History of the Deodorant

Antiquity

The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were the first to discover the use of various substances to improve body odor, such as scented baths or perfumed oils. In ancient times, alum shale, hot springs, and bathhouses were also used to combat body odor. However, personal hygiene was only accessible to the upper classes.

Middle Ages and Renaissance

In the Middle Ages, public bathhouses became accessible to all social classes. Wealthy people continued to use perfumed oils, while poorer people relied on aromatic woods or herbs. Perfume eventually became the preferred method for combating bad odors. During the plague epidemics, when it was believed that water would spread the disease, people stopped washing and used perfume instead.

During the Renaissance, the frequency of washing decreased, but people tried to cover up the bad odor with violet water and perfume. In the 18th century, the art of fragrance composition reached its peak, while researchers discovered that sweat-producing glands were the main cause of body odor.

Until the 19th century, people tried to cover up unpleasant body odor with expensive perfumes or perfume oils. At the same time, they began rubbing their armpits with a mixture of ammonia and water, although this was very unpleasant and painful.

Scientific Discoveries

The groundbreaking discovery of sweat glands in the human body by Czech physiologist Jan Evangelista Purkyne in 1833 led to a change in research. Instead of developing only odor-covering deodorants, the focus shifted to moisture-inhibiting and antibacterial substances.

1888: The First Deodorant

The first deodorant, Mum, was introduced in 1888 and was a cream made of zinc oxide that was applied under the armpits to combat bacteria in sweat. In 1903, Everdry was introduced, which reduced sweat production as an antiperspirant. However, these first deodorants were initially not very successful.

1910: Odo-ro-no

In 1909, Dr. Abraham D. Murphey from Cincinnati, Ohio developed the antiperspirant Odor-o-no. In 1910, his daughter Edna Grace Murphey tried to market the product. Initially, the success was limited because many people thought they didn't need an antiperspirant or that it would harm their health. Despite difficulties, Edna did not give up and eventually achieved success through exhibitions and newspaper ads.

In 1914, Edna commissioned the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson (JWT) for the national advertising campaign for Odorono. JWT focused on fighting the idea that using an antiperspirant was unhealthy, emphasizing that it was developed by a doctor. The ads later changed to portray sweating as an embarrassing personal problem. This advertising method led to an increase in sales.

In 1928, Edna sold Odorono and her company Glazo to Northam Warren for allegedly $3.5 million.

1950: The First Deodorant Roller

In the 1950s, the brand Mum became the world's first manufacturer to introduce a deodorant roller after being taken over by Bristol Myers.

The development of deodorant sprays in the 1960s and their later adaptations due to environmental regulations led to a variety of deodorant options available today, including deodorant rollers, sprays, sticks, pump dispensers, wipes, creams, powders, and crystals.

The Deodorant Spray

Deodorant sprays were initially considered a more hygienic alternative to rollers, leading to their growing popularity. However, in the 1980s, environmental concerns and the discovery of the ozone hole led to questioning the use of propellants in spray cans. In response, the industry began producing deodorant sprays without propellants to counteract the environmental impact.

Today

Today's deodorants are the result of centuries of research and development to find effective solutions to body odor. They use a variety of ingredients and technologies that have both odor-covering and moisture-inhibiting properties. Some modern deodorants also contain natural ingredients such as essential oils and plant extracts.

Today, there is also a growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable deodorants that are offered in eco-friendly packaging or do not contain harmful chemicals. This development shows that consumers' awareness of the impact of their purchasing decisions on the environment and their own health has increased.