Colgate-Palmolive Sstudy Explores Prebiotic for Underarm Microbiome Benefits via Cosmetics Design Europe

The compound 2-butyloctanol shows potential prebiotic activity by promoting skin friendly bacteria in human armpits, while also inhibiting the growth of odor-causing
bacteria, says a new study from Colgate-Palmolive. Colgate-Palmolive already uses butyloctanol in its Sanex BiomeProtect range of deodorant products, with the new study providing the scientific substantiation for the ingredient’s efficacy.

Data from in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that 2-butyloctanol inhibited odor-causing Corynebacterium while boosting skin-friendly Staphylococcus.
“[2-butyloctanol] had a potential prebiotic effect on the human underarm microbiome, which was shown for the first time both in vitro and in vivo,” wrote scientists from Colgate-Palmolive’s Technology Center in Piscataway, NJ in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. “This study indicated that BO might be used as a potential prebiotic ingredient in personal care products for underarm microbiome protection and potential odor control with prolonged product usage.”