VALENTINA ABBONDANDOLO, SILVIA SCOLARI, FRANCESCA AGETTA, VALENTINA NARDO, VERONICA POLETTI*, CHIARA CHIARATTI
*Corresponding authors
Mérieux NutriSciences, Italy

Abstract

Human axillary odour is commonly attributed to the bacterial degradation precursors in sweat secretions. Age, sex, genetic factors, environmental factors, hygiene and the use of cosmetics may contribute to body odour by influencing the quantity and quality of secretions or types of bacteria present on skin. 
A cultured-based approach used to isolate odour-generating bacteria identified Corynebacteria and Staphylococcus species. Corynebacteria is related to formation of malodorous acids: volunteers with an axillary flora dominated by Corynebacteria species are characterised by a more intense axillary odour.
Mérieux NutriSciences has set up a new approach that combines the traditional sniff test with the skin microbiote evaluations to better understand the product characteristics, evaluate the real efficacy and performance, and choose the right target and deodorant positioning in the market.

INTRODUCTION

In our society, people are more and more concerned about their personal hygiene and the use of underarm cosmetics is common practice to obtain better body odour or prevent excessive sweating: deodorants are important for social confidence and to improve the quality of life, too (1). 

The use of deodorants is strongly associated to the country, the habits of the population, climates, and environmental factors. Indeed 53% of British and 53% of French consumers put a high priority on products that prevent perspiration, whereas 21% in Spain and 9% in Italy prefer products with anti-stain and antibacterial properties. The use of deodorants among Spanish is widespread, with over 90% using deodorants on a regular basis –most of them to feel clean (45%) – although a similar percentage is more influenced by fragrance (43%). A pleasant fragrance is the most sought-after attribute cited by 57% of Italians and 56% of Polish consumers (Euromonitor data).

In addition, scientists are finding many reasons to pay attention to body odours. In recent years, studies have suggested that not only climat ...