Where did deodorants come from, how do astronauts use them, and what does Kurt Cobain have to do with it? Katerina Lebedeva, PhD in engineering and senior technical specialist at Unilever Rus (Rexona brand deodorant category), shared some unexpected information about odor protection products.

Start

The history of this cosmetic product goes back to the distant past, starting with Ancient Egypt, where the first “ deodorants ” were used to mask body odors. The Egyptians used aromatic oils and spices such as cinnamon and myrrh, as well as citrus juice mixtures to create a pleasant aroma. These products were available only to pharaohs and the upper class, making them attributes of luxury at that time. Queen Cleopatra even came up with a special recipe for a miracle product consisting of formic acid, porridge, and tortoise shell.

As civilization developed, the need for means to combat unpleasant odor only increased. In 1888, the first commercial deodorant, called “ Mum ,” was invented in the United States . It was a paste of zinc chloride and wax, which, although sticky and inconvenient to use, laid the foundation for future innovations in personal hygiene. The first deodorants and antiperspirants were far from perfect. Many of them were so acidic that they corroded clothes, leaving a white film on the skin and stains on the fabric. Aluminum and zirconium-based products, typical of that time, required improvements to improve their safety and ease of use.

The story of one song

The story behind Nirvana’s iconic song Smells Like Teen Spirit is intertwined with a random anecdote that would eventually have an impact on the music world. It all started with an unexpected note written by Kurt Cobain’s girlfriend Kathleen Hanna on the wall of his house: “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit.” Written in the context of their conversations about punk rock and anarchism, the phrase was perceived by Cobain as a motto that reflected the rebellious spirit of youth, and inspired him to create one of the most significant songs in rock history.

Interestingly, Kurt was initially unaware of the existence of a deodorant brand called Teen Spirit until the song became world famous. This fact was a real revelation for him and added an ironic note to the story of the song. Teen Spirit, produced by the Mennen company, received a sharp surge in popularity thanks to the song, becoming one of the most famous deodorants among young people of that time. This funny incident with the deodorant and its unexpected meaning became an important part of the Nirvana legend.

Assistant in any situation

Deodorants and antiperspirants have long gone beyond the simple fight against sweat or odor, turning into multifunctional products with unusual uses. Thus, antiperspirants have become an unexpected solution to many cosmetic and household problems: from using as a base before waxing and protecting against rubbing of the feet by shoes to reducing the oily shine of the face and fixing makeup. These life hacks are due to the ability of deodorants to reduce sweating and protect the skin.

Deodorants have also found use as mosquito repellents, nail polish removers, and even dry shampoos to keep hair looking fresh without using water. Even in such unusual situations as pulling on too-tight jeans or dealing with a cold sore, antiperspirants have proven to be quite effective.

Sticks for astronauts

In the conditions of space, where every aspect of life is adapted to the unique conditions of zero gravity and confined space, even such mundane things as the use of deodorants are subject to strict restrictions. One of the peculiarities of being in orbit is the change in the distribution of blood in the human body. Blood flows to the upper part of the body, including the head and nose, which makes sensitivity to smells much higher than on Earth.

As a result , even weak and previously pleasant aromas become irritating to astronauts . The use of deodorants with their characteristic strong odors can cause severe headaches and discomfort in the crew, which is unacceptable in conditions where each member of the team must remain in full combat readiness. In addition, the use of alcohol-containing aerosols, including deodorants and shaving foam, is prohibited on board space stations due to the high risk of fire. An equally important limitation is that astronauts are in a closed , rather cramped space , and the aerosol will instantly fly around the station, creating a reactive impulse from its stream – it is difficult to estimate how strong. The aerosol particles will not settle under the influence of gravity, but will be in a suspended state (but most likely, they will be fairly quickly filtered out by the ship’s air regeneration system). Therefore, if an astronaut’s toilet bag contains a protective agent against sweat, then, as a rule, these are special odorless sticks.

Beyond the armpits

In Japan and Korea, special attention is paid to maintaining the freshness of not only the body, but also shoes. Foot deodorants that prevent unpleasant odors from appearing in shoes are popular there. They contain components that neutralize odors and have an antimicrobial effect, which makes them an ideal solution for maintaining foot hygiene and your favorite pair of shoes in conditions of high humidity and temperature.

Also popular in many European countries are pet deodorants, the purpose of which is to reduce the smell of pet fur. These products help cat and dog owners maintain cleanliness in the home, minimizing unpleasant odors that can arise from animals in closed spaces.