Deodorant

Name:
Deodorant
Detailed information:
A substance used to remove or mask an unpleasant odor. It may or may not have a distinctive odor of its own. Deodorants act (1) by adsorption (activated carbon, charcoal, chlorophyllin), (2) by replacement (pine oil or other perfume), (3) by neutralization (aluminum chlorohydrate), and (4) by oxidation or hydrogenation, e.g., of fish oils. The cosmetic industry supplies a wide variety of deodorants and antiperspirants, chiefly based on neutralization. Mouthwashes and breath “sweeteners” often contain calcium iodate, thymol, peppermint, or a similar substance to mask or replace odors.See Odor; Cosmetic.