Deodorant

Deodorants are cosmetic substances applied to the body, most frequently the armpits, to reduce the odor of perspiration.

Related Topics:
Armpit - Odor - Perspiration

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Human sweat per se is odorless. The odor of sweat is actually caused by bacteria thriving in hot, humid environments. This odor is negatively stigmatized in many cultures (see below), hence the desire to eliminate or suppress it.

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The underarm areas are breeding grounds for odor-causing bacteria: the armpits are among the consistently warmest areas on the surface of the human body, the sweat glands provide water, and armpit hair contributes to perspiration odor because of the increase in surface area.

Related Topics:
Sweat gland - Armpit hair

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Deodorant cosmetics work in the following ways:

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• They inhibit the growth of bacteria which cause odors. This is commonly done by antibacterial chemical compounds such as propylene glycol or triclosan.
• Deodorants may also contain perfume fragrances intended to mask the odor of perspiration.
• Antiperspirants are drugs which attempt to stop or significantly reduce perspiration. Aluminium chloride, aluminium chlorhydrate, and related aluminium compounds are the most widely used antiperspirants. They work because the Al³⁺ ion causes pores in the skin to contract. This is a fairly radical approach, frowned upon by some medical professionals, since perspiration is a natural process and not the direct cause of odors.
• Combined deodorants and antiperspirants are known as deoperspirants.

Deodorants are usually applied in an aerosol spray or in a liquid roll-on form, but other forms also exist, such as alum crystals.

Related Topics:
Aerosol spray - Alum - Crystal

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Deodorant: Deodorants and culture ►