Degree Review, Is Degree 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, Degree averages Good (74/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 7 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Does Degree have PFAS, by category
Worth buying from Degree Good or better, safest first
Degree
Degree Men
water-based emulsion, starch, talc, fragrance
Talc contamination and inhalation risk
Talc ore can be contaminated with asbestos depending on mining source. Industry-wide…
Fragrance allergen sensitivity
Degree Men contains fragrance components that are not fully itemized on labels…
Skin irritation from emulsion chemistry
Water-based emulsions require preservatives and stabilizers (not always fully disclosed)…
Lower PFAS concern for a basic deodorant formulation.
⚠Risky category by default
Degree
Deodorant Women Shower Clean
Water-based emulsion (typical stick deodorant base, cyclopentasiloxane, stearic acid, talc, fragrance)
Talc contamination (asbestos risk)
Cosmetic-grade talc in deodorants is subject to FDA asbestos testing requirements, but…
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Degree lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without disclosing specific fragrance…
Bacterial growth if improperly stored or contaminated
Stick deodorants can harbor bacteria if exposed to moisture or touched with contaminated…
Lower concern for a conventional stick deodorant with no PFAS markers.
⚠Risky category by default
Degree
Advanced Men Antiperspirant
aluminum/cyclodextrin complex antiperspirant, propylene glycol base
Aluminum absorption and systemic exposure
Antiperspirant aluminum compounds are absorbed in small amounts through intact skin; no…
Skin irritation and contact dermatitis
Propylene glycol and aluminum salts can trigger irritation in individuals with sensitive…
Fragrance allergens
Degree Advanced contains fragrance (ingredient listed generically on label); fragrance…
Lower concern for a standard antiperspirant without known PFAS vectors.
⚠Risky category by default
Degree
Women's Sexy Intrigue Antiperspirant Deodorant
Aluminum stick/emulsion base; talc, starch, wax
Aluminum exposure (systemic absorption)
Aluminum chlorohydrate penetrates skin in small amounts; long-term systemic accumulation…
Fragrance allergens
The 'Sexy Intrigue' scent is a proprietary blend; full fragrance ingredient disclosure is…
Skin irritation from alcohol or acid neutralizers
Antiperspirant emulsions often contain weak acids or alcohol to stabilize aluminum salts…
Lower concern with no PFAS-risk indicators, but Unilever makes no commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Degree
Deodorant
Aluminum-based stick or gel with talc, starch, or mineral-based active ingredients
Aluminum absorption and systemic exposure
Aluminum-based antiperspirants are applied topically and absorption through intact skin…
Talc contamination and respiratory exposure
If Degree uses talc as a carrier (rather than mineral starch alternatives), inhalation of…
Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Degree deodorants include fragrance compounds that trigger contact dermatitis or allergic…
Skin irritation from occlusive barrier
Stick deodorants form an occlusive layer on skin that can trap sweat and bacteria…
Lower concern for typical deodorant with no known PFAS use.
⚠Risky category by default
Degree
Shower Clean Antiperspirant Deodorant Twin Pack
Typical antiperspirant/deodorant base, alcohols, starches, fragrance, aluminum compounds
Fragrance allergens
Degree uses proprietary fragrance blends; undisclosed fragrance components may trigger…
Lower concern for an antiperspirant that rarely needs PFAS coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Degree
Antiperspirant Deodorant
powder/cream base with starch, talc, or mineral pigments; aluminum salts (antiperspirant active)
Talc contamination (if talc-based formula)
Degree's ingredient label does not always specify talc vs. starch; if talc is present…
Fragrance allergens
Degree antiperspirants include fragrance blends (e.g., 'Sport,' 'Shower Clean') that may…
1,4-dioxane in fragrance or surfactants
1,4-dioxane is a trace contaminant that may form in products containing ethoxylated…
Lower PFAS concern for typical antiperspirant; check the label for any fluorinated additives.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Degree
MotionSense Ultra Clear Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Aluminum-based antiperspirant, fragrance, emollients
Fragrance allergens and sensitization
Degree MotionSense contains fragrance but no specific allergen disclosure is publicly…
Aluminum salt irritation on compromised skin
Aluminum zirconium salts are mild irritants to abraded or freshly shaved skin. This is a…
Standard deodorant with no public PFAS claims or testing; use caution if PFAS worries you.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →