"Burned Armpits While Trying to Stay Fresh"... Deodorant Side Effect Controversy

"Second-Degree Burns on Armpits": Reports Spread
Company Admits "Manufacturing Process Issue... Products Being Recalled"

In the United Kingdom, consumers who used deodorant products have reported serious side effects such as skin burns, prompting the manufacturer to issue an official apology.

The Daily Mail reported on September 11 (local time) that consumer complaints regarding the deodorant brand "Mitchum" are spreading rapidly on social networking services (SNS), causing a significant public stir.

Deodorant brand Mitchum's product. Mitchum official website

Victims mainly claimed that after using the "roll-on" type products, they experienced severe rashes, itching, blisters, and even second-degree burns in their underarm areas. These accounts have quickly circulated via SNS platforms such as TikTok. One user even described the sensation as "feeling like I wanted to cut off my armpit because it felt burned."

Mark Antolin, a theater actor based in London, stated that he had used the product for a long time but had to stop due to unbearable skin irritation. He said, "I sweat a lot during performances, so this product was essential for me, but now I can no longer use it."

Ricky Blair, a man in his 30s, reported that less than an hour after using the product in July, he developed severe pain and a rash on his skin. He said, "I managed to calm the symptoms over a week by applying moisturizer," adding, "Even men cannot feel safe with products like this."

David, a lawyer in his 70s, also suffered hair loss in his armpits and burn marks on his skin after using the "Ice Fresh" product. He claimed, "At first, I thought it was a personal health issue, but as soon as I stopped using the product, I recovered immediately."

As the controversy grew, Mitchum issued a statement through its official Instagram account, saying, "The product ingredients themselves have not changed, but some procedures in the manufacturing process were altered, which appears to have caused unexpected skin reactions in some consumers." The company apologized, announced that it has restored the original manufacturing process, and has begun recalling the affected products.

The problematic products are the 100mL roll-on line, which includes eight types: Clean Control, Ice Fresh, Shower Fresh, Powder Fresh, Pure Fresh, Unscented, Flower Fresh, and Sport. The company is asking consumers to check the manufacturing numbers of these products.

Experts are highlighting the impact of manufacturing process changes on consumer skin and are emphasizing the need to strengthen related regulations. Penny Ward, a professor of pharmacy at King's College London, stated, "If this were a pharmaceutical product, appropriate safety verification procedures would be required before any manufacturing changes," adding, "It is questionable whether pre-testing or clinical-level reviews were conducted for existing consumers."