Popular Roll-On Linked To ‘Agonizing’ Reactions, Company Issues Statement

When people buy personal care products, they expect them to do what the label promises: stop sweat, keep odors away, and be gentle on the skin. What they don’t expect is for something as routine as putting on deodorant to leave them with painful rashes or even burns.

But that’s exactly what’s been happening to users of Mitchum’s 48-hour roll-on deodorant, and the backlash has been loud. Over the past few weeks, complaints have started popping up on TikTok, Reddit, and other platforms.

Photos showed inflamed armpits, scabs, and blister-like marks. People described “agonizing symptoms,” with one person saying it felt like their “armpits had been viciously attacked.”

What initially looked like isolated cases quickly grew into a wave of reports that couldn’t be ignored. As the posts gained traction, many users began comparing their experiences.

Some initially thought it was shaving irritation, only to realize later that the culprit was the deodorant itself. Others described burns so painful they couldn’t sleep at night.

One woman claimed she had “second-degree chemical burns,” while another described “weeping spots” that left her unable to lift her arms comfortably. Faced with growing anger, Mitchum issued an official statement on Instagram.

They explained that the issue was linked to “selected batches of Mitchum 48-hour 100ml Roll On” sold in the UK, Ireland, and South Africa. According to the company, the formula itself hadn’t changed. Instead, a change in the manufacturing process of one of the raw materials caused the product to react differently on some people’s skin.

The company apologizes after a raw material change causes skin reactions in the deodorant.

In their words:

“We are sorry to those who were impacted and for the time it took to complete the investigation. While the formula hasn’t changed, a change in the manufacturing process of one of our raw materials altered how the product interacts with the skin in some consumers. That change didn’t meet our standards, or yours.”

They added that production had already returned to the original process and that the affected products could be identified by their batch numbers, printed on the bottom of the packaging.

Instagram

Even with the apology, many customers felt the response wasn’t enough. In the comments section of Mitchum’s Instagram post, users accused the brand of downplaying the severity of the reactions.

One person wrote:

“Finally, you’ve made a statement about it. This doesn’t take away from the fact that I’ve literally been left with scarring. ‘Temporary irritation’ is an absolute joke. Try burns, blisters, scabs, now scars. I’ll never buy another Mitchum product again.”

Another asked,

“I’ve been so sore for weeks thinking it was a shaving rash, so what do I do if I’m affected?”

Others echoed the same frustration:

“I literally had chemical burns! I thought it was just me!” and “Literal burns and scabs are NOT temporary irritation! I had to sleep with a damp cloth under my armpits?!!”

Understanding Skin Reactions

Dr. Ava Shamban, a renowned dermatologist and founder of Shamban Dermatology, emphasizes that skin sensitivity can vary dramatically among individuals.

She notes that many commercial deodorants contain alcohol and fragrances, which can lead to chemical burns or allergic reactions in sensitive skin types.

Dr. Shamban recommends performing a patch test before applying new products to larger areas of skin, as this can help identify potential allergens and avoid painful reactions.

Moreover, she suggests looking for natural deodorants with minimal, recognizable ingredients to reduce the risk of adverse effects.

Mitchum recalls deodorant after burn complaints.

Mitchum has tried to reassure affected customers by stating that anyone who suffered from the reaction should contact their Customer Care team. In their words, they want to “make it right” and “win back the trust” of those affected.

They also issued further advice: people experiencing issues should stop using any antiperspirant for the time being, as continued use could prolong the irritation. If symptoms don’t improve—or get worse—they recommend seeking medical attention.

Meanwhile, the company has been working with retailers to pull the affected batches from shelves, though customers are still left questioning how such an error happened in the first place.

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Deodorant is one of those products people rarely think twice about. It’s applied daily, and most assume it’s safe. When something goes wrong with such a basic product, it shakes consumer confidence in a big way.

Even with the apology, the clear explanation, and the promise to fix the issue, many users have sworn off Mitchum entirely. Whether the brand can repair its reputation will depend on more than just removing faulty products.

For some customers, scars—both physical and emotional—are already part of the story.

Social media platforms have become powerful avenues for sharing personal experiences, especially regarding product safety. Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist known for her research on grit and resilience, highlights how collective experiences, like those shared on TikTok, can foster communal support.

This community-driven approach can prompt companies to take accountability for their products, as consumers increasingly demand transparency and safety.

Experts recommend that consumers document reactions and communicate with manufacturers directly, as this feedback is crucial for product improvement and safety standards.

In such instances, engaging with dermatologists and allergists can provide insights into individual reactions and safer alternatives.

Building Healthier Patterns

In response to the alarming reactions associated with the Mitchum roll-on deodorant, companies must prioritize consumer safety and product transparency. Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, stresses the importance of understanding ingredient sourcing and formulation processes. He suggests that manufacturers implement stricter testing protocols to identify potential allergens before products reach consumers. Furthermore, fostering an open dialogue between consumers and companies can lead to better-informed choices. As the beauty and personal care industry evolves, prioritizing ingredient safety will become increasingly vital for maintaining consumer trust and loyalty.