Degree · Deodorant
Degree Deodorant Women Shower Clean
Lower-concern product; standard deodorant formulation with no known PFAS drivers, but brand disclosure is absent.
Degree Shower Clean is a conventional stick deodorant with no reported PFAS use or waterproofing claims that would typically trigger fluorochemical coatings. The ingredient list is typical for the category (silicones, waxes, powders) and does not point to PFAS.
Shop Degree on Amazon →Material
Water-based emulsion (typical stick deodorant base: cyclopentasiloxane, stearic acid, talc, fragrance)
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 Shower Clean is a water-based stick deodorant built on cyclopentasiloxane (a volatile silicone that evaporates after application), stearic acid (a thickening wax), talc (absorbent powder), and fragrance. This formulation is standard across the category and does not rely on antimicrobial actives or heavy preservative loads. The talc is the primary ingredient requiring attention, though cosmetic-grade talc in deodorants is used at concentrations typical for the product class.
The brand's record and disclosure
Degree (owned by Unilever) does not publish detailed ingredient safety documentation or third-party certifications (such as EWG Verified or dermatologist endorsements) on this product line. The brand has faced historical litigation over talc in personal care products, though Degree deodorant itself has not been subject to major recalls or public safety actions. Unilever's transparency on fragrance composition and talc sourcing remains limited relative to peer companies.
How it compares in its category
Among mass-market deodorants, Degree Shower Clean sits in the mainstream safety tier. Talc-free alternatives (e.g., products using arrowroot or silica) are widely available if talc avoidance is a priority. Clinical-strength or aluminum-based antiperspirants carry distinct risk profiles (aluminum absorption debate, higher irritation potential). Degree's water-based, non-antiperspirant formula positions it as gentler than antiperspirant options but less effective for sweat control.
If you buy it
Store the stick away from direct heat or extended sunlight, as cyclopentasiloxane can cause the formulation to soften. Replace every 3 to 6 months or when depleted, as old deodorant can harbor bacterial growth. Test on a small underarm patch first if you have sensitive skin, particularly if prone to fragrance or talc sensitivity. Do not inhale the product during application and avoid contact with eyes or broken skin.
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 risk)
Cosmetic-grade talc in deodorants is subject to FDA asbestos testing requirements, but inherent talc mining risks remain. Degree does not publicly disclose talc source or third-party testing. Long-term inhalation exposure in deodorant use is considered low risk due to application method, but dermal and inhalation exposure to talc powder remains a category-level concern for this product class.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Degree lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without disclosing specific fragrance components. This is standard industry practice but limits consumer ability to identify potential allergens. Fragrance constituents can include limonene, linalool, and other contact sensitizers; individual susceptibility varies widely.
Cyclopentasiloxane volatility and inhalation
Cyclopentasiloxane is volatile and evaporates rapidly after application. No established acute or chronic inhalation toxicity from deodorant use is documented in public safety databases, but avoid direct inhalation during application.
Stearic acid skin irritation
Stearic acid is a common wax emollient and skin-safe at cosmetic concentrations. No specific irritation reports for Degree Shower Clean are on record, though individual sensitivities to waxy bases exist.
Bacterial growth if improperly stored or contaminated
Stick deodorants can harbor bacteria if exposed to moisture or touched with contaminated fingers. This is a user-practice issue rather than a formulation defect, but proper storage and application hygiene reduce risk.
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.