Deorose: Effectiveness of Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus Spenn.) Oil As Cream to Eliminate Body Odor-Causing Bacteria Staphylococcus Hominis

Body odor is produced when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, leading to various smells that can range from sweet to tangy or even onion-like, depending on the specific bacterial strains and the chemicals they generate. An unpleasant body odor can notably impact an individual’s social life and mental health. While hygiene practices are often the primary factor contributing to body odor, they can also indicate underlying medical issues. In recent years, many people have turned to natural methods for body odor control, motivated by concerns regarding the potentially harmful effects of synthetic chemicals and additives in traditional products. As awareness grows around skin health, personal hygiene, and environmental sustainability, there has been a significant increase in demand for healthy, eco-friendly hygiene solutions. Additionally, worries about skin irritation, rashes, and the possible long-term health risks associated with chemical-based products have further propelled interest in natural alternatives. Globally, odorants contain many chemicals that the human body can produce. When produced in small amounts, these chemicals are essential for normal biological functions and do not typically cause unpleasant odors. On the other hand, an excessive buildup of these substances on the skin may result in noticeable odors (Felman, 2023). Despite their widespread use, traditional deodorants and antiperspirants have caused concerns because of potential health risks. According to Penn Medicine (2024), specific individuals experience allergic responses to antiperspirants or deodorants. This study indicates that substances such as lanolin, parabens, vitamin E, essential oils (often utilized in scents), and propylene glycol, which provides structure to deodorant sticks, may be responsible. Thus, due to the growing trend towards safer and natural alternatives, there has become a greater interest in plant-based essential oils as natural deodorizers. Several odor-causing bacteria have been seen in the human body, one of which is the presence of Staphylococcus hominis. It is a widespread Gram-positive bacterium that consistently and profusely inhabits human skin, appearing in large quantities in various body places (Sapkota, 2022). Its widespread prevalence across various populations indicates that it is a common occurrence. Studies conducted in countries like the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America have consistently identified that one of the main elements of the skin microbiome is S. hominis (Jiang et al., 2012). A study conducted in the United States by Grice et al. (2010) found that S. hominis was one of the most abundant bacterial species on the skin of healthy adults. Studies in Africa have also confirmed the existence of S. hominis in the skin microbiome of individuals from several regions (Ngondi et al., 2019). Some studies have linked S. hominis to skin conditions like acne and eczema, while others have suggested its potential benefits in protecting against it. Promising alternatives were already available in the market, especially for treating S. hominis. Rosemary oil is one of the sought-after materials for treating different types of bacterial problems. Rosemary is an aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family, known for its therapeutic properties. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and has been used in folk medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics (De Macedo et al., 2020). According to Jafari-Sales and Pashazadeh (2020), rosemary has significant antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli, inhibiting various pathogenic bacteria, with 1.8 Cineole and α-pinene as the main compounds, with a result from S. aureus of 0.625 MIC and 1.25 MBC, E. coli of 1.25 MIC and 2.5 MBC. While various natural alternatives show promising antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli, exploring more plant alternatives remains essential. These findings highlight rosemary’s capability as a herbal and effective antibacterial agent, providing promising applications in health and wellness solutions worldwide.