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Aug 2

Don't Sweat It: How Deodorant Disrupts Your Underarm Microbiome


Don't Sweat It: How Deodorant Disrupts Your Underarm Microbiome

The underarm (axillary) microbiome plays a crucial role in body odour production. Although deodorants and fragranced cosmetic products are designed to prevent perspiration and malodour, their impact on these microbial communities has not been extensively studied. 


What We Know:


  • The human armpit harbours a dense and diverse bacterial community, with recent studies revealing significant variation in armpit bacteria among individuals, more so than in other body areas. This variation is partly due to the use of personal hygiene products, especially deodorants and antiperspirants (Urban et al., 2016).


  • Armpit bacterial communities primarily consist of Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Betaproteobacteria, Clostridiales, Lactobacillus, Propionibacterium and Streptococcus species. However, there is significant variability in these communities across different individuals (Urban et al., 2016).


  • Research shows that deodorants and antiperspirants affect the diversity and composition of armpit bacterial communities. Despite these findings, more research is needed to understand the full impact of these products on human health (Chang & Wang, 2023).


  • The high variability of armpit bacterial communities contrasts with the more stable bacterial compositions found in other skin areas, likely due to less frequent use of hygiene products there. Although this variability might be influenced by random factors or the presence of dead bacteria, studies indicate that the common armpit bacteria are among the most metabolically active and contribute significantly to body odour (Urban et al., 2016).


Industry Impact and Potential:


  • The broader health implications of antiperspirant and deodorant use are not well studied. While some have suggested a potential link between these products and breast cancer incidence or age of diagnosis, evidence supporting this association is inconsistent and not conclusive (McGrath, 2003; Hardefeldt, Edirimanne & Eslick, 2013).


  • Nonetheless, due to these growing concerns about potential health risks and additionally the harmful effects of deodorants on the environment, researchers are seeking more sustainable alternatives (Chang & Wang, 2023).


  • Additionally, exploring how hygiene products influence the axillary microbiome offers valuable insights into how human behaviour affects microbial communities, especially since over 90% of adults in the US use antiperspirants or deodorants regularly (Benohanian, 2001). 


  • We have been fortunate enough to work with pioneers in this field, like Arcaea - who developed their novel odour-preventative technology, based on the armpit microbiome in 2023.


Our Solution:


Sequential is a leading expert in comprehensive, end-to-end Microbiome Product Testing and Formulation. Our specialised and customisable services empower businesses to innovate microbiome-friendly products confidently, ensuring their effectiveness and compatibility for a healthier microbiome. Let us support your development efforts, particularly in facial, oral, scalp, and vaginal microbiome research and production formulation. 


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