Cosmetics Processes & Formulations Hand Book

Introduction: Antiperspirants are used primarily to reduce (auxillary) wetness. Deodorants (except soaps) are employed to reduce axillary odour. Since this is considered a non-therapeutic purpose and a function of the body is not considered to be altered, they are classed as cosmetics.Several metal salts have astringent properties including those of aluminium, zirconium, zinc, iron, chromium, lead, mercury and several rarer metals.Mechanism of deodorants and deodorant ingredients.Since axillary odour is largely produced by the action of bacteria on nutrients present in apocrine secretion, any compound which inhibits, the growth of those micro-organisms found in the axillae will, in theory, exhibit deodourant properties.