Tom s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant
Lower PFAS concern; Tom's positions transparently but third-party data on this specific product is limited.
Mineral powder, baking soda, and plant oils contain no coating formulations that trap PFAS. Tom's claims PFAS-free status and holds MADE SAFE certification with no reported lab detection.
Brand says: “Tom's of Maine is committed to transparency and produces deodorants free of synthetic fragrances, aluminum, and PFAS.”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral-based powder, baking soda, plant oils
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Baking soda skin irritation (pH/alkalinity)
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline and can cause redness, itching, or dermatitis in users with sensitive or compromised skin barriers. This is not a contamination risk but a formulation sensitivity; incidence is not quantified in Tom's data but reported anecdotally in user reviews.
Fragrance allergens (essential oils)
Scented variants use plant-derived essential oils (lavender, etc.) rather than synthetic fragrance; essential oils can trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible individuals. Tom's does not disclose specific fragrance concentration or allergen warnings beyond standard cosmetic labeling.
What’s reassuring
Third-party PFAS-free verification
A third party independently verified this product is PFAS-free.
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Talc contamination (asbestos/talcosis)
Tom's of Maine has not faced asbestos-in-talc litigation or recalls specific to this product. The brand sources talc-free alternatives (arrowroot) in some formulations; verify ingredient label if talc sensitivity is a concern, as formulation may vary by variant (unscented vs. scented).
Heavy metals
Potassium alum and mineral salts used in natural deodorants can theoretically contain trace lead or cadmium depending on mining source. No third-party testing or contamination reports exist for this Tom's product; brand does not publish mineral salt sourcing or heavy metal testing data.
Source: FDA ↗Microparticle inhalation risk
The powder-based formulation poses minimal inhalation risk during typical application (stick format, not spray). No respiratory incidents are documented for this product or mineral deodorants in general at normal use levels.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Tom's Long Lasting Deodorant uses mineral salts (primarily potassium alum) combined with baking soda, plant-derived oils, and talc or arrowroot powder as the base. This formulation avoids aluminum chlorohydrate (found in antiperspirants) and synthetic fragrance oils in most variants. The mineral salt approach provides odor control without blocking sweat; baking soda neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. Talc presence warrants attention despite no asbestos contamination reported for this brand specifically.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tom's of Maine has a 40-year history of transparency around ingredient sourcing and maintains third-party certifications (Natural Products Association, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free). The company publicly commits to PFAS-free formulations across its product line and publishes ingredient lists openly. No major safety recalls or contamination scandals are on record for this deodorant line. The brand is owned by Colgate-Palmolive since 2006, which has raised some consumer skepticism, but the Tom's division maintains independent ingredient standards.
How it compares in its category
Tom's mineral-salt deodorant sits in the middle-premium segment of natural deodorants, more transparent than mass-market brands (Degree, Secret) and more established than indie brands. Unlike antiperspirant deodorants, it will not block sweat but performs better on odor control than some botanical-only alternatives. Price-per-use is moderate; effectiveness varies by individual body chemistry and activity level, with reported sweat-control gaps for heavy exercisers compared to aluminum antiperspirants.
If you buy it
Patch-test on inner arm 24 hours before full use, as baking soda triggers irritation in sensitive skin (reported in user feedback, not rare). Apply to clean, dry skin; reapply after heavy sweating or bathing if needed. Replace every 12-18 months or when the stick is depleted; mineral deodorants do not separate or degrade with normal use. Store away from direct heat and humidity to preserve the stick texture; avoid contact with eyes or broken skin.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tom's of Maine has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.