Deodorants are cosmetic substances applied to the body, most frequently the armpits, to reduce the body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration. A subgroup of deodorants are "'antiperspirants'", which prevents odor and reduces sweat produced by parts of the body. Antiperspirants are typically applied to the underarms, while deodorants can also be used on feet and other areas in the form of body sprays.

Human sweat itself is largely odorless. The principal cause of body odor are bacteria thriving in hot, humid environments such as the human underarm, which has a high density of sweat glands and is relatively occluded. The armpits are among the consistently warmest areas on the surface of the human body, and sweat glands provide moisture. Armpit hair adds to the odor because of the increased surface area.

The odor is seen as negative in some cultures (see below), hence many people's desire to eliminate or suppress it. One obvious way to reduce odor is to remove some (or all) of the underarm hair. There are a variety of cultural preferences around this practice.

Deodorants – classified and regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – work to inhibit the growth of bacteria which cause odors. The first commercial deodorant, Mum, was introduced in the late 1800s. Deodorants are usually alcohol-based, which kills bacteria effectively. Deodorants can be formulated with other, more persistent antimicrobials such as triclosan, or with metal chelant compounds that slow bacterial growth. Deodorants also often contain perfume fragrances intended to mask the odor of perspiration.

Deodorants may be combined with antiperspirants – classified as drugs by the FDA – which attempt to stop or significantly reduce perspiration. Aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate,and aluminum-zirconium compounds are the most widely used antiperspirants. Aluminum-based complexes react with the electrolytes in the sweat to form a gel plug in the duct of the sweat gland. The plugs prevent the gland from excreting liquid and are removed over time by the natural sloughing of the skin. The blockage of a large number of sweat glands reduces the amount of sweat produced in the underarms, though this may vary from person to person.

Deodorants and antiperspirants come in many forms. What is commonly used varies in different countries. In Europe, aerosol sprays are popular, as are cream and roll-on forms which are prevalent in less affluent parts of the world. In the United States, solid or gel forms are dominant.

Adolescence

Adolescence is usually when the axillary sweat glands are activated and bring about body odor. Girls and boys are usually given their first deodorant or anti-perspirant during early to mid-puberty. Some teens see this as a "coming of age" event, while others just see it as a necessary application.

Culture

Cultures and individuals differ in their beliefs about the need for deodorant, and on whether bodily odors are offensive. Various foods such as garlic may also affect body odor.

Commercially-manufactured deodorants may also target areas of the body other than the armpits, such as the genitals, and particularly the female genitals. Such products are sometimes the target of sexually graphic humor.

Tom Robbins' novel Even Cowgirls Get the Blues involves a humorous plot line that takes a position in favor of natural body odors, and presents the positions of those on both sides of the issue.

An episode of Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends features the lead character, Bloo, as the mascot for an ineffective deodorant called "Deo".

"Ode To Deodorant" was the first song recorded by British band Coldplay as an ensemble.

See also

• Air freshener

External links

• The Truth About Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer (Unilever, one of the world's largest antiperspirant manufacturers)
• E-mail Rumor Links Anti-perspirant to Breast Cancer (American Cancer Society)
• Ask Yahoo!: Is it true that your body gets immune to your deodorant, and if so, does rotating deodorants really work?
• No Sweat: Putting deodorants and antiperspirants to the test. (Slate Magazine)
• What Causes Underarm Perspiration Stains? The Beauty Brains

Hygiene

Deodorant | Desodorante | Deodorant | Dezodorant | Desodorante | Deodorantti | Deodorant