What is polyethylene and why do Dove Men Care antiperspirant and Rexona deodorant contain it in their ingredients?

While many people associate the term "microplastics" with exfoliants or cleaning products, they are also present in everyday products such as stick deodorants. Popular brands like Dove and Rexona, owned by Unilever, use polyethylene wax, a type of solid microplastic, as part of the base of their deodorants (according to the ingredient lists published on their websites). This raises serious concerns for both skin health and the environment.

What is polyethylene wax and why is it used in cosmetics?

Polyethylene wax is a solid or semi-solid form of plastic derived from petroleum. It is used in deodorants to provide texture, help the product maintain its shape, and facilitate its application. However, it is not biodegradable, not sustainable, is absorbed into the skin, and can persist in the environment for centuries.

According to environmental organizations and scientists, this wax meets the definition of microplastic established by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): solid or semi-solid particles smaller than 5 mm, insoluble in water, and resistant to degradation.

Potential health effects of microplastics

Although the effects on human health are still being investigated, there are growing concerns about:

• Bioaccumulation: microplastics can accumulate on the skin or enter the body through abrasion, prolonged contact, or from the environment.
• Transport of toxic substances: they act as vectors for added chemicals such as phthalates, heavy metals, and stabilizers that can affect the endocrine system.
• Irritation or pore blockage: in people with sensitive skin, they can cause unwanted reactions when combined with synthetic fragrances and other irritants.

The environmental impact is much clearer

The biggest problem is that these microplastics do not disappear, neither when you rinse your skin nor when you dispose of the product:

• They end up in the water during showering, passing through treatment systems and reaching rivers and seas.
• They are ingested by marine fauna, from plankton to fish and birds.
• They persist for decades in soil, water bodies, and living organisms.

A report by ECHA and European NGOs warns that even the mildest synthetic waxes, such as polyethylene waxes, have a high potential for persistence and environmental damage, despite the industry not always classifying them as microplastics.

Maxalli: zero plastics, zero excuses

At Maxalli, we consciously choose not to use polyethylene wax or any plastic derivatives. Instead, we use candelilla wax, a Mexican vegetable wax that is biodegradable and functional, providing the ideal texture without compromising your health or the planet.

Additionally, our formula is free of:

• Aluminum
• Baking soda
• Alcohol
• Synthetic fragrances
• Plastics, microplastics, or silicones

We believe that taking care of your body shouldn't mean polluting the world. That's why we design our deodorants to be functional, elegant, and responsible.

Reference

Note on substance identification and the potential scope of a restriction on uses of microplastics –NGO feedback . Brussels, 10 September 2018

CHEM Trust
Friends of the Earth Europe
Environmental Investigation Agency
European Environmental Bureau