The History of Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants have been used for more than a century to reduce underarm wetness and body odor. Oils emitted from the sweat glands, called lipids, contain bacteria. Lipids are the root of pungent odor that antiperspirants control. Antiperspirants contain ingredients that block the sweat glands from emitting lipids rather than simply masking the odor. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Deodorants and perfumes mask odor whereas antiperspirants block the cause of it. The first branded antiperspirant, Mums, was introduced in 1888. Mums contained a combination of zinc oxide and wax paste which was applied to the underarms. By the turn of the 20th century other brands followed suit, and variety of antiperspirants were made available. Sticks and pastes were popular until the launch of aerosol antiperspirants in the 1950's. Aluminum zirconium was a main ingredient in aerosol form, and was eventually banned by the FDA due to inhalation risks. This ingredient remained safe for use in antiperspirant sticks, so through the 1970's to today, this form of odor control has remained the top choice among consumers.
Ingredients
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Right Guard by Gillette was the first aerosol antiperspirant. The FDA regulates all active ingredients used in antiperspirants. Ingredients include aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate and aluminum zirconium complexes. Gelling agents are also added to create the waxy consistency. Agents include stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, hydrogenated castor oil and glyceryl stearate. Finally, fragrances and colorants are added to appeal to the consumer.
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The Future
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Scents ranging from lavender to bubblegum are found in today's antiperspirants. Antiperspirants now appeal to a variety of consumers, with branding that attracts teenagers, men and women. Scents such as lilies and lavender are added to women's products, and musks and vanilla for men's. Antiperspirants now come in pleasing, youthful scents for teenagers with packaging that is colorful and sparkly. Some antiperspirant brands also are using organic additives, such as herbs and essential oils for natural moisturizing benefits. Clear gel sticks have gained in popularity since the 1990's, which offer wetness protection and the reassurance that application marks will not appear on the consumer's clothing.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit man's solid deodorant image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com perfume bottle image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com spray with a cap image by Yasen Pramatarov from Fotolia.com lavande image by valpictures from Fotolia.com
