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Deodorants are cosmetic substances applied to the body, most frequently the armpits, to reduce the body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown due to 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.
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.
Adolescence Adolescence is usually when the axillary (armpit) sweat glands are activated and bring about body odor. Girls and boys usually receive, through some method, 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. Deodorant Types 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 nineteenth century. 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. A popular alternative to modern commercial deodorants is Ammonium alum, which is a common type of Alum sold in crystal form. It has been used as a deodorant throughout history in Thailand, the Far East, Mexico and other countries. 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. Health Effects The use of Aluminium salts (such as Aluminium chloride) in antiperspirants raises a number of important health issues. One research study found that antiperspirants that contain Aluminum compounds could cause DNA damage in canine cells."Rapid Communications: Antiperspirant Induced DNA Damage in Canine Cells by Comet Assay" 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 | ||||||||
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