AĀ deodorantĀ is a substance applied to the body to prevent body odorĀ caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspirationĀ in armpits, feet, and other areas of the body. A subgroup of deodorants,Ā antiperspirants, affect odor as well as prevent sweating by affecting sweat glands. Ā Antiperspirants are typically applied to the underarms,Ā while deodorants may also be used on feet and other areas in the form ofĀ body sprays.
The first commercial deodorant, Mum,was introduced and patented in the late nineteenth century by an inventor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Ā Edna Murphey. Ā The product was briefly withdrawn from the market in the U.S. Ā The modern formulation of the antiperspirant was patented by Jules MontenierĀ on January 28, 1941. Ā This formulation was first found in "Stopette" deodorant spray, which TimeĀ magazine called "the best-sellingĀ deodorant of the early 1950s".