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!
Me too, I just decided to google burning armpits and lucked up on others responses. The Toms Apricot is buring the hell out of me; however, I am having other issues (after using Tom’s) my breast are extemely tender (out of the blue) with no connect to my cycle coming on. I am going to my OBGYN to have her take a look. Can’t be too careful about breast issues. I was told start using deordorant only, so I tried Toms. I am going to search for other brands.
I’ve used Tom’s for years (lavender, honeysuckle,etc) and never had a problem. About two weeks ago I needed new deodorant and went to purchase some. The store was out of Tom’s so I bought one called “Naturally Fresh Deodorant Chrystal” It says it’s hypoallergenic. Ha! I’ve been using it for about 2 weeks and suddenly 2 days ago my right armpit was really itchy and when I looked in the mirror it was all red and inflamed. I too have had some skin peeling off. Funny, though, it’s only the right side. The ingredients list zinc recinoleate and I suspect that. I’ll be going back to the “old” Tom’s. Happy Holidays.
Okay, this is ridiculous. I have the same problem as dozens of other people who’ve posted: Used Tom’s Long-lasting Apricot for about a week, after a few days noticed some itching, took a good look at my armpits today and they’re red and the skin is peeling off! This is crazy; there are people with problems the same as ours going back to 2006. What is WRONG with this company? If this was an isolated incident I’d be understanding, but apparently Tom’s has been contacted again and again about it. I’m really hoping the rash goes away in the next few days… right now my skin just looks mildly irritated, so it seems my reaction was not as bad as some. Merry Christmas to me… thanks a lot, Tom’s.
ya i used the lemongrass long lasting stuff…holy hell, i thought i was gonna die from the pain haha my poor armpits…i still use the calendula since that kind never gave me a rash, but i still experience peeling…so i may have to switch back to degree…now i have the unsightly deep reddish brownish circles from where the deorderant had burned my friggin skin….does this go away after some time???
Im am with all of you.. OMG the burning at first i thought it was my sweater;bra… nope this stupid calendula roll on deoderant.. Oh i burned and burned i put lots of HYDROCORTISONE cream and i went back to SECRET…The burning flames are too much for your armpits its like chemical burn. Quit using it if your skin its turning pink or red.!!! It took me a good 2-3 weeks to get the redness gone.
Lemongrass = pain…ugg I just want some alum free deo that works that wont ruin my shirts =(
I recently began using Tom’s because of my hippie sister. I used her lavendar scented one that was not “long-lasting” and it worked fine..no rashes just needed to be re-applied during the day. When I purchased my own I bought apricot and it gave me a rash. Not itchy but just red, and burned when I applied deodrant. I switched to the lemongrass and it seems to be okay, we will see though because within two months of my apricot using I obtained the rash. I wonder what could be the difference?
OK, it is terrifying that the accounts on this blog go back so far, and that enough people have googled their problem to come across this page! I had the peeling with the Lavender Long-Lasting Deodorant, though luckily for me no pain (knock wood).
Interesting thing - TOM’s has this tidbit at the end of their little fact sheet about Zinc Ricinoleate: “Tom’s of Maine recognizes that no two people are alike, and even with pure and natural ingredients, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or other indications that the product may not be appropriate for your individual body chemistry.”
So they’ve legally covered their butts, but something is rotten in the state of customer care here.
I’ve experienced the same burning when using long lasting Tom of Maine’s deodorants- especially the roll ons. However, I tried the new Sensitive line when I snagged one on sale at a big grocer for 3bucks (other places dont put that line on sale when they discount other Tom’s of Maine’s products). It was great. It also seems to add
a natural skin smoothing lotion. Its worth the near 7bucks at regular price.
I have noticed that the newer TOm’s deodorants such as Woodspice or non-long lasting ones dont burn. The long lasting stick made within the last year or two do not seem to itch/burn either. Of course, nothing, either natural or non natural, is as good as that crystal salt one from Thailand. I worry about putting too much salt in my body, so I restrict use of that one to no more then every other day.
Oh my gosh and I thought I was the only one!!!!!!!! THIS REALLY SCARED ME!!!! One day on my way out of the house my underarms started burning and burning and burning! I was rushing so i just had to deal with the pain for that day. Then, I put on the deodorant one day and then I looked in the mirror after showering and my underarms were red with these dark spots of peeling skin!!!!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?! I’ve stopped using it for about a week and I hope the spots will go away… but I’m a little scared
lemongrass for me…after just one application, my armpits are on fire nearly 12 hours later. i hope this matter is addressed by Toms. There are too many of us with this problem.
Well, me too, relieved to find I’m not the only one, annoyed that Tom’s hasn’t replied to anyone! Used the Calendula roll on for a couple of months now and love the scent finding it lasts fine for me through the day. But wow I got a shock when my underarms and area around started peeling off - just as other people have commented - like a bad sunburn. Thankfully, the peeling and dryness seem to be the only problem, no rash, redness or burning. I don’t usually have sensitive skin at all so that may be why I’m only experiencing one symptom. It’s the long-lasting one, with the zinc. No hops though. Very dissapointed, was really liking it, espescially in comparison to some of the mineral ones I’ve tried before, which were hopeless. I’d hate to go back to Sure but I can’t deal with the peeling much more! Good luck everyone.
This is absolutely rediculous! I switched to Tom’s of Maine about a month ago because of the dangers of using Aluminum. Both of my brothers use it and love it so I thought I’d try it. I first purchased the Apricot long lasting and was enjoying the scent until like most of you, began to notice burning under my arms. I too looked in the mirror to find red ares and peeling skin. I thought maybe that was my body getting rid of the chemicals I’ve put on it for years. So then I found the Lavendar long lasting that my brothers use and the burning went away, sort of. But the redness and peeling continue to be there. I think I will return both bottles from where I purchased and send Tom’s a letter. This is unfortunate for me because I was really excited to use all natural products and it totally sucks that you have worse luck with it than with the commercial products that will eventually gives us cancer or God knows what else.
It is really nice to hear that this has happened to other people! For some reason I endured the peeling from the Tom’s of Maine Apricot deo. because I thought it was exfoliating all the dead skin that built up from using harsh aluminum deos….is this possible? It keeps me odour-free, but my body is reacing in a strong way!
I’m so glad that I found this site. I have been using the long lasting Apricot for 3-4 weeks now and no problems, but yesterday I noticed that my armpits are RED. No itching or burning (yet), but I’ve NEVER had a rash from any deoderants, soaps, nothing. Grrr - off to email the company I guess.
So, yes me too. Long lasting Apricot. Just bought it 3 days ago, when all of the sudden i was on fire. looked in the mirror, red peeling skin. I can’t believe they haven’t taken this acid off the market.
Back to the mirror, I then put TEA TREE OIL, well washe the arm pit and then put TEA TREE OIL on…it seems to sooth after it burned a bit.
I’d give it a try.
Good Luck, fellow burning armpits =}
I am so relief that I google “allergy reaction on tom’s deodorant” and I found this site. I have red and itchy bumps all over my armpits from the long lasting care apricot as well. I am very very disappointed with this product. I hope Tom’s of Maine will do something about this.
I also have this problem. It all started after I had my son 7yrs ago. I finally decided to go to a doctor and find out why my arm pits itched like CRAZY! So bad in fact, I would wake up in the middle of the night itching. Well after years of torture! I went to a dermatologist and spent a year trying to figure it out. FINALLY she did a patch test and it came back that I was hyper-allergic to something I was putting under my arms. HELLOOOOO I knew this already duh! She didn’t know what soI went to an Allergist. They told me I could have a allergy test to find out what ingredients where making his happen. BUT they said it wasn’t a guarantee and that I should try the natural stuff…So that’s what I did and I have been keeping track of which ingredients are in what. This is what I have found for my self…I am allergic to Bacitracin and Neosporin…Anything with Zinc-recinoleate…I had a terrible reaction when I was using Bacitracin along with zinc, if you look that zinc stuff is in alot of stuff. My conclusion is to not by anything with zinc in it. I haven’t had any problems since. Somewhere along the way, after the birth of my son, my body changed. It has been horrible, and I feel for all of you. BTW…I’m still in search of a good, long lasting deodorant that doesn’t make me sick of my own bo by the end of the night…LOL
I am glad I looked this up. Aluminum in deodrant can cause breast cancer, as several studies have proven. Tom’s of Maine was the first ever deodrant to make me break out….and it was the well-known beloved apricot of this site that so many people seem to be experiencing issues with.
I use their toothpaste and thoroughly love it….
I have a thought, however. My mom is allergic to hops and it has hops in it to combat BO….might I be allergic to hops as well? I’m not sure if that has anything to do with it.
I switched to natural crystal deodrant that doesn’t hide BO very well, but i’d rather be a smelly little hippie mama than have cancer. so i’m just doubling up on the perfume oil.
i’m so glad this forum was set up for people to see that they aren’t the only ones experiencing issues with a product thats supposed to be “natural” and better…
love and light
I have also had the same burning armpit problem with the Tom’s of Maine, apricot.
For the first 20 or so years of my adult life I used various brands of deodorant/antiperspirant (mostly arm & hammer or suave because they are cheap–I’m a tightwad-what can I say). So, for 20 years, no problems. I’d never had sensitive skin issues in an way shape or form. Then in my early 40s I borrowed deodorant from a cousin (on a family trip) and ever since I’ve had a rash like reaction to almost every deodorant I try. For a while some of the natural deodorants worked (Tom’s and a Trader Joe’s house brand). Then Trader Joe’s discontinued their product (thanks!).
I have been saved by “Soft & Dri” made by dial. I don’t know why, but, no rash when I use Soft & Dri. I’ve noticed that “S & D” is hard to find at the store and often it is on some type of clearance sale as if it is going to be discontinued–argghhh. So, I keep trying other new brands since I know that soon I’ll need a replacement–so far, no luck.
But, yes–Tom’s of maine apricot–almost immediate burning and a rash if continued use.
Cheers– and good luck!
P.S. Nice to see this–validates my problems, I swear if I tell people about this I figure they’ll think I’m a hypochondriac with super-sensitive skin–not the case : )
so glad to find this site. i have been using tom’s for a few years now. a few months ago i started using the long-lasting lavender kind. today my armpits just started burning. i ran to the bathroom to see what was wrong:my pits were bright red and peeling in areas like a bad sunburn:((( was tom’s really bought out by colgate? how long did it take you guys’ pits to heal?
Thank goodness I found this website!!!! I have been soooooo worried about the skin in my left armpit after using the Toms M with Hops. Kind of a smooth blister and slightly stingy. I was trying to be healthy and use aluminium free deodrant and liik what happens, lol!!
Any ideas?
Nadsxxx Scotland
Funny, found this page by Googling “Tom’s of Maine allergic reactions”. Firstly, I’ll mention that I’ve never ever had any sort of nasty reaction to deodorants and that I don’t have sensitive skin. The last deodorant I used was Dove’s cucumber/green tea scent and was very satisfied with it until I heard that antiperspirants could cause cancer. So after researching for a more natural pit stick, a friend recommended Tom’s of Maine, saying he was very happy using the original woodspice deodorant. I used their long-lasting apricot deodorant for four days and had to stop last night when my armpits started burning intensely. I washed them, and my skin was red and irritated and painful. I iced my armpits because applying anything to them made the stinging worse. Today, the red has turned darker, and the pain is gone, but I’m left wondering what ingredient in the deodorant could have caused it. After reading the responses to this topic, it seems like it’s the hops or glyceryl laurate. I’ll probably discontinue my use of this brand. Any brand suggestions?
Dont know wabout any allergic reaction to the Tom’s of Maine deodrant- i tried the Apricot version - but I hate the scent after a f ew minutes and it only works for a serious workout for about 40 minutes.
YES! I’m in the same situation as all of the above. I started using Tom’s after trying the ineffective crystal deodorant and started burning after 2 weeks. The skin under my arms is peeling like a sunburn and it burns very badly. I don’t have sensitive skin by any stretch of the imagination and am wondering if this is a chemical burn rather than an allergic reaction.
I’ve been using Tom’s Unscented Long-lasting with Hops for a couple months now. I’ve never had a problem with BO, but I wear deodorant to remain “civilized” especially given that I’m in the healthcare field. I noticed that my BO has increased since using Tom’s. On days that I go to the gym to swim, I notice it even more. I attributed this either to the soap at the gym or to dehydration.
Yesterday I woke up with BO (having showered the night before) which is something I never noticed. I took a look under my arms and noticed a ring of flaking skin where I apply the deodorant. I’ve never had the burning that is described here, but now I think the recent BO is related to the dead skin and associated bacteria.
I’m going to stop using it, and look for something else. Now what should I do with five sticks of Tom’s?
i did a search to find out if anyone had a reaction to Tom’s deodorant and found this site . . I am so glad I did . .at risk of repeating all the other posts i tried the lavender long lasting and the apricot long lasting . . after a couple of weeks I had the burning and red armpits . . so far no peeling skin . . but when i noticed that Tom’s was bought by Colgate Palmolive in 2006 and these posts go back to 2006 I wonder if this has anything to do with the problems with this product? . . .can anyone recommend a natural deodorant that doesn’t have problems like this?
So glad to have found this site! I was starting to get concerned about the peeling skin under my arms, so googled, not expecting to find anything that related to my situation. But….wah-lah….here is my answer! I, too, recently started using the long-lasting apricot version of Tom’s. I have used Tom’s deodorants for years, but never the long-lasting apricot. Glad to know that I don’t have a serious problem, but concerned about why so many of us are reacting to this product.
Same as everyone else … red, pealing, fire.
Wanted to switch to an aluminum-free deodorant, so I have been using Tom’s Unscented Long-Lasting Deodorant for a couple of weeks. Relieved to locate this site and find I am not alone; disappointed I have to search for a new deodorant (once I heal).
Extremely frustrating so many people seem to have terrible reactions to this line of products for some time, but they continue to produce them with out change.
First post is from Oct 12 2006. I can’t beleive this stuff is still on the market and with no warning label at that.
I used the long-lasting lemongrass aluminum-free deodarant fine for about a week or two until suddenly a couple of days ago I noticed a rash under my arms and peeling skin. Now it’s gotten worse and the itching is driving my crazy. I haven’t had any problems with burning though. Possibly because I noticed it early enough and I stopped using it immediately.
I emailed Tom’s of Maine and they were very quick to respond although they offered no information as to what ingredient might be causing this allergic reaction.
Here is their response:
———————————
‘Thank you for your e-mail. I am sorry to hear about the unpleasant experience you had with our Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant. It is difficult to determine which ingredient or combination of ingredients caused the irritation that you described. We all have different body chemistries and may become sensitive and/or allergic to a product at any time. I would recommend checking in with either your health care professional and/or a pharmacist to determine a treatment.
Can you provide me with the following information?
Your mailing address?
The lot # from the deodorant you used (i.e.,#LD followed by 4 digits) – this is usually located sideways on the edge of the back label?
Have you ever used our underarm products before?
Where did you purchase this?
We make three different formulations in our Natural deodorant. The one that you used, the long-lasting deodorant with zinc ricinoleate for added odor protection, is available in Calendula, Apricot, Unscented, Lavender, and Lemongrass fragrances. Our “regular formula” deodorant is available in Unscented, Honeysuckle Rose, Calendula or Woodspice and contains Aloe, Hops and Lemongrass as the main odor-fighting ingredients.
We also have just introduced a sensitive care deodorant that is effective at odor control and has been clinically tested to be gentle for people with sensitive skin. This product comes in Bay Lime, Cucumber Grapefruit or Fragrance Free versions.
I would like to send you a pre-paid envelope to return your long-lasting deodorant to us for testing. As soon as we receive it we will forward it to our Quality Control Lab and when we get the test results back, I will let you know them. In addition, if you would be interested in trying one of our new sensitive formula deodorants, please let me know and I can send one along to you. If you have a fragrance preference, please let me know that as well. Or, of course, if you’d prefer, I can send you a refund for your purchase price of the product that you were unable to use. Please let me know your preference.
Again, thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to your concern, and please let me know if there is anything else we can do for you.
Sincerely,
Patti Murphy
Consumer Dialogue & Services Team Leader
http://www.tomsofmaine.com‘
I am so grateful for all the comments left on this page. In the beginning of April, I purchased Tom’s of Maine’s long lasting lavender aluminum-free deodorant stick.
I used it for two weeks and was fine. Then, one morning, after showering, I put the deodorant on and my armpits started to burn. Throughout the day, my armpits stung, itched, and burned. When I checked my armpits at the end of the day, they were red, inflamed, and peeling. I stopped using the deodorant a week ago, but my armpits are still itchy and red. Anything I put on them makes them burn. I figure I’ll just have to wait for them to heal, which sucks because it’s getting warmer and I’m starting to sweat, which also makes my armpits sting.
using Tom’s was truly a terrible experience. I’ll be going back to Dove as soon as I’m fully healed. :c
I figured that I was alone with the burning armpits problem, but then I Googled and barely had “Tom’s deo” entered before “Tom’s deoderant burns - 9,000,000,000,000 results” popped up in autofill. I bought the Apricot stuff for my 12-year old daughter to take to camp and she called me the first night to say it burned for several hours after she put it on. She was lucky! I used some of it when she got back and within just a few hours my armpits were deep fried. Everywhere that stick touched my skin it is beet-red and looks like someone painted my underarms. We should all file a class-action suit against Tom’s and show up in court naked from the waist up, our firey armpits exposed for the world to see. They wouldn’t stand a chance. Maybe they would have to reimburse me for the crappy deoderant ($3.29), the two tubes of Aveeno ($4.49 X 2) plus $42,825,000 for the cybernetic cooling system I had to have installed just so I could sleep at night.
I too decided to switch to Tom’s lavender after having learned of the negative impacts of using aluminum-based antiperspirants. It caused the same itching and burning as reported above. I had to throw the largely unused stick away. Last week I started using Jason’s tea tree stick and the same problem has since emerged. That’s $12 that I’ve just spent on deodorant I can’t even use! At least the aluminum ones don’t cause your skin to slough off.
me too, the apricot. not sure how i came upon this page but so glad i did! i’ve been using it for about a year and a half (the long lasting). it hadn’t bothered me at all until yesterday with the burning and flaking skin. so far, i’ve put lotion on and it has soothed it but i will not use toms of maine again. i have tried the toothpaste in the past and that made my teeth worse as well:( good luck everybody.
Same as Peter from March 25th. Used the Apricot version for a couple months. No itching or burning, but noticed dark rings around my pits… as well as INCREASED body odor.
Just switched back to Secret (until I find another non-aluminum deodorant to try) and my b.o. is already subsiding.
How odd… a deodorant that GIVES you more body odor. Sigh…
update - For those wondering it has taken me about a week and a half to heal. The worst part was over in about a week. I didn’t use an ointment or anything. I just let it heal on it’s own. I would suggest other people do the same. I emailed Tom’s of Maine about the experience and they are mailing me a $7 refund and a prepaid envelope so I can send the unused portion in for testing. They say they will let me know the results. Although I think they already know what the ingrediant is that caused the allergic reaction. They of course would not want to admit this. As long as I get a refund then I am fine. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right?
FYI - I used icepacks to numb the intense itching which worked very well(I didn’t have any problems with burning). I would literally have to sleep with icepacks between each arm.
Wow! I htought It was just me! I bought the Tom’s apricot long lasting care , and after about 1/2 a week, it started burning sooooooooooooooo bad. I now have chemical burns under both of my arms. They are blackish greyish brown now…and the burn is in the shape of where I applied the deodorant! The product smells great…but I dont suggest using it.
I just called Toms and told them….so far, they were totally nice and asked for the deodorant back for analysis.
Call them and let them know whats going on!
1-800-FOR-TOMS
I used Tom’s last Wednesday. On Thursday I noticed a bit of a rash and did not apply it again. By Thursday evening I was itching like crazy. Friday was worse. On Saturday I saw a doctor, who prescribed a cortisone cream. I did not notice that the cream was particularly effective. I am writing on the following Wednesday and the rash has begun to clear up. The itching is no longer driving me out of my mind (though it has not stopped entirely). I found that physical activity increased the itching.
I live in Canada so seeing a doctor was easy and cost me nothing. If seeing a doctor will be a pain or expensive, try aloe vera. The cortisone didn’t help much anyhow. I also found that Advil helped relieve the itching somewhat.
I’ve been using the same Tom’s for years and have never had a problem until two days ago. I didn’t get a new tube or anything– I just applied the same one I’ve been using. I was wearing a shirt I hadn’t worn all winter so I thought it might have been the way the shirt was cut when I felt the initial pain so I just changed shirts. Today I didn’t even think about it when I put my deodorant on before work. I had been in the car for maybe ten minutes when the exact same intolerable burning. It was literally the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt in my life. By the time I was finished running my errand ands getting to work, I had stripped down to just a cami. I washed my arms with soap in the work restroom which helped but now I have large, sore red streaks that burn like the dickens!
Thanks for posting this and letting us victims know that Tom’s has been helpful in addressing this problem. I’ll be calling them tomorrow; this is rediculous.
Wow! So many of you with the same problem!!! I was getting some bumps and thought it might be the antiperspirant, so decided that this TomS of Maine “natural” CRAP would be better. Youch! After 3 days, my whole armpit area is red and painful! AND, it’s supposed to be nearly 100 degrees tomorrow and now I’m afraid to put anything on my armpits. I have NEVER, ever, had an allergic skin reaction to any products - and trust me, I’ve slathered all kinds of chemicals on my skin to control exema, acne, stretch marks, sweat, you name it…this is killin me - at nearly midnight - I can’t sleep from the pain!
I feel so relieved that I’m not the only one! I love Tom’s of Maine, but the “long-lasting” type has started leaving my armpits red, burning, and peeling! I’ll just switch to a sensitive skin variety!
thank you all for leaving your comments on this blog!! i too have been experiencing the same thing after using the apricot one for 3 weeks. I am so disppointed that this product did not work out for me….i was really looking forward to using it because i did like the smell and i thought it would be awesome because of the “healthier” ingredients. Well i know that prayer really does change things!!!! So let’s just pray for the people in the company who are making this product to be convicted to repentance for putting out a product without giving a warning. and may the Lord forgive them and bless them with His grace and joy and mercy!!! I just pray that they realize the damages and pain they are causing people and they put a warning on the bottle and website…this way anyone who immediately starts experiencing this burning/peeling/itching/rash and redness will know to stop using it.
I have been using the lavender (long-lasting) Tom’s of Maine for a while. The apricot causes burning, and the lavender causes my arm pits to peel. I thought I had a problem, until fidning this site. This is weird. I am going to stop using the product today, and contact the company about it. Thanks for all the info!
okay, i just bought the Life brand “natural deodorant” an hour ago and put it on 20 minutes ago and now my armpits are on fire. it’s funny, i bought it BECAUSE i ran out of Tom’s lemongrass, which worked fine. but, i definitely won’t be buying Tom’s or Life again. i hope i don’t have those other armpit problems. it’s not red yet or itchy, just burning like crazy.
there’s no zinc in this one though… so i don’t think it’s that. i have propylene glycol, aqua, sodium stearate, dimethyl capramide, potassium alum, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, ah damn, i’m too lazy…
I just noticed that the skin all around my armpits, but not in my actually armpits, is peeling as if it was sunburned. I did a Google search about it and stumbled across this page. I do use the apricot Tom’s deodorant and I’m on my second tube. I’ve never noticed anything until now.
Does anyone know if possibly the deodorant could be causing the peeling around my armpits?
Haha, same thing happened to me. I got the long lasting Apricot scent, and it worked fine up until about a few days ago. Noticed a developing red area under the one arm, and then a few days later my skin started peeling and itching. Still is. It’s rather annoying, but I have to say I’m relieved to find out it’s just my deodorant as opposed to some kind of fungus. It bums be a little, though, as I don’t use anything that contains animal products and Tom’s is my favorite. It’s going to be a little harder to find another brand in my town. It’s a major corporation frenzy here (like Proctor and Gamble and shit).
Haha same, and my mom doesn’t let me use anti-perspirant cuz it supposedly causes breast cancer.
I can’t believe after all of this they haven’t fixed Tom’s yet.
I switched to tom’s unscented deodorant because normal deodorants make me itch like crazy. I ignored the burning from Tom’s at first because I just figured my body was getting used to something different. Now I have painful red medium sized bumps around my armpit, and the side of my breast is sore along with the pit itself. Oh and did i mention that i bought an unscented bar of Tom’s soap? My back also has two large welts on it.I was so scared I thought I might have had cancer or a bite or something but i think from reading this post it’s quite obvious what the problem is.
I used Toms unscented sensitive skin deodorant for a short time (one stick) and I thought I had finally found the solution to my arm pit rash problems. When my stick of the sensitive skin kind started to run out I went to get more but discovered that none of the store in my area carried it anymore. Finally I gave in and got Toms unscented long lasting stick. I am so glad to know I am not the only one who now has burning pain and itchy red peeling skin in my pits!
Today I officially join the -Oh holy mother of god! I just used Tom’s deodorant…Somebody call the fire deptartment, my armpits are on fire!- club.
I applied the Tom’s lavender scent deodorant just prior to running out of my house to work. I managed to survive the (what seemed to be hours long) subway ride to work although in excruciating armpit pain. Once arriving at work, I washed the toxic product off of my skin. After three washes and no relief for my flaming red, burning armpits, I turned to the trusty internet. No surprise, I found this blog. The public must be notified! This stuff should be banned!
I tried some of this deodorant last night. I worked well at combating my horrendous body odor, but caused my skin to peel away in sheets. I can now raise my arms and see my shoulder joint as it is completely exposed. Does anyone know if my skin will grow back?
Wow. Seeking a solution to this issue. Wanted to change deodorant cause my shirts were constantly staining due to aluminum. Went to the “Natural product” and have experienced all the symptoms in question. Hoping I can get rid of the bumps that are really itchy.
I discovered that my armpits are peeling (but not burning) at the top and bottom so I googled the problem and found this thread. Then I checked my deodorant, and lo and behold - it’s Tom’s of Maine long-lasting apricot scent!
I don’t think the regular (unscented) version gives me this problem but it seems less effective.
A few years back I had the severe armpit burning problem with the Toms deodorant, so I went back to the “bad stuff” and all was well. A few weeks ago, I decided to give it another shot. No burning. “This is great,” I thought, because I really like the idea of using a natural product, and it smells good to boot. But today I felt a pain in my right pit and looked at it in the mirror. It seems that I no have a half dozen red sores in my armpit, and they really hurt. I did a Google search, found this thread, and I’m so glad to be putting two and two together. No more Toms of Maine deodorants for me, it seems. I’m going to stop using the stuff, see how the sores change, and I’ll try to post back later to let you know if it was indeed the Toms. Thanks to everyone for posting!
Well, I googled my wifes symptoms(raw ,burning,underarms) and this blog came up and guess what? Shes been using Toms all natural Apricot.What have any of you done to heal the raw spots? Thanks
In an effort to use less harmful chemicals, I’ve been switching all of my products over to more natural brands. I picked up a two-pack of Tom’s of Maine Long-Lasting Apricot Deodorant today. I decided to see how people liked it and did a internet search. GOOD LORD! I am scared to death to even try this stuff now!
Should I just return it and grab the Burt’s Bee’s Herbal Deodorant Spray? I love the smell of the Tom’s Apricot but I really am frightened…..
same story, burning peeling red pits with long lasting unscented
Thank you all for your responses… I woke up this morning to freaky armpits and had no clue…Now, I know what went wrong.
Update:
I returned the UNUSED Tom’s Apricot Deodorant and picked up the Burt’s Bees Mens Deodorant Stick (100% natural) and have had fantastic results. No stink, no irritation. Just a faint citrus & herbal scent. HIGHLY recommend this.
I just couldn’t risk using the Tom’s with my sensitive skin.
Wow! I’m glad I found this page. I was using Tom’s unscented for several years with no problems at all. They apparently changed the formula recently. I had all the problems described here. My armpits were red with huge chunks of skin peeling off. They looked horrible. I discovered they actually have two types of unscented deoderant. The original one that caused the rash was the one that had Hops, so I bought the one for sensitive skin and had the same reaction. Lavender gave me the worst reaction, my armpits were red almost instantly.
I believe it says somewhere on the label “discontinue use if rash occurs”, but this is a bit more than just a minor rash. I’m allergic to a lot of things which is why I started using it, I had no idea so many people had the same problem. That’s really bad.
i started using the apricot a few days ago and my pits are on fire!! no flaking or bumps yet, but please be careful with this product. it feels as though i may have an acute chemical burn, i rubbed some a&d ointment on it and that seems to help the burning a little.
Hi everyone. Just posting again a few weeks after my last note on this board. I stopped using the Toms of Maine deodorant, and the red sores in my armpit went away in just under a week. I’ve been meaning to take the time to check back in with you ever since. So, it looks like it was the deodorant after all. Ever since then I’ve been going au naturale. I’m a bit shell shocked after the crazy pit rash. Best of luck to everyone.
Hello Everyone,
I would like you to clearly read this message as it will help you to realize just how Unsafe this Cotton Deodorant product really is. I used the Tom’s Cotton Deodorant last year and had a burning sensation under my armpit - I thought it was just my skin getting use to the product but after awhile I developed a serious problem.
I had a Dark Black patch underneath my armpit after several months and I developed some major reactions and problems because of it. I broke-out on my Face, Back, Neck, Genitals and Buttocks.
I could not understand what was going on but I needed medical attention to solve the problem. I had to take Four (4) Rounds of Antibiotics for a period of four months to clear this up.
It even affected my ability to get an Erection. I did not associate this product with my problem until afterwards. I was looking in all the wrong places and at other possible things that could have contributed to my reaction I was looking at what I was eating, drinking or even the area I was working in thinking it could have been Rag Weed.
The answer is - it was none of those issues - This product can have serious consequences in some people. I have sensitive skin and I know 100% without reservation or hesitation that this Product Caused My Condition.
If you are using this product and you get a burning sensation from this and a rash develops stop immediately - prolonged use will develop into a major health issue.
I could be allergic to one of if not all or a combination of the active ingredients. Tom’s is aware that many people have had a Reaction to this Product but the Warning Label and Disclaimer is Not Large Enough to Notify The Potential Buyer of the Risk Associated With This Product’s Usage - How Can They Not Be Concerned?
If it is all about Money than they don’t care - Tom’s should be ashamed of their lack of interest in this issue.
Please Stop Using This Product - If You Have Any Reaction At All or Burning Sensation - Continued Use Will have Serious Heath Issues.
I Did.
Aboout 10 DAYS AGO I USED T’S of MAINE-LEMONGRASS/ALUMINUM FREE DEODERANT.
That evening I was unable to keep a very bland dinner ‘down’. I wasn’t ill, didn’t have a headache, didn’t even feel sick. Suddenly, I just knew I needed to vomit and did. Afterwards I felt normal and have ever since. The only problem was I woke up the next AM w/ red/burning/itching armpits. As I am deathly allergic to peanuts, the only clue to possibly solveing this mystery is the ingredient list which includes, at the end-AND OTHER NATURAL OILS. Since deoderant is not injested, is it possible that T’s of M is now useing peanut oil? It IS NATURAL. I would appreciate a response from TOMS OF MAINE. By the way my armpits still itch, after all this time and I have not put a spec of any deoderant under my arms in at least 10 days
My arm pits are now on fire, peeling and dark and discolored. Thank you Tom’s for the Apricot scented pain.
I went through an entire tub in pain and just thought it was my body doing something weird not the deodorant - but then i stopped using it after my boyfriend mentioned it a few weeks ago. It does indeed look like a chemical burn plus peeling skin - won’t use it ever again - glad i found this post - not sure what to use now since i can get quite smelly (i don’t mind but others will) - am vegan - don’t want to use conventional - not sure what to try next - argh
I just had the same armpit rash/burning issue with the Lavender-scented Long-Lasting variety. Took about 8 hours for me to first feel it. I’ve been using Tom’s Woodspice version for 5 years without a single problem, and have used other varieties such as Calendula and Unscented previously without problems. I decided to try the Lavender this time since it was on sale. Bad idea. My wife also uses Tom’s deodorant (Honeysuckle and Unscented) and has not had any problems. I compared the ingredients of all these and the culprit seems to be the zinc ricinoleate since that is about the only ingredient that is different. I’m going to wash it off and apply some hydrocortisone. Hopefully it will clear up and then I can go back to the time-tested Woodspice!
Same thing with me! Wow, this product should really be taken off the market. I was looking for aluminum-free deodorant, and the Tom’s of Maine Apricot deodorant smelled really good. A few days after using it, I noticed a dark red ring around each armpit, and a few days later- peeling. I had itching and burning, but nothing intolerable. if you can find it, soft & dri pulse is the best!
same here, with long lasting lavender! it’s so painful…AND…it makes me smell really funky…anyone else get a strange smell? I never had stinky body odor in my entire life (never even needed to use deodorant, but used jason’s just for safety)…when they ran out of it i tried tom’s woodspice, and started to smell HORRRRRRIBLE! i ran into the lavender tom’s at the market the other day, and thought i’d give it a shot just to see because i love lavender……..i just put it on after a bath, it BURNED the second it touched my skin, and now I’m laying in bed with smelly armpits. So confused! help!
Hah! This comment thread going on 3 years is hilarious, even though as I type this my underarms are burning like Hell! As everyone else said, I thought I was the only one. I just switched to Tom’s of Maine (Apricot, Long-Lasting) a few weeks ago after using Dove forever, mostly because I don’t like the animal testing, but also because I heard aluminum causes breast cancer. At first the wet/sticky feeling all day was annoying (plus it didn’t work all that well to begin with), but when I noticed my underarms peeling I thought that was enough to stop. But I was lazy and didn’t go back to the store. So here I am now with underarms feeling like, as someone else eloquently put it, I rubbed chili peppers on them. I just wet them down and put baby powder all over but still burning like nothing I’ve ever felt. WTH do they put in this crap? My boyfriend uses the Long-lasting Lavender and doesn’t have the burning problem, but his are peeling as well. Can someone come out with a NON-burning, NON-peeling, NON-aluminum animal-friendly deodorant PLEASE!?
Many, many years ago I tried a Tom’s deoderant, and it stung like hell! I haven’t used it since (this was probably at least 8 years ago). I wanted to switch to an all natural so I figured I would give Tom’s another shot since it had been so long since my first incident. I bought the long lasting lavendar, and yet again my pits are on fire! Yaaarrrggghh! Are there any decent all natural deoderants out there? I’m also a little off put by the stickiness after you put it on, it doesn’t seem to ever dry.
Thank you for this site. I’ve been using Tom’s without trouble for years. A couple weeks ago I bought the Long Lasting Unscented because the store I was at didn’t have the normal variety. A couple days ago I noticed my armpits were a little red, and yesterday they had what was clearly a rash. This morning the skin is peeling. I was troubled by this, and on a long shot googled to see if there was a problem with this deodorant.
While I can understand a mild reaction to a deodorant, something is clearly off with this line of products.
Wow, it totally made a rash under my arm. What the heck? I too use the toothpaste and that is why I gave long-lasting care, lavender a chance, but remember, Colgate bought Toms, so what does that mean?
Me too, I started with the citronelle deodorant, because I wanted an aluminum free deodorant and now the skin of my armpits is completely burned, irritated and peeling. I can not understand that this company selling “natural” products do not test their products before selling them. I am really upset and disappointed because their products are expensive and harmful.
Yes Toms long lasting non scented deodorant gave me a rash and the skin
peeled off. I wish I read this post before I spent the 5 bucks..
I’ve been trying to switch more and more to natural products, and Tom’s deodorant seemed like an easy choice… but holy hell! When I first noticed the rash, I thought maybe it was because I’d been a little over-zealous with the razor the night before and scraped myself, but when the burning, itchy redness persisted even when I was extremely careful when shaving, I began to suspect that maybe it was the deodorant. I Googled “Tom’s of Maine deodorant rash” and, voila! This was the first site that popped up. My symptoms are exactly the same as everyone else’s here. Firey, painful armpits, and peeling skin (mostly in areas where hair doesn’t grow). I used Apricot at first, and then switched to LemonGrass. Both have caused this reaction.
Guess I’m gong back to aluminum products.
I woke up today with itchy armpits after using Tom’s of Maine Apricot Long Lasting deo for a few days. Like the others here I was looking for an alternative to the aluminum anti-perspirants. I was curious about this new ingredient: zinc ricinoleate and that’s how I found this site. I’m so glad I found it, because now instead of ignoring the itching, I’m going to stop using the product right away and not risk aggravating my itchy armpits into a worse reaction.
Thanks so much for puting this post up and to everyone for commenting and getting the word out. I can’t believe that this post has so far been going on from 2006 to now, end of 2009 without Tom’s of Maine (well, actually Colgate Palmolive) doing something about it! Shame on them, this is clearly a major problem for many people! If there are so many people writing just on this blog, imagine how many other people there are that haven’t written! A tip for the people out there with a reaction, in the past I’ve found that the best remedy against itchy, burning armpits as caused by a reaction to antipersperant or deo is diaper rash cream.
I too have burning, peeling armpits after using toms long lasting unscented deodorant. It’s good to know it’s not just me. I can’t believe so many people have had the same problem and this product is still on sale!
Hello Becky. I completely agree. Its not the reaction i expected from a natural based product. I wouldnt mind having a look at your affected areas though!!! lol. XXX
The same just happened to me. I brought the Lemon Grass deodorant I have been using it for a week and then suddenly it started burning yesterday. By the time I got home I had a rash or something under both arms. I emailed then telling them that I saw complaints about this dating from 2006 and asked what they are doing about it. Also what is causing this happen? I have found several threads like this one about their deodorant products. Now that I know this has happened to many people, I don’t trust any of their products at all.
I have the same problem, but it happened to me right away. I have hydrosis and people told me to go get it, but any deoterant of theirs i try it just burns my skin like CRAZY!!!!i hate it now
Tom’s of Maine deodorants contain “Hops.” It is widely recognized that the Hop plant derivatives are phytoestrogens(Phyllis A. Bach)- a problem for some people and particularly if there is a history of breast cancer in your family. I have been developing a natural deodorant for several years now that is very effective and I have never had one person tell me it causes any skin irritations. Needless to say I do not use Hops or Zinc ricinoleate. I could not find a non-aluminum deodorant that worked for myself or my children either so I started working on this problem. I am seeing that an effective
“natural and organic” formula does not lend itself well to mass production but I think it is still worthwhile to pursue. I will post again as soon as I am incorporated and patented.
So, I’ve been using Tom’s Long-Lasting Unscented for about a year and never had any problems. Girlfriend started using it a little later and ran out. Worked fine, no problems. She got a new stick and developed a rash. Didn’t seem a big deal that she would develop a rash, sometimes we develop allergies I guess. She gave the thing to me, and I developed a rash after about a week. In summary, we’ve both been using Tom’s for about a year, get a new stick and it manages to give BOTH of us a rash. I still have a little left of my old one and will try to make it last a while, but this mystery could take a while to solve. Hopefully Tom’s can figure out what’s going on!
I have been using the Tom’s Apricot deodorant for a year with no problems, and I didn’t notice that I picked up the Apricot long-lasting version. Within a few weeks, my armpits became discolored in a dark brown splotches. It’s almost like a burn that is starting to heal. Fortunately, I didn’t get the burning sensation. I noticed that some skin was peeling off too like it does after you get sunburned. Yikes. Time to rework the formula Tom’s….
The Tom’s of Maine Apricot long-lasting deodorant had my underarms on Fi-YA!!!! Next thing I knew sheets of skin are peeling off like a sunburn…dayum! Smells good but OMG the torture!
Oh man, they got me too. What a phenomenon. I’ve been physically assaulted by the unscented long-lasting care. I’d like to punch Tom in the face or make him eat the skin that’s falling off my armpits. Stay away from this stuff. Of course if you’re reading this it’s probably already to late.
I have to echo what everyone else is saying - how could this be going on for 3 years without Tom’s doing anything about it?
I’ve emailed the company…but it’d be nice to be able to lower my arms.
To everyone who’s been through this - *hugs*
Thanks to all of you for your posts about Tom’s of Maine natural Deodorant stick! I too have used the product for years, and recently have had a problem getting the one I ususally use. So, I picked up this one,thinking it was the same, the natural, unscented, to find after just a few days, my armpits are itchy and have huge oval red spots! After searching on the web for an answwer, I found your posts, and am so relieved to find out it’s Tom’s, and nothing serious. I just went to see if it was the long-lasting, and yes, of course it was. The back of the product says let us know what you think of our product, That’s exactly what I’m doing next. Thanks again everyone.
After returning the lemongrass deodorant in December in received this response a few days ago.
Thank you for returning the Lemongrass Long-Lasting Deodorant (Batch #LD1365) to us for testing. Our quality assurance lab tested and examined this product and found it to be in keeping with our batch standard and our formulary integrity.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Please let me know if we can be of any further service. Until then, we wish you the best of health.
I don’t know what their formulary integrity is but I will never use any of their products again. I know that many believe that hops is the main cause of the burning and rashes but it has to be a combination of many factors which is causing this. I have used hops on many occasions by itself and in combination with other herbs. I have never had this problem. The source of their hops could also be a factor. They need to dedicate time to studying how they are mixing substances together and their possible side effects.
I’m so glad I found this site. I to switched to all natural deodorant mainly because I want to use products that do not test on animals but also because I am in the process of switching to all natural products. I used the apricot long lasting and after a couple of days my arm pits had red bumps all over them and were on fire! Desperate for relief (I could not concentrate at work because of the burning) I put my evil commercial brand antiperspirant on before I went to bed. The bumps and pain were gone in the morning. This is not encouraging me to stick to the natural deodorant route!
Tom’s of Maine is made from natural herbs, which means that not everyone will be able to use it. You and I can both walk outside the same door at a time when a certain plant is blooming and one of us may not be affected while the other begins to sneeze immediately. My husband and I have a cat. Sometimes, I can get a mild headache from her dander while my husband can’t breath at all through his nose.
Where did you buy the deodorant? You should always be able to take something back (CVS even takes back make-up after you’ve tried it) if it’s not working out for you.
I hope that you find something that works for you!
Christina
ohhhh man. I’m so glad I’m not going crazy.
Ive been using Toms deodorant for 6 months now. But I only used it about once a week (if that) because it was all I needed.
However I started using it a bit more regularly, and BLAM burning, peeling, raw armpits. I was so worried I had some kind of fungus. But I’m normal like everyone else.
Glad I’m not dying
The only think it’s the hops that are causing the problem. Tom’s sent me a roll on to replace my nasty deodoratnt (the roll on is their only antipersperant that doesn’t contain hops). It worked great but I can’t find it in stores anywhere. Baby powder was the only thing I found to help with the burning.
I’m so glad I found this. I went through an entire stick of apricot with the burning and stinging and I figured it was the scent or something. This morning I bought the unscented and honest to god all I want to do is tear out my armpits. Although apparently, they’re going to fall off soon anyhow. It hurts so bad it makes me puke.
I believe we all are having an allergic reaction to the silica in Tom’s of Maine deodorant (listed as silica shells). I had a reaction to Right Guard Sport Invisible Solid which also contains silica (list as silica dimethyl silylate and silica). I was also allergic to Oldspice. I used Right Guard Sport Solid Clear Stick for 5 years(it doesn’t contain silica) without any rash problems until it was discontinued so I bought Tom’s. Bad mistake. Well the product came back just redesigned. Now it’s called Right Guard Total Defense 5 Clear Stick (same exact ingredients, so I expect no skin allergic reaction to my underarms, I hope I’m right). We should all sue the manufacturers. I’m going to the doctor to find out exactly what I’m allergic to in these products.
I’ve had the same burning armpit problem with all deodorants I’ve used for the psst 15 years. Tom’s was the second to last one I tried until i discovered a deodorant that seems to work just great. Not at every store but you’ll find it if you look around. It’s made by 21st Century Health Care and is called Herbal Clear. It’s hypoallergenic as well as free of aluminum, paraben and alcohol. I don’t see any listing of zinc in the ingredients. I use the Clear Aloe Fresh with Vitamin A&E. It’s distinctive in a very yellow stick applicator. Hope this helps some of you! Good Luck. I know that pain and it’ awful!!!!!
Hello again fellow burning pits. My pits are getting a little better. Petroleum jelly helps sooth them and decreases the friction. Another common characteristic between the three deodorants I mentioned above that gave me rashes (Tom’s of Maine Apricot 12 hour long lasting odor protection and Right Guard Sport Fresh Invisible Solid, and Old Spice) was that they are not solid clear sticks. My Tom’s stick is yellowish white and the Right Guard was white. The Old Spice came in the form of solid blue. The other Right Guard that does not give me a rash is completely clear. I once used a Right Guard clear gel deodorant without rash problems but it did not perform well against sweat. So maybe all non-clear solid sticks will give me a rash for some reason. I’m off to the Doctors tomorrow and will post the outcome. I still haven’t contacted Tom’s of Maine but plan on emailing them after I hear what the Doctor has to say.
So are there any ongoing lawsuits? I mean, there’s over 3 yrs of unsatisfied customers (myself included) who are or who have dealt with unbearable rashes. How the hell can they continue to sell a product that has this adverse effect on so many people? And how did this product get overlooked by the FDA?
The doctor said allergy tests are painful(more painful than a 6 day rash? probably not) and basically blew me off. HMO sellout!! Well you guessed this only mad me madder so then I wrote Tom’s of Maine a long insightful email. The doctor said to try one of Dove’s deodorants. I should try it and hopefully I get a rash and then I’ll demand him a referral to see an allergist. Anyway he said take some Benadryl and to apply Caladryl Clear Lotion to my armpits. The lotion does help for a few hours. He said to not apply Vaseline on my pits and to keep them as dry as possible. Hope I hear back from Tom’s of Maine tomorrow.
I’ve been using Tom’s of Maine natural deordorant for years and been very happy with the product. I liked the coriander and lichen version the most. I noticed a tweak to the package design a while back and thought it’s just designers justifying their existence with minor design modifications. They should have added a huge violator on the package that screamed NEW & IMPROVED to confirm they had screwed with their own product. My armpits blew up bright red and itchy within 2 days.
I couldn’t belive it was a Tom’s product causing this, and assumed it was a reaction from my bar soap, also sporting a redesigned package and no longer claiming to hydrate, or maybe it was the vitamin B-17 I had just started taking. After 2 months of stinking, and purchasing the Lemongrass and Woodspice scents as well as the Sensitive Skin scented deordorants, all seemed to cause further irritation. I did discover tea tree oil was as good a solution for healing and kept me odor free for a better part of the day.
So this has left me dazed and confused. What was Tom’s thinking? Maybe it would have paid off to test this new hops recipe on mice, or themselves, or something. I still haven’t seen anything about a recall, or an apology, or even an admittance to screwing up a truly great product. In the end, I just want the old formula for coriander and lichen back. Please.
Same story. Hops added: burning, itching, pealing, etc.
ditto! I as well couldn’t believe that this could be the fault of Tom’s of Maine, but alas the evidence seems to be substantial! I used the apricot one for months before this developed into the red, burning, peeling mess that it is! And i have had this rash for at least a month!
SOOO relieved not to be the only one! I was freaking out… I’ve been using Tom’s Long-lasting lavender deodorant for like a year… but I just bought a new one and my pits are red and dry… its horrible and really scary looking! Have they added a new ingredient? I contacted them, but haven’t received a response yet…
Wow! It continues!! Almost 4 years now!! I too have been using Tom’s apricot. I googled “armpit skin peeling” and this popped up! I haven’t noticed the burning as much, more when I sweat a lot though. But, every few weeks, my armpits peel off in a layer like a sun burn!! I switched to Tom’s because I developed an allergy to aluminum. It’s soooo hard to find plain deo !!! After reading these posts, I’m going to quit using this brand and search for something else (again). Good luck to you all!
A Tom’s of Maine representative has been professional in dealing with my complaints. I was refunded my purchase price and the cost of the Caladryl lotion, Vaseline and Benadryl during my burning itching redness and peeling pits ordeal. The rep sent me a prepaid envelope for me to send back the deodorant so it can be tested for quality. If you notice most deodorants have a warning about stopping use if rash or irritation occurs. Tom’s of Maine does not have such a warning, I think to further sell the idea that it’s “Natural”. I will be seeing a dermatologist in early May. If anyone else knows what they are allergic to in Tom’s please let us know so we know what not to buy thanks. Some people say it the Hops, but I doubt that.
Well, it’s the same story for me as well. I’ve been using the apricot Toms for a week now and this morning at work I developed a searing rash under my arms. I washed off the product, but it’s still raw and irritated. My skin is peeling off in sheets and blistered.
I’ll be writing Tom’s tonight to complain.
Same here, I woke up this morning with rashes under both arms. I’m on fire! I went to the gym and couldn’t move my arms so it was legs only today.. wanh wanhh… anyhow tom’s went in the trash. I’ve been trying to go more organic/natural so this was a let down. Can’t believe this is on the market with this many complaints…I’ll need to drop them a line about what happened. I put on some aloe it seemed to alleviate the burn - here’s to quick healing to all!
Wish I would have saw this BEFORE using Tom’s lavender deodorant! Was just googling my funky red reaction and found this. Sucky!
My husband was just wondering last week why his armpits were turning dark brown and starting to itch. When he ran out of the regular unscented deoderant, I replaced it with the long-lasting, unscented kind. He finally gave that up and tried my TOM new, crystal confidence, clear roll-on, which has only 6 main ingredients. I had to stop using the crystal confidence since I tested severely allergic to benzoic acid and mildly allergic to corn (citric acid). If you are not allergic to corn or zinc oxide or to the benzoic acid from apples, then perhaps try the crystal confidence liquid roll-on.
Another suggestion would be that you could look up how to make homemade deoderant from coconut oil, arrowroot powder (instead of corn startch), and baking soda. Just be careful that you’re not sensitive to baking soda (like I’m finding out by getting a bright, red, large rash!). Good luck everyone!
The same thing happened with me, but I was diehard not to put aluminum into my system, so after about 6 months the peeling does lessen, and there is not much pain or redness, if any at all.
I tried the crystal ball one once, but it did not work well throughout the day
I wish it were easier to switch to natural deoderant….
I’ve had this problem with every single natural deodorant I have tried. I freaked out when I first got the rash, but lots of lotion cleared it up in a few days. But, not wanting to go back to animal-tested aluminum deodorants, I’ve kept trying one natural deodorant after another. Every single one gives me the burn. However, I have successfully avoided both the burn and the rash by never applying it after showering or after perspiring. I always shower before bed, so I can easily avoid deodorant then. When I apply it in the morning, there’s no burning. But if I do something sweaty (like housework) before applying it, then I get the burn.
So, for me it seems to be a problem of open pores. I just wish I knew what ingredient it was, so that I could look for a deodorant without that one! (I have no allergies and I’ve never had this problem with regular deodorant.)
Has anyone else been able to avoid the problem by not applying it while your pores are open?
Armpit burners unite!
I never had any issues using Degree for many years, and Degree is still the best deodorant I have ever used, by far.
But I wanted to get away from the aluminum of course, and that’s where the problems started. To make a long story short, I started getting a rash once I began to apply Tom’s Woodspice each morning, which otherwise was just okay for preventing odor throughout. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I decided to then try Tom’s so-called Sensitive Care deodorant, which I think made the rash even worse…itchy, dark, burning, peeling…just uncomfortable and nasty.
I suspect the propylene glycol may be the culprit in my situation, but I’m not certain and in any case I’ve discontinued use of this product. Hopefully the rash will heal and with any luck I’ll find something less toxic next time.
Wow! I can’t believe how many responses there are here, just on this one blog article! My boyfriend and I have both experienced the horrible skin-peeling, burning rash. If only we had researched this BEFORE using the product. I wish I knew what the specific ingredient was the problem here, as others have mentioned, so I can avoid it in the future. If you know of an aluminum-free deodorant that doesn’t cause CHEMICAL BURNS, let us know!!
Wow… Ditto, ditto, ditto. Long time Tom’s deodorant user. New stick of Lavendar (with hops) and viola my armpits peeled like onion skin. Really glad to find this, now I can stop thinking I have a terrible disease, just hoping I can convince my friends that I don’t have something contagious.
I am looking forward to that refund, which I will be requesting today.
I’ve been on this natural thing first with my hair (African American hair), then with my skin (face) regimen and then I figured why not my deodorant. I went without for about two weeks using baby powder or nothing, then I decided I needed to get some natural deodorant, so I bought Tom’s of Maine long lasting odor protection with an apricot scent. I had been using it for two or three weeks when my pits started to tingle, I didn’t pay much attention to it at first I just thought it was just my body getting used to this new process, but it got worse and red and it just burned like heck now I know what it is and i’m upset.
This is amazing! I was hoping for some answers, but WOW! 4 years of verified issues just like I discovered today. I took my 13 year old dress shopping and saw her armpits. I was horrified. They were red and raw and had skin peeling off the edges where it was red. She’s just starting puberty, so doesn’t have hair in the armpits yet, but I thought maybe she tried to shave and got irritated from doing it wrong. Nope. She said they’ve been like this for a couple of months.She’s been using the lavender scent 12 hour stick. Prior to that she used the sensitive skin unscented with no reaction. I checked the ingredients list and see that the only difference, other than lavender, is the zinc ricinoleate.
I feel terrible. First because she did’nt tell me she had a problem, but mostly because I chose a natural aluminum free product for my daughter to use because I thought it would be better for her.
The doctor has prescribed some cream to use to heal the rash. Then he recommended going back to the first deodorant she tried. So, she’ll have to go w/o deod for a few days while this rash heals, then we’ll try the sensitive skin formula again.
I plan on contacting Tom’s and insisting that they pay for the RX in addition to the product refund.
I have been using the apricot one for maybe a year now and today may armpits started burning so much I was going to cry. I had no idea it would be my Tom’s deodorant. Guess I have to stop wearing that fragrance of theirs.
Same deal. I’ve been using the Tom’s Apricot 12 hour long- lasting for about 3 weeks….and have loved the scent and odor protection. What a bummer to find terrifying peeling and redness, but at least I now know it’s not some dread disease. Will go back to my Thai Crystal Stick, which has decent effectiveness and is alum free.
Same as so many others have written–the horrible (newish) 12 hour long-lasting formula–which is the only formula many of the stores I shop at carry–first made my armpits tingle with a light burn and now they are practically raw and peeling.
I hope people are sending this feedback to Tom’s as it is obviously affecting many, many people.
Well well well…I thought I had Candida skin infection!! I have been using the Tom’s Lavender 12hr protection stick for about 3wks then switched to Arm&Hammer because my armpits started to peel and flake off. It’s been about 2-3wks since I last used Tom’s until tonight- HOLY COW! Almost immediately, my armpits had a reaction that left them extremely red, burning, and sensitive to touch!
I had problems too, and this post was the first thing to come up in my google search. I guess I was “lucky” that my reaction was pretty mild compared to a lot of others. It took a week with no deodorant for my armpits to finally stop peeling though. I can’t believe the original post was from close to 5 years ago and so many people are still having problems!
Wow - I wish I had found this information before now.. about 2 weeks ago I decided to find a natural deodorant to avert the aluminum in my deodorant.. I bought Toms Lemongrass deodorant. I thought it was ok till a couple of days ago when I noticed my armpits itching. I lifted my arms up and looked in the mirror and was astonished. The skin under my armpits has basically all started peeling off and the remaining skin is literally burnt and pink..It looks and feels now like someone held a blowtorch to my underarms.. At least I know now it’s not something more serious.. Hopefully it clears up soon because it is painful - like having shingles in your armpits.. Thanks everyone for posting their stories!
Seriously, my freakin armpits are on fire and peeling off! Been using Tom’s Of Maine unscented for a week and now OMG!
I first tried Tom’s of Maine long lasting lavender deodrant a month ago. It worked all right for a short, few weeks and now my pits are peeling and burning! It is so disgusting. I live in Arizona and today it will be 106 degrees - a perfect day to not be wearing deodrant so you can let your pits heal.
Glad I’m not crazy or alone in this, but I feel for you all!! This is crazy and so unsettling that it’s Tom’s of Maine. I’ve used their apricot for years and I’ve noticed for awhile, now, that I have this weird kind of scaly skin, darker than normal, on the sides of my armpits. I didn’t think much of it, though. I was getting sick of the scent so a few weeks ago bought the long lasting lavender and wow!! Armpit fire! I don’t have sensitive skin, normally, but this stuff sucks. My skin is peeling, too. And to make things worse, it doesn’t even stop me from smelling! Sheesh! Why did I ever stop using the salt stick? Oh yeah, it’s a pain to use because you have to wet it, then your underarms are all wet and you can’t get dressed until they’re dry. Argh…
I started using the Long Lasting Apricot and loved it at first. After a couple of days, the burning started, but I kept using it b/c I have sensitive skin and have experience slight burning before. Now the burning is gone and my armpits are peeling horribly. I have on a black shirt and it looks white in the armpit area b/c of the dead skin falling off. So glad I found this website, so I know it’s not in my head and that this is a problem. I am going to request a refund from the company and switch back to something that won’t do this to me. Now, it looks like I’ll need to find something with moisturizer to get my underarms back to normal.
the same thing has been happening to me as others in this blog after perchasing tom’s deodorant (apricot)! it doesn’t even have a discontinue use if rash develops label on it (not like you need one if you get the kind of rash i got from this deodorant). they really need to recall this deodorant or something
I just recently bought a a long lasting Tom’s deodorant, I have not experieced discomfort or itching or burning but my armpits turned red as if they had been sunburned!! I’ve been using aluminum free deodorants for a long time but with my last deodorant I realized my armpits looked somewhat sunburned but with Tom’s it just got worse. I thought I was suffering from some type of condition but I guess it’s all these natural deodorants. I want to stay aluminum free but which ones are the best ones to buy without this happening to you?
I wish I’d known about this before I started using the deodorant. I found out I had a rash in both armpits last night, in the shower, and it’s even worse today… this comes after 2-3 weeks of lightly using the Apricot. A quick google search of “armpit rash tom’s of maine” brought me here… grievances going back 3 years. Amazing.
just saw this,and yes my pits are on fire,going to get that diaper rash cream asap.
WOW. I thought I was losing my mind, but I am SO glad I stumbled across this. I started experiencing burning about a week ago, but I thought it was razor burn because my razor is getting a little old. Stopped shaving for a couple of days so it would get better. Last night I took a shower and put on my deodorant like usual. About an hour later I literally jumped out of bed screaming with my armpits burning like the fires of Hell. It was so painful there were tears in my eyes and I think I terrified my boyfriend. I scrubbed my armpits with cold water (warm water was completely unbearable) and then attempted to apply some aloe to soothe the burn. BAD IDEA! The burn INTENSIFIED! I had to sleep with ice packs under my arms because it was the only thing that would dull the pain. I woke this morning to grossly swollen pits, peeling skin, and bleeding around the edges of the peeling. My head is pounding and I feel sick to my stomach. Needless to say I freaked out and called my doctor. His opinion is that this is NOT an allergic reaction. He says that bumps and redness may be an allergic reaction, but this type of severe peeling and pain is more typical of a chemical burn. Why it wouldn’t do it right from the start, I have no idea. I think that this requires more research and maybe a trip to court. I can’t even put my arms down today. I look like I am flapping my wings. Does anybody have any idea how to start a suit to get these people to stop producing a product that is so obviously harmful?
I can’t believe this has been happening for so long and Tom’s apparently has done nothing to change their formula. My reaction started as peeling skin and then felt and looked like a bad sunburn. Aloe vera helped to soothe it once I got past the initial stinging while it dried. If you are looking for an alternative that is aluminum free, I really enjoyed the deodorant sold by Melaleuca, but it is pretty pricey ($7) if you are not signed up with them and committed to buying about $60 a month worth of products. I will come back here and post if I find a more affordable alternative.
i recently switched to toms because i like the all natural thing. i have not had the burning, but i have had the peeling. at first i thought it would go away, but it didn’t. oh well. back to dove.
What a relief to find that I am not the only one. But im appalled to find so many others with the exact same situation. I tried all of the Tom’s brands and it works fine for a few days..or a few weeks..(or a few hours) and suddenly I feel like i have acid under my arms! They have burned, peeled, itched, and just about bled from each one. Unfortunatly I think my skin is scarred a darker color for life from Toms and my attempt to clear aluminum from my body. It is even worth getting a hold of them as it appears they do not care enough to right the wrongs that their product is causing. I have never had allergies or burning….its obviously a chemical burn and they should be put out of business. Boycott Toms! I shall tell everyone to stop buying and using such a horribly and irresponsibly made product. I hope all your arms heal as mine will be permanently scarred!
I use to use the Calendula kind of tom’s and I had absolutely no problems. I’ve always used Tom’s because my dad has a bad reaction to deodorants with aluminum in them, so I’ve just always stuck with Tom’s. Anyway about a month ago I stopped being able to find the calendula brand, so I got the newer apricot scented kind. My pits have been red and peeling for 2 weeks. I thought it was maybe a heat rash, but after finding this thread obviously its the deodorant. I want calendula back!
I usually use Herbal Clear deodorant and it works great, is aluminum free and cheap. I bought Tom’s calendula with hops about two months ago. I started getting the burning sensation and skin peeling in my left armpit. It started as a small red splotch and I thought it was from my shirt or bra or something. But now my entire armpit is bright red and raw. The burning feels like chaffing or razor burn. I will never buy Tom’s deodorant again. I am also boycotting their toothpaste and every product they sell. Apparently since selling out to Colgate, they no longer have integrity in their products and do not care if they sell potentially harmful products to consumers without a warning label. Five years is way too long to have an issue like this go on without some sort of resolve or at least a warning label on their products. Boycott Colgate and Tom’s.
I had the same problem recently with Tom’s roll-on deodorant in the lavendar formula.
I had extremely painful red swelling and stinging in my underarm area, as well, due to the use of this product.
I had the same problem guys, Tom’s of Maine ‘with hops’ has created an itchy sensation on my skin… it’s not SO bad, but I’ll quit using this product right now.
I purchased the deodorant during my last trip to NYC, so I can’t sue them from my own country, but someone should take legal actions, really.
It’s awful. Tom… I thought you were a good man.
Apricot has got me hot!
Thought I was doing something healthy, but I get burning armpits and sometimes peeling skin. It’s been 4 weeks and I think it’s probably best to throw this out as I am not getting used to it. I always get a tingling to a burning sensation when I put it on.
Why is this still on the market?
I just stumbled across this site looking for people who have had a reaction to Tom’s. I bought the Apricot (before that I was using Jason brand but it was more expensive) and used it for about a week before I noticed that my armpits were bright red and sensitive. I brushed it off as razor burn but after using another deodorant for a few months whilst I was out of the country and then arriving home and starting to use Tom’s again, the same thing happened!
Does anyone know if Tom’s is addressing this issue? Or is it just worth it to switch to another brand?
Like so many others, I have never had any problem with “sensitive” skin. Still don’t.
I have the same symptoms, though. The skin in my pits is dried out and cracks open when it stretches. I thought I was nuts when I noticed an increase in body odor. Skin is peeling off as if I’ve used a vegetable peeler, and it feels like it, too. Tom can shove a stick of this stuff where it’s dark, and do a little dance for us all.
FEW! I have been using the calendula one for years and picked up the unscented one as a spare. I’ve never had problems but as soon as I switched, sheets of skin peeled of and I thought I was developing a serious case of eczema and as soon as I stopped using it, and gave myself a couple of uncomfortable deo-less days, but all cleared up and no problems.
Can’t believe how many other people have also gone through this ordeal.
Have used Tom’s unscented thru about 3 sticks. Last week bought the Honeysuckle Rose and today the pits are itching and burning. Apparently not an isolated problem.
First time using Tom’s of Maine products. After 3-4 weeks of using Woodspice deodorant, developed itchy, burning rash. First time ever for this kind of experience, and don’t plan to buy ToM again. Sending it back immediately to ToM for refund and hoping the rash clears up soon.
I could just cry. I discovered a strange lump under my arm a couple of weeks ago. It scared me, so I decided to switch away from aluminum based antiperspirant in case that was causing a problem with my pores and because I thought it would probably just be more healthy for the entire area in general. Well that lump shrank to almost nothing in about a week. Good news. This morning, however, I woke up with a strange mild burning under both of my arms. I didn’t think much of it until I got in the shower and actually Saw the large oval shaped reaction under both of my arms.
It looks to me more like a chemical burn than a rash. There are no bumps it’s just red and hot and mildly burny. I really don’t know what to do, though. I have to go to class today (it’s the first day for this class!) and I am mortified to have to go without deodorant. According to another site I found, however, that’s the only thing to do for a chemical burn. Don’t put anything on it and let it go away on it’s own.
Thank you Tom’s. I was trying to be a healthier person and do my body a favor by ridding it of a dangerous toxin and now I just get to be a stinky and scared person until this reaction clears up. *sigh*
Not to mention the fact that I’m now equally concerned about what toxins might be in my system from this experience. Ugh. This is ridiculous.
Ugh I noticed red, dry, itchy, spots on both armpits and thought i’d go onlie and see if could be this new deodorant and looks like it is based on alll these commemts.
Yet another person who had a severe skin burn after using Tom’s deodorant - the Long-lasting Lemongrass. Long=lasting is right - the burn has lasted for a week already with no end in sight. I’m all for using aluminum-free deodorants (especially after my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan.), but I can’t function when my underarms are on fire. Especially since I teach middle schoolers and have to re-apply a few times a day to stay fresh with all that running around. I hope to find another product that will provide protection without burning my skin off!
Very good insight on this subject. I’ll try to take it in and actually hear for as soon as!
Add me to the list of people experiencing this problem. amazing that it’s gone on so long.
wow.. I guess I came to the right place. I too switched from aluminum based deoderant just recently. I’ve loved the TOms toothpaste and figured why not try the Apricot deoderant. Just like many others on here, I don’t have sensitive skin however, I am peeling and itching as a result of using this!
This is such a long thread to read through everyones similar horrible issues.. has anyone found another ToM product that doesn’t do this? Or can suggest another brand?
I had a problem with their calendula deodorant over 2 years ago at least. I sent them a complaint and they offered vouchers for other toms’ products fairly quickly. I’m using another ‘natural’ deodorant brand and it’s doing the same damn thing. Weak sauce.
Hi everyone,
I had the same experience with long-lasting lavender. After 3 weeks, it just one day started to burn and I developed a serious rash (itchy, swollen, burning…). I thought I could take care of it at home using aloe or vitamin E or a cream… but after 4 days of pain that was so bad i couldn’t sleep, and trying EVERYTHING, I finally went to the doctor. And so should you. I wanted to post this, because so far there are no solutions available to those of us going through this, so here’s what worked for me.
1) go see a dermatologist ASAP. it’s most likely an allergic reaction (dermatitis) that requires specific treatment.
2) in the meantime, putting on a thick baking soda paste (mix with water) helped me to temporarily manage the irritation. or a mud treatment, the kind you use for skin treatments. it’s cooling.
3) write to Tom’s (bought out by Colgate) and let them know!! It’s been years and they’re not doing anything to fix this or pull the product which means to me they don’t care. I think it’s so irresponsible.
good luck!
Same story. I used their long-lasting deodorant back in April 2007 and within minutes of application, my armpits began burning. It wasn’t too bad at first, and I thought, “Wow, this stuff really works.” But within hours I had to rush home and wash the stuff off because of the pain. The deodorant had turned my skin red, and the next day my skin began to blister. The burning went away in about a week, but the scars remained well into 2009.
Add me to the list. I agree with some of the others that it looks more like a chemical burn than a rash. I don’t have any bumps, just a very red and painful oval on both armpits. I keep wondering if this burn happens when the deodorant is mixed with something else. So, I use Irish Spring soap, dandraff control Pert-Plus, and Dove moisturizing body wash. I have well water (not city water), so are no chemicals in it, but we do have a water softener. I use seventh generation laudry detergent and Bounce dryer sheets. Anyone use similar products?
WOW, feel like I had to respond after reading all of these reviews! I had used Tom’s previously (like a year ago) and LOVED it then for some reason switched back over to Dove. SO, 2 weeks ago I went back to Tom’s to try and be healthier and I have had this itching BURNING peeling awfulness in my arm pits ever since. Did they change the product?! This is SO BAD!
I just woke up after putting this on after a bath before bed. I woke about 2 hrs later and the deodorant had caused an almost light foamy feeling sensation and I wiped it off and went back to bed. Twenty minutes later my arms were burning and I had to rinse my armpits with cool water to stop the burning. THere are now red rings in my underarms. Has anyone considered contacting the Better Business Bureau or their local television station that has like a consumer watch?
I seriously almost had a panic attack when I woke up and lifted up my arms! All red under my arms… inches like mad!! Apricot deoderant is getting trashed!
I am going to sound like everyone else, but HOLY CRAP! I thought I was the only one!! Luckily I have not had the burning, but a little bit of soreness under my arms and the peeling is incredible! I stopped using aluminum antiperspirants because it was causing my armpits to itch uncontrollably. My dermatologist said as long as the Tom’s was working to not worry about it. But I can’t just not wear deodorant. Have you guys found anything that has worked? I didn’t think I had sensitive skin, but maybe…?
I have the exact same problem. I’m on alot of medication so I just assumed that it was a reaction of my meds & something in the deodorant. I can use the Citrus Zest Roll On Deodorant and I am fine. But I was only able to find it once in my local Target and haven’t found it since. I will probably have to order it online, but it works great!!
I’ve been using the Lemongrass, and I ,too, have had burning sensations while wearing it. But this has occurred on probably 3 occasions. It doesn’t happen to me anymore. Maybe it only happens when you put apply a lot. hmmm
Same thing happened to me. I purchased the Lavender scented stick and a day after using it, developed the red and itchy rash. I live outside of the country so there’s no returning it which is too bad because I bought four sticks to last me until I returned to the States.
I purchased some Tom’s 2 days ago, it was wonderful in completely taking away any BO and did indeed last all day. I felt fresh and clean and IN HORRIBLE PAIN!!! My freakin armpits are burning and itching like crazy!! OMG WTF?!?! The ONE product that I FINALLY find that works on my pits and it TRIES TO KILL ME! So sad…I’m gonna go soak my armpits now
Wow…I can’t believe all of the posts I just got done reading..I seriously stumbled on this site Google-ing “Why does my natural deodorant burn??” Haha I feel horrible, I bought my husband the Toms of Maine deodorant because I didn’t want him to keep using his aluminum based one that he swears works just fine, and my quest to convert all of our bathroom products to more natural ones came back to bite me in the butt. After a few days of using the Toms, his armpits were burning. Now they are so discolored, you can literally see where he puts the deodorant, it’s like a different skin tone, and after touching it I realized it’s because that skin is raw, almost like how a bad diaper rash gets. His armpits are also peeling! WTH?! I feel sooo bad and now he’s more convinced that my natural, organic ways are a bunch of bull crap…needless to say he’s back to his cancer giving, aluminum deodorant that “works”. Trying to find an alternative and writing Toms to get my money back!
Developed bright red armpits, and the skin has become a really strange extra-tough texture. It took me a few days to really notice it since there hasn’t been any burning or itching. Every time I looked in the mirror recently, I figured they were red from just having showered. I’ve been using Tom’s of Maine Apricot Deodorant but NEVER AGAIN.
Thank jesus I found this thread; was originally using some Old Spice on my mega hairy pits, and my skin started to dry out and peel, so I thought I’d switch to Tom’s because it was “natural” and had no aluminum — then my pits started peeling like a horrible sunburn! No pain, but every few days the skin comes off all over again. I tried to go without using anything for a while, but I stink so bad (I even shower daily) that I couldn’t go without. Now I know to switch some ol’ regular chemically brand. I used both Apricot and Lemongrass long-lasting. Fuuuu.
Over 5 years this post started and this product is still on the market. BEWARE Tom’s 24 hr long lasting fresh apricot deodorant gave me burning, stinging, red irritated armpits. It still burns even after washing it off.
It’s aweful! Try using ice packs. That’s what I’m doing now.
Tom’s of Maine Fennel toothpaste has taken a dive. It use to have a refreshing clean feeling after brushing. The fennel was great and so was the paste. Now it is chalky, dry and with no flavor of fresh fennel. It is like washing you mouth with chalky paste. For that matter, one can use baking soda and get better results. They have certainly changed all their old ingredients to replace it with a more corporate manufacturing processing. Tom’s of Maine is more like Tom’s of Main, main stream. It’s “naturally” all about Colgate & other corporations now. Too bad. We can no longer be fooled.
I just googled ‘arm pit skin peeling’ and came upon this site.
Started using Tom’s long lasting unscented about two weeks ago and couldn’t believe what I saw in the mirror today! Thought going natural was suppose to be good for a person. Bought their toothpaste also but haven’t used it yet. Kinda afraid to. Is there an agency to report this to?
Before using Tom’s natural long lasting unscented, everything was fine. I was using my natural crystal deodorant with no problems at all. But my crystal stick died and they’re not available everywhere so I had to go with the next best thing Tom’s natural deodorant(obviously not the best anymore). Now I’m stuck with burning rash, discolored, and little “bumps”. Ugh I wish I read this blog before I bought that dumb deodorant.Has anyone with this experience been able to relieve the rash and discoloration?! I’m so sick of it!!
I like so many others I purchased Tom’s of Maine natural 24 hour odor protection Long Lasting in the Wild Lavender scent. This was my first time using the product I switched from Secret because Tom’s offers aluminum free deodorant. It worked fine for about a week; when I noticed that when applied my armpits began to feel like they were on fire after removing the product and let me say my underarms were so sore cool water hurt. To my shock my skin peeled along with the pain. After three days so far of waiting to heal I now have missing skin from top to bottom under one arm and peeling inflamed skin on the other. I too googled burning peeling armpits and up popped Tom’s of Maine to my horror I discovered this blog with 5 years worth of simular complaints about this product. It seems to me Tom’s needs to be held accountable for customers injured by their product if to only appoligized and pull this questionable product from the shelves.
Seriously concearned,
Jasmin
WOW !!! I am so glad I found this site. I begin using Tom’s apricot long lasting stick with the new hops formula. After 2 weeks I began to suffer from the same rash that most of the people on here have been describing. At first I didn’t think much of it but when it started to burn/sting whiling I appling the product I know something wasn’t right. I have completely stopped using this product and have went back to searching for a better “nautral deodorant “. In the meantime I feel everyone’s pain as it is unbearable at times. So far it has been 4 days and the redness has cleared up ( no more burning for now) but my skin is still irritated and peeling. Overall, Stay away at all costs from Tom’s apricot deodorant!!!
In the last 3 weeks I used Tom’s of Maine natural 24 hour odor protection Long Lasting in the Wild Lavender scent. Result: armpits on fire & peeling skin, armpits skin became darker around the area of application. Nightmare! Never had this problem before using RightGuard or Gillette. Tom’s no more!
Hi i bought Tom unscented yesterday at a supermarket. after the 2nd day of use i started noticing peeling and a rash! i called toms and they are refunding me. my issue is can i use another deodorant or do i have to wait till the rash clears up. Toms really cured my bad BO but i cant imagine going a day without any type of deodorant. I have reallllly bad bo and toms was working but i will not comprimise my pits falling off! So do u guys have any suggestions for another deodorant that works
Add one more person to the “burn list.” Woodspice, Lavender, and Unscented… each was okay for a day or two, followed by itching, burning, and skin peeling.
I’m 15 and I’ve been using Axe’s new Twist scent deodorant and lately I’ve been having the same symptoms: red armpits, peeling skin, and a burning sensation. Can someone help with my problem? Ant advice would be welcome. Please and thank you in advance.
Add me to the growing list of fire-pits. This is crazy! I too wrote Toms and let them know they need to get this product off the shelf. It is clearly not just an “allergic reaction that may occur due to body chemistry”. I DO NOT have sensitive skin or allergies, and have had many chemical peels on my face in the past, with no reaction whatsoever. This was painful. Definitely felt like a chemical burn. It happened within minutes of putting it on, and I instantly washed my armpits with soap. I still have the red marks the next morning. I will report back later how long it took for them to heal. Coincidental that this forum started the same year Colgate bought Toms?? Interesting. Thanks for selling out, Toms.
I bought the Long Lasting Lavender deodorant, the first day i put it on my skin started peeling off my armpits and it stung. What is going on with this Colgate???? Do you need a lawsuit??
btw, i got the calendula deodorant before this one and it was great
Another victim of Tom’s long lasting wild lavender deoderant. I switched to this brand because I wanted a natural alternative during pregnancy… well the standard “normal” deoderant never made my arm pits peel, turn bright red, and burn every time they brush up against my shirt like Tom’s has. I used this deoderant before with no problem but I think the switch to 100% Tom’s every day was what did me in. It sucks.
oh thank goodness it’s not just me. i can’t believe they’re still selling this stuff if people have been having such bad reactions for a while! i was using the Long-Lasting Lemongrass scented stick and after 2 weeks developed peeling, tender, pink circles in each armpit. into the trash. does anyone have any suggestions for other, non allergic reaction inducing, aluminum-free deodorants? i just bought a stick of Dove, because i know it won’t burn, but also know it has some naughty chemicals in it so would like to try another.
I, too, feel this is grounds for a class-action lawsuit. I just sent the following email to Tom’s of Maine, along with a picture of my fire-red armpits:
I recently made the switch to natural deodorant, and my first inclination was to try Tom’s of Maine. After a few uses of the Apricot- and Neutral-scented deodorants in that line, I experienced painful burning under both arms. Naturally, I hit the internet to find out if this was a common occurrence. To my shock, I came upon review after review of people experiencing my symptoms and even worse–like underarm peeling.
I refuse to believe that if Tom’s of Maine had indeed fully tested this product that they did not find that a vast percentage of their testers also experienced this phenomena.
I am respectfully petitioning Tom’s of Maine to add an allergy caution to your labels. I don’t know for sure which ingredient is causing this reaction in myself and so many others, but the consensus on the internet seems to be the “zinc ricinoleate” ingredient, though others contend it is the hops. Whichever it is, this requires investigation and action from Tom’s of Maine.
Never in my experience with main-stream deodorants, no matter which icky ingredients they contained, have I felt such downright pain.
I switched from a Crystal I’d been using for years to a Tom’s Apricot a few weeks back. I started noticing a slight redness under my arms and a little itching. It progressed and then I realized the skin was peeling off. I’ve discontinued use and will contact Tom’s.
I thought I was the only one. Ha! I have the Calendula stuff, and it is seriously burning my pits. What the hell? After my first usage, I was fine. I woke up the next morning and put some Tom’s on before my run. The burning was terrible. The next morning I tried Tom’s again. More burning! I’ve learned my lesson. I switched over from Dove, thinking I’d be doing myself and the planet a favor by going with Tom’s of Maine. Oh well. I’d rather be rolling aluminum under my pits than be in constant pain.
O. EM. Gee!
Behold the power of Google. I thought I was the only weirdo with the burning/peeling underarms after using Tom’s Apricot deodorant. I thought perhaps it was some reaction with bacteria LOL - but after watching an episode of “The Doctors” - I discovered that I wasn’t the only person who had a terrible reaction to so-called “Natural” deodorants.
My mom makes this natural cream to help heal scars and skin problems, and I had to rub some other hypo-allergenic baby creams on my armpits for several days after the terrible peeling. Even weeks later, I can still see a dark ring around my pits, even though the peeling and scarring is gone. I hope that will go away over time. This is RIDICULOUS! They definitely should’ve put a warning on the back. SMH…
Hi guys:
I have had the same problems with Tom’s deodorant. Tom’s was actually bought out by Johnson & Johnson. I’m not sure when or if the formulation changed. The main point here is not just to share. But to do something! This post has been going since 2006!! I have decided to submit a complaint about the product to the FDA. I encourage you all to do the same. It’s highly unlikely that they will respond otherwise (since they haven’t done so all these years!
I also discovered the power of web searches. I am glad I am not some weird freak with wimpy pits. Love the product-well the idea of it. But my peeling pits while living in blistering Houston is MISERABLE! I agree that something MUST be done. A warning at least!
This is crazy why is there not a class action suit. Two days of use with severe burns. If this was a pharmaceutical the FDA would be all over it.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, because I was about to head back to the dermatologist after being unsuccessfully treated for an unconfirmed ‘fungal infection’ that cost me a lot of $$$. Instead I just threw away the Tom’s of Maine deodorant crystal that I suspect is the culprit in the BRIGHT red burning, peeling rash that’s re-occurring under my armpits. I got rid of their toothpaste too.
I let it happen…again. Tried a different fragrance, and with one application came a week of burning armpits. Shame on you, Toms of Maine! Never again!!!
Does anyone know of any aluminum alternatives? I am going to check out some of the stores that may sell it, but if anyone knows of any good ones that would be great.
Sephora sells one, but its $18, which, personally, is way too much for deoderant.
Woah!
This is crazy; over four years of burning armpits!
I bought Tom’s Long Lasting unscented because of the same health concerns the rest of you contemplated, and here I burn… Well, not so much anymore. I kinda feel lucky because mine was more of an itchy and bumpy sensation for about a week after three weeks of use. I thought it was aluminum detox or the heat wave, but low and behold, it was Tom’s natural deodorant of Maine, and I love Maine. I wore it on vacation in Maine. I even bought two more sticks for a great price at Reny’s (Original Woodspice, but with hops) in Maine.
I’ve never experienced this in 32 years. I was going to write Tom’s, or Colgate, or Johnson $ Johnson, or whoever the hell they are now, but it seems to be futile. Thought about the FDA as well, but they are usually clueless and run by cronies.
It seems it is time for a real class action suit!
But I suspect we will need an attorney from a John Grisham Novel.
Of course, in those novels, the big companies always seem to appeal.
I guess I’m going back to Axe. Never had a problem there and always smelled great. I know the girls loved it.
And for those worried about aluminum, as I am, Axe and other brands do make regular deodorants (that don’t contain aluminum) that aren’t antiperspirants (which do contain aluminum).
Yours in Hydro-cortisone and Baby Rash Cream,
Dante
YES! My red, burning armpit skin peeled off in sheets after using Tom’s apricot deodorant. It was terrible. My friend recommended Arm & Hammer “Essentials” Natural Deodorant, which doesn’t have aluminum/paraben, and isn’t an anti-perspirant. I’ll have to admit: it works well, and it doesn’t burn! And it has the same types of ingredients as the hippie-brands, even though it’s from a mainstream brand.
I think I will send Tom’s an e-mail, too.
Good luck with the pits!
GAH! When I learned about aluminum in deodorant, I quickly searched CVS for a deodorant sans aluminum. I’ve used Toms everyday for about 2-3 weeks and today I have a terrible rash that is burning the heck out of me. Buyers be warned!
I am not sure how you are getting your info, however great topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or understanding more. Thanks for Tom’s of Maine deodorant burns my armpits at tropicalfruition!
On vacation in Maine, I ran out of deodorant. I went to nearest market (Sawyer’s, in Southwest Harbor), and found the only unscented brand they had: Tom’s, original care….. and gads, has it done a job on me! After a single application, one light swipe to each armpit, I developed within 15 hours red, burning, itching pits. And that was a week ago, with the same itchiness and redness and burning sensation still there.
I just got off the phone with Tom’s customer service: they will refund the price, and pay for any medication that I may need. But that is little solace in alleviating the constant discomfort I am experiencing.
The Tom’s rep said that they changed the formulation in 2006, moving from the coriander/lichen formulation, which he said many people reported allergic reactions to, to the currently used hops ingredient.
Because I have no other allergies of which I am aware, this experience has been shocking. And I fear what other things their product might now have sensitized me to.
FDA should be informed.
oh man, i thought i was alone! my armpits are dark red, you guys. totally gross.
So disappointed in Tom’s deodorant. I had been using it for 2 weeks and had to stop! I had peeling and burning of the skin under the arms.
Just started using the lavender long-lasting Tom’s and within one day got red underarms. Luckily I noticed before any burning but sounds like that may yet occur. I have used the original Tom’s for months without a problem - it must be the long lasting variety that causes the problems. It sounds pretty common - again, surprised they have not pulled it off the market or given a warning. They will be getting another email.
So I got the Tom’s lavender deodorant and my left armpit is pealing and burns like crazy. >:/
I bought the original unscented Toms and used it for 2-3 weeks. I honestly thought I had just shaved too roughly one day, and that’s what the peeling red skin was about. Until today, when the skin actually started turning DARK. It will supposedly take weeks for that to go away, I just hope it does.
I have never had a sensitivity to deodorant or antiperspirants- and I have burning, redness and peeling with the apricot long-lasting too! I never post comments and I know I’m saying the same thing that has been posted since freakin 2007(!!!???) but I felt compelled to respond. How is this still on the self?
I am allergic to various deodorants and always have to keep switching brands…. The hypo-allergenic and crystal brands never worked. I was excited about Toms but boy dose this apricot scent burn! I do not remember ever seeing a warning! Such a shame…it works but there is a catch.
Did a Little experiment, HA HA HA.
3 separate times I have suffered the armpit torture.
It is definitely TOM’s of Maine and whatever Colgate-Palmolive added to the formula which is the culprit.
I timed it this time and the irritating results showed in exactly 8 hours. Brand new stick purchased yesterday. After reading a ton of blogs in the last half hour, I will never purchase anything from tom’s sh**hole of maine again.
The home remedy that has worked for me:
1- tube of Neosporin pain
1- tube of anti-itch cream (generic)
1- tube of anti-fungal (generic)
Mix together in a little jar, baby food size, and apply twice daily. Wash hands.
Talked with my local pharmacist to make sure I could mix the three together.
Takes a couple weeks to get back to normal but it stops the incessant burning and itching. And it keeps your pits from stinking (bonus).
Just make sure your armpits are completely dry after each shower (hair dryer on low or fan)
Check with your pharmacist or doctor before you try.
Same thing happened to me. Bought the lemongrass Tom’s of Main–burning and redness. Let that heal and tried the Lavendar–same thing. I do not have this reaction to ANY regular deodorant/antipersperants but I am wanting to steer clear of the heavy metals in those… Grrr… Went out and bought another brand “Jason Naturals/ fragrance free” and am HOPING this will be a better option.
My underarms hurt so badly right now!
The product really worked at combating BO. I was raving about this product to my friends until my armpit starting burning about two weeks later.
Is there anyone that doesn’t have any issue with Tom’s of Maine deodorant sticks, which one did you use?
Is there any other effective natural ones that doesn’t burn?
Thanks,
DM
My post from a few days ago got filtered out, probably because of the link to the FDA consumer complaint page. So, here it is again without the link. . .
My communications with Tom’s of Maine indicate that they seem unconcerned. They consider it a personal allergy limited to a few people, rather than the common first degree burn or irritant contact dermatitis that many seem to be experiencing. More than a month after I stopped using the unscented long-lasting deodorant, my armpits are still scarred and I have not received a refund.
So, I wrote the FDA a few days ago and they did already reply asking for more information. (Deodorant *IS* regulated by the FDA for those questioning it.) I don’t know how responsive they’ll be, but they certainly won’t act on what they don’t know about. More people reporting their adverse reactions would probably get more attention.
I am also considering writing my local (county & state) consumer complaint departments. Maybe they can at least help me to get my refund.
Burning and itching with the deoderant stick (long lasting - apricot). However I was using the regular kind (citrus zest) in roll on before and it was fine so I’ll go back to that, it’s just annoying that it takes longer to dry. Please work this out Toms. No point being natural if you’re burning!
I have been using Tom’s for a few months now. I noticed the burning sensation as well… but I thought I was just because I shaved my armpits that day. Recently I have noticed my skin flaking off under my arms. I wasn’t sure what was going on, I thought I had a bacteria. I am going to switch back to Secret… I thought I would use a natural deodorant without aluminum, but not if it is going to leave my armpits looking crazy. I am so glad I came across these reviews, I thought I was going crazy. And I honestly didn’t link it to the deodorant because it is natural. I hope not using it helps with my skin. :/
I had the same problem! first time using it too… screw this. I want my money back! I wanted to go for natural and organic cuz thats my new thing… but my armpits are on fire. I got the lavander soap and I think Im cool with that… but Im throwing that deodorant in the trash.
I have dark underarms … Im going to take gymnadtics so my mom bought the Toms, at first i like yay but then after going to at least 3 websites , i got really disapointed.
Yesterday was my first time trying it and i had none of these issues, but today when i took a shower and but the deo on i had this mild - burning under my arms. ( may i inform you i have the lavender scent ) anyways thats basically it , the deo works great but i personally advise anyone who uses this deo to please be careful cause you never know what might happen
Ahh and I thought this was good! I just switched to Tom’s from Secret Clinical Strength. At first I thought it was my fault (which it probably partly is) because I’ve been using it excessively for my..y’know, BO. It was okay for the first couple of weeks but as of this morning I’ve found that the skin around my armpits is pink and extremely flaky. The skin peels off almost like dried glue. No itching or burning yet, but I think I can feel it coming. Looks like I’ll be going back to my old brand. Thank God for the internet.
I got burned by the Apricot, Lemongrass, and Calendula varieties. I’m done trying Tom’s.
Thank god I found this site,I only wish I had researched Tom’s before I tried their stupid “natural” deodorant. I started using it and never even paid attention to the slight burning I felt, like some, I figured it was cause I has just shaven. Now the skin under my arms is dark, dried and peels. I looked up dry dark peeling skin and when most sites or info popping up has to do with psorisis or eczema, you tend to become very nervous and freaked out. Then I stumbled across this blog and realized, thank god its just cause of that stupid deodorant. Needless to say I will no longer be using any of their products and I hope this situation will eventually work itself out
Still, after seeing how long this has been going on, you would think something would be done.
Omg! I thought I was dying from a horrible skin rash! I’m so glad I found this blog with 5 years of complaints to ease my year of agony. I have sensitive skin and I thought it was the razors I was using that caused the horrible rash and peeling under my arms. I now realize that I am another victim of Tom’s natural deodorant. I have been using the apricot scent for a year now and the thanks I get is scarred, blotchy, dark , peeling pits. I don’t know who Tom is but he can shove it.
I have the same problem. I was using the lavender for months befor the redness na ditching started. now it been one month since I got the rash and the itching and redness. and i stop using deoderant all together and i still have the rash.
I’ve used Tom’s unscented for years. Recently I had an expiring coupon and the store only had one kind, which looked different but was still the unscented hops/lichen, so I picked it up. Just started using it in the last week and I’m experiencing iching and redness (though probably milder than some here). Looking at the ingredient list, the ONLY difference i nthe ingredients between the two deodorants is the new one (”long lasting”) has zinc ricinoleate in it. Going to their site it looks like it’s actually a different version of the product (though both say they last 24 hours?) so hopefully that means Idn’t have to stop using Tom’s. But I clearly need to look at which one I’m picking up in the future. And I’m definitely leaning toward zinc ricinoleate being the source of the problem here. Plus Google shows a number of things (including a medical article) about zinc ricinoleate and contact dermatitis.
OMGGG!!! Im so happy i am not the only one experiencing this problem.
I started feeling the burning and itching after just half an hour of applying! It has been the worst two weeks of my life. Yes, after two weeks of using that crap Toms Of Maine my armpits are till red, sore, itchy, uncomfortable… all of that. This product needs to be recalled and stopped being produced! The only thing that seems to soothe my pain has been ice packs and lots of ibuprofen. And its still really uncomfortable after that. I hope you all find a way to soothe your underarms too! BE CAREFUL with this stuff. Seriously.
It’s crazy that this post started it 2006 and people are still talking about it. I myself thought I was going crazy but am relieved to find that it is something I can deal with. Colgate owns them so expect little change(if that wasn’t obvious). I’m going to stop buying their products altogether.
I’m on day one of treatment. Washing with warm soap and water twice a day. I’m also putting nothing but lotion on after. My initial symptoms were sun burt looking skin which I didn’t think much of until it started to ache. I’ll post again when things clear up, hopefully not to long.
I have been using Toms of Maine stick since about 2000 I reckon. Only thing that works for me and the burning sensation has never occurred. There is clearly a problem with the brand though, and for the past two months I have been unable to get it anywhere. So…I reckon all have the complaints have finally reached the manufacturers? I wonder when Colgate took over, as I agree tt the toothpastes are also no longer the same. It’s a pity - loved the aul Woodspice.
I hope you all are contacting Tom’s AND the FDA. Complaining on these boards alone doesn’t really do any good.
Me too! A red burning rash, very painful. What a disappointment from a “natural” product.
Screw Toms!! I started using the long lasting deoderant about two weeks ago. Today I got out of the shower and noticed some major discoloration on my armpits. Looking more closely, my arm pits are peeling big time. They are red, burning and peeling.
I can’t believe this problem has been going on since 2006 and the issue has not been addressed. Never again will I buy a Tom’s product.
I too bought Tom’s of Maine Apricot long lasting because I’m allergic to other aluminum based antipersperatns and I figured hey! Its natural
That means good for me right?… WRONG -__- my armpits are peeling horrible armpit sized skin flakes and its red and burns horribly. Worst experience ever. Go crystal!
I too have the dark, discolored, red, and burning underarms. I was using the apricot Tom’s. I just emailed them. I am done with this brand. I have a trip coming up in three weeks and I hope the darkness fades by then!