Degree · Deodorant
Degree Deodorant
Lower concern; typical deodorant formulation with no known PFAS use, but brand offers no public disclosure.
Degree Deodorant is an aluminum-based antiperspirant/deodorant with no public evidence of Teflon-family coating coatings, water-repellent treatments, or intentional PFAS additives, the category doesn't require them.
Shop Degree on Amazon →Material
Aluminum-based stick or gel with talc, starch, or mineral-based active ingredients
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
Degree deodorant is formulated as an aluminum-based stick or gel, using aluminum compounds (typically aluminum zirconium or aluminum chlorohydrate) as the active antiperspirant ingredient. The base includes waxes, oils, and either talc or mineral-derived starches as carriers and texture agents. This is a standard formulation across the deodorant category and carries no unusual material risks beyond those inherent to aluminum antiperspirants, which have decades of safety use data despite ongoing low-level consumer concern about aluminum absorption.
The brand's record and disclosure
Degree (owned by Unilever) does not publish detailed ingredient breakdowns or transparency reports specific to this product line. The brand has not pursued third-party certifications such as Hypoallergenic or EWG Verified status. No significant product recalls or safety controversies are on public record for Degree deodorants. The brand's silence on PFAS and other emerging chemical concerns is typical of large mainstream deodorant makers, reflecting industry norm rather than a red flag.
How it compares in its category
Degree sits squarely in the mainstream aluminum antiperspirant segment, indistinguishable in hazard profile from competitors like Secret, Dove, or Old Spice. Natural or aluminum-free alternatives (e.g., Native, Schmidt's) exist but trade antiperspirant strength for lower chemical load; Degree does not compete in that space. Its formulation and safety record are consistent with the mass-market category baseline.
If you buy it
Apply to dry skin only; wet application increases irritation risk and reduces efficacy. Do not apply immediately after shaving or to broken skin. If irritation, rash, or allergic reaction occurs within days of use, discontinue and patch-test with a fragrance-free alternative. Replace stick when visibly degraded or if performance declines; unopened sticks stored in cool, dry conditions remain stable for 2+ years. Wash hands after application to avoid residue transfer to eyes or sensitive areas.
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.”
Aluminum absorption and systemic exposure
Aluminum-based antiperspirants are applied topically and absorption through intact skin is minimal but not zero. No established causal link to adverse health outcomes in routine use, but the mechanism remains incompletely characterized. Degree provides no data on aluminum concentration or bioavailability specific to its formulation.
Talc contamination and respiratory exposure
If Degree uses talc as a carrier (rather than mineral starch alternatives), inhalation of fine powder during application poses low but real risk. Talc mining historically has contamination with asbestos; modern cosmetic-grade talc is regulated and tested, but supply-chain assurance is not publicly detailed by Degree. Risk is minimal with careful application and ventilation.
Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Degree deodorants include fragrance compounds that trigger contact dermatitis or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. The brand does not disclose fragrance ingredients individually (typically proprietary blends under 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on labels). Patch testing recommended for those with known fragrance sensitivities before regular use.
Skin irritation from occlusive barrier
Stick deodorants form an occlusive layer on skin that can trap sweat and bacteria, promoting local irritation or folliculitis with prolonged daily use, especially in hot climates or under tight clothing. This is a wear-related hazard rather than a chemical one, managed by proper application and skin cleansing.
None_known: formaldehyde releasers, heavy metals in pigments
Degree deodorants do not include dyes or pigments that concentrate heavy metals, nor is the brand known to use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. No public reports of these contaminants in Degree products exist.
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.