| abstract |
When microorganisms form the said fatty acids by breaking down lipoid materials which are present in body secretions such as, for example, sweat, menstrual fluid and the like, then an unpleasant odour is produced. On the other hand, if the microorganisms which are intrinsically harmless are killed, there is a risk of colonisation by dangerous microorganisms in their place. The products according to the invention, for example cosmetic products such as deodorants, sanitary menstrual products and the like, now contain as active ingredient a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Although this prevents the unwanted breakdown of the lipoid materials by the said microorganisms, the viability of the microorganisms is not impaired. Preferred salts in this connection are the alkali metal salts, especially sodium salts, or alkanolamine salts, especially trialkanolamine salts, of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. |