by Zoë Pollock
Antiperspirant has come a long way since its invention in the early 20th century. Exhibit A: Odorono from 1912:
Although the product stopped sweat for up to three days—longer-lasting than modern day antiperspirants— Odorono’s active ingredient, aluminum chloride, had to be suspended in acid to remain effective. (This was the case for all early antiperspirants; it would take a few decades before chemists came up with a formulation that didn’t require an acid suspension.) The acid solution meant Odorono could irritate sensitive armpit skin and damage clothing. Adding insult to injury, the antiperspirant was also red-colored, so it could also stain clothing—if the acid didn’t eat right through it first.
The Dish 