Axe Deodorant Stick Apollo
Low concern for PFAS, though Axe's parent company makes no public disclosure.
This wax-based stick lacks water-repellent or grease-resistant treatments that typically require PFAS. Axe doesn't publicly disclose PFAS avoidance or testing, and no independent lab data exists for this product.
The better-graded swap
Each & Every
Each & Every The Mini Edit
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Hydrocarbon wax/stearate stick base
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Axe Deodorant Stick Apollo is made of, ingredients and materials
Axe Apollo is a traditional solid stick deodorant built on a hydrocarbon wax and stearate (fatty acid salt) base, which are inert, non-volatile carriers designed to stay on skin without absorption. This chemistry means the active ingredient (typically aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex) sits on the surface rather than penetrating tissue. Unlike spray formulas, stick application eliminates inhalation risk from propellants and aerosolized particles. The wax matrix is stable at normal storage and use temperatures, reducing leaching concerns.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Axe Apollo contains undisclosed fragrance compounds typical of the brand's scent profile. Fragrances are a leading cause of contact dermatitis in deodorants; individual sensitivity varies. The brand does not publish fragrance allergen breakdowns, so pre-testing on inner arm is recommended for sensitive skin.
Aluminum in antiperspirant active
Apollo contains aluminum zirconium salts to reduce perspiration. Systemic absorption is minimal via skin application, and no regulatory body has banned antiperspirant aluminum. Some users report localized irritation or staining; this is a known class effect, not specific to Axe, and reversible upon discontinuation.
Wax base oxidation or rancidity over time
Hydrocarbon wax can slowly oxidize if stored in heat or light for extended periods, potentially producing odor or mild irritation. This is a shelf-life issue, not a hidden toxicant. Proper storage and timely replacement (12 months) eliminate practical risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No published evidence indicates Axe Apollo uses formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea). The wax-based stick format requires minimal water activity, reducing preservative load. If present, they would be declared on the label; review ingredient list if concerned.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Axe Apollo does not list talc as an ingredient and does not declare problematic pigments. Standard FDA-approved colorants in deodorants (e.g., iron oxides, mica) carry negligible heavy metal risk at cosmetic-use levels. No recalls or contamination reports exist for this product.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Axe (owned by Unilever) has not published detailed ingredient safety disclosures or third-party certifications for this product line. The brand has faced no major deodorant-specific safety recalls in recent years, though Unilever as a corporation has faced scrutiny over fragrance transparency and historical PFAS use in other product lines. No published evidence suggests Axe deodorants contain known restricted substances like talc or banned azo dyes. The parent company remains silent on PFAS sourcing in personal care, though the PFAS score for this product grade is low.
How it compares in its category
Axe Apollo sits in the mainstream mass-market deodorant tier, comparable to Old Spice and Degree sticks in formulation simplicity. Premium natural alternatives (e.g., Malin+Goetz, Kopari) typically advertise aluminum-free or fragrance-restricted profiles but lack broader safety data; conversely, clinical-strength sticks (Certain Dri) use higher aluminum loads and carry more absorption risk. Axe's wax-based stick format presents lower concern than powder variants linked to talc or liquid roll-on variants associated with bacterial-growth risks.
If you buy it
Store below 30°C (85°F) to prevent wax separation or discoloration, though this does not indicate chemical degradation. Replace every 6-12 months or when visibly depleted to avoid rancidity in the wax base. Apply to clean, dry skin and avoid contact with eyes or broken skin. Discontinue immediately if localized irritation, rash, or burning occurs; these are not common with Axe Apollo but may signal fragrance or aluminum sensitivity.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 55% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Axe has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Axe Deodorant Stick Apollo?
- mineral-based powder blend (arrowroot, magnesium hydroxide, mica)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Skin irritation from magnesium hydroxide alkalinity
- cosmetic formulations, primary ingredients listed
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Fragrance allergens (natural essential oils)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- natural mineral powders, plant-based actives, beeswax
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Beeswax purity and contamination
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More deodorant grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.