Women sue Mitchum deodorant after 'permanent scarring'

Words by Producer Esme Jones

Women who say they were left with “permanent scarring” after using Mitchum’s roll-on deodorant are launching legal action against the company.

TikTok users brought the issue to light, posting videos showing redness and irritation after, they claim, using the brand’s 48-hour roll-on anti-perspirant and deodorant.

One person described the sensation like “volcanoes erupting” out of their armpits, while another said it felt like it had “burnt through their skin”.

Many assumed the issue was caused by a change in the product’s formula, but Mitchum UK confirmed that, after an investigation, the problem was linked to the brand adopting a different manufacturing process.

The company apologised and said: “We want to reassure there has been no change to the formula of our products, but we have identified a change in the manufacturing process affecting one of our raw materials.”

A select batch of the roll-on sold in the UK, Ireland and South Africa was impacted by the updated method, and the company has now reverted to the original process.

Women claim to have suffered ‘permanent scarring’ as a result of using one of the Mitchum deodorants. / Credit: Rachel Cummins

But for many people, it was too late.

They claim the change had caused scarring, discolouration, severe rashes, and in some cases even led to hospitalisation.

“It has had a physical and a psychological effect. Some of these women have not been able to wear their normal clothes because it’s showing the scarring or the irritation”, said Anna Malloy from Injury Lawyers 4U who is representing the claimants.

“This product’s part of your daily hygiene routine. You don’t expect it to cause you harm or damage. And then now they can’t even like shower normally because of the irritation with soap and water and they’re struggling to use all the deodorants because the pain and the irritation”.

“You should be able to go out, buy a product and use it without the risk of ending up having to seek medical attention”.

The woman claim they have been left with ‘permanent scarring’ as a result of the Mitchum deodorant. / Credit: Rachel Cummins

The lawsuit will claim Mitchum failed to conduct proper safety or quality control testing, resulting in what they claim could be life-long consequences for those affected.

A Mitchum UK spokesperson said: “Mitchum does not comment on pending legal matters.”