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Numerous deodorants and antiperspirant products have been developed to combat and treat malodour or body odour (BO). New approaches target the axillary (underarm) microbiome, the cause of BO, and meadowfoam extract could offer a natural solution.
What We Know:
Sweat is initially odourless and axillary malodor only develops when the cutaneous microbiome enzymatically breaks down sweat molecules produced by apocrine sweat glands. Certain molecules responsible for the odour associated with sweat have been identified, including an apical efflux pump encoded by the ABCC11 (MRP8) gene (Martin et al., 2010).
Bacterium Staphylococcus hominis has been identified as one bacterium that produces malodorous thiol compounds through the enzymatic degradation of sweat. The enzyme C-S lyase breaks down Cys-Gly-3M3SH, a peptide derivative found in sweat, into constituents including 3M3SH, which is a highly malodorous volatile compound from the thiol family. Due to its thiol nature, 3M3SH has a much lower olfactory threshold than other volatile compounds, making it the primary contributor to the intensity of perspiration odours (Verzeaux et al., 2024).
White meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba, is a species of flowering plant native to California and Oregon that is known for its use in cosmetics and hair care products due to its stability, smooth texture and long-lasting presence on the skin (AgMRC, 2023).
Industry Impact and Potential:
A deodorant containing meadowfoam extract was shown to be effective in reducing S. hominis. This product significantly reduced S. hominis abundance and C-S lyase activity, effectively decreasing odour without disrupting the axillary microbiome balance (Verzeaux et al., 2024).
Traditional odour control methods - preventing sweat, masking odours with fragrance, or using antiseptic agents - face criticism due to physiological concerns, potential skin irritation, disruption of the axillary microbiota and the use of controversial ingredients like aluminium salts and alcohol. These issues highlight the need for risk-free, natural solutions that specifically target the biological mechanisms behind malodour production (Verzeaux et al., 2024).
Therefore, researchers propose meadowfoam-containing deodorants as a promising natural alternative for managing BO, with participants reporting high satisfaction in controlling both odour and perspiration (Verzeaux et al., 2024).
Our Solution:
Sequential is a leading expert in comprehensive, end-to-end microbiome product testing and formulation. Our specialised, customisable services enable businesses to develop innovative products that support and maintain microbiome health, ensuring both effectiveness and compatibility. We offer tailored expertise in facial, oral, scalp and vaginal microbiome research and formulation, providing full support for your product development needs, which may be extended to products targeting the axillary microbiome.
References:
Martin, A., Saathoff, M., Kuhn, F., Max, H., Terstegen, L. & Natsch, A. (2010) A Functional ABCC11 Allele Is Essential in the Biochemical Formation of Human Axillary Odor. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 130 (2), 529–540. doi:10.1038/jid.2009.254.
Verzeaux, L., Lopez-Ramirez, N., Grimaldi, C., Guedj, O., Aymard, E., Muchico, H. & Closs, B. (2024) Meadowfoam to Control S. Hominis and Axillary Malodor – As Shown by Meta Sequencing and Culturomics. Cosmetics & Toiletries. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/cosmetic-ingredients/actives/article/22916729/silab-meadowfoam-to-control-s-hominis-and-axillary-malodor-as-shown-by-meta-sequencing-and-culturomics.
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