Sofia Martinez
Plastic deodorant is lightweight, durable, and shock-resistant, making it a popular choice for consumers and manufacturers alike. However, the deodorant industry's heavy reliance on plastic packaging has become a significant environmental concern, with over 15 million pounds of plastic waste generated annually. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices, the deodorant market, valued at $26.96 billion in 2024, is undergoing a notable shift towards sustainability. This shift is driven by small companies offering zero-waste packaging and refillable deodorants, as well as large corporations like Dove, Secret, and Old Spice, which have launched refillable products with recyclable materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Americans using deodorant or antiperspirants in 2021 | 299.85 million |
| Number of plastic containers used for deodorant consumption in 2021 | 1.8 trillion |
| Global deodorant market size in 2024 | $26.96 billion |
| Global deodorant market size in 2025 | $28.41 billion |
| Global deodorant market size in 2032 | $42.19 billion |
| Plastic used in containers and packaging in the US in 2017 | 14.5 million tons |
| Deodorant brand with the highest unit sales in the US in 2022 | Dove (135 million units) |
| Deodorant brand with the second-highest unit sales in the US in 2022 | Old Spice (118 million units) |
| Sales growth of Old Spice in 2022 compared to the previous year | 15% |
| Sales growth of Tom's of Maine in 2022 compared to the previous year | -5% |
| Sales growth of Schmidt's in 2022 compared to the previous year | -5% |
| Size of the deodorant industry | $22 billion |
| Amount of plastic waste produced by the deodorant industry annually | 15 million pounds |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic deodorant sales statistics
Global Deodorant Market Size and Growth
The global deodorant market is valued at a significant figure and is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. In 2024, the market size was estimated to be $26.96 billion, and it is expected to reach $28.41 billion in 2025. By 2032, the deodorant market is projected to grow to a remarkable $42.19 billion. This growth indicates increasing demand for deodorant products, including those packaged in plastic.
Regional Insights
Europe holds the largest share of the global deodorant market, driven by the presence of cosmetics giants such as L'Oréal, Beiersdorf, Avon, and Unilever. These companies actively promote deodorant usage and awareness, contributing to market growth. The Asia Pacific region is also anticipated to capture a substantial share of the market due to increasing economic growth and dual-income families, providing customers with more spending power for personal care items.
Product Type and Innovation
The spray segment is predicted to dominate the deodorant market due to its convenience, rapid drying, and lack of residue. Plastic containers are often favoured for deodorant packaging due to their durability and shock resistance compared to glass or paper. However, there is a growing trend towards environmentally friendly deodorants, with consumers increasingly choosing products with natural ingredients and antiperspirant qualities. This shift has led to the introduction of deodorant wipes, lightweight and easy to use, and the rise in demand for refillable deodorant products.
Brand Performance
Leading deodorant brands have experienced varying sales performances in recent years. In 2022, Dove generated around 135 million unit sales in the United States, while Old Spice followed closely with a 15% sales growth compared to the previous year. On the other hand, brands like Tom's of Maine and Schmidt's witnessed a depreciation in sales, emphasizing the dynamic nature of consumer preferences in the deodorant market.
Environmental Concerns and Initiatives
The deodorant industry has come under scrutiny for its contribution to plastic pollution, with an estimated 15 million pounds of plastic waste generated annually. As a result, many manufacturers are taking initiatives to reduce plastic waste. Unilever PLC, for instance, launched a refillable deodorant with stainless steel cases and recycled plastic refills. Dove has also committed to using 100% recyclable plastic cans and halving its virgin plastic usage by 2025. Small companies like Fussy and Bite are also leading the way with innovative refillable deodorant products, encouraging sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.
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The environmental impact of plastic deodorant
Deodorant has become an indispensable part of daily grooming routines for millions worldwide. However, the production, use, and disposal of deodorants have a significant environmental impact.
The global deodorant market was valued at $26.96 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $42.19 billion by 2032. With such a large market, the environmental impact of plastic deodorant is significant. Plastic deodorant is popular due to its lightweight and durable nature, making it easy to transport and reducing the chances of breakages. However, the use of plastic in deodorant packaging contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis. Plastic containers often end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Improper disposal of plastic containers can also introduce large plastic items directly into rivers and oceans, which break down into microplastics and can be ingested by marine organisms, entering the food chain and posing a threat to marine life and ecosystems.
The chemicals used in plastic deodorant packaging, such as cadmium and mercury, are also toxic and detrimental to human health, causing cancers, disabilities, and immune system problems. Even biodegradable packaging may not degrade efficiently in landfill conditions, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic deodorant, consumers can choose eco-friendly alternatives made from natural and organic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, and packaged in fully recyclable or compostable containers. Plastic-free deodorant bars or powders can reduce plastic waste, and proper disposal of empty containers through recycling or hazardous waste programs can also help to minimise the environmental impact of deodorant.
Some manufacturers are also taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of their deodorant products. For example, Unilever PLC launched a refillable deodorant product in 2021, with a stainless steel case and recycled plastic refill packaging, reducing virgin plastic waste. Dove is also focusing on switching to 100% recyclable plastic cans for its products in Europe and North America, with a commitment to halving its usage of virgin plastics by 2025.
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Consumer preferences for plastic deodorant
Consumers' preferences for plastic deodorant are influenced by several factors, including convenience, effectiveness, sustainability, and health considerations.
Convenience is a key factor in consumers' preference for plastic deodorant. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to transport, making them convenient for daily use and travel. They are also perceived as less messy and easier to apply compared to alternative packaging options, such as deodorant bars or wipes. This preference for convenience has led to plastic becoming the number one method of applying deodorant for many consumers.
Effectiveness and product performance are also important considerations for consumers. Plastic deodorant sticks, for example, are widely used due to their non-sticky nature and ability to retain fragrance for an extended period. Consumers also seek deodorants with antiperspirant qualities and look for products that offer quick-drying formulas to prevent stains on clothing. Spray deodorants, in particular, have gained popularity due to their non-sticky and residue-free application, which provides a superior user experience.
However, there is a growing trend towards sustainability and eco-friendliness, which is influencing consumers' preferences for plastic-free deodorants. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of plastic waste and are seeking more sustainable alternatives. This shift in consumer behaviour has prompted manufacturers to develop innovative products, such as refillable deodorants with recyclable or stainless steel packaging, and deodorant wipes made from lightweight, disposable paper.
Health considerations also play a role in consumers' choices. There is a rising demand for natural ingredients and organic deodorants that are free from aluminium, parabens, and artificial fragrances. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the potential health risks associated with toxic chemicals found in some plastics, such as cadmium and mercury, which can contribute to cancers and immune system problems. As a result, some consumers are opting for plastic-free deodorants or those made from recycled materials to reduce their exposure to these harmful substances.
Additionally, consumer behaviour varies across different regions. For example, a research paper focusing on male deodorant consumers and retailers in Saudi Arabia's Al Baha region explored the factors influencing purchasing behaviour in this specific market. While the global deodorant market is expected to grow, with Europe and Asia-Pacific holding significant shares, regional preferences and cultural norms can impact the demand for plastic deodorants in specific countries or areas.
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Efforts to reduce plastic deodorant waste
One way to reduce plastic waste is to switch to plastic-free deodorants, such as deodorant bars that come in compostable wrapping paper or cardboard tubes. These alternatives are better for the skin and the planet as they do not contain toxic chemicals like cadmium and mercury, which can be found in some plastics. Brands such as Cleo+Coco offer zero-waste deodorant bars that are free of plastic and can be applied without creating mess.
Another approach to reducing plastic waste is to opt for refillable deodorant products. Unilever PLC, for example, launched a refillable deodorant in April 2021, with the case made of stainless steel and the refill packaging containing 98% recycled plastic. Similarly, Dove and P&G offer refillable deodorants, which can be purchased at Target, Walmart, and Amazon. These options reduce the demand for virgin plastic and promote sustainability.
Some companies are also working towards creating more sustainable packaging for their deodorant products. For instance, Dove is transitioning to 100% recyclable plastic cans for its products in Europe and North America, with a commitment to halve its usage of virgin plastics by 2025. Additionally, Wellow, a deodorant brand, uses cardboard tubes that decompose within 12 weeks, providing a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.
Finally, consumers can play a role in reducing plastic waste by purchasing deodorants with recycled or disposable plastic packaging. This reduces waste and conserves natural resources. It is also important to recycle plastic containers properly and support brands that utilize recycled materials, such as Cleo+Coco, which offers fully recyclable plastic containers.
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Alternatives to plastic deodorant packaging
Deodorant is one of the most crucial personal care items used regularly to avoid body odour. The global deodorant market was valued at $26.96 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $42.19 billion by 2032. With the rise in demand, there is also a rise in the amount of plastic waste being generated. In 2017, about 14.5 million tons of plastic was used in containers and packaging produced in the US.
Due to the large amount of plastic waste generation, more manufacturers are taking steps to prevent this issue. Many companies are now offering deodorants in packaging made from recycled or disposable plastic, and some are even offering deodorants with no plastic packaging.
- Glass Jars: Deodorant creams and sticks can be packaged in glass jars with recyclable metal lids. Meow Meow Tweet, EcoRoots, and Rainwater Botanicals are some brands that offer deodorants in glass jars.
- Compostable Cardboard: Brands like Ethique, EcoRoots, and Bai-li package their deodorants in compostable cardboard tubes.
- Metal: Metal is a durable alternative to plastic packaging. Dove has launched a refillable deodorant in stainless steel casing. The refills come in 98% recycled plastic packaging.
- Paper: Native sources its paperboard from responsibly managed forests for its plastic-free deodorant.
- Refillable: Unilever PLC and Dove have launched refillable deodorant products. The refill packaging is made with 98% recycled plastic.
- Naked: Ethique offers naked deodorant bars without any packaging.
These alternatives to plastic deodorant packaging can help reduce waste, promote sustainability, and conserve natural resources.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that the deodorant industry produces over 15 million pounds of plastic waste each year. In 2021, 299.85 million Americans used deodorant or antiperspirants, with the average person going through 4-6 deodorants per year. This equates to 1.8 trillion plastic containers used in deodorant consumption alone.
Many manufacturers are now using recycled or disposable plastic, paper-based or compostable packaging, and cardboard tubes. Some companies are also launching refillable deodorant products, with cases made from stainless steel or recycled plastic.
Non-plastic deodorant containers are better for the environment as they reduce waste, promote sustainability, and conserve natural resources. They are also better for the consumer as they reduce the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals such as cadmium and mercury, which have been linked to cancers and immune system problems.
Some of the companies making non-plastic deodorant containers include Fussy, Humankind, Ethique, Bai-li, Bite (Because It's The Earth), Wellow, Dove, Secret, and Old Spice.
