Women File Legal Action Against Mitchum Deodorant After Suffering Severe Skin Burns
A group of women have taken legal action against the deodorant brand Mitchum after claiming that its popular roll-on caused severe skin burns and long-term damage. The issue has sparked widespread concern, with users reporting agonizing rashes, blisters, and even infections following the use of a reformulated version of the product.
Social Media Overflowed With Reports
Last month, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram were flooded with reports from customers who described their experiences with the new formulation. Many shared images of raw, red armpits, showing painful welts that spread across their skin. Users expressed their distress, with some even crying over the visible damage.
Mitchum, which is owned by Revlon, issued an apology and admitted that a “change in the manufacturing process” had caused some batches of eight products to react differently on the skin. The affected lines have since been withdrawn from sale.
Three Women Sue for Lasting Scars and Pain
Now, three women have filed legal action against the beauty giant, claiming they were left with lasting scars and ongoing pain. One woman reported being prescribed antibiotics after developing an infection. Rachel Cummins, a 42-year-old sales assistant from Surrey, said the 48-hour roll-on, which costs £3.45, left her with deep brown scarring under her left arm after just one use.
Cummins explained that she bought two roll-ons instead of her usual brand because they were on offer. However, after using it under both of her armpits before work, she felt a strange soreness. She initially dismissed it as something different but soon realized the severity of the situation.
Hours later during her shift, her armpits started burning, becoming sore. She took painkillers once she arrived home. “I never usually complain or take medicines, so it had to be a bad experience for me to do that,” she said. “I had only used it once and it really started stinging and burning, mainly under my left armpit.”
Escalating Symptoms and Medical Attention
The next day, her symptoms worsened, and she discovered white blisters forming under her left armpit, leaving it “red raw.” The pain was so intense that it kept her up at night, requiring strong painkillers for sleep. She couldn’t wear anything that touched the area, as it caused pure agony.
After the small white blisters began to “pop and ooze,” she visited her local pharmacy and contacted her GP. The doctor diagnosed an infection and prescribed antibiotics and a strong steroid cream immediately. “I couldn’t believe my deodorant had caused that,” she said.
Despite the burning pain subsiding over the following weeks, she was horrified to discover it had left a deep, dark brown scar. “It is horrible to look at, every time I look in the mirror I see it there. I only used the product once and now may have probably been scarred for life,” she said.
Ongoing Effects and Poor Customer Service
Cummins noted that she now has an over-sensitive left armpit for life. She must moisturize it daily, and it feels rough. “It’s scary when you can’t rely on the big brands to keep you safe,” she added.
After submitting a complaint to Mitchum’s manufacturer Revlon, she claimed she was sent vouchers allowing her to buy more Mitchum products. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. They knew how serious the infection was as I had sent them the pictures,” she said. “It was a complete joke and very poor customer service. I was in agony, and they were trying to get me to use their products again.”
Expert Opinions on the Ingredients
Experts suggest that the burning and itchy armpits may be due to two specific new ingredients in the eight affected products. Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at King’s College London, told the Daily Mail: “The contents of the ‘new’ format includes acetyl cedrene, which has been shown to be an irritant in patch testing, as well as vanillin, which can also be a skin irritant in some individuals.”
“Generally, the irritant chemicals are most likely to be those which are the added fragrances. In general, most dermatitis rashes are itchy rather than painful, pain might be an indication of infection and might need treatment with an antibiotic or antifungal cream.”
Legal Claims and Consumer Rights
Cummins contacted specialist lawyers through injurylawyers4u.co.uk, who are now managing her claim alongside two other women. Faulty product specialist Anna Molloy said: “These women have been injured by a simple item in their beauty routine. And some have been badly burnt, which left them with scars through no fault of their own.”
“We are now compiling medical evidence and will be sending claim letters to Mitchum and their representatives. Big companies need to protect their consumers from harm when using their products.”
When approached by the Daily Mail, Mitchum did not comment on pending legal matters.
