A Brief (and Sweaty) History of Deodorant

Let’s be honest. Nobody likes body odor. And for thousands of years, humans have tried everything from perfumes to crushed herbs to stop the stink. The history of deodorant is full of strange, smart, and sometimes smelly solutions. From deodorant in ancient Egypt to today’s natural sprays and creams, people have always been on a mission to smell better. Ready for a wild (and fragrant) ride through time? Let’s dive into the sweaty story of deodorant through the ages.

The Ancient World: Smelling Good Was a Big Deal

So, when was deodorant invented? That depends on how you define deodorant. If you mean stopping odor with something applied to the body, the earliest examples go back over 5,000 years. In ancient cultures, body odor wasn’t just unpleasant. It was often seen as unclean or even offensive to the gods.

Deodorant in Ancient Egypt

The Egyptians were some of the first to take body odor seriously. They bathed daily, used scented oils, and even created early body odor solutions.

Here’s what they used:

• Alum (a natural mineral salt) to reduce sweat and kill odor-causing bacteria
• Perfumed oils made from cinnamon, myrrh, and other herbs
• Incense cones worn on the head to mask body scent

These ancient deodorant methods were about more than just smelling nice. They showed status and hygiene. And they worked surprisingly well.

Other Ancient Cultures Had Their Own Hacks

The Greeks and Romans also had their own take on deodorant. They loved public baths and used scented powders and oils. The Romans even rubbed under their arms with perfumed cloths. In India and China, herbal pastes and sandalwood were popular for their cooling and antibacterial properties.

All of these are part of the long timeline of deodorant development. People didn’t call it deodorant back then. But they were clearly trying to control odor and sweat.

The Middle Ages: A Stinky Situation

Fast forward to medieval Europe. Bathing was seen as risky. Some believed water could carry disease. So instead of washing, people turned to heavy perfumes and layers of clothing.

Deodorant? Not really. This period was more about covering up smells than stopping them. Herbal sachets and perfumes were the main tools. It wasn’t very effective, and yes, things got pretty stinky.

The 1800s: Science Meets Sweat

By the 19th century, things started to change. Advances in science helped people understand bacteria and body odor. This set the stage for modern deodorants.

So who invented deodorant as we know it? The first commercial deodorant, called Mum, was launched in the U.S. in 1888. It was a cream applied with the fingers and used zinc oxide to kill bacteria.

Then came the first antiperspirant. In 1903, Everdry hit the market. It used aluminum chloride to block sweat glands. It worked, but it also irritated skin and damaged clothes. Still, it marked a major step in the evolution of deodorant.

The 20th Century: Deodorant Takes Off

Once people realized sweat and odor could be controlled, the personal care industry exploded. By the 1920s and 30s, deodorants were marketed to both women and men. Ads played on fears of body odor and social rejection.

Here’s how deodorant evolved through the decades:

• 1940s–50s: Roll-ons were invented, inspired by the ballpoint pen
• 1960s: Aerosol sprays became popular for their quick-dry feel
• 1970s–80s: Concerns about aluminum and skin irritation led to new formulas
• 1990s: The rise of gels, solids, and invisible formulas

By this point, deodorant was a daily habit for most people. But not everyone loved the ingredients. That’s when the natural deodorant history began to take shape.

21st Century: The Rise of Natural Deodorants

Today, more people are paying attention to what goes on their skin. That includes deodorant. Many traditional formulas use aluminum to block sweat, but some users report irritation, clogged pores, or just want a cleaner option.

This shift led to a boom in natural deodorant products. These formulas often use:

• Magnesium hydroxide: A gentle compound that fights odor-causing bacteria
• Baking soda: Absorbs odor but can be harsh for sensitive skin
• Arrowroot or tapioca starch: Helps absorb moisture
• Essential oils: Add a natural scent and help fight bacteria

Modern brands like MAGS Skin are leading this change. They focus on skin-friendly, effective formulas that actually work without harsh chemicals. It’s a continuation of the long and winding history of body odor solutions.

Why the History of Deodorant Still Matters

Understanding how we got here helps you make better choices for your skin. Whether you go for a classic stick or a clean, natural option, there’s something powerful about knowing the story behind your daily routine.

From deodorant in ancient Egypt to clean formulas you can trust, humans have always wanted to feel fresh. And now, we’ve got more options than ever.

Quick Takeaways

• People have tried to fight body odor for over 5,000 years
• Ancient methods used herbs, oils, and minerals like alum
• The first commercial deodorant was invented in 1888
• Antiperspirants came shortly after, but often irritated skin
• Natural deodorants are growing fast thanks to better science and skin awareness

Got Sensitive Skin? You’re Not Alone

If deodorant makes your armpits sting, burn, or break out, you’re not the problem. Your skin is just reacting to ingredients it doesn’t like. That’s exactly why MAGS Skin exists. We believe in clean, science-backed formulas that actually work and respect your skin.

So next time you swipe, spray, or dab on deodorant, remember you’re part of a history that spans centuries. And now, you have smarter, safer choices than ever before.