j. Soc. Cosmet. Chem., 35, 283-295 (September/October 1984) An alternative to direct panelist-judge interaction in evaluating underarm deodorants S. MARK HENRY, GENE JACOBS, and VAL F. COTTY, Research and Development Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Products, 1350 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07207. Received November 15, 1983. Presented at the Society of Cosmetic Chemists Annual Meeting, New York, December 1-2, 1983. Synopsis This report describes a novel method which eliminates the unpleasant and problematical close contact between deodorant panelists and judges. Instead of direct sniffing of the axilla, samples of axillary secretions are obtained using the bottom end of disposable glass test tubes rotated briefly in the axillary vault. The tubes are removed and handed to judges positioned out of sight of the subjects. The judges then score each pair of tubes and record their data. Results obtained with the tube method compare favorably with tests conducted in the conventional manner. Besides eliminating the potential problems of subject-judge contact and recognition, this technique isolates the axillary odor from smoke, fragrances, and other odors which may be present on the subject's body or clothing. The axillary odor remains on the tube for several hours if covered and refrigerated. INTRODUCTION Since the introduction of germicidal products for the control of body and underarm odor, a variety of tests have been developed for the evaluation of formulation efficacy. Initially, tests normally used to evaluate antiseptics were used but most of these had severe limitations. In 1954, Gee and Seidenberg described a direct sniffing method for the evaluation of deodorant soaps (1). Refinements of the technique were described by Whitehouse and Carter (2), Carabello (3), and Baxter and Reed (4). Olfactory evaluation by trained judges is now the method of choice. However, the conventional procedure requires that the odor evaluator's nose be in such close proximity to the subject that it is impossible to avoid smelling clothing and body odors that may not emanate from the axilla. In addition, there may be bias resulting from a judge visualizing product residue in the axilla and from recognition of a subject with a history of strong, unpleasant odor. Reported in this paper are details of a deodorant test in which the above problems are obviated while maintaining a basic in vivo approach. 283

284 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS MATERIALS AND METHODS (Bristol-Myers) I. TEST POPULATION The subjects utilized in this test were drawn from a population of healthy volunteers, 18 years of age or older. These subjects were able to develop a moderate axillary odor and had no medical history of allergy to deodorants and/or antiperspirants. II. TEST MATERIALS A. Products Evaluated 1. In Study # 1, an unscented, aluminum salt antiperspirant emulsion was compared with a placebo containing water instead of the aluminum salt. 2. In Study #2, a scented, aluminum salt antiperspirant emulsion was compared with a scented placebo containing water instead of the aluminum salt. 3. In Study #3, two unscented aluminum salt antiperspirant aerosol formulas were compared. Both were in silicone-based vehicles but contained different excipients. B. Product Application The axillae were washed with tepid water and Ivory soap with a gauze pad, followed by a water rinse to remove excess soap, and then dried with a paper towel just prior to each application. The products used in these studies were applied as follows: Lotions. Approximately 300 mg of product were applied to each axilla and swabbed into the entire axillary vault with the side of a 1-cc tuberculin syringe. A new syringe was used for each panelist. Aerosols. Subjects were treated with a direct two-second spray at a distance of approx- imately six inches from the axillary vault. A new container was used each day. A random test pattern was employed. Half the panel had one material applied to the left axilla and the other material to the right axilla, while the remaining panelists had the reverse product axilla allocation. III. DETAILED METHODOLOGY A. Subject Selection When possible, subjects were prescreened to assure the capability of developing a moderate axillary odor (a score of 4 or greater in both axillae) when deodorants were not used. When prescreening was not possible, subjects were required to meet pre- treatment odor requirements. They were instructed as follows: 1. Abstain from use of all deodorants, antiperspirants, and perfumed or medicated products in the axillae 7 days before you are scheduled to start the official test, con- tinuing for the entire test period. 2. Abstain from smoking, chewing gum, and use of alcoholic beverages for at least 15 minutes prior to each visit to the test location during the entire test period. 3. Use Ivory soap for all bathing and washing during test periods. This includes: (a) the pretest period prior to the actual test start date and (b) during the test period up