Arm & Hammer · Deodorant
Arm & Hammer U Max Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick Powder
Lower PFAS concern; traditional powder antiperspirant with no known intentional PFAS use, but brand provides no explicit assurance.
Arm & Hammer U Max is a talc and starch-based powder antiperspirant with no documented Teflon-family coating coatings, nonstick treatments, or water-repellent finishes, typical PFAS vectors in cosmetics. The brand makes no PFAS claims or certifications.
Shop Arm & Hammer on Amazon →Material
Talc powder, starch, aluminum compounds
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Arm & Hammer U Max is a solid stick antiperspirant built on talc powder as the primary base, combined with aluminum compounds (likely aluminum zirconium or aluminum chlorohydrate) for sweat-blocking action and starch for texture and absorption. Talc itself is a naturally occurring mineral; the safety concern historically centered on asbestos contamination in talc mining and processing, though cosmetic-grade talc sold in the US has been subject to asbestos-free claims since the 1970s. This product does not list fragrance allergens or known endocrine disruptors in its typical formulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Arm & Hammer has not published a specific PFAS disclosure or commitment for this product line, and the brand maintains a largely silent stance on PFAS in personal care products. The company has faced no major recalls or lawsuits tied to this specific deodorant or its talc content. Arm & Hammer is owned by Church & Dwight, a large CPG manufacturer, but independent third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, EWG Verified) are not listed for this product.
How it compares in its category
Talc-based powder sticks sit mid-range for safety transparency in the deodorant market. They avoid the PFAS and propellant concerns of aerosols and avoid the occlusive polymer coatings of some gel or cream antiperspirants. However, talc powders offer less precision ingredient disclosure than brands carrying third-party cosmetic certifications or "clean" marketing credentials. Compared to aluminum-free or mineral-only alternatives, this product prioritizes sweat control over ingredient minimalism.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to clean, dry skin; avoid broken or irritated skin, as aluminum compounds can cause localized irritation in sensitive individuals. Do not inhale the powder directly; apply gently to avoid aerosolization if you have respiratory concerns. Replace the stick every 3 to 6 months or when noticeably reduced to prevent microbial growth in the container. If you experience persistent rash, swelling, or allergic reaction, discontinue and patch-test with a fragrance-free alternative.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Talc contamination (asbestos residue)
US cosmetic-grade talc has been required to be asbestos-free since the 1970s. No recalls or adverse reports specific to this Arm & Hammer product exist on public record.
Aluminum compound skin sensitization
Aluminum zirconium and aluminum chlorohydrate are recognized contact allergens in a small percentage of users. This is category-wide, not unique to Arm & Hammer, but susceptible individuals should patch-test.
Inhalation hazard from powder form
Talc powder can be inhaled if applied roughly or in poorly ventilated spaces. Chronic inhalation is not expected from normal deodorant use, but users with asthma or chronic lung conditions should apply with care.
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed additives
Arm & Hammer U Max does not list synthetic fragrance in its standard formulation (powder scent is mild), reducing common fragrance allergen risk. Full ingredient transparency is limited; no major allergen incidents are recorded.
Heavy metal impurities in mineral base
Talc deposits can naturally contain trace metals (iron, magnesium); regulatory limits in cosmetics apply. No independent testing or reports of excess heavy metals in this specific product are available.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Deodorant
Tom's of Maine
Deodorant
mineral-based, baking soda formulation
Lower concern, mineral-based formula with public PFAS-free positioning, though no independent third-party verification.
⚠Risky category by default
Tom's of Maine
Most-Loved Deodorant Bundle
mineral-based and plant-derived actives; stick formulation
Lower-concern deodorant; mineral-based formula with PFAS-free claim aligns with brand ethos, but no third-party verification found.
⚠Risky category by default
Tom's of Maine
Antiperspirant Deodorant
mineral-based active ingredients, plant-derived botanicals, no synthetic water-repellent coatings
Lower PFAS concern, mineral-based formula with MADE SAFE cert; antiperspirant category has minimal waterproof-coating risk.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More deodorant grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.