deodorant /dē·ō″dərənt/ [L, de + odor, smell] , 1. adj., destroying or masking odors. 2. n., a substance that destroys or masks odors. Underarm deodorants are available as sprays, creams, solid gels, and liquids containing an antiperspirant, such as aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxyl, aluminum sulfate, or aluminum zirconyl hydroxychloride. These aluminum salts may suppress sweat production and also form an obstructive hydroxide gel in sweat ducts. Vaginal deodorant sprays contain a fatty ester emollient, a masking fragrance, and an antimicrobial agent, such as benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, or triacetin; they are often associated with allergic reactions. Room and breath deodorants contain masking agents, such as mint, pine, eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, rosemary, sassafras, or thyme. Ozone masks odors by decreasing olfactory sensitivity. Chlorophyll has a deodorizing action that is enhanced by crotonic acid. Also called antibromic.
