Mum
Established 1888In 1888, an unknown inventor from Philadelphia developed the first deodorant in the world, a cream containing antibacterial zinc oxide. The brand Mum owes its name to the nurse of the inventor. The cream, which was available in small tins, was marketed not only to prevent armpit odour but also foot odour.
Inspired by the technique of the ballpoint pen, Mum presented the world’s first roll-on deodorant in 1952. During the 1980’s, when the image of aerosol sprays became tarnished due to CFC emissions, Mum’s sales went sky-high. Today, roll-ons are still the most frequently used type of deodorant.
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