Why Unscented Deodorant? Toms of Maine Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the purpose and function of unscented deodorants, specifically referencing Tom's of Maine long-lasting deodorant. Participants explore the definitions and mechanisms of deodorants versus antiperspirants, as well as the role of fragrance in these products.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the purpose of unscented deodorant, suggesting that the primary function of deodorants is to add fragrance.
  • Another participant challenges the existence of deodorants and antiperspirants, asking for a definition of "deodorant."
  • Some participants propose that deodorants primarily work through anti-bacterial effects, with perspiration itself being odorless, and that body odor results from bacteria.
  • A participant recalls that some air fresheners contain chemicals that may reduce the sense of smell, questioning if similar chemicals could be used in deodorants.
  • There is a reiteration of the idea that the added fragrance in deodorants may serve as mere "window dressing" rather than a functional component.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and function of fragrance in deodorants, with some agreeing on the antibacterial role of deodorants while others question the definitions and existence of deodorants altogether. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the purpose of unscented deodorants.

Contextual Notes

There are missing definitions and assumptions regarding what constitutes deodorants and antiperspirants, as well as unresolved questions about the chemical mechanisms at play in these products.

sp3sp2sp
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Isnt the whole point of deoderont to add some sort of fragrance? I can understand unscented antiperpirant, what is the point of unscented deoderont? I am referring to trader joes Toms of Maine long lasting deoderont. It says "unscented".. What is the point? I can confirm after sniffing it that it doesn't really smell like anything, but then is is still deoderont?
 
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sp3sp2sp said:
deoderont

No such thing.

sp3sp2sp said:
antiperpirant

No such thing either.

Can you try to define what does "deodorant" mean?
 
Deodorants work primarily by way of anti-bacterial chemical effects. Some deodorants have additional antimicrobial and anti-fungal ingredients. Perspiration, in and of itself, has no real smell. Body odor, generally speaking, comes from little nasty thingies that grow and live and excrete in the warm sweaty regions. (This explanation is excessively general and simplified, FWIW). The goal of most deodorants is to chemically prevent or counter the activity that generates body odor. The added fragrance is just a bit of 'window dressing'.

for a further (but also highly general) overview:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deodorant

diogenesNY
 
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As i recall some types of air freshener contains chemicals that reduce your sense of smell. I don't know if they can put the same thing in deodorant.
 
diogenesNY said:
Deodorants work primarily by way of anti-bacterial chemical effects. Some deodorants have additional antimicrobial and anti-fungal ingredients. Perspiration, in and of itself, has no real smell. Body odor, generally speaking, comes from little nasty thingies that grow and live and excrete in the warm sweaty regions. (This explanation is excessively general and simplified, FWIW). The goal of most deodorants is to chemically prevent or counter the activity that generates body odor. The added fragrance is just a bit of 'window dressing'.
Exactly.
 

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