Mitchum apologises after users report ‘itchy, burning armpits’ — and dozens of 100ml roll-on batches are being pulled from shelves.
Videos on TikTok showing red, blistered and painfully irritated underarms have fast-tracked a consumer storm for Mitchum, the maker of the long-selling 48-hour roll-on deodorant.
The brand says the problem was caused not by a change to the formula but by a manufacturing process change that affected a small number of 100ml roll-on batches sold in the UK, Ireland and South Africa, and it has apologised as it works to remove those bottles from shops and make affected customers whole, according to ITV News.
What happened, in plain English
The Independent reports that a manufacturing change altered how one of the raw materials in a batch of 100ml roll-on products interacted with skin. The company told customers it has reverted to its previous manufacturing process and is working with retailers to withdraw the affected batches while asking anyone with problems to contact its customer-care team.
Customers are advised to stop using affected Mitchum roll-ons and check batch numbers after reports of burning and itchy underarms.
Which products were affected
Mitchum has published batch codes and confirmed the issue was limited to select 100ml roll-on variants. The affected items include Powder Fresh, Shower Fresh, Unscented, Pure Fresh and Flower Fresh for women, and Ice Fresh, Clean Control and Sport for men.
If you own a 100ml Mitchum roll-on, check the batch number on the bottom of the pack against the list the brand has supplied and stop using any bottle that matches. The list and company statement are available as the brand works to remove stock from shelves.
How severe were the reactions — and what experts say
Social media posts ranged from itchy red rashes to accounts of “weeping spots” and blistering described by some users as chemical burns. A number of people reported symptoms severe enough to disrupt sleep or cause scabbing.
Clinical commentary published alongside coverage flagged fragrance chemicals and certain additives as common culprits in topical irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Professor Penny Ward of King’s College London told media outlets some fragrance components and related chemicals can be irritants in patch tests and may explain why susceptible people developed strong reactions; experts say severe symptoms may need medical treatment.
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What you should do if you’ve been affected
If you develop redness, pain, blistering, discharge, rapid worsening symptoms or feel generally unwell, seek medical advice: consult your GP, ring NHS 111, or if in immediate danger call emergency services. For many milder reactions the NHS recommends stopping the suspected product, gentle cleansing, cool compresses and over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines to ease itching; if symptoms persist a GP might prescribe a stronger topical steroid or refer you to a dermatologist for patch testing to identify the culprit.
You can find official NHS guidance on contact dermatitis and treatment steps online. If you suspect a serious adverse effect from a cosmetic product, the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) should be notified, and the Yellow Card scheme is used for reporting serious suspected adverse reactions to healthcare products — public reporting guidance is available on government sites.
Once trusted for 48-hour protection, Mitchum faces backlash after some roll-ons caused severe skin irritation.
What Mitchum has said and how the company is responding
Mitchum’s UK team apologised for the distress caused, confirmed the formula itself had not been changed, and said the issue was traced to a manufacturing process step that affected one raw material. The firm says it has reverted that process, is removing remaining affected stock from retailers, and is inviting customers who experienced irritation to contact customer services so the company can “make this right.” Several news outlets have published the company’s statement and the list of batch numbers for shoppers to check.
Are aerosol products affected?
Mitchum’s statement and coverage indicate the problem was limited to specific 100ml roll-on products; the brand has not included aerosol (spray) deodorants in the list of affected items. Still, any user who notices symptoms after using any Mitchum product should stop using it and follow the guidance above.
Why does this happen — a quick primer on skin reactions to deodorants
Topical products contain fragrances, preservatives, solvents and other additives that can irritate or sensitize skin. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when a product damages the skin barrier (common with repeated exposure to alcohols and harsh solvents), while allergic contact dermatitis is an immune response to a specific ingredient (fragrances, preservatives and some botanical extracts are frequent offenders).
Severity depends on individual susceptibility, exposure level and whether the skin was already compromised. If a manufacturing tweak alters impurity profiles or particle behaviour, it can change how an ingredient interacts with skin even if the nominal formula hasn’t changed — which is what Mitchum has said happened here. Medical guidance on diagnosis and management is available from the NHS and dermatology sources.
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Broader implications for consumers and brands
For consumers, this episode is a reminder to inspect batch numbers when brands publish affected lists, to keep proof of purchase for refunds, and to document symptoms (photos, dates, receipts) if you expect to claim a refund or escalate the issue. For brands and regulators, the case underlines the importance of rigorous supplier control and cosmetovigilance (the systematic monitoring of adverse reactions), and the legal duty of the responsible person under cosmetic regulation to collect and report complaints to the competent authorities. Guidance on cosmetovigilance and reporting obligations is available from trade bodies and government guidance pages.
Many affected Mitchum customers are demanding refunds or compensation after experiencing painful underarm reactions.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Can a deodorant reaction lead to infection?
Yes — broken skin caused by intense scratching or by blistering can become secondarily infected. Signs of infection include increasing pain, pus or discharge, spreading redness, fever or feeling generally unwell. If you suspect infection, seek medical help promptly. Official NHS guidance covers when to see a GP or call NHS 111.
Should I report my reaction even if it was mild?
Yes. Reporting helps regulators and companies spot patterns and take action. For serious reactions health professionals may submit SUE (serious undesirable effect) notifications to the Office for Product Safety & Standards; consumers can report issues to manufacturers, Trading Standards, or via relevant reporting schemes linked from government guidance pages.
Will refunds or replacements be offered automatically?
Mitchum has asked affected customers to contact its customer-care team so it can “make this right,” and outlets reporting the story say the company is working with retailers to remove affected batches. If you experienced a reaction, retain the product and receipt and contact the brand’s customer services for refund or replacement options; if you can’t resolve it with the company you can escalate to retailer complaints teams or Trading Standards.
How long will my skin take to recover?
Recovery varies. Mild irritant reactions often improve within days after stopping the product and using soothing measures; allergic reactions may take longer and sometimes require prescription topical steroids or specialist referral. If your symptoms haven’t improved after a week, or they worsen, see your GP. NHS pages on contact dermatitis give practical treatment and escalation advice.
Conclusion — Small change, Big fallout
A tweak in a factory process has left many loyal customers in pain and forced a mainstream brand into damage-control mode. The episode underlines how sensitive skin reactions can be, how quickly social media can surface product safety signals, and why robust supplier oversight and clear consumer pathways for reporting and redress matter.
If you have an affected 100ml Mitchum roll-on, stop using it, check the batch number against the company’s list, keep evidence of purchase, and seek medical advice if your symptoms are worrying — and report the incident so others aren’t blindsided.
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