Last week I bought some Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant because it was on sale and because I’m a big fan of their xylitol-containing natural toothpastes. At first I liked it because it has a pleasant smell and seems to be pretty effective at combating my BO. But after a few days I began to notice a semi-unpleasant “tingling” sensation in my armpits. Now, after about a week of using it daily, the stuff is literally burning my armpits.
Looks like ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean ‘won’t burn your armpits.’ Lessoned learned!
After doing some quick research I found someone else with a similar problem. This is from the Tom’s of Maine web site:
I tried the unscented deodorant and within ONE HOUR I had a red itchy rash under both arms that kept me up all night. This morning it is still red, hot to the touch and inflamed. I beleive that either the Coriander oil or the lichen in this product causes skin irritation. “Unscented” or “natural” does not mean hypo-allergenic. Buyer’s with sensitive skin, beware. Customer service at Tom’s was genuinily sorry and are refunding my money graciously. But I would like my misery refunded, too!
Hmmm… I wonder if they’ll give me some free toothpaste instead of a refund….
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE BURNING OF THE ARMPITS. I HAVING BEEN USING TOM’S OF MAINE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS NOW AND REALLY LIKED THE FACT THAT IT WAS A NATURAL PROUDUCT AND IT WAS VERY EFFECTIVE. BUT I HAVE RECENTLY STARTED FEELING A BURNING SENSATION IN MY ARMPITS AND I DO NOT HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN.
I have developed a problem with aluminum based deodorants in that they cause burning. I found Tom’s line, and saw that they do not use aluminum. I have been using there “woodspice” scent for a while now with no problems, and it really works on BO. My grocery store was out recently, so I bought their natural “long lasting” one with lemongrass and zinc ricinoleate. Worked as well as the woodspice one for a few days, untill…..holy mother of hell my pits are on fire as I am typing this. I am not sure which one is causing distress in others, but not all formulas from Tom’s are the same. I am going to look for the woodspice one cause it really worked for me. I hope it is still available.
Yeah, the one I used was one of their “long lasting” varieties as well…
I really freaked out tonight..my arm pit was bothering me and I rubbed it, a sheet of skin rolled off like a bad sun burn.. I rubbed the other side and the same thing happened. I could not figure it out, then I realized I just bought another tube of deodorant. Yes, you guessed it Tom’s of Maine (I have used for years) but this one was the apricot new “long- lasting” it has to be the zinc ricinoleate additive! Wow, this is not funny!
Ok, so I bought the long-lasting Apricot…and I thought that the burn I had yesterday was just a fluke. Today, I drove with the windows of my car down, the air conditioner on high and my sleeves pulled up…I thought I was going to have to take my shirt off my armpits were burning so badly! Can you see the reaction I would get pulling up the elementary school in my bra?!?!?!
I sent them an email and should hear something by tomorrow–but wow! too bad it wasn’t freezing outside..I could have taken a walk and stayed warm without my coat.
I too purchased the Apricot brand of Tom’s and was ok for a couple of weeks then I developed a horrible itchy red burning rash under both armpits. At first I thought it may be a heat rash but then I stopped using the deoderant maybe 2 wks ago. I still have this itchy bumpy rash. It itches like crazy. I have been using lanocane but doesnt help. I think I will send an email to them as well. I have never had a rash like this before.
I use the lavendar and I’ve never had this burning problem. In fact, I love the stuff. But, if so many people are having problems, it should definately be looked into…
Same with me. The Apricot kills my arms. I first bought it because I learned that some of my t-shirts were changing color in the arm pits due to the aluminum in the other name brand I was using. So I went to my grocery store and bought 2 sticks. I live half my life at my parents house and half in my condo (I do a lot of family work so I spend the night there often). So anyways, I began to think it was Tom’s of Maine in general. Well I noticed that at my parents house I was using the Lemon Grass one that smells wonderful while I was using the Apricot one while at my condo. I only get this burning while at my condo so I was able to narrow it down to the Apricot brand. So looks like I will be switching to the Lemon Grass exclusively. lol. I am also going to write to the company. Not looking for anything except letting them know that yet another person is having a problem with the Apricot deodorant.
Yep, me as well; except I tried the LemonGrass Deodorant with zinc ricinoleate additive. Within 30 minutes the burning and pain set in and lasted for hours. So I must agree… OUCH!!! Just like the heat-rash / pain I last experienced as a teenager. In Googling Tom’s Deodorant, zinc ricinoleate, and burning I found several search results that coincide with the experiences listed here. Very disappointing. I had been using a crystal (allum) deodorant, but was looking for something that had nice scent that would last throughout the day. Apparently other’s who have used Tom’s (NON-zinc ricinoleate) deodorants have not had any adverse skin reactions; so perhaps I will try one of those. Glad I found this site, but wish I had thought to check before I used the product. Hopefully our postings will help others avoid having the same painful experience.
I have used Tom’s deodorant for more than 12 years with no problems.
The new formula with “hops” has caused a skin rash.
Hi I’d just like to reply. I just bought Tom’s of Maine natural long lasting deoderant stick the lavender one that is improved with hops and I’ve only been using it for a week or so and I’ve gotten this really bad rash on both of my armpits and i’ve never gotten a rash like this while using any other deoderant!
I used it, and my armpits fell off! No kidd. Totally seriously. I used it for about two - three weeks, and I woke up to find myself without any pits! Now, at first I was like “WTF?!” and “OMG!”. I ran to the hospital! If I were you, I’d take this extremely seriously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you, xoxo.
My armpits fell off again after they grew back. I’ve been in a mental hospital since this event occured. Well, if can help me in my tragic situation, please call me at 304-543-8351. Anything would be a help to me. lol.
I have not tried Toms…but I have tried Adidas brand deodorant and all I can say is DO NOT USE THIS DEODORANT UNLESS YOU LIKE BURNING ARMPITS!!! The same happened with Old Spice Signature deodorant…the one that came with the new Old Spice cologne. I’m going to have to say that as much as I hate the feeling of gel deodorants, they don’t give any problems in terms of rashes.
I’m so glad I found this post! I thought I was going crazy.
Holy crap… ok, so I started using the lavender scented Dr. Bronner’s 18-1 soap a few weeks ago and thought it would be nice to match a deoderant (don’t typically use it but I’m changing jobs soon) so I went out and bought Tom’s of Maine long-lasting lavender scented deoderant stick with hops… this was 3 days ago so I’ve used the deoderant about 4 times, using it generously on hairy pits.
Last night I was soaking in the tub and my left armpit was kinda tingly so I reach over and rub it and my skin freaking peeled off!! I jumped up and looked at both armpits in the mirror and to my horror the skin was peeling on both armpits and both armpits were seriously raw in some spots. (!!!!)
Even in the past with the old awful aluminum Degree or Secret or Michell’s I NEVER EVER had this type of skin reaction.
I’ve obviosuly stopped using the deoderant today and while they’re not quite on fire I do have quite a bit of pain in both armpits. I’ll check again tonight, might even go to a clinic if it doesn’t get better.
NOTHING is listed on their website and there are no warnings whatsoever on any literature of there’s concerning possible skin burn from their products.
I wrote them a big long terrified letter last night so we’ll see what they have to say.
I also hear Tom’s of Maine just got bought by Colgate so here’s just another reason to never buy they’re brand again.
I don’t care if it’s the hops, the long-lasting formula or the scent… you just don’t put that crap out there without really testing it or at least putting a warning on the stuff.
gees…
I like my natural odor anyway, maybe I’ll just keep my job at the farm…
Wow! Never so glad I found this thread. I thought I was the only one encountering this problem. Brian or Rachel… did you guys ever get a response from Tom’s of Maine? I didn’t write them yet, but would love to know what they think is the ingredient causing this problem and any alternative product or scent that they can suggest. It’s really annoying! Thanks in advance.
Steven
I’ve had similar experiences to what i’ve been reading on this page. I had experienced itching, burning and peeling with my regular brand of deodorant because they changed the formula. So i thought i developed and allergic reaction. I then purchased Tom’s Original deodorant and had the same issues. I’ve learned to look for Hypo-Allergenic brands now. If your in Canada, Life brand makes a good one. There is also Crystal Deodorant (www.thecrystal.com) which seems interesting, but i haven’t tried it. anyone have any experiences with it?
No burning! Just itching- and dry skin / a little bit of peeling. i have never had a reaction and thought i had used Toms a while ago- it was fine.
I really like the burts bee’s herbal deodorant(!), but its expensive and it doesnt work as well for like an anti perspirant. it does neutralize smell . . .
i hope i stopped using mine in time- i had been using it maybe 2 weeks. rash came after one week i think.
Holy crap! I thought I was the only one. I switched to deoderants without anti-perspirants because my dermotoligist said I was allergic to anti-per. I tried 3 different types of Tom’s of Maine AND the damn salt crystal and my armpits were on fire! It was literally burning my skin off. My armpits were super red and the skin would peel off like a bad sun-burn. I finally sad screw it and went back to anti-perspirants. I would rather itch than have my armpits fall off. So far Dry Idea roll on is working pretty well….we shall see though.
April
OMG I thought I was the only one! I just made the switch to Tom’s..I got the long lasting lavender one…and I have the burning sensation under my arms..I don’t have sensitive skin or anything.
I guess I will have to try another scent or something. I like using an aluminum-free deodorant…but I may have to go back to Dove for now!
Kim
Had the same problem with the apricot scent…My armpits felt like I rubbed chili peppers on to them! It was hell I tell ya. Never again, never again.
Glad I found this website as well. I’ve got the Apricot Long-Lasting, and this stuff burns very badly. WOW!
Not sure what to try next… any suggestions?
Hey everyone,
I use the apricot version and it burns my armpits too. I have a sort of rash right now from it. Sucks!!
I too wish I had done some research before buying a stick of Tom’s of Maine long-lasting Lavender scented deodorant. I figured that making the switch to a natural, aluminum-free formula would be a wise move. I never expected the terrible irritation, burning and subsequent peeling of my armpits which has happened after just one week of use!
After reading these posts, I am not sure if it is the hops or the zinc ricinoleate as suggested above. All I know is that this is the first time in my life that I have ever had such a reaction.
Looks like it is time to find a new natural deodorant. This tie, I’ll do some research!
In case anyone cares, I’ll be writing to Tom’s of Maine right now…
Hi! Found your blog on google while searching for Allergic Reactions To Hot Red Peppers - quite some good info thanks, R. Kraven
Thank goodness for you folks reporting this! I had precisely the same issue with Tom’s of Maine “long-lasting” deodorant as well as the original “improved with hops.” I had been using the original, unscented one (with hops) for a few months and experienced few problems. I then bought the “long-lasting” stick, as it was the same price as the regular and I figured I was getting a good deal. Well a RAW deal is exactly what I got. After about 2 weeks of using the stuff my underarms were very red and rashy & full of small bumps. They were also very painful to the point where to wash under my arms became a very trying experience. I quit using deodorant period for a good week and a half to give my armpits some time to heal, which they did to an extent. I then went back to the original Tom’s of Maine deodorant “improved with hops” and this time I was reacted to it immediately and have sworn off Tom’s of Maine products. I thought it was just me, but now I see this is a pervasive problem. They definitely should be forced to put a warning label on this dangerous deodorant. STAY AWAY!
Well Ive tried everything I used Tom’s and Ive used some clear deoderant from Ombra and I was using an Aloe brand from Jason’s but nothing seems to help the severe rash that has been plaguing me for months now. I was using Dove befor and never had a burning rash befor just black heads and sometimes lumps( which is why I stopped using). I tried using baking soda but that just inflamed the rashes even more I even mixed it with mineral oil. Anyway the only thing that has helped me out is good ol diaper rash cream I had laying about and I put it on after I had a bath and dried up. I basically smell like zinc but the burning and itching is gone. Hopefully I will see the results in the morning and look for a new alternative. For some of you if it is a fungus you will continue to spread it back and forth from arm pit to arm pit using the same deoderant when it started it will never go away. Throw it out and deal with rash specifically then try deoderant again.
I had a bright pink rash in the outer edges of my arm pits a few months back — I didn’t itch or irritate me. Just went away. I bought new TOM deodorant (Apricot with the hops) and the hot pink rash (no bumps, no itch) came back, lasted longer and turned a dark red/brown color. But this time, I could peel off sheets of my armpit skin! Not pleasant. I’m glad to have found these postings. I used the Honeysuckle for years and never had a problem. I hate to use other commercial brands. I’m going back to Honeysuckle, but other suggestions would be helpful… Unscented TOM, perhaps?
Tom’s of maine Apricot strikes again. Woke up this morning with red peeling underarm skin- isn’t it a little odd that the rash is mostly where there is no hair? Guess I’ll go back to using Speed Stick clear deoderant. It has always been a reliable alternative to aluminum based stuff, but I was hoping for something that was not scented specifically for men’s use.
OMG- what a relief to read this forum! My armpits are flaky and super sensitive from the Tom’s Lavender..has anyone used an deodorant that HAS worked? I find baking soda really helps the smell but I can;t tell if it is causing dry skin too or the “Tom’s” reaction just hasn’t gone away. I put baby oil on my pits last night and they are still dry today and discolored too!
I’m glad to see I’m not alone, but man am I pissed. All natural what…..that is what I’m asking?
This stuff is doing the same thing to me….help!!
HELP! OMG, so happy I found this site. I started using Tom’s Apricot Long Lasting Deodorant less than a week ago. After about two days my armpits started to get all red and itchy, so I stopped using the stuff. Since then, I have had the most horrible itching, burning sensation. I’ve tried using creams, benadryl, cortisone, and benadryl pills, and nothing is working. I took my shirt off today and completely freaked out. The blood vessels in my armpits have burst, and it looks like blood is seeping into my skin. I think I’m going to have to go to the hospital for this. Does anybody have any other suggestions on how to make this go away? So never using Tom’s again.
Oh my gosh! I used Tom’s of main natural long lasting deodorant stick with hops, uncented. My Armpits are burned!!! i have never had this type of reaction to anything before. my armpits look really scary, it got real red and would not stop burning. Now its been 3 weeks later and i have such bad marks on my armpits, they are real dark brown.looks really bad. of course im not using that deodorant anymore but i am so upset. does anyone know if i can take legal action about this?
I have problems with lots of deoderants/anti-perspirants so I thought I would give Tom’s a try. I have been using the apricot scented one for a couple of months with no problem so I was happy that I had finally found something that worked. Was I ever wrong!! My armpits have started burning and skin is peeling off in chunks. This is the worst reaction I have had to any product. I guess I’ll be on the hunt for something new again…..
OOOO Thank God, I have the same problems with Tom’s of Maine. I have itchy, dry, red, pealing off and dark armpits. I don’t know what to do or what to buy anymore. I had try so many producst that have no odor, aluminium free, etc. However nothing seems to work. help!!!!
I am with all of you.. this stuff is painful!!
yup, yup and yup!!! I’ve used Tom’s for years now and recently have been experiencing the excruciating pit pain, itch , burn and peel cycle mentioned above. I too have been using the Apricot and come to think of it I believe I have been buying the long lasting of late and didn’t put two and two togeher. I’ll be switching the ole’ pit stick out pronto. It does seem to have coincided with increased workout frequency as well, the long lasting stuff clearly doesn’t get along with added pit sweat.Totoal drag as I’ve used Tom’s for a long time now.
holy cow, me too, i’m itching and bumps from woodspice with hops.
I am soo allergic to the lemongrass and had a terrible burning rash after two uses! It is sad because I love the smell….what is going on?
yes, same for me!! smelled great the first day. on the second day my armpits were on fire. gonna try and take this back to whole foods. i never suspected a brand like tom’s which is supposed to be all natural to use propylene glycol which is also used in anti-freeze!! ughh!