Targets specific bacteria
Ravi Pillai, a spokesperson for Symrise, told Cosmetics Design that the company was very proud of the capabilities of this new ingredient, called SymDeo B125 and claimed that the new product introduced “a more innovative way of fighting body odour”.
The ingredient works by controlling the growth of free gram-positive bacteria, which are specifically responsible for body odour. It also disrupts biofilm formed on the skin by c xerosis bacteria. Thus, by targeting specific kinds of bacteria on the skin, it interferes less with the body itself and claims to be gentler overall as a result.
The SymDeo ingredient is the result of an extensive R&D screening program that sought to find a new method of deodorizing without using harsh ingredients.
Symrise said that the results of the deodorant in tests showed a significant reduction in body odour. The efficacy of the product compares very well with triclosan, which is currently widely used as an anti-bacterial ingredient in deodorants. Pillai said that it was important for Symrise to find an alternative to triclosan, which has been receiving very negative representation in the press of late.
Environmental credentials
As well as being softer on the skin, the other main claimed benefit of symDeo B125 is the fact that it is not an organochloride and is, as a result, much more environmentally friendly than most deodorants currently on the market.
It is hoped with this launch that the company will make an impact on the deodorant market, using the gentler, environmental properties of the product to benefit from the booming interest in environmentally friendlier products. Pillai said that the combination of these two market areas was a deliberate response from Symrise who wanted to meet market demands.