Who Owns Degree?

Degree operates under Unilever's corporate sustainability framework. Unilever has committed to reducing virgin plastic use by 30 percent by 2026 and 40 percent by 2028 from a 2019 baseline. Degree contributes to this target through packaging innovations, including lighter-weight containers, recycled content incorporation, and design optimizations that reduce material usage.

Unilever aims to make all of its plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Degree packaging improvements have included reducing can weight for aerosol products, incorporating post-consumer recycled plastic in stick containers, and optimizing package sizes to minimize material waste.

As part of Unilever's climate action commitments, Degree manufacturing facilities participate in the company's science-based targets for carbon reduction. Unilever has committed to achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by 2039. The company's manufacturing operations have reduced carbon emissions through energy efficiency projects and renewable energy sourcing.

Degree's primary ethical considerations relate to ingredient safety. The brand uses aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium compounds as active antiperspirant ingredients, which are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter drugs. These ingredients have been the subject of ongoing scientific debate regarding potential health effects, though major regulatory bodies including the FDA, the American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute have not established a definitive link between aluminum-based antiperspirants and cancer or other health conditions.

Unilever has faced criticism from environmental groups regarding plastic waste from its personal care packaging. The company has responded with packaging reduction targets and participation in circular economy initiatives, though progress has been slower than some advocacy groups demand.

Degree products have received recognition from consumer testing organizations and beauty publications. Degree Unlimited Long Lasting Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray was recognized as a top aerosol spray deodorant in dermatologist-reviewed testing, praised for its 96-hour protection and SmartAdapt technology that adapts to body movement, heat, and stress.

Degree has been featured in product roundups from NBC Select, Wirecutter, and Everyday Health as a recommended antiperspirant, particularly for its clinical strength formulations. The brand's products are frequently recommended by board-certified dermatologists for patients seeking effective sweat and odor protection.

Degree's SmartAdapt technology has been noted within the personal care industry as an innovation in adaptive antiperspirant formulations. The micro-barrier system represents an engineering approach that differentiates Degree from competitors in the mid-range deodorant segment.

As part of Unilever's brand portfolio, Degree benefits from the parent company's recognition for brand management and marketing. Unilever has been recognized by sustainability indices and corporate responsibility organizations, though these accolades apply at the corporate level rather than specifically to the Degree brand.

Degree has not been subject to major product safety recalls in recent years. The brand's products undergo safety testing and regulatory review before market release, in compliance with FDA regulations for over-the-counter antiperspirant products.

The most significant ongoing controversy surrounding Degree and other aluminum-based antiperspirants relates to the safety of aluminum compounds. Some consumers and health advocacy groups have raised concerns about potential links between aluminum exposure and breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other health conditions. The American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the Alzheimer's Association have stated that current scientific evidence does not support a causal link between aluminum-based antiperspirants and these conditions. However, the debate has contributed to growing consumer interest in aluminum-free deodorant alternatives.

The American Contact Dermatitis Society named aluminum as its 2022 Allergen of the Year, highlighting growing awareness of aluminum allergies. While the percentage of the population with aluminum allergies is small, this recognition increased scrutiny of aluminum-containing personal care products, including Degree antiperspirants.

Some consumers have reported allergic reactions to Degree products, including skin irritation, redness, itching, and rashes. These reactions are typically attributed to fragrance ingredients or aluminum compounds. Degree has responded by offering fragrance-free and sensitive skin variants alongside its standard product line.

Unilever has faced broader criticism regarding its environmental practices, particularly plastic waste from personal care packaging. The company's sustainability commitments, including virgin plastic reduction targets, have been criticized by some environmental groups as insufficient. Degree packaging, including aerosol cans and plastic stick containers, contributes to this overall footprint.

The brand has also faced competition from cruelty-free and vegan deodorant brands. Unilever does not certify Degree as cruelty-free through Leaping Bunny or PETA programs, as the company sells products in markets requiring animal testing, such as mainland China. This position has drawn criticism from consumers who prioritize cruelty-free personal care products.