Mitchum Deodorant Products Pulled From The Shelves
South African consumers are being urged to return select Mitchum roll-on deodorants following a formal recall. The Mitchum deodorant products pulled from shelves have been linked to cases of skin irritation, including contact dermatitis.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed that distributors released over 124,000 affected units across the country since April 2025.
Why Were Mitchum Deodorant Products Pulled?
The issue stems from a manufacturing process change affecting one of the raw materials used in production. According to Mitchum’s manufacturer, this adjustment impacted the acidity levels in the finished products.
Consumers, especially those with sensitive or compromised skin, began reporting itching, burning, and red rashes after using the affected batches.
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NCC Confirms Official Recall Across South Africa
On 16 September 2025, the NCC released a public statement confirming the recall. The commission said:
“The manufacturer has advised the NCC that a recent change in the manufacturing process of a raw material affected the acidity levels of the finished product. In some consumers, particularly those with sensitive or compromised skin, this has resulted in contact dermatitis, a skin reaction.”
— National Consumer Commission,
Which Mitchum Deodorant Products Are Affected?
The recall targets specific 100ml roll-on variants for both men and women, including the following batch codes:
- Mitchum Woman 48H Shower Fresh – S25331A / S25422A
- Mitchum Woman 48H Powder Fresh – S25331A / S25416A
- Mitchum Men 48H Sport – S25328A / S25416A
- Mitchum Men 48H Mountain Air – S25415B
Consumers should carefully check the batch number printed on the bottom of the bottle.
How Many Units Have Been Distributed?
The NCC confirmed that distributors released 124,176 units of the affected Mitchum products nationwide since April 2025.
Authorities are still assessing the full scale of consumer exposure, but early reports suggest the issue affects several major retailers.
Symptoms Reported by Consumers
Many users took to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share their experiences. Common complaints include:
- Itching or burning in the underarms
- Skin peeling or red patches
- Swelling or mild blistering in severe cases
Some individuals described the reaction as similar to a chemical burn, prompting concern among consumers.
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What Is Mitchum’s Response?
Mitchum, through parent company Revlon South Africa, has acknowledged the issue and apologised. In a media statement, the company noted:
“While the formula itself hasn’t changed, a change in the manufacturing process of one of our raw materials altered how the product interacts with the skin of some of our customers.”
They confirmed that the original production process has now been reinstated to prevent further issues.
What Should Affected Consumers Do?
The NCC is urging consumers who purchased the listed deodorant products to:
- Stop using the product immediately
- Return the item to the retailer for a full refund
- Contact Revlon South Africa for guidance if symptoms have occurred
Are There Legal Implications?
Consumer rights experts suggest that affected individuals may pursue legal action if they can prove harm. South African law mandates that manufacturers ensure product safety.
“If Mitchum failed to meet required manufacturing standards, affected users may have grounds for a class action.”
— Bonga Dlulisa, consumer law specialist,.
No class action has been launched yet, but discussions are reportedly ongoing among consumer rights advocates.
Is This a Local or Global Issue?
The recall is not limited to South Africa. Mitchum UK also withdrew similar products across the United Kingdom and Ireland following related reports.
A shared facility manufactured the affected batches, potentially impacting multiple markets, according to Global Cosmetics News.
Has SAHPRA Issued a Formal Notice?
As of 17 September 2025, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has not published a formal recall notice on its public Product Recalls Portal.
However, the NCC has taken the lead in consumer safety, which suggests the issue falls under cosmetic and consumer goods regulation, not medicinal products.
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Stay Informed, Stay Safe
This recall highlights how a small change in manufacturing can affect product safety on a large scale. If you use Mitchum products, check the batch numbers carefully.
Consumers deserve transparency and safety.
