Human Body Malodor and Deodorants: The Present and the Future

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Human axillary malodor significantly affects personal appearance, confidence, hygiene, and overall quality of life.
• Malodor production involves precursor vesiculation, bacterial influx, and enzymatic conversion by axillary malodor-releasing enzymes (AMREs).
• Current deodorants employ strategies like antiperspirants, antibacterial agents, and odor masking, but often have adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the multi-step process of axillary malodor formation.
• To evaluate the limitations and adverse effects of current deodorant formulations.
• To propose novel strategies for enhanced malodor suppression by targeting specific steps in the malodor pathway.

Main Methods:

• Review of biochemical pathways involved in axillary malodor generation.
• Analysis of bacterial involvement, including species like *Corynebacterium striatum* and *Staphylococcus hominis*.
• Classification and assessment of existing deodorant formulation strategies and their mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• Identified three key steps in malodor formation: precursor vesiculation, bacterial uptake, and enzymatic conversion.
• Highlighted the adverse effects associated with current deodorants.
• Proposed targeted interventions such as ABCC11 pump inhibitors, bacterial pump controllers, and AMRE blockers.

Conclusions:

• Current deodorants have limitations and side effects.
• Targeting specific molecular steps in malodor formation offers a promising approach for developing more effective and safer deodorants.
• Interventions like AMRE blockers present a novel strategy for axillary malodor control.