Axe Review, Is Axe 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, Axe averages Good (69/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 3 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Does Axe have PFAS, by category
Worth buying from Axe Good or better, safest first
Axe
Antiperspirant Deodorant for Men
Propellant (hydrocarbon), aluminum canister, cosmetic powder/fragrance
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Axe deodorants are heavily fragranced; specific fragrance components are not disclosed on…
Inhalation risk from propellant and aerosolized particles
Hydrocarbon propellants and fine cosmetic powder particles become airborne during spray…
Low PFAS concern; typical antiperspirant aerosol without water-resistant claims.
⚠Risky category by default
Axe
Antiperspirant Deodorant Dark Temptation Scent
propylene glycol, talc, fragrance blend, aluminum compounds
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
AXE does not disclose the full fragrance blend composition (standard industry practice…
Propylene glycol skin irritation
Propylene glycol is generally safe but can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive…
Preservative-related irritation or sensitization
AXE does not publicly list all preservatives; formulas may contain parabens or other…
Low PFAS risk for typical antiperspirant; no known issues but no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Axe
Dark Temptation Body Spray
alcohol, fragrance compounds, propellant (butane/isobutane)
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Axe body sprays are known anecdotally for strong synthetic fragrance profiles; no…
1,4-dioxane (likely contaminant in fragrance)
Not intentionally added, but a known byproduct of certain fragrance surfactant…
Respiratory irritation from propellant and fragrance mist
Hydrocarbon propellants and concentrated fragrance oils in spray form can trigger…
Low PFAS concern for a basic spray cosmetic, though no verification exists.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Axe
Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick
talc/starch base, wax, fragrance, aluminum compounds
Fragrance allergen / contact dermatitis
Axe uses undisclosed fragrance blends; synthetic fragrance components are common…
Low concern, but Axe has not disclosed PFAS status; request information directly.
⚠Risky category by default
Axe
Deodorant Stick Apollo
Hydrocarbon wax/stearate stick base
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Axe Apollo contains undisclosed fragrance compounds typical of the brand's scent profile.…
Aluminum in antiperspirant active
Apollo contains aluminum zirconium salts to reduce perspiration. Systemic absorption is…
Wax base oxidation or rancidity over time
Hydrocarbon wax can slowly oxidize if stored in heat or light for extended periods…
Low concern for PFAS, though Axe's parent company makes no public disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Axe
Essentials Fresh Shield Deodorant Stick
stearic acid, cyclopentasiloxane, talc, fragrance blend
Talc contamination (asbestos risk)
Talc ore deposits can contain asbestos. Regulated deodorants in major markets (US, EU)…
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Axe does not disclose the fragrance blend's component chemicals. Common deodorant…
Skin irritation from cyclopentasiloxane
Cyclopentasiloxane is generally well-tolerated but can cause irritation in sensitive…
Insufficient transparency; stick deodorants rarely need PFAS but Axe discloses nothing.
⚠Risky category by default
Axe
Fine Fragrance Collection Deodorant Stick
Deodorant stick (wax/stearate base, fragrance)
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed composition)
Axe does not disclose individual fragrance components on packaging or online ingredient…
Talc or talc-like mineral powder (skin contact)
Many Axe deodorant formulas list talc or mineral powders as absorbents. While talc itself…
Contact dermatitis from propylene glycol or other humectants
Axe sticks commonly contain propylene glycol to maintain spreadability and moisture.…
Aluminum zirconium compounds (in antiperspirant formulas, if applicable)
If the product is an antiperspirant-deodorant hybrid (rather than deodorant-only), it…
Wait for Axe to disclose PFAS status; brand silence on cosmetics is problematic.
⚠Risky category by default
Axe
Men's Anarchy Deodorant Stick
Wax/paraffin stick deodorant with fragrance
Fragrance allergens and contact sensitizers
Axe does not disclose specific fragrance components on packaging or websites. Fragrance…
Skin irritation from fragrance or wax additives
Individual fragrance sensitivity varies widely; some users report mild irritation or rash…
Low PFAS concern but no transparency; typical deodorant without known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →