Deodorants and antiperspirants: New trends in their active agents and testing methods.

Sweating is the human body's thermoregulation system but also results in unpleasant body odour which can diminish the self-confidence of people. There has been continued research in finding solutions to reduce both sweating and body odour. Sweating is a result of increased sweat flow and malodour results from certain bacteria and ecological factors such as eating habits. Research on deodorant development focuses on inhibiting the growth of malodour-forming bacteria using antimicrobial agents, whereas research on antiperspirant synthesis focuses on technologies reducing the sweat flow, which not only reduces body odour but also improves people's appearance. Antiperspirant's technology is based on the use of aluminium salts which can form a gel plug at sweat pores, obstructing the sweat fluid from arising onto the skin surface. In this paper, we perform a systematic review on the recent progress in the development of novel antiperspirant and deodorant active ingredients that are alcohol-free, paraben-free, and naturally derived. Several studies have been reported on the alternative class of actives that can potentially be used for antiperspirant and body odour treatment including deodorizing fabric, bacterial, and plant extracts. However, a significant challenge is to understand how the gel-plugs of antiperspirant actives are formed in sweat pores and how to deliver long-lasting antiperspirant and deodorant benefits.

La transpiration est le système de thermorégulation de l'organisme, mais elle entraîne également une odeur corporelle désagréable qui peut diminuer la confiance en soi. Des nombreuses recherches ont été menées afin de trouver des solutions pour réduire à la fois la transpiration et l'odeur corporelle. La transpiration est le résultat de l'augmentation du flux de sueur, et les mauvaises odeurs sont dues à certaines bactéries et à certains facteurs écologiques tels que les habitudes alimentaires. Les recherches sur le développement des déodorants se concentrent sur l'inhibition de la croissance des bactéries responsables des mauvaises odeurs à l'aide d'agents antimicrobiens, tandis que les recherches sur la synthèse des anti-transpirants se concentrent sur les technologies diminuant le flux de sueur, ce qui réduire non seulement les odeurs corporelles, mais améliore également l'apparence des personnes. La technologie des anti-transpirants repose sur l'utilisation de sels d'aluminium qui peuvent former un bouchon de gel au niveau des pores sudoripares, empêchant le liquide sudoral d'apparaître à la surface de la peau. Dans cet article, nous effectuons une revue systématique des progrès récents réalisés dans le développement de nouveaux principes actifs anti-transpirants et déodorants qui sont sans alcool, sans parabène et d'origine naturelle. Plusieurs études ont été rapportées sur la classe alternative de principes actifs qui peuvent potentiellement être utilisés pour le traitement anti-transpirant et des odeurs corporelles, y compris les tissus désodorisants, les bactéries et les extraits végétaux. Cependant, un défi important consiste à comprendre comment les bouchons de gel des actifs anti-transpirants se forment au niveau des pores sudoripares, et comment offrir des effets anti-transpirants et déodorants durables.

Deodorant Activity of Black Cumin Seed Essential Oil against Garlic Organosulfur Compound.

The deodorant activity of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed, a spice used to flavor curry and vegetable foods in Southwest Asia, against garlic (Allium sativum L.) organosulfur compounds related to human malodor was evaluated. Black cumin seed essential oil showed remarkable deodorant activity against garlic essential oil. The mode of action of this deodorant activity was presumed to be that black cumin seed essential oil covalently reacted with the organosulfur compounds in garlic. Therefore, thymoquinone, which is a major constituent in black cumin seed essential oil, and allyl mercaptan, which is one of the organosulfur compounds produced by cutting garlic, were reacted in vitro, and the products were purified and elucidated using spectroscopic data. As a result, these substances were identified as different allyl mercaptan adducts to dihydrothymoquinone. This chemical reaction was presumed to play a key role in the deodorant activity of black cumin seed essential oil.

The potential prebiotic effect of 2-Butyloctanol on the human axillary microbiome.

OBJECTIVE: The human axilla is colonized by a wide array of microorganisms that contribute to the generation of body odour. Traditional antiperspirant/deodorant products are used to reduce perspiration in the axillary region and to treat or prevent the growth of bacteria in this region, thereby reducing or eliminating body odour. However, they may also compromise the axillary microbiome balance. The personal care industry has been seeking new ingredients, such as prebiotics or probiotics, to maintain a healthy balance of the skin microbiome by inhibiting odour-causing bacteria, whilst maintaining and promoting the growth of good bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the prebiotic effect of a skin-care ingredient, 2-butyloctanol, on the human axillary microbiome. METHODS: An in vitro growth inhibition/promotion assay was performed to test whether 2-butyloctanol inhibited or promoted skin bacterial growth. The impact of 2-butyloctanol on the axillary microbiome was also investigated in a human clinical study using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: In-vitro testing showed that 2-butyloctanol significantly inhibited the growth of corynebacteria at concentrations of 0.64%, 2.56% and 5.12%, whilst the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis was maintained at the same concentrations. The impact of 2-butyloctanol on the axillary microbiome was also validated in a human clinical study. A deodorant roll-on product containing 3% of 2-butyloctanol significantly reduced the relative abundance of corynebacteria, whilst increasing the relative abundance of Staphylococcus and the ratio of Staphylococcus to corynebacteria after four weeks of application, whilst the placebo showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: For the first time, it was demonstrated that 2-butyloctanol had a potential prebiotic effect on the human underarm microbiome in inhibiting odour-causing Corynebacterium, whilst maintaining and promoting skin-friendly Staphylococcus in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Therefore, 2-butyloctanol could be used as a potential prebiotic ingredient in personal care products for underarm microbiome protection.

OBJECTIF: les aisselles humaines sont colonisées par un large éventail de micro-organismes qui contribuent à la génération de l'odeur corporelle. Les produits antitranspirants/déodorants traditionnels sont utilisés pour réduire la transpiration et traiter ou prévenir la croissance des bactéries dans la région axillaire, réduisant ou éliminant ainsi l'odeur corporelle. Cependant, ils peuvent également compromettre l'équilibre du microbiome axillaire. Le secteur des soins personnels recherche de nouveaux composants, tels que des prébiotiques ou des probiotiques, afin de maintenir un équilibre sain du microbiome cutané, en inhibant les bactéries responsables des odeurs tout en maintenant et en favorisant la croissance des bonnes bactéries. L'objectif de cette étude était d'étudier l'effet prébiotique sur le microbiome axillaire humain du 2-butyloctanol, un composant indiqué dans les soins cutanés. MÉTHODES: un test in vitro d'inhibition/de promotion de la croissance a été mené afin de déterminer si le 2-butyloctanol inhibait ou favorisait la croissance bactérienne cutanée. Les effets du 2-butyloctanol sur le microbiome axillaire a également fait l'objet d'une étude clinique chez l'homme qui reposait sur le séquençage du gène ARNr 16S. RÉSULTATS: les tests in vitro ont montré que le 2-butyloctanol inhibait significativement la croissance des corynébactéries à des concentrations de 0,64 %, de 2,56 % et de 5,12 %, tandis que la croissance de Staphylococcus epidermidis se maintenait aux mêmes concentrations. Une étude clinique chez l'homme a également permis de confirmer les effets du 2-butyloctanol sur le microbiome axillaire. Un produit déodorant à bille contenant 3 % de 2-butyloctanol a réduit significativement l'abondance relative des corynébactéries, tout en augmentant l'abondance relative de Staphylococcus et le rapport entre Staphylococcus et les corynébactéries après quatre semaines d'application, tandis que le placebo n'a montré aucun changement significatif. CONCLUSION: pour la première fois, des études in vitro et in vivo ont démontré que le 2-butyloctanol avait un possible effet prébiotique sur le microbiome axillaire humain, en inhibant Corynebacterium, la bactérie responsable des odeurs, tout en maintenant et en favorisant la croissance de Staphylococcus, une bactérie respectueuse de la peau. Par conséquent, le 2-butyloctanol pourrait servir de possible composant prébiotique dans les produits de soins personnels pour la protection du microbiome axillaire.

Comparison of Chemical Composition between Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) Essential Oil and Hydrosol and Determination of the Deodorizing Effect.

Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a tree that grows throughout Japan. The components of kuromoji essential oil have antitumor and aromatherapy effects. However, the composition of the hydrosol, obtained as a by-product of the essential oil process, is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown whether kuromoji essential oil has a deodorizing effect. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of kuromoji essential oil and hydrosol, as well as evaluate the deodorizing effect of the former. The chemical composition of samples was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the deodorizing effect of Kuromoji essential oil was investigated with the detector tube method using ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and isovaleric acid. Linalool was the most abundant component in both the essential oil and hydrosol; however, its proportion was higher in the hydrosol (57.5%) than in the essential oil (42.8%). The hydrosol contained fewer chemical components, but higher proportions of trans-geraniol and ethanol. Moreover, the essential oil eliminated 50% of ammonia and 97.6% or more of isovaleric acid. Interestingly, linalool was soluble in the hydrosol and did not irritate the skin. This suggests that the hydrosol may be an effective foot care product.

Clinical evaluation of an antiperspirant for hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis is a fairly common condition characterized by excessive sweating, usually in axillary areas. Although not leading to major health problems, it causes significant psychological distress and bears a negative impact on sociality and quality of life in general. The first line of defense used to address this problem are antiperspirants, usually containing aluminum salts, capable of blocking the excessive sweating. METHODS: We made a clinical trial to test the deodorant effectiveness and anti-bacterial activity of an antiperspirant product, based on agaricine, aluminum hydrochloride, and silver citrate, in a cohort of 20 subjects following a single laboratory application under controlled conditions. Later, the same product has been tested for skin compatibility, effectiveness and cosmetic quality after repeated home applications under normal conditions of use for 14 consecutive days. RESULTS: After 6 and 24 hours from the application, the microbial load observed in treated axilla was inferior in a statistically significant way compared to the untreated axilla. Pathogenic bacteria have not been found on any of the two armpits. The tested product has shown an excellent anti-bacterial activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the product has been highly appreciated by the volunteers for its effectiveness and its cosmetic qualities, particularly because it has a good deodorant activity, which persist throughout the day, it does not stain clothes, and it has a practical package.

Comparison and analysis of several wet scrubbing solutions to remove methyl mercaptan.

Wet scrubbing is regarded as an effective method to remove hydrophobic organic odorants. The focus of wet scrubbing is to choose an appropriate scrubbing liquid. In this study, methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) was selected as a representative hydrophobic organic odorant for treatment by wet scrubbing using several types of scrubbing solution: ethanol (C2H5OH), lead acetate ((CH3COO)2Pb), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). A comparative analysis of the treatment efficiency, operation cost, and environmental impact was conducted. Results of the technical and economic comparison indicate that the C2H5OH solution is the best choice of scrubbing solution among those tested. These findings serve as a reference for engineering design and operation for the removal of hydrophobic organic odorants.

Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell. Extracts inhibit the growth of body odour-forming bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts are potent growth inhibitors of many bacterial pathogens. They may also inhibit the growth of malodour-producing bacteria and thus be useful deodorant components, although this is yet to be tested. METHODS: Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaf solvent extracts were investigated by disc diffusion and liquid dilution MIC assays against the most significant bacterial contributors to axillary and plantar malodour formation. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Non-targeted HPLC separation of the methanolic leaf extract coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy was used for the identification and characterization of individual components in the extract. RESULTS: The T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts were the most potent bacterial growth inhibitors. The leaf methanolic extract was particularly potent, with low MIC values against C. jeikeium (233 µg mL-1 ), S. epidermidis (220 µg mL-1 ), P. acnes (625 µg mL-1 ) and B. linens (523 µg mL-1 ). The aqueous and ethyl acetate leaf extracts were also potent growth inhibitors of C. jeikeium and S. epidermidis (MICs < 1000 µg mL-1 ). In comparison, the fruit extracts were substantially less potent antibacterial agents, although still with MIC values indicative of moderate growth inhibitory activity. All T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts were non-toxic in the Artemia franciscana bioassay. Non-biased phytochemical analysis of the methanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of high levels of and high diversity of tannins and high levels of the flavone luteolin. CONCLUSION: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts and their potent growth inhibition of axillary and plantar malodour-producing bacteria indicate their potential as deodorant components.

Towards a bacterial treatment for armpit malodour.

Axillary malodour is a frustrating condition for many people. It can lead to significant discomforts and various psychological effects. The underarm microbiome plays a major role in axillary malodour formation. Not only the bacteria on the epidermis, but also and especially those living in the sweat glands, sweat pores and hair follicles play a pivotal role in malodour development. To treat underarm malodour, this viewpoint article envisions a bacterial treatment. Replacing the autochthonous malodour-causing microbiome with a non-odour-causing microbiome, through an armpit bacterial transplantation or direct application of probiotics/non-odour-causing bacteria, could resolve the condition. Selective steering of the microbiome with prebiotics, biochemicals or plant extracts can likewise greatly help in improving the underarm odour. Elimination/inhibition of the "bad bugs" and application/stimulation of the "good bugs" will be part of the future treatment for axillary body odour.

A Comprehensive Review of Topical Odor-Controlling Treatment Options for Chronic Wounds.

The process of wound healing is often accompanied by bacterial infection or critical colonization, resulting in protracted inflammation, delayed reepithelization, and production of pungent odors. The malodor produced by these wounds may lower health-related quality of life and produce psychological discomfort and social isolation. Current management focuses on reducing bacterial activity within the wound site and absorbing malodorous gases. For example, charcoal-based materials have been incorporated into dressing for direct adsorption of the responsible gases. In addition, multiple topical agents, including silver, iodine, honey, sugar, and essential oils, have been suggested for incorporation into dressings in an attempt to control the underlying bacterial infection. This review describes options for controlling malodor in chronic wounds, the benefits and drawbacks of each topical agent, and their mode of action. We also discuss the use of subjective odor evaluation techniques to assess the efficacy of odor-controlling therapies. The perspectives of employing novel biomaterials and technologies for wound odor management are also presented.

What Makes Us Smell: The Biochemistry of Body Odour and the Design of New Deodorant Ingredients.

Today, axilla odours are socially stigmatized and are targeted with deodorants and antiperspirants representing a multi-billion market. Axilla odours aren't simple byproducts of our metabolism but specifically formed by an intricate interplay between i) specific glands, ii) secreted amino acid conjugates of highly specific odorants and iii) selective enzymes present in microorganisms colonizing our skin, providing a natural 'controlled-release' mechanism. Within a multidisciplinary research project, we were able to elucidate the structure of key body odorants, isolate and characterize secreted amino acid conjugates and identify the enzymes responsible for odour release. These enzymes then served as targets for the development of specific active compounds in an almost medicinal chemistry approach, an approach rarely used in the cosmetic field so far. Here we review the key new insights into the biochemistry of human body odour formation, with some remarks on the experimental steps undertaken and hurdles encountered. The development of deodorant actives and the difficult path to market for such specifically acting cosmetic actives is discussed. The basic insights into the biochemistry also opened the way to address some questions in population genetics: Why have large proportions of Asians lost the 'ability' to form body odours? Do twins smell the same? Are our typical body odours indeed influenced by the immune system as often claimed? After addressing these questions, I'll conclude with the key remaining challenges in this field on an ecological niche that is 'anatomically very close to our heart'.

[Controlling wound odor with metronidazole: a systematic review]. / Controle do odor de feridas com metronidazol: revisão sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: Verifying the evidence of therapeutic efficacy in the topical application of metronidazole for controlling wound odor. METHODS: A systematic literature review, according to the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. RESULTS: 329 articles were identified in the Cochrane, LILACS, SciELO, CINAHL and PubMed databases, with 14 of them being included in the final sample. Two of the studies were double-blind randomized clinical trial studies. CONCLUSION: The actual effectiveness of metronidazole in controlling wound odor cannot yet be evidenced due to the absence of strong evidence from studies on the subject, despite clinical practice recommending its benefits.

Controlling wound odor with metronidazole: a systematic review / Control del olor de heridas con metronidazol: revisión sistemática / Controle do odor de feridas com metronidazol: revisão sistemática

AbstractOBJECTIVEVerifying the evidence of therapeutic efficacy in the topical application of metronidazole for controlling wound odor.METHODSA systematic literature review, according to the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations.RESULTS329 articles were identified in the Cochrane, LILACS, SciELO, CINAHL and PubMed databases, with 14 of them being included in the final sample. Two of the studies were double-blind randomized clinical trial studies.CONCLUSIONThe actual effectiveness of metronidazole in controlling wound odor cannot yet be evidenced due to the absence of strong evidence from studies on the subject, despite clinical practice recommending its benefits.

ResumenOBJETIVOVerificar las evidencias de la aplicación tópica de metronidazol en la efectividad terapéutica para el control del olor de heridas.MÉTODORevisión sistemática de literatura, según las recomendaciones de la Cochrane Collaboration.RESULTADOSSe identificaron 329 artículos en las bases de datos Cochrane, LILACS, ScIELO, Cinahl y PubMed, incluyéndose 14 de ellos en la muestra final. De esos, dos estudios son del tipo ensayo clínico, randomizado y doble ciego.CONCLUSIÓNEn virtud de la ausencia de estudios de fuerte evidencia acerca de la efectividad del metronidazol en el control del olor en heridas, aún no se puede evidenciar su real efectividad para dicho fin, pese a que la práctica clínica recomiende sus beneficios.

ResumoOBJETIVOVerificar as evidências da aplicação tópica de metronidazol na eficácia terapêutica para controle de odor de feridas. Método: Revisão sistemática de literatura, segundo as recomendações da Cochrane Collaboration .RESULTADOSIdentificaram-se 329 artigos nas bases de dados Cochrane, LILACS, ScIELO, Cinahl e PubMed, incluindo-se 14 deles na amostra final. Desses, dois estudos são do tipo ensaio clínico, randomizado e duplo-cego.CONCLUSÃODevido à ausência de estudos de forte evidência sobre a eficácia do metronidazol no controle de odor em feridas, ainda não se pode evidenciar a sua real eficácia para tal objetivo, apesar da prática clínica recomendar seus benefícios.

Deodorant effects of a supercritical hops extract: antibacterial activity against Corynebacterium xerosis and Staphylococcus epidermidis and efficacy testing of a hops/zinc ricinoleate stick in humans through the sensory evaluation of axillary deodorancy.

BACKGROUND: There is little scientific evidence to support the efficacy of natural deodorants and therefore, such products may be perceived as inefficacious. The evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of a hop extract and the evaluation of the odor-reducing capacity of a hops/zinc ricinoleate-containing product by a sensory evaluation panel is employed to verify deodorant performance. AIMS: The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of a hop extract against Corynebacterium xerosis and Staphylococcus epidermidis and to verify in vivo deodorant performance of a hops/zinc ricinoleate-containing product. METHODS: The hops extract was evaluated on a culture of an armpit swab from six volunteers. Furthermore, the extract was submitted to a zone of inhibition test and an agar-dilution assay against two major odor-causing bacteria. The clinical evaluation of the finished product was carried out according to a standard method for substantiating deodorant efficacy using trained odor judges for the assessment of axillary malodor (ASTM method E 1207-87 Standard Practice for the Sensory Evaluation of Axillary Deodorancy). RESULTS: The supercritical hops extract showed good antibacterial activities in all three tests. Minimum inhibitory concentration values of 6.25 and 25 mug/mL against C. xerosis and S. aureus, respectively, were obtained in the agar-dilution assay. In the clinical underarm odor-reduction evaluation, the mean malodor score dropped from 6.28 (+/-0.70) to 1.80 (+/-0.71) after 8 h of application. There was still a noticeable effect at both 12 and 24 h after the application, with a score of 1.82 (+/-0.74) and 2.24 (+/-0.77), respectively. CONCLUSION: The hops extract has good in vitro antibacterial properties and, in combination with zinc ricinoleate in an appropriate base, delivers in vivo odor reduction. The clinical efficacy is likely due to a combination of the base ingredients and the antibacterial actives.

Use of axillary deodorant and effect on acute skin toxicity during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a prospective randomized noninferiority trial.

PURPOSE: To prospectively determine the effect of deodorant use on acute skin toxicity and quality of life during breast radiotherapy (RT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Before breast RT, 84 patients were randomly assigned to the deodorant group (n = 40) or the no-deodorant group (n = 44). The patients were stratified by axillary RT and previous chemotherapy. Toxicity evaluations were always performed by the principal investigator, who was unaware of the group assignment, at the end of RT and 2 weeks after completion using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group acute skin toxicity criteria. Symptoms of acute skin toxicity (i.e., discomfort, pain, pruritus, sweating) and quality of life were self-evaluated. For each criterion, the point estimate of rate difference with the 95% one-sided upper confidence limit was computed. To claim noninferiority owing to deodorant use, the 95% one-sided upper confidence limit had to be lower than the noninferiority margin, fixed to 12.8%. RESULTS: In the deodorant vs. no-deodorant groups, Grade 2 axillary radiodermatitis occurred in 23% vs. 30%, respectively, satisfying the statistical criteria for noninferiority (p = .019). Grade 2 breast radiodermatitis occurred in 30% vs. 34% of the deodorant vs. no-deodorant groups, respectively, also satisfying the statistical criteria for noninferiority (p = .049). Similar results were observed for the self-reported evaluations. The deodorant group reported less sweating (18% vs. 39%, p = .032). No Grade 3 or 4 radiodermatitis was observed. CONCLUSION: According to our noninferiority margin definition, the occurrence of skin toxicity and its related symptoms were statistically equivalent in both groups. No evidence was found to prohibit deodorant use (notwithstanding the use of an antiperspirant with aluminum) during RT for breast cancer.

Isolation and in vitro antibacterial activity of astilbin, the bioactive flavanone from the leaves of Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir. (Hypericaceae).

Harungana madagascariensis is well known for its topical antibacterial properties used in the elaboration of a lot of skin hygiene products. The aim of this study was, on the one hand, to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activities of aqueous, ethanolic and ethyl acetate crude extracts of Harungana madagascariensis leaves against bacterial strains representative of skin microflora and, on the other hand, to determine the chemical structure of the active compound. Only the ethyl acetate leaf extract presented important antibacterial activity. Its fractionation was carried out by column chromatography using silica gel 60 and it yielded 11 fractions. A bioautographic method, revealed in these fractions the presence of a flavanone as the active compound astilbin or 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside-5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxydihydroflavonol which was identified on the basis of its spectroscopic data. Concerning the antibacterial activity against the representative skin microflora of the armpit and feet, MIC and MBC ranged from 25 to 250 and 100 to 750 microg ml-1, respectively. The results showed that some bacteria considered to be responsible for bad odours at the armpit and feet levels, were destroyed at 200 microg ml-1 (MBC), a concentration sparing most of the useful saprophytic microflora. The minimal inhibitory quantity (MIQs) of astilbin ranged from 50 to 100 microg.

EEMCO guidance for the efficacy assessment of antiperspirants and deodorants.

Overproduction of sweat, sweaty skin and body odours are unpleasant for many social groups. Body cleansing products are designed to combat these undesirable features of skin. In addition, antiperspirant and deodorant products are more specifically used in the underarm site by a large part of the adult population. Antiperspirants are offered to control emotionally triggered sweating in the armpit. Deodorants are designed to combat malodour generated from bacteria-modified sweat. This review summarizes the physiology of eccrine, apocrine and apoeccrine sweat glands. The mechanisms of action of antiperspirants and deodorants are described as well as the factors influencing their efficacies. A series of tests using various measurement methods can be used to demonstrate the efficacy of antiperspirants. These include the gravimetric method, water evaporation quantification, electrodermal measurements, staining procedures, dye injections and cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings and casting replicas. Deodorant efficacy can be evaluated by sensory assessments performed by an expert panel. Indirect support is provided by visualization of apocrine gland excretion and collection of sweat and volatile compounds. Microbiological assessments and chromatographic analysis also provide indirect information.

N,N',N"-tris(dihydroxyphosphorylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Deofix) - a high-affinity, high-specificity chelator for first transition series metal cations with significant deodorant, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity.

Deofix, N,N',N"-tris(dihydroxyphosphorylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, is a high-affinity, high-specificity chelator for first transition series cations such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. A 1% solution in 50% ethanol was found to be significantly better at reducing underarm malodor than a solution of 0.3% Triclosan in 50% ethanol. Compared to a 50% alcohol control, Deofix was found to produce a significant reduction in malodor for at least 48 hours. Deofix appears to work by reducing the concentration of first transition series metal ions below the levels needed for microbial cell reproduction and by inhibiting oxidative processes by interfering with catalytic formation of free radicals. Deofix has very low levels of toxicity when measured via a number of screening techniques.