This article was taken from the July issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content bysubscribing online
Each month Wired’s chemist Dr John Emsley, author of nine books and 110 research papers, deconstructs an everyday product. This month: Dove Original Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
ZirconiumWhen present in the artificial gemstone zirconia, Zirconium is used to make crucibles for molten metal and to provide a heat-resistant barrier in jet engines.
Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLYThese metal ions form insoluble plugs of metal hydroxide, which block the pores, thereby preventing the release of moisture and the other molecules that allow microbes to multiply. The microbes produce the unpleasant odour of 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid which is characteristic of underarm sweat.
Stearyl alcoholA hydrocarbon chain of 18 carbon atoms with OH atoms at the end. This ingredient acts as a lubricant, emollient (skin conditioner) and emulsifier (blender).
PPG-14 butyl etherPPG stands for polypropylene glycol. This ingredient is used as a skin conditioner in its own right making the skin more supple.
PEG-8 distearatePEG-8 (polyethylene glycol) is an emulsifying agent that allows all the ingredients to blend in an homogenous mixture. Steareth 100 is another form of PEG-8.
Hydrogenated castor oilThis is the wax in the deodorant stick and it is made by reacting castor oil with hydrogen gas. It is also used in polishes for leather and wood.
Helianthus annuus seed oilA form of sunflower oil that has mainly oleic fatty acid groups, used as an emollient to soothe and soften the skin.
BHTShort for butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT is a powerful antioxidant used to protect the wax and fragrance oils from oxidation.
LinaloolAdds a floral smell with a hint of spice. It’s also used to kill cockroaches.
Benzyl benzoateThis ester protects the deodorant and prevents bacteria breeding in the armpits and forming unpleasant odour molecules.
IngredientsCyclomethicone Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY Stearyl alcohol C12-15 alkyl benzoate PPG-14 butyl ether Hydrogenated castor oil Dimethicone Polyethylene glycol Helianthus annuus seed oil Steareth 100 BHT Citric acid Alpha isomethyl ionone Benzyl benzoate Benzyl alcohol Benzyl salicylate Butylphenyl methylpropional Citronellol Geraniol Hexyl cinnamal Hydroxycitronellal Isoeugenol Limonene Linalool
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
