Body odour occurs when bacteria living on our skin break down the natural residues that are secreted by our sweat glands. Strongly spiced foods may also seep out in the sweat adding to the pungent aroma. Washing with soap and water temporarily removes the offending substances but they soon return with the unpleasant odours following in their wake. Deodorants and antiperspirants are our next line of defence. This chapter explains the nature of perspiration and body odour and how deodorants and antiperspirants work. It looks at the contents of feminine hygiene products and examines some recent cancer scares.

© Gina & Steve Antczak, 2001

This page was last updated, January 2001

CosmeticsUnmasked.Com