Kose - Desodorante Stick Deo Carat
Lower PFAS concern but no public disclosure from Kose.
This stick deodorant uses standard cosmetic materials like waxes, oils, and starches that don't typically require PFAS. No waterproofing or grease-resistant coatings are present, though the brand hasn't publicly disclosed its PFAS status.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stick deodorant base (typically waxes, oils, starch)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Product does not list specific fragrance ingredients; synthetic fragrance blends in deodorants commonly include eugenol, limonene, or other contact sensitizers. Prevalence in mass-market sticks makes allergic reaction possible for sensitive individuals, though incidence is low.
Aluminum salts in antiperspirant active (if present)
If this product contains antiperspirant-grade aluminum compounds (e.g., aluminum chlorohydrate), chronic underarm contact may result in skin irritation or absorption of trace aluminum. No causal link to systemic harm at cosmetic-use levels is established, but sensitive users may prefer aluminum-free alternatives.
Skin irritation from wax or oil oxidation over storage
Over time, unsaturated oils in the base may oxidize if exposed to air or UV light, producing minor skin irritants. Proper storage in a cool, opaque container minimizes this risk; opened sticks should be used within 12 months.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public disclosure of preservative system; conventional stick deodorants typically use parabens or phenoxyethanol rather than formaldehyde releasers, but this product's full ingredient list is not available in English sources. Risk is low for this product class.
Source: ATSDR ↗Talc contamination (if talc-based starch)
Stick deodorants increasingly use cornstarch, rice starch, or other mineral starches; talc is less common in modern formulations due to contamination concerns. No evidence Kose uses talc, but product labeling is not transparent enough to confirm absence.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Kose Desodorante Stick Deo Carat is a traditional solid stick deodorant, typically formulated from waxes (paraffin or plant-based), oils, starch, and odor-controlling actives such as aluminum compounds or zinc ricinoleate. The stick format avoids aerosolization hazards and limits volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure compared to spray deodorants. Starch and wax bases are inherently low-migration materials, meaning leaching of harmful compounds into skin or moisture is minimal under normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kose (Japanese cosmetics conglomerate; Kosas appears to be a regional brand variant) does not publicly disclose fragrance allergen lists, preservative systems, or PFAS use statements in widely available English-language materials. No major recalls, banned-substance violations, or third-party certifications (e.g., COSMOS, Ecocert) for this specific product are on public record. The brand maintains general compliance with cosmetic regulations in target markets but does not volunteer ingredient transparency beyond required labeling.
How it compares in its category
Stick deodorants as a category carry lower chemical-leaching risk than antiperspirant aerosols or roll-on liquids, because the solid matrix prevents easy dissolution of actives. Kose's stick format is standard and typical for this price and market segment; it does not differentiate in safety profile from mainstream competitors like Dove or Secret stick formulas. Natural or aluminum-free alternatives (e.g., Schmidt's, Bali Secrets) offer lower heavy-metal risk for sensitive users, but Kose's conventional formula poses no documented hazard for general use.
If you buy it
Apply sparingly to dry underarm skin to minimize any irritation from actives or fragrances; patch-test first if you have sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Do not expose the stick to prolonged heat (e.g., hot car) as wax softening may affect consistency and ease of application, though no safety hazard results. Replace when fully used or if you notice discoloration or odor changes suggesting microbial growth. Store in a cool, dry place to maintain formula integrity.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Kosas has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Deodorant
Puracy
Deodorant Cream 2oz Glass
Glass jar; water-based cream formula
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Glass container breakage
Moderate concern
Low concern, glass container and water-based cream with PFAS-free commitment.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Tom's of Maine
Deodorant
mineral-based, baking soda formulation
Fragrance allergen content
Limited concern
Baking soda skin irritation
Moderate concern
Microplastic shedding
Limited concern
Lower concern from mineral-based formula with public PFAS-free positioning, though no independent third-party verification.
⚠Risky category by default
Tom's of Maine
Most-Loved Deodorant Bundle
mineral-based and plant-derived actives; stick formulation
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Skin irritation from mineral salts
Limited concern
Lower-concern deodorant with mineral-based formula and PFAS-free claim aligned to brand ethos, but no third-party verification found.
⚠Risky category by default
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.