Arm & Hammer Review, Is Arm & Hammer Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 8 graded products, Arm & Hammer averages Excellent (75/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 8 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Does Arm & Hammer have PFAS, by category
Worth buying from Arm & Hammer Good or better, safest first
Arm & Hammer
Arm Hammer Essentials Deodorant
Baking soda, cornstarch, talc or mineral-based absorbents
Talc / Mineral absorbents
Arm & Hammer Essentials may contain talc as a primary absorbent; talc carries a…
Fragrance / Fragrance allergens
Essentials line typically includes light fragrance or essential-oil type scents.…
Bacterial or fungal growth in container
Powder deodorants stored in humid environments or used with wet skin can develop mold or…
Baking soda skin irritation
A small fraction of users report irritation, rash, or dermatitis from direct prolonged…
Low concern; simple powder deodorant with no typical PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Arm & Hammer
UltraMax Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Fresh Solid
Talc, starch, fragrance blend (solid deodorant base)
Talc contamination (asbestos risk)
Historical talc mining operations have occasionally processed ore with asbestos fibers.…
Fragrance allergen and sensitization
Proprietary fragrance blends in deodorants commonly contain contact allergens (limonene…
Low PFAS concern; standard solid deodorant without water-resistant or nonstick treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
Arm & Hammer
U Max Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick Powder
Talc powder, starch, aluminum compounds
Aluminum compound skin sensitization
Aluminum zirconium and aluminum chlorohydrate are recognized contact allergens in a small…
Inhalation hazard from powder form
Talc powder can be inhaled if applied roughly or in poorly ventilated spaces. Chronic…
Lower PFAS concern with no known intentional PFAS use, but no explicit brand assurance.
⚠Risky category by default
Arm & Hammer
Essentials Magnesium Deodorant Vanilla Sandalwood 2.5 oz
magnesium, mineral powders, essential oils
Fragrance allergens (essential oils and fragrance compounds)
Vanilla sandalwood scent is derived from essential oils and likely synthetic fragrance…
Skin irritation from mineral alkalinity
Magnesium hydroxide is alkaline (pH typically 8-9). Users with sensitive skin or those…
Microbial growth if stored improperly
Powder-based deodorants are less prone to bacterial or mold growth than cream…
Lower PFAS concern from mineral-based deodorant without water-resistance or fluorochemical treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
Arm & Hammer
Body Invisible Spray Powder
talc or cornstarch powder base; standard cosmetic excipients
Fragrance allergens and skin sensitization
The product contains fragrance compounds (listed as 'fragrance' on label) which can…
Inhalation exposure (spray format)
The aerosol spray format poses a minor inhalation risk if used near the face or in poorly…
Skin irritation from prolonged contact
Talc and mineral powders can accumulate in skin folds and trap moisture, potentially…
Lower-concern body powder with no known PFAS red flags, but Arm & Hammer has not publicly committed to PFAS transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Arm & Hammer
Ultra Max Antiperspirant Deodorant
Aluminum compound, wax, talc, starch
Talc contamination and asbestos risk
Talc ore can naturally contain asbestos; Arm & Hammer does not publicly disclose talc…
Aluminum systemic absorption
Aluminum antiperspirants are absorbed through skin in small amounts; regulatory agencies…
Fragrance allergen and sensitizer content
Ultra Max includes fragrance compounds which can trigger contact dermatitis or…
Skin irritation from wax and starch base
Wax and starch can trap moisture and bacteria in the underarm microbiome, leading to…
Lower PFAS concern with no known PFAS triggers, but the brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Arm & Hammer
Ultramax Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant
Aluminum oxide, starch, talc, fragrance (typical solid antiperspirant base)
Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Arm & Hammer Ultramax lists 'fragrance' without itemizing constituent fragrance…
Starch-based moisture retention and bacterial overgrowth
Starch carriers in solid antiperspirants can trap moisture in the stick, creating…
Skin irritation from aluminum salts
Aluminum oxide can cause mild irritation, redness, or burning sensation in individuals…
Lower-concern solid deodorant with no known PFAS triggers, though cosmetics transparency remains limited.
⚠Risky category by default
Arm & Hammer
Arm Hammer Ultramax Active Sport Deodorant
Aluminum compound (stick deodorant), baking soda, talc/mineral powders, waxes
Aluminum absorption and systemic exposure
Topical aluminum in antiperspirants does not penetrate intact skin significantly, and…
Heavy metals
Arm & Hammer does not publicly disclose talc sourcing, processing standards, or…
Fragrance sensitization and contact dermatitis
The 'Active Sport' variant contains fragrance compounds not itemized on the label…
Baking soda irritation in sensitive skin
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a key ingredient marketed as 'natural,' but it is…
Lower concern as deodorants rarely contain PFAS, but Arm & Hammer makes no public disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →