Why Some Deodorants Cause Rashes: Insights from the Mitchum Outbreak

Underarm rashes are more common than you might think. If your deodorant suddenly starts causing burning, itching, or bumps, you're not alone. Recently, a wave of complaints about a Mitchum deodorant rash outbreak made headlines. People reported red, irritated skin after using a deodorant they had trusted for years. So what changed? And more importantly, how can you avoid this kind of reaction?

Why deodorant sometimes causes rashes

Deodorant is supposed to help you feel fresh and clean. But for some, it can do the opposite. If you’ve ever wondered why deodorant causes underarm rash, the answer usually comes down to a mix of irritation and allergy.

Your underarm skin is thin and sensitive. It also has lots of sweat glands and hair follicles. That makes it more likely to react to certain ingredients. Here are the main culprits:

• Fragrance: One of the top causes of allergic reactions in skincare. A fragrance allergy deodorant reaction can show up as redness, itching, or peeling.
• Aluminum salts: These block sweat by plugging pores. But aluminum in deodorant irritation is real. It can change your skin’s pH and trigger inflammation.
• pH imbalance: Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH. Some deodorants are too alkaline or acidic, which disrupts the skin barrier.
• Preservatives or alcohols: These can sting or dry out sensitive skin, especially if you shave under your arms.

What happened with the Mitchum deodorant rash outbreak?

In early 2024, dozens of users began reporting rashes, burning, and peeling after using a specific Mitchum deodorant product. Social media lit up with photos and stories of painful reactions. Some people had used the product for years without issues. Others were trying it for the first time.

So what caused the sudden spike in reactions? While Mitchum hasn’t officially confirmed a formula change, users noticed possible differences in texture and scent. Experts say even small shifts in manufacturing like a change in fragrance supplier or pH level can tip the balance for sensitive skin.

If you have eczema or reactive skin, these shifts can mean the difference between comfort and a painful rash.

Understanding fragrance and allergic reactions

Fragrance makes products smell nice, but it’s also one of the top causes of contact dermatitis. A fragrance allergy deodorant reaction can develop over time even if you’ve used scented products before with no problems.

Fragrance blends can contain dozens, even hundreds, of chemical compounds. Some are known allergens. And companies don’t have to list them individually they can just use the word “fragrance” or "parfum."

That’s why deodorant without aluminum and fragrance is often a safer bet for people with sensitive skin or eczema.

Aluminum and skin irritation

Aluminum salts are used in antiperspirants to block sweat. They work by forming a temporary plug in your sweat ducts. But they can also irritate your skin. Here’s how:

• They raise your skin’s pH: This makes it easier for bacteria to grow and for your skin barrier to break down.
• They can trap sweat and bacteria: This leads to clogged pores and inflammation.
• They interact with other ingredients: When mixed with alcohol or fragrance, they can create a stronger irritant effect.

That’s why some people notice a sensitive skin deodorant reaction even with “gentle” formulas especially if they still contain aluminum.

How MAGS Skin avoids common irritants

At MAGS Skin, we believe deodorant should support your skin, not stress it out. Especially if you have eczema, allergies, or sensitive underarms.

Here’s how our formula is different:

• No aluminum salts: We use magnesium hydroxide instead. It’s a gentle compound that stops odor without blocking your sweat glands or irritating your skin.
• No synthetic fragrance: Our deodorant is completely fragrance-free. That means no hidden allergens or mystery ingredients.
• Balanced pH: We formulate our deodorants to match your skin’s natural pH. This helps protect your barrier and reduce flare-ups.
• Tested for sensitive skin: Every product is dermatologist-tested and made for people with eczema-prone skin.

Looking for the best deodorant for sensitive armpits? MAGS Skin is designed to be a skin safe deodorant for eczema and irritation-prone areas.

What to do if your deodorant is causing a rash

If you notice a reaction after using a deodorant, take these steps:

• Stop using the product immediately. Don’t try to “power through” the rash it can get worse.
• Wash the area gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing.
• Apply a soothing ointment like petroleum jelly or a fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Give your skin a break from deodorant for a few days until the rash clears.
• Switch to a deodorant for eczema prone skin that avoids harsh ingredients.

If the rash doesn’t improve within a week, or if it gets worse, talk to a dermatologist. They can help you figure out if it’s an allergic reaction or something else.

Quick takeaways

• Deodorant rashes are often caused by fragrance, aluminum, or pH changes.
• The Mitchum deodorant rash outbreak shows how even trusted products can suddenly trigger reactions.
• Fragrance and aluminum are top irritants for people with sensitive skin or eczema.
• MAGS Skin skips these triggers to create a gentle, effective, and skin-safe deodorant.
• If you’re reacting to your deodorant, stop using it and switch to a formula designed for sensitive skin.

Why MAGS Skin is different

You shouldn't have to choose between staying fresh and keeping your skin healthy. MAGS Skin is made for people who’ve tried everything else and still end up with a rash. Whether you're recovering from a sensitive skin deodorant reaction or just want to avoid it in the first place, our formula is here to help.

No aluminum. No fragrance. No irritation. Just clean, effective odor control that your skin can trust.