Why do we stink? Contrary to common perception, it isn't sweat that stinks. Sweat cools down our body by evaporating off the skin, and that doesn't leave a smell at all. But in places like the armpits and groin, sweat doesn't fully evaporate, creating a moist environment where bacteria thrive. And where bacteria multiply, a not-so-pleasant aroma abounds.


Throughout history, humans have invented many ways to cut down on body odour.

Baths and perfume

Ancient Egyptians bathed in perfume and women placed perfumed wax on their heads that melted throughout the day, covering up unsavory smells. The Greeks and Romans ushered about a golden age of bathing, which was even a daily communal activity. When Rome fell, though, so did baths. In fact, from the middle ages until the 19th century, perfume was almost exclusively the weapon of choice against stink.

Early aluminum-based deodorants

Pliny the Elder documented the use of alum for neutralizing armpit odor in 77 AD - and it's used to this day. The earliest patented deodorants came out in the late 19th century, one of which was an acidic solution of aluminum chloride which stung the skin and ate through clothing!

Modern sticks, roll-ons and sprays

Modern deos and antiperspirants come in different formats and work in a number of ways to prevent odor. As science has progressed, we've learned to take safer measures with controlling smell. The first aluminum chloride formulation fell out of favor because it damaged skin. Ozone-destroying CFC aerosol sprays were banned. But many deodorant products still have hidden health risks.

We repeat: sweat doesn't stink - and it's one of the body's natural ways of eliminating waste, so why stop it with aluminum compounds? Look for deos that are aluminum-free and instead have safe, plant-based antibacterial actives to halt the stink from bacteria.

Natural fragrances from essential oils are also a safer alternative to phthalate-laden odor masks. (There's one thing the ancient Egyptians got right!)

And finally, parabens aren't the only way to go to keep your deo fresh. Look instead for anise- and rice-derived preservatives like anisic acid.

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