, vegan, animal-testing free, and sustainably packaged deodorants – they sure tick a lot of boxes!

Our Top Picks for Non-Toxic, yet effective, Sustainable Deodorant:

sustainable deodorant from Wild that is refillable and non toxic

1. Wild

Price: $15 (case and refill) or $6 (refill)

This deodorant features a refillable design, delivering refills directly to your door. It comes in a durable metal case meant to last a lifetime, promoting reuse and easy recycling. Plus, the refills are packaged in compostable materials.

Wild's deodorant formula is safe and has undergone rigorous testing. Many people love it, so you can confidently enjoy its refreshing scents!

Shop Wild Refillable Deodorant

aluminum-free sustainable deodorant from attitude

2. Attitude

Price: $12.95

This brand is EWG Verified, so you can feel confident knowing their ingredients are safe for your skin! All their deodorants are plastic-free, aluminum-free, formulated with natural-based ingredients, and optimized to perform.

Attitude proudly showcases their Vegan Certification and uses zero-waste packaging made from FSC-certified biodegradable cardboard. They have many different scents for you to choose from, as well!

Shop Attitude Aluminum-Free Deodorant

3. Native

Price: $13

This brand offers an effective, plastic-free deodorant in gorgeous scents like coconut and vanilla, cucumber and mint, aloe and green tea, as well as an unscented option.

Native's deodorant comes in paperboard packaging and is vegan and free from animal testing. Thanks to ingredients like coconut oil for smoothness, baking soda, shea butter, and tapioca starch, it works wonderfully to keep you smelling fresh.

Shop Native Plastic-Free Deodorant

4. Ethique

Price: $14

Ethique’s vegan deodorant is a revolutionary product for those who value sustainable self-care. It’s plastic-free, aluminum-free, and made from natural ingredients, ensuring you stay fresh while sticking to your values.

The solid stick format is easy to use and comes in compostable packaging, perfect for reducing waste while staying odor-free all day.

Shop Ethique Skin-Friendly Deodorants

5. by Humankind

Price: $10 (container) $12 (refill)

Humankind offers refillable containers of their self-proclaimed "most advanced natural deodorant," with scents like rosemary and mint, lemongrass, and lavender and citrus.

This formula is ethically crafted, avoiding aluminum and parabens, and it stands firmly against any form of animal cruelty. By Humankind not only prioritizes the inner goodness of the product but also earns points for its strong aesthetics.

Shop by Humankind Natural Deodorant

6. PiperWai

Price: $18

You apply this deodorant cream by rubbing it in your hands before melting it into your pits. It comes in packaging made from plastic recovered from the ocean.

PiperWai uses ocean waste plastic for their packaging, reducing carbon emissions and protecting marine life. It’s 100% recyclable, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from potentially concerning ingredients.

Shop PiperWai Natural Deodorant

the best natural, non-toxic and sustainable deodorant brands pinterest image

About the Author
Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

Animal Protection in the Fashion Industry

When we talk about ethical fashion, not only should we consider the people who make our clothes, but also the non-human animals who are impacted by the fashion industry – whether they are farmed, killed, or endangered by clothing production. If you’re new to these considerations, let’s go through some of the issues facing animals in the fashion industry.

Non-human animals (as opposed to humans, because we’re animals too!), share this planet with us, but sometimes we can forget that, and consider this just ‘our’ planet. Too, when we talk about ethics in fashion, sometimes our thoughts are – while critical to creating a fairer fashion industry – human-centric. Total ethics fashion prioritizes the wellbeing of all animals, both human and non-human, before profit. But what issues do other animals face in the fashion industry? First, let’s talk about animals who are slaughtered specifically and primarily for fashion.

Killing for Fashion

A number of animals are killed solely or primarily for the sake of fashion industry products and profit. These include fur-bearing animals like raccoon dogs, minks, muskrats, chinchillas, foxes, coyotes and so on, who are both confined to factory-farm cages, and trapped and shot in their natural habitat.

Many reptiles with supposedly ‘exotic’ skin are also killed for fashion, such as alligators, crocodiles, snakes and lizards. The skins of these animals are usually sold to some of the wealthiest people around the world, at an shockingly steep price. For example, Australia’s native saltwater crocodiles have lived on their indigenous land for at least 100 million years, alongside the Larrakia people who consider crocodiles their totem, ‘Dungalaba’. Despite this, more of these reptiles live in cages and concrete pits owned by and supplying Hermès and Louis Vuitton, among others, than in their natural habitat. Killed at a tiny fraction of their lifespan, bags made from their skin sell for tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Other animals killed primarily for fashion include ostriches, and kangaroos – with their skins most commonly used for bags and boots, especially football boots, in the case of kangaroos. If you’re seeking to protect animals through your fashion choices, avoiding wearing any of these animals is a simple way to do that. Luckily, there are innovative alternatives to all of these materials!

Killed in Fashion Supply Chains as ‘Co-Products’

It’s increasingly mainstream to believe animals should not be killed specifically for fashion – as we’ve seen through the number of brands, local governments and even countries banning fur, as well as some ‘exotic skins’. But what about animals who are killed in fashion supply chains, but who are a part of other supply chains, too?

Take cattle skins for example, which are the most commonly used in leather production. These skins are co-products of the meat and dairy industries. This means that these skins are valuable, sold for profit to the fashion industry. However, in many instances the flesh of these animals, sold as beef burgers, mince and steaks are more profitable.

The fact that leather is a co-product of the meat industry – as non live-plucked down, sheep skins and a lot of wool are too – is often used as an argument to continue to wear these materials, without concern for these animals. The reasoning here is that ‘so long as meat is being eaten, there will be skins and feathers to wear, so we may as well not waste them’.

The problem with this argument though, is that it fails to consider the economic value of these industries. The leather industry is valued at around $128 billion USD. When individual slaughterhouses are unable to sell skins – sometimes due to the popularity of leather alternatives – multi-million dollar losses are recorded. By buying leather we help to fund the meat industry, allowing for it to thrive. If everyone stopped buying leather, the meat industry would suffer financially, likely forcing it to reduce in size – in turn resulting in less animals being killed (and less greenhouse gasses being emitted).

Supporting animal protection means avoiding the needless slaughter of thinking, feeling animals – this is the logic behind bans on fur. It’s worth considering that this same support ought to be given to animals who are killed in a system which brings in profits for both the fashion and food industries alike. We can show this support by opting for more totally ethical materials like those that are vintage, bio-based leather alternatives, plant-based wool alternatives, and recycled down alternatives.

Farmed Animals Facing Cruelty

If we look further back into fashion’s supply chains, past slaughterhouses, we find ourselves at farms – whether that looks like a green field or a dank factory-farm. In both of these settings, animals are routinely and legally exploited and mutilated.

For example, cattle in leather supply chains often have their horns cut off, or burned from their skull, without pain relief. Many sheep in the wool industry face mulesing – where the skin around the backside is sliced off – and almost all sheep have their tails cut off or otherwise severed. Cashmere goats have been known to cry out as sharp-toothed metal combs rip through their hair, and alpacas have even been documented vomiting in stress as they are tied down for shearing. Ducks exploited for feather down – even if they are protected from live-plucking – are often denied water to float and bathe in, resulting in debilitating disability. Some are even caged and force-fed, tied up in the foie gras industry.

The reason this is all possible is a confronting one: around the world, laws which genuinely protect farmed animals are near non-existent. Even in countries with supposedly ‘high animal welfare laws’, farmed animals are often specifically exempt from protection. In America, Australia and the United Kingdom for example, cruelty to animals exploited in the fashion (and food) industry is legalized if it is deemed ‘necessary’ or ‘standard’.

Animals, like us, not only deserve to live their lives, but to live them happily and healthily. Unfortunately, most animal supply chains are lacking in transparency, and even certifications which claim to ensure higher standards of welfare and reduced cruelty to animals often fall far short of their promise. So long as cruelty to animals is legal and standard to the production of animal-derived materials, these materials won’t align with efforts for total animal protection.

While this might be distressing, it’s worth keeping in mind that people all around the world are working to change laws and gain protections for animals, so that they can be recognised as sentient, and be kept safe, and able to enjoy their freedom.

Wildlife and fashion

While some wild animals are slaughtered and transformed into fashion objects – like snakes made into wallets and coyotes into fur-trimmed jackets – other free-living, native animals are impacted by fashion too. Let’s talk about biodiversity loss.

The more land-intensive a material is, the higher the risk of biodiversity destruction associated with its production. Basically, this means that the making of some materials requires much more land than others, and because of this, more native and unique vegetation needs to be cleared for the sake of production. The problem with this, is that animals living in that vegetation – in bushlands, grasslands, forests and other ecosystems – then lose their homes. And when animals lose their habitats, they generally don’t just move, they die. Habitat destruction is the primary cause of species extinction around the world.

So, which materials are most land-intensive, and which protect native animals better? Interestingly, it’s normally materials made from farmed animals that require the most land, in turn also harming wild animals. For example, far more cotton and hemp can be grown on the same amount of land as wool ever could be – did you know that producing one bale of Australian wool (where most wool is from) instead of cotton requires 367 times more land? What’s more, when we look to leather-like materials, we can produce far more pineapples to feed people and create leather alternative materials than we can leather from cow skins on the same land. The same is true of cacti, cork and other building blocks of leather alternatives.

How We Can Help to Protect Animals Through What We Wear

The first, most obvious and impactful way that we can protect animals is to not wear them. When we do this, we avoid all potential suffering, exploitation and slaughter of animals that is so often wrapped up in the production of animal-derived materials. But there are other ways we can help, too!

Buy less clothes. Even if you are buying animal-free clothing, all clothing has an impact on native, free-living animals because all clothing production has an environmental impact. Our current fast fashion system relentlessly takes from the Earth without replenishing it, resulting in the destruction of ecosystems, the warming of our climate, and other environmental impacts which harm all animals – humans and non-humans. Slowing down fashion is the solution for so many of fashion’s problems.
Choose pre-loved clothes first. Even if you want to buy new clothes, you don’t necessarily need to be taking more from the planet, and in turn, animals living here with us. Buying existing clothes is a great way to keep fashion circular, and less harmful.
Get involved in education and impact campaigns which help people learn more about the use of animals in the fashion industry, and which seek to reduce the amount of harm the fashion industry causes to them. We won’t buy our way to a more ethical fashion system, but we can use our voices to get involved!

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT to find SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Browse Our Sustainable Brand Directory

The Best Zero-Waste, Cruelty-Free and Vegan Beauty Brands

Coloring your lips with the perfect red, painting a wing along your lash line, adding a warm glow to your cheeks or experimenting with playful eyeshadow tones can be fun, confidence-boosting and expressive. At the same time, so many cosmetics companies aren’t exactly known for their protection of the planet and those living on it, so it can be tough to make ourselves up without feeling a little ethically compromised. To remedy these troubles, learn what brands are vegan and cruelty-free…

What’s zero-waste makeup, and why’s it matter?

In 2018, some 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging were produced around the globe. Most beauty packaging is made of virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels and largely unrecyclable. Most cosmetics don’t even come with the details we see printed and embossed onto other plastics, which help with effective recycling.

This is a massive problem, as we need to stop mining for fossil fuels, and while just 6% of global plastics are recycled, 275 million tonnes of plastic is wasted each year. That’s as much plastic as the weight of over 4.3 million heavy commercial airplanes. Potentially, some 100,000 tonnes of plastic have made their way into the ocean, polluting this critically important ecosystem and killing marine life.

In response to this crisis, a growing number of beauty brands are making changes: packaging their lipsticks, mascaras, contouring palettes, sticks and other makeup products in compostable, recycled and reusable materials.

Before we get further into this, though, what do these terms mean?

Recycled beauty packaging:

Some beauty brands talk about their use of ‘recyclable’ packaging, which shouldn’t be confused with ‘recycled’ packaging. The former means plastic (which is likely brand new, if not labeled otherwise), which has the potential to be recycled (even if a brand hasn’t set up a system to ensure this), while the latter means the plastic has been recycled and reproduced from another plastic product. That’s a lot better.

Materials like glass and metals like aluminum are particularly valuable and more likely to be recycled than plastics, so watch out for these when looking for zero-waste beauty products.

Compostable beauty packaging:

Packaging which can completely biodegrade and transform into non-toxic components like water, carbon and biomass, which return to the Earth as ‘food’. We often talk about composting food scraps, but materials like cotton, cardboard, wood and some newly created plant-based packaging materials used in the beauty industry can be composted in the right conditions, too.

Recycling materials can require a lot of energy, so home compostable materials can be a positive solution to that concern.

Reusable beauty packaging:

Packaging which can be refilled and reused avoids the need to buy more plastic filled products. Some brands claim their product packaging is ‘reusable’ because, say, a glass foundation bottle could be cleaned out and used as a vase for flowers. This sort of ‘upcycling’ is positive to encourage, but it’s a little misleading for brands to use the term ‘reusable’ unless they ensure their packaging can be ‘reused’ in the same context again, by offering refills for that packaging, so it can house foundation again.

LCA Centre in the Netherlands found that if all cosmetics containers in the industry were refillable, an incredible 70% of carbon emissions tied to the beauty industry could be cut back.

What’s cruelty-free makeup, and why’s it worth looking out for?

The term ‘cruelty-free’ in relation to cosmetics specifically means ‘free from animal testing’. While many brands have moved away from all cruel cosmetics tests on animals, unfortunately, many still have not. While the major progress made is worth celebrating, it’s important not to let our guard down and assume all makeup is free from such cruelty.

Today, animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and rats are still cruelly experimented on; forced to consume cosmetics ingredients until they die to test for toxicity. Some are left with blinded, red and bleeding eyes after eye irritation tests, while others are shaved for skin tests which can cause inflammation, ulcers and gaping wounds. An estimated more than 192 million animals, including dogs, cats and monkeys continue to be tested on, around the world.

Animal tests are often ineffective, as our bodies work uniquely to other animals. Fortunately, there are numerous scientifically advanced and superior testing methods available which do not require animals. However, some ingredients cannot be tested using these methods. Brands dedicated to protecting animals from testing use already approved ingredients which do not require further testing, or ingredients which can legally be tested through non-animal methods.

What’s vegan makeup, is it different from ‘cruelty-free’?

Cosmetics that are labeled as ‘cruelty-free’ can be misleading, as ‘cruelty-free’ implies no cruelty involved in making that lipstick, concealer or brow gel, rather than no cruelty tied to animal testing specifically. But it’s not only animal testing which harms our furry friends exploited in the cosmetics industry, but the use of animal-derived ingredients, too.

While ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘animal testing free’ have become synonymous, it’s important to look out for cosmetics that are also labelled ‘vegan’, if we want to protect animals. If not, a number of animal-based ingredients are likely to be hiding in your beauty bag:

Tallow: Hardened animal fat from slaughtered animals like cows and sheep, found in lipsticks, foundations and many other makeup products

Lanolin: A kind of grease extracted from wool, produced in an industry which unfortunately mutilates and slaughters sheep. This one pops up in lots of products like eyeshadows, lip liners and more

Guanine: Sparkly highlighters, bronzers, lip glosses and other makeup is often made with this ingredient, derived from fish scales scraped off their bodies

Shellac: This ingredient is secreted by female lac bugs, killed in the scraping process which collects the ‘resin’ like substance used in mascara, eye liner and nail polish, to name a few

The best brands to get sustainable and ethical beauty products

To offer you the best variety, some of these brands use more sustainable packaging but aren’t totally zero-waste, while others go the whole way. All of these brands are doing far better than the industry standard, which should be applauded.

1. Axiology

Your new go-to for lipstick, Axiology has a range of shimmery, rich and creamy, sheer and soft textures, in a variety of gorgeous colors. Their lipstick tubes are made from recycled aluminum, and arrive to you boxed in recycled card that can be either composted or recycled, depending on what’s available to you. The brand is not only free from animal testing and ingredients, but from palm oil too, working to use natural ingredients as much as possible.

Shop Axiology

2. Ilia

This brand – not entirely vegan but largely so, with a clearly labeled vegan collection – offers serum highlighters, lipsticks, foundations, cheek and lip tints, gorgeous eyeshadow palettes, brow gels, lip liners, finishing powders and more. Free from animal testing, the label runs a recycling program so that your empties never see landfill. Even letting you send empties from other brands, Ilia doesn’t over complicate their formulas with lots of different ingredients, and they use packaging materials like recycled aluminum and glass when suitable.

Shop Ilia

3. Micellar Oil Cleansing Wipes by Fig.1

These new cleansing wipes from Fig.1 are derm-developed and dissolvable! They are great for taking off your makeup, leave your skin feeling soft & smooth, and easily wash away with water. The packets they come in are also at-home compostable. These are perfect for traveling and on-the-go! & of course, they are vegan, cruelty-free AND gluten-free!

Shop Micellar Oil Cleansing Wipes

4. Stack the Odds Refillable by Alleyoop

Save space with this beautiful, refillable blush, bronzer & highlighter! Not only is this convenient for travel, but you will cut back on plastic waste by having all your essentials in one compact. Refilling is the future of the beauty industry, and seeing more vegan makeup brands adopt the concept makes us so happy!

Shop Alleyoop Refillable makeup

code: **SUSTAINABLYCHIC** for 10% off your purchase

5. Elate

A totally vegan and animal testing free brand, Elate sells refillable blush and eye shadow compacts. Refills are sent out in seed paper envelopes that grow flowers when planted – super cute. The brand also offers lipsticks and other makeup with less plastic packaging, made from Forest Stewardship Certified bamboo and glass. Their packaging materials can be sent back to be effectively recycled – something that often isn’t possible for cosmetics through home recycling systems.

Shop Elate

6. NOTO

This genderless beauty brand is based in Los Angeles, where you can refill their products in store. Using locally sourced vegan ingredients to produce animal testing free products that are also fair trade certified (ticking all those boxes!), NOTO makes multi-purpose products. Sticks and pots of color to use on your lips, eyelids and cheeks, the need to buy fewer products helps to reduce overconsumption and waste. All of their packaging is either glass, metal, biodegradable or made from recycled plastics.

Shop NOTO

7. Trestique

Another brand using refillable packaging, Trestique uses recycled materials for their 2-in-1 products, which are designed to be endlessly refillable with all kinds of products like blush and concealer sticks, highlighters and bronzers, brow pencils and gels, mascara and lip crayons. The vegan brand is transparent about the percentage of recycled materials they use (as much as 98% in their packaging materials – many ‘recycled plastics’ are only slightly so), and anything that isn’t going to be refilled for any reason can be returned to them for proper recycling.

Shop Trestique

8. Flavedo & Albedo

An almost entirely vegan brand that’s free from animal testing (just check the labels, only a few products aren’t totally animal friendly), Flavedo & Albedo prides itself on creating ‘high-performance makeup’ with ‘plastic-free packaging’. With playful colors and shades, the label offers eye, lip and cheek cosmetics. This is one of few brands which can state that they have ‘zero plastic, anywhere. No tubs, no lids, no seals, no nothing.’. Nice.

Shop Flavedo and Albedo

9. Izzy

Check out Izzy for the world’s first zero-waste mascara (& they recently have launched lip gloss and brow gel) . It comes with no outer packaging and is shipped in reusable mailers which have been made with upcycled materials. The tube doesn’t contain any plastic and is made from stainless steel. It’s designed to be cleaned and refilled over 10,000 times — so you basically never have to throw away another mascara for the rest of your life! And of course, Izzy only uses certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and paraben-free ingredients.

Shop Izzy

10. Sienna

Byron Bay based with a US-specific website, this certified B Corp uses a plant-focussed formula to create nail polish which is manufactured in a system that recycles waste and wastewater – something so many brands don’t even touch on. Totally traceable, these nail polishes – free from all the nastier substances found in some polishes, like formaldehyde – are vegan, animal testing free, and bottled in glass, with a non-native weed wood bottle cap that can be composted. The brand also supports a number of charitable causes.

Shop Sienna

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

What is Viscose?

Viscose is a human-made material that’s partially synthetic, and made of trees. Sometimes it’s labelled as at least somewhat sustainable due to its woody beginnings, and other times, it’s called out as totally harmful for the planet – so how is viscose really made, and how does this process really impact the planet?

What is viscose used for?

Viscose is a fairly silky, draped fabric that is often used by brands seeking a cheaper version of animal-derived silk. In the realm of fashion, it’s common to see it in women’s blouses, skirts, and flowing dresses, and even making up partially synthetic velvet.

It’s considered a lightweight and breathable material that maintains shape, is absorbent, soft and dye-fast. This makes it fabric that is widely used when it comes to printed fabrics and summer collections.

What is viscose made of?

Viscose is a cellulose material – like Tencel – meaning it is made from wood pulp. In the case of viscose, this ‘wood’ is from beech, pine, and eucalyptus trees much of the time, but it can also be made of bamboo and even soy or sugarcane.

One of the reasons Tencel is great is because of one particularly unsustainable aspect of viscose production: old-growth forest logging. Canopy, an organization dedicated to protecting forests, has found that for the production of viscose and rayon (essentially the same material), more than 200 million trees are logged each year. If these trees were placed end to end, they would circle our planet seven times!

While Tencel uses wood from certified sustainably managed sources, this is too often not the case for viscose. Less than 20% of the world’s ancient forests remain in intact tracts large enough to maintain critical biological diversity. Yet, forests in Indonesia, Canada’s Boreal and temperate rainforests, and the Amazon are being logged for fast and even luxury fashion. In fact, it’s estimated that 30% of viscose and rayon used in fashion is made from endangered and ancient forests which once were home to native plants and animals.

If fashion brands and people wearing viscose don’t know where the raw material behind it (the wood) is coming from, sadly, it may be from destroyed endangered forestry.

How is viscose normally made?

Once trees have been cut down, they are chopped into small pieces before being dissolved into a pulp. This is where viscose becomes semi-synthetic, as this is a very chemical-heavy process. Sodium hydroxide, carbon disulfide, and sulphuric acid are all used in this process and are all considered toxic.

Sodium hydroxide is highly irritating and corrosive, resulting in severe burns and permanent damage when it comes in contact with human tissue, including the eyes, which can also be permanently harmed and impaired due to exposure. In the case of carbon disulphide, evidence has suggested that exposure to this chemical by factory workers – as well as people living near viscose production facilities – can cause coronary heart disease, birth defects, skin conditions and even cancer. Meanwhile, sulphuric acid can cause severe skin burns, irritate the nose and throat, burn eyes, possibly cause blindness and difficulty breathing when inhaled by workers.

These toxic chemicals – amongst others – are used together in order to dissolve the wood chips into pulp, clean and bleach the pulp, and treat the pulp so that the solution, known as ‘viscose’, is produced. This viscose solution is then run through a spinneret, a machine that creates filaments or fibers. Finally, this cellulosic fiber can be spun into yarn and then made into fabrics used in fashion.

This chemical process can lead not only to poor health outcomes for workers, but often, to significant air and water pollution. Air emissions around viscose manufacturing facilities often include sulfur, nitrous oxide, carbon, disulfide, and hydrogen sulfide.

Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion Blog | What is Viscose? | Sustainable Viscose.jpg

Can viscose ever be made sustainably?

While viscose is biodegradable, meaning it won’t pile up in landfill for thousands of years like polyester or another completely synthetic fabric, this alone doesn’t mean that it is sustainable. Deforestation and chemical pollution are serious issues, and the process of making viscose can also be highly water intensive – from the watering of growing trees to the significant water requirements during processing.

Fortunately, there are other ways to make viscose that are more sustainable. These processes are more expensive, so brands need to make clear commitments to prioritise the environment over profit, should they choose them. Since there’s no fashion if there’s no planet Earth, this should be an easy decision!

The previously mentioned Canopy non-profit produces an annual CanopyStyle report, which lays out the newest innovations and next-generation fibers in the textile space, that should allow us all to keep in line with set sustainability targets.

Certified Safer Logging

A great question to ask brands using viscose, is ‘where did the raw material come from?’. If brands can’t answer this for you, and if they can’t assure that the sourcing was responsible, according to a third-party accreditation, this is a real concern.

CanopyStyle offers brands plenty of information as to how they can source viscose responsibly. Brands that are a part of the CanopyStyle certification and program are also audited to ensure that ancient and endangered forests are protected from destruction. These better materials are considered ‘green-shirt’ rated.

Responsible, Closed-Loop Processing

Lenzing, the company that creates Tencel in a closed-loop system, also makes Ecovero, a viscose material derived from ‘certified renewable wood sources using an eco-responsible production process by meeting high environmental standards’.

Awarded the EU Ecolabel, Ecovero is manufactured with up to 50% fewer emissions and water impact than generic viscose. Importantly, Ecovero is also produced in a closed-loop, meaning that no harmful gases are released into the environment and are instead recovered, converted, and reused as raw materials.

Ecovero is made in a highly transparent supply chain, so brands can offer all the information that people deserve to know, about how this material was made, where, and from what.

Next-Generation Fibers, Made From Old Material

In order to combat deforestation, we cannot only rely on ‘sustainable sourcing’ of wood, from non-protected trees and forestry. We need to use less new raw materials in general. Fortunately, we don’t need to cut down so many trees in order to keep on making clothing.

Our current fashion system is one built upon overproduction, overconsumption, and waste. Because of this, more than an enormous 25 million tonnes of cotton and viscose textile waste is generated annually around the world. While we also need to slow down how we produce and consume, today, we can make use of this waste by creating viscose that is, at the very least, partially recycled.

In fact, Canopy states that ‘all 6.5 million tonnes of viscose being produced this year could be made using only 25% of the world’s wasted and discarded cotton and viscose fabrics, thereby saving forests, reducing municipal and industrial waste to landfills, and reducing carbon emissions, energy, and water use.’ What an opportunity!

Brands using more sustainable viscose

There are plenty of brands working with both Canopy and Lenzing to ensure their viscose is more sustainable, and free from harm to precious biodiversity. Here are some of our favourites, that also ensure ethical production, when it comes to the people making their clothes.

Eileen Fisher

A trailblazing brand when it comes to transparency and ethics, Eileen Fisher has a collection of viscose and rayon styles that are largely sourced from responsibly managed, legally harvested forests. What’s more, the brand is supporting the research and development of recycled cellulose materials. The offerings from this brand, in cellulosic materials, include cardigans, pullovers, dresses, t-shirts, comfortable pants, and even velvet tops, dresses and jackets.

Shop Eileen Fisher

Stella McCartney

This brand, famous for its animal-friendly refusal to use animal skins, is also committed to being a ‘zero-deforestation brand’. Since 2017, all viscose in Stella McCartney’s ready-to-wear collection has been from sustainably managed and certified forests in Sweden. Stella McCartney offers up a range of dresses, shorts, shirts, jackets, pants and co-ord suits in their more sustainable viscose material.

Shop Stella McCartney

Brava Fabrics

Showcased in our brand features this past Spring, Brava Fabrics creates beautiful patterns and colors on Ecovero shirts, pants, and skirts.

They ethically produce everything close to home in Spain and Portugal.

Brava Fabrics believe in fairness & transparency throughout the entire supply chain, so they keep a close relationship with all of their tailors.

Shop Brava Fabrics

Amour Vert

Another great sustainable brand using Ecovero for lovely, vibrant prints and designs!

This brand uses a lot of sustainable fabrics like TENCEL, Organic Cotton, & Hemp - and it’s great to see a few Ecovero pieces thrown into the mix.

Amour Vert makes 97% of their clothing right here in the US, and their packaging is eco-friendly & compostable.

Shop Amour Vert

Tamga Designs

TAMGA offers beautiful feminine clothing with colorful & vibrant designs. Whether you’re lounging around the house in one of their silky soft robes or headed out to a party in one of their evening dresses, you’ll love the way their fabrics and designs feel and look.

Everything is made ethically in Indonesia from sustainable materials like TENCEL, EcoVero, and French Linen.

Shop Tamga Designs

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Browse Our Sustainable Brand Directory

Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands

Spending time in nature is such a special way to remind ourselves of the beauty of this planet, and our responsibility to care for it and those living on it. That being said, many of the clothes that make spending time in the great outdoors more comfortable can often be harmful to the planet, as well as the people who made them, and animals. Luckily, there are some excellent sustainable outdoor clothing brands.

What makes outdoor clothing unsustainable?

Synthetic Fibers

The clothes that are made to keep us comfortable outside are often made of both virgin synthetic material and animal-derived materials. If we start with synthetics, here’s what we know: virgin synthetic fibers used to make leggings, rain jackets, coats and thermals, as well as winter warmers like fleeces, are made from plastic.

In fact, about 60% of clothes made today are made from petroleum. Even before we talk about what this means when it comes to washing our clothes, this is a problem. These synthetic, petroleum-based materials fund the incredibly environmentally harmful mining industry. In 2015 alone, more than 330 million barrels of oil were used to make cheap nylon, polyester, acrylic and other synthetic fibers. So when we talk about the need to move away from fossil fuels for the sake of the climate, that means in the fashion industry, too.

Synthetics are an issue too, because they shed non-biodegradable, plastic microfibers into the waterways, and ultimately the ocean, when we wash them.

Animal-derived materials

When it comes to animal-derived materials like wool, leather and down used in thermals, jackets, coats and accessories, environmental issues are also largely tied up in climate impact and greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations says that the farming of animals is one of today’s most serious environmental problems, requiring urgent action. Animal-derived materials are the most harmful to our climate, according to the best available data.

This is not only due to the fact that farmed animals and their waste release methane into the atmosphere, but because animal agriculture is land-intensive, requiring more land to be cleared to produce less material than could be made with plant-based, recycled, bio-based or in the future, lab-grown materials. When we clear land, we release carbon, and we also stop carbon from being sequestered (soaked in and stored) by the vegetation that could have been growing there.

Mass Production

The last thing to consider around sustainability in the realm of outdoor clothing is mass production. Brands that are producing endless amounts of clothing – no matter what they are made of – aren’t sustainable, as 33% of clothing made every year is sent unsold, directly to landfill. Here, clothes break down, releasing more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

What makes outdoor clothing unethical?

When we think about outdoor clothing that is sustainable, we also need to consider the ethics of how they are made – because we can’t sustain the unjust treatment of garment workers, or the exploitation of animals in fashion.

Some outdoor brands continue to use even the most controversial animal-derived materials, like fur, to line their coats and jackets, while materials like down and wool are far more common. These materials are all made in industries which harm and ultimately kill animals – even wool, despite common misperception.

Many outdoor clothing brands also use unjust and exploitative labor. Around the world, just 2% of garment workers are paid a living wage that covers their basic needs like food, clean water, shelter and medical care. Garment workers are also often made to work in unsafe conditions, and in a workforce made up largely of women of colour, unfortunately incidences of harassment and assault are common, too. It’s important we consider not only what our outdoor clothes are made of, but who made them.

Luckily, there are plenty of excellent outdoor clothing brands that consider and respect the planet, and everyone living on it! Below are some of the clothing brands that we love most for when we need some great clothes to suit the great outdoors.

Outdoor clothing brands we love:

1) Patagonia

Patagonia is one of those brands almost everyone knows of, and for good reason. The brand, which offers a wide range of outdoor clothing and gear, has long been a trailblazer for the sustainable and ethical fashion movement.

Having written a living wage standard into their code of conduct for the sake of garment workers, and using recycled and organic materials, including many which are clearly labelled to be animal-free, Patagonia has great options. Some of their quilted jackets are filled with PrimaLoft, the most sustainable, recycled jacket filling available, while many of their Fair Trade fleeces are made of recycled materials, too.

Shop Patagonia

2) Apricoat

Apricoat loves the planet, and knows you do too, offering stylish, sustainable and functional gear for any and every adventure. All products are made from 100% recycled materials with as much as 300 plastic bottles per jacket, and can also be sent across the globe with carbon-free shipping. Apricoat products are also produced based on waste reduction and spoilage free practices (pre-orders), and meets the fair labor factory certifications. The community based brand offers more of the most innovative adventure gear yet.

Shop Apricoat

3) Outerknown

Pro surfer Kelly Slater is behind this Fair Labor Association accredited brand which makes garments that 90% of the time, are made of recycled, organic and ‘regenerative’ materials.

The brand, which has lots of animal-free and sustainable options, has fleeces, rain jackets, activewear like leggings, joggers and shorts, and a bunch of other great garments.

Plus, the company works with three partners that are certified through Fair Trade USA.

Shop Outerknown

4) Ecoalf

This brand caters to people of all genders, and children, too! The brand uses a whole range of sustainable materials like those made from recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets and tires, as well as recycled cotton, nylon and more. Talk about champion recyclers!

This brand labels which of their garments are vegan, has certifications to show their social responsibility and safe work environment for garment workers, and is all round cool. We particularly love their range of 100% recycled puffer jackets, and comfortable basics.

Shop Ecoalf

5) Embassy of Bricks & Logs

This brand offers a range of quilted jackets, raincoats, and basics.

The brand, which offers feminine and masculine styles, prides themselves on producing ‘premium ethical attire’.

Designing for longevity with recycled, organic and other more sustainable, animal-free materials. Made ethically across small factories in China and Germany, this brand is dedicated to continually becoming more transparent and fair.

Shop Embassy of Bricks & Logs

6) Save the Duck

Using recycled and innovative materials, this brand has created advanced outdoor clothing that has seen the top of Mount Everest.

A certified B-Corp, this ethical, animal-free and sustainable brand is ticking all the boxes.

The brand offers clothes for men, women and children, like rain jackets, puffer jackets, ‘athleisure’ and more.

In 2019, PETA awarded them the Company of the Year!

Shop Save the Duck

7) Finisterre

Finisterre is a pioneering, sustainable outdoor brand, built to inspire a love of the sea and anchored in exceptional product.’

This brand is B-Corp certified, and extremely transparent about their ethical manufacturing processes.

Using lots of great materials worth looking for in their collection like Tencel, organic and recycled cotton, hemp, and recycled synthetics, the brand makes base layers, basics, rain jackets, puffers, beanies and more.

Shop Finisterre