National Deodorant Day

Young woman confidently raising her deodorant-scented hands, wearing a trendy summer dress, vibrant outdoor setting with friends.. — National deodorant day illustration

Ah, National Deodorant Day. The spirit of unsung heroism in personal hygiene! This is the one day you can raise your hand high and proud without the fear of making your neighbor faint!

When is Deodorant Day?

It's national deodorant day on the 29th April.

The Unstinky History of National Deodorant Day

While not as popular as say, National Pancake Day, National Deodorant Day has slowly been accumulating the ‘whiff’ of recognition since its existence. From our data, we've spotted 19 scented mentions on the mysterious and wide interwebs, reaching its sweet-scented peak on 29 Apr 2016. This just goes to show it’s never TOO late to begin appreciation for the daily mundane!

But Why the Celebration?

Given that this is not your traditional hearts-and-chocolates kind of holiday, it's easy to overlook the importance of deodorant in our lives! Mainly because we don't end up smelling like a footlocker locker room. Let's take a moment to honor this unscented champion of our lives.

The Roll-On Revolution

Perhaps we could all use a reminder of the less aromatic times in human history when deodorants and antiperspirants weren't quite a ‘thing’. So, here's to the inventors who finally said, ‘Eureka’ (probably while pinching their nose) and gifted us this wonder product. And here's to National Deodorant Day, the one day each year we can fully embrace those sweet, sweet, non-offensive underarms.

History behind the term 'Deodorant'

1920

The birth of modern deodorant

In 1920, an American inventor named James Alexander Young introduced the world to the first modern deodorant. He called his creation 'Mum', a paste-like substance that was applied to the underarms to control body odor. Unlike its predecessors, which relied on heavy scents to mask unpleasant smells, Mum was designed to actually prevent bacterial growth and perspiration. It quickly gained popularity and paved the way for future advancements in personal hygiene.

1888

The Birth of Deodorant

The term 'deodorant' was first used in 1888 when an inventor named Edna Murphey created a product called Mum. Mum was primarily used to mask odors associated with perspiration but did not prevent sweating. It was sold in a cream form and gained popularity among women, particularly in the United States.

1888

Invention of the term

The term 'deodorant' was coined in the year 1888. It derives from the Latin word 'odor', which means 'smell'. This term was created to describe a product that can prevent or mask unpleasant odors, typically associated with the human body. The invention of the word 'deodorant' marked the beginning of a new era in personal hygiene.

1888

Invention of the term

The term 'deodorant' was first coined in 1888. It is derived from the Latin word 'de' meaning 'from' and 'odor' meaning 'smell'. The term was used to describe a product that helps eliminate or mask unpleasant body odor.

1952

The aerosol revolution

The year 1952 marked a significant milestone in the history of deodorant. This was the year that the first aerosol deodorant, called 'Stopette', was introduced to the market. Created by a pharmacist named Dr. Jules Montenier, Stopette revolutionized the way people applied deodorant. It utilized a pressurized canister to dispense a fine mist, providing a convenient and more effective method of odor control. The introduction of aerosol deodorants sparked a surge in popularity and led to the creation of various scented varieties.

1889

Antiseptic deodorant

In 1889, an antiseptic deodorant named Mum was introduced in Philadelphia, USA. This deodorant was a cream-based product designed to kill odor-causing bacteria and prevent body odor. It marked the early beginnings of commercial deodorant products.

1889

The early deodorant products

In 1889, the first deodorant product was introduced to the market. It was an antiperspirant cream created by an inventor named Edna Murphey. This cream was applied to the underarms to inhibit perspiration and eliminate odor-causing bacteria. The early deodorant products gained popularity among individuals who sought effective solutions for body odor.

1903

Roll-On Deodorants

In 1903, the Everdry Company introduced the first roll-on deodorant called Everdry. This innovative product featured a ball-shaped applicator that allowed for easy application of the deodorant liquid. Roll-on deodorants quickly gained popularity due to their convenience and effectiveness.

1912

Stick Deodorants

The first stick deodorant was introduced by Edna Murphey (the same inventor who created Mum) in 1912 under the brand name Odorono. This deodorant was sold in a cylindrical container and could be directly applied to the underarms. Odorono revolutionized the deodorant industry and sparked a trend towards stick-based products.

1903

Roll-on antiperspirant

The first roll-on antiperspirant, called Everdry, was introduced in 1903. It was a major innovation in the deodorant industry as it offered a convenient and mess-free application. Everdry utilized an aluminum chloride solution to reduce sweating and minimize odor.

1912

Roll-on deodorant

In the year 1912, the roll-on deodorant was invented by an entrepreneur named Eveready Company. This new form of deodorant revolutionized the industry by providing a convenient and mess-free application method. The roll-on deodorant contained a liquid or gel solution that could be easily applied using a rollerball applicator. This innovation made deodorant more accessible to the general public.

1965

The rise of antiperspirants

In 1965, the term 'antiperspirant' entered the lexicon of personal care products. Unlike deodorants, which primarily mask odors, antiperspirants are designed to reduce sweating by blocking sweat ducts. The first antiperspirant was called 'Secret', and it quickly gained traction among consumers who sought a more powerful solution to excessive perspiration. The arrival of antiperspirants marked a turning point in the battle against sweat, providing individuals with a new level of confidence and comfort.

1983

Advancements in deodorant technology

By 1983, deodorant technology had come a long way. The industry witnessed the introduction of 'roll-on' deodorants, which featured a liquid formulation and a rollerball applicator. This innovation offered a mess-free and more convenient alternative to the traditional stick or paste deodorants. Roll-ons gained popularity for their ease of use and effective odor control. With this technological advancement, deodorant became even more widely accessible and user-friendly.

1941

Aerosol Deodorants

A major breakthrough in deodorant technology came in 1941 with the introduction of aerosol deodorants. The American company, Gillette, launched the first aerosol deodorant named Right Guard. This new form of deodorant utilized a pressurized container to spray a fine mist of the product onto the skin. Aerosol deodorants quickly became popular due to their ease of use and refreshing sensation.

1912

Beginning of modern deodorants

In 1912, the first true modern deodorant, named Odo-Ro-No, was introduced. Developed by an inventor named Edna Murphey, this deodorant used a blend of aluminum chloride and other ingredients to neutralize odor. Odo-Ro-No became widely popular and marked a shift towards more effective and pleasant smelling deodorants.

1952

Aerosol deodorant

In 1952, aerosol deodorant was introduced to the market. This deodorant came in a pressurized can and dispensed a fine mist when sprayed. The aerosol deodorant quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use and efficiency in delivering the product. However, concerns arose later about the environmental impact of aerosol propellants, leading to the development of more eco-friendly alternatives.

1952

Antiperspirant Deodorants

The concept of combining antiperspirant properties with deodorant was introduced in 1952 with the launch of Arrid by Church & Dwight. Antiperspirant deodorants contain aluminum salts that help reduce perspiration by blocking sweat ducts. This innovation provided superior odor and moisture control and became widely adopted.

1941

Aerosol deodorants

In 1941, the first aerosol deodorant was launched by the company Neat. This innovative product utilized a pressurized container to dispense a fine mist of deodorant. Aerosol deodorants quickly gained popularity due to their ease of use and refreshing application.

1992

The era of clinical strength

In 1992, the term 'clinical strength' entered the realm of deodorant advertising. Manufacturers began promoting deodorant products with claims of providing stronger and longer-lasting odor protection. Clinical strength deodorants typically contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as aluminum chloride, to combat excessive sweating and prevent odor formation. This new category of deodorants appealed to individuals with more demanding hygienic needs, emphasizing their effectiveness in extreme conditions.

1980s

Stick deodorant

During the 1980s, stick deodorant became a popular choice among consumers. This form of deodorant resembled a solid bar, typically made with a combination of waxes, oils, and active ingredients. The stick deodorant could be directly applied to the skin with a smooth gliding motion. Its compact and portable nature made it a convenient option for people on the go.

1952

Stick deodorants

The first stick deodorant was introduced in 1952 by the company Ban Roll-On. This type of deodorant featured a solid formula housed in a twist-up container, allowing for easy application. Stick deodorants became a convenient and portable option for individuals on-the-go.

Present

Variety and innovation

Today, the term 'deodorant' encompasses a wide range of products designed to combat body odor. From scented sprays to natural crystal deodorants, the market offers diverse options to suit individual preferences. Continuous innovation in deodorant technology has led to the development of long-lasting formulas, specialized for different skin types, and infused with various fragrances. The term 'deodorant' has embedded itself in the cultural fabric as an essential part of personal care routines worldwide.

1970s

Natural and Organic Deodorants

In the 1970s, as consumer preferences shifted towards natural and organic products, the demand for alternative deodorants grew. Companies started introducing deodorants made from natural ingredients such as mineral salts, essential oils, and plant extracts. These products aimed to provide odor-fighting capabilities without the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

1980s

Clinical strength deodorants

In the 1980s, clinical strength deodorants emerged in response to consumer demand for more powerful and long-lasting odor protection. These formulations contained higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, to provide enhanced efficacy against perspiration and body odor.

Present

Diverse range of deodorants

Today, the deodorant market offers a wide array of options including traditional roll-ons, aerosols, sticks, gels, creams, and natural alternatives. With advancements in technology and growing emphasis on natural ingredients, deodorants have become more effective, skin-friendly, and customizable to meet the needs of individuals of diverse lifestyles and preferences.