27-09-2017, 03:23 PM
A deodorant is a substance applied to the body to prevent body odor caused by bacterial decomposition of perspiration in armpits, feet and other areas of the body. A subgroup of deodorants, antiperspirants, affect the odor as well as prevent sweating by affecting the sweat glands.
Antiperspirants are typically applied to the armpits, while deodorants can also be used on the feet and other areas in the form of body sprays. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration classifies and regulates most deodorants as cosmetics, but classifies antiperspirants as over-the-counter medications.
The first commercial deodorant, Mum, was introduced and patented in the late 19th century by an inventor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Edna Murphey. The product briefly retired from the market in the United States, but is currently available from US retailers under the Ban brand. The modern formulation of the antiperspirant was patented by Jules Montenier on January 28, 1941. This formulation was first found in the "Stopette" deodorant spray, which Time magazine called "the best-selling deodorant of the 1950s." Stopette was later eclipsed by many other brands as the 1941 patent expired. There is a popular myth that the use of deodorants is related to breast cancer, but so far it has not been proven that such a causal relationship has been substantiated in the research.
