The FDA announced a major recall of over 67,000 cases of Power Stick deodorant products in July 2025 due to manufacturing violations, following previous benzene contamination issues with Old Spice and Secret brands that affected millions nationwide.
In recent years, deodorant recalls have become a growing concern for American consumers, with the latest major recall affecting thousands of cases nationwide. On July 10, 2025, the FDA announced a significant voluntary recall of Power Stick deodorant products, marking another chapter in the ongoing saga of personal care product safety issues. This development highlights the critical importance of understanding product recalls and their implications for consumer health.
The current recall involves more than 67,000 cases of Power Stick antiperspirant deodorant products distributed across major retailers including Walmart, Amazon, and Dollar Tree. While the immediate health risk appears to be minimal, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex manufacturing and safety challenges facing the personal care industry.
The Latest Recall: Power Stick Deodorant Products
A.P. Deauville, LLC, the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of Power Stick deodorants, initiated a voluntary recall for 67,214 combined total cases of three types of antiperspirant on July 10, 2025, according to a report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recall demonstrates how manufacturing oversight continues to play a crucial role in consumer product safety.
The affected products include three specific varieties, all packaged in 1.8-ounce containers:
- Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant Powder Fresh
- Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant Spring Fresh
- Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant
The reason for the recall, according to the FDA report, was "cGMP deviations," which indicates an issue with the established procedures and standards for how a product is made, as outlined in the Current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP. These regulations exist to ensure product quality and safety throughout the manufacturing process.
Understanding cGMP Deviations and Their Significance
Current Good Manufacturing Practices represent a comprehensive framework that governs how pharmaceutical and personal care products are manufactured. CGMP provides for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. Adherence to the CGMP regulations assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drug products by requiring that manufacturers of medications adequately control manufacturing operations.
When companies fail to meet these standards, it can result in various issues ranging from contamination to product inconsistency. This formal system of controls at a pharmaceutical company, if adequately put into practice, helps to prevent instances of contamination, mix-ups, deviations, failures, and errors.
The FDA has not specified the exact nature of the deviations in the Power Stick recall, which is common in many enforcement actions. However, such deviations typically involve issues with quality control testing, facility cleanliness, documentation procedures, or equipment maintenance protocols.
Recent History of Deodorant Recalls in the United States
The Power Stick recall represents just the latest in a series of significant deodorant safety issues that have emerged over the past several years. The most notable previous incident involved major brands Old Spice and Secret, owned by Procter & Gamble.
The Benzene Contamination Crisis
The Procter & Gamble Company voluntarily recalled all lots with expiry through September 2023 of specific Old Spice and Secret aerosol spray antiperspirants and Old Spice Below Deck aerosol spray products sold in the United States due to the presence of benzene detected. This recall, which began in November 2021, affected millions of products across multiple countries.
High levels of benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer, was found in antiperspirant, deodorant and body aerosol sprays (59 batches across 20 brands), according to a petition filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by Valisure, a company that conducts tests of common consumer health products.
The benzene contamination issue extended beyond just Procter & Gamble products. In their independent study, researchers from Valisure found benzene in 59 out of 108 products tested - including underarm, body, jock, groin, and foot sprays. Indeed, 54% of the samples studied by Valisure contained detectable benzene and some contained up to nine times the conditionally restricted FDA concentration limit of 2 parts per million (ppm).
Health Implications and Safety Concerns
Understanding the potential health risks associated with recalled deodorant products helps consumers make informed decisions about their personal care routines. The two main categories of concern involve manufacturing defects and chemical contamination.
Manufacturing-Related Issues
The current Power Stick recall centers on manufacturing practice deviations rather than specific chemical contamination. While the exact nature of these deviations remains unspecified, such issues can potentially affect product safety, efficacy, or quality. Consumers using products manufactured under non-compliant conditions may experience reduced effectiveness or, in more serious cases, skin irritation or other adverse reactions.
Chemical Contamination Risks
The benzene contamination found in previous recalls presents more serious health concerns. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Based on exposure modeling and the cancer risk assessments published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (IRIS database), daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.
However, the long-term implications of regular exposure remain a subject of ongoing study. Long-term health effects from benzene exposure can include harm to the bone marrow and decreased red blood cells, leading to anemia. Exposure to high levels of benzene in the air, over a year or longer, can cause leukemia and cancer of the blood-forming organs.
What Consumers Should Do
When deodorant products are recalled, consumers face several important decisions about their immediate safety and long-term product choices. The response strategy depends on the specific type of recall and the products currently in use.
Immediate Actions for Recalled Products
For consumers who own recalled Power Stick products, the recommended course of action involves checking product lot numbers against the official recall list. Consumers who have purchased these products should check the lot numbers. The FDA provides specific lot numbers for each recalled product variety on their official website.
If products match the recalled lot numbers, consumers should discontinue use immediately and dispose of the products safely. While no specific health risks have been reported with the current recall, following FDA guidance helps ensure consumer safety and supports proper recall procedures.
Seeking Refunds and Compensation
Most manufacturers offer refund programs for recalled products, recognizing the inconvenience and potential safety concerns. Consumers who purchased the recalled sprays should throw them out and may request a refund. Old Spice and Secret customers can apply for a reimbursement on their respective websites.
The refund process typically requires proof of purchase or product packaging, though many companies have streamlined these requirements to encourage consumer participation in recall programs. Documentation such as receipts, product photos, or lot numbers can facilitate the refund process.
Industry Response and Regulatory Actions
The personal care industry has responded to recent recall issues with enhanced testing protocols and improved manufacturing oversight. These changes reflect both regulatory pressure and consumer demand for safer products.
Enhanced Testing and Quality Control
Following the benzene contamination crisis, many manufacturers have implemented more rigorous testing procedures. The agreement mandated P&G to introduce enhanced testing and oversight measures to guarantee that its deodorant and antiperspirant items are devoid of benzene. These measures often include third-party testing, more frequent quality assessments, and expanded contamination screening.
The industry has also increased focus on supply chain management, recognizing that contamination can occur at various stages of production. Raw material testing, facility inspections, and finished product analysis have all become more comprehensive across major manufacturers.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Recalls often result in significant financial and legal consequences for manufacturers. Following the recalls, several manufacturers of the impacted products faced lawsuits. In May 2022, P&G settled a class-action lawsuit for $8 million. Those who bought the affected items between November 4, 2015, and December 31, 2021, can receive cash or vouchers as part of the settlement.
These legal actions serve multiple purposes: compensating affected consumers, encouraging improved manufacturing practices, and establishing precedents for future safety standards. The financial impact of recalls often motivates companies to invest more heavily in prevention and quality control.
Prevention and Consumer Awareness
Preventing future recall incidents requires collaboration between manufacturers, regulators, and informed consumers. Understanding how to identify potential issues and stay informed about product safety helps protect individual and public health.
Staying Informed About Recalls
The FDA maintains several communication channels for recall notifications, including email alerts, website updates, and social media announcements. Consumers can subscribe to FDA recall notifications to receive immediate updates about products they may be using.
Retailers also play an important role in recall communication, often removing products from shelves and posting notices about recalled items. Major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Dollar Tree typically provide recall information through their websites and customer service channels.
Reading Product Labels and Understanding Ingredients
While manufacturing defects and contamination can occur despite proper ingredient formulations, understanding product labels helps consumers make informed choices. Key information includes manufacturing dates, lot numbers, and ingredient lists that can be cross-referenced with recall announcements.
As more Americans consider what they put on their skin, one brand's products—commonly found at discount retailers—have been flagged. In recent years, many have taken a closer look at the ingredients in certain beauty and wellness products.
The Broader Context of Personal Care Product Safety
Deodorant recalls represent part of a larger conversation about personal care product safety and regulation. WVU Medicine reports that 90% of Americans have expressed concern regarding "the link between cancer and using deodorant, antiperspirant, and shaving." However, scientific research continues to evolve on these topics.
The American Cancer Society has weighed in on the topic, saying: "While the research on this topic is limited, most studies have not found a link between antiperspirant use and the development of breast cancer." This ongoing research emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making regarding personal care products.
Regulatory Framework Evolution
The FDA continues to evaluate and update regulations governing personal care products, including deodorants and antiperspirants. Recent recalls have highlighted areas where additional oversight may be beneficial, particularly regarding contamination testing and manufacturing standards.
Industry groups and consumer advocacy organizations also contribute to this evolving framework, providing input on safety standards, testing protocols, and communication requirements. This collaborative approach helps balance consumer safety with practical manufacturing and regulatory considerations.
Looking Forward: Future Trends in Product Safety
The recent series of deodorant recalls has accelerated several trends in personal care product safety and manufacturing. These developments are likely to shape the industry for years to come.
Technological Advancement in Testing
Advanced analytical techniques are making it easier to detect contamination and manufacturing defects before products reach consumers. These technologies include more sensitive chemical analysis methods, automated quality control systems, and real-time monitoring of manufacturing processes.
The benzene contamination crisis, in particular, has highlighted the importance of comprehensive chemical testing. Tests by Valisure, however, found concerning levels of benzene in some batches of P&G products. The most highly contaminated – two lots of an Old Spice antiperspirant called Pure Sport contained 17.7 and 17.4 average parts per million of benzene.
Consumer Demand for Transparency
Modern consumers increasingly demand transparency about product ingredients, manufacturing processes, and safety testing. This trend has encouraged manufacturers to provide more detailed information about their products and to communicate more proactively about potential issues.
The recall process itself has become more transparent, with companies providing detailed information about affected products, reasons for recalls, and steps being taken to prevent future issues. This transparency helps build consumer trust and encourages more effective recall participation.
Conclusion
The 2025 Power Stick deodorant recall serves as a current reminder of the ongoing importance of product safety in the personal care industry. While this particular recall involves manufacturing practice deviations rather than immediate health threats, it demonstrates the continued vigilance required to ensure consumer safety.
The broader context of recent deodorant recalls, including the significant benzene contamination issues of 2021-2022, illustrates both the challenges and progress in personal care product safety. Enhanced testing procedures, improved regulatory oversight, and increased consumer awareness have all contributed to a safer marketplace.
For consumers, staying informed about recalls and understanding how to respond appropriately remains crucial. The combination of manufacturer responsibility, regulatory oversight, and consumer awareness creates a comprehensive approach to product safety that benefits everyone involved.
As the industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from recent recalls will likely drive further improvements in manufacturing standards, testing protocols, and consumer communication. These developments ultimately serve to protect public health while maintaining access to safe and effective personal care products.
The recall process, while sometimes inconvenient, represents an important safety mechanism that protects consumers and encourages continuous improvement in product manufacturing. By understanding and participating in these processes, consumers play a vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the products they use daily.
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