Ouch! Body odour bad for relationships

Yes, it can affect relationships, states a report titled ‘Deodorant usage in India’ by Cinthol DeoStick in collaboration with AC Neilson.

HYDERABAD: Yes, it can affect relationships, states a report titled ‘Deodorant usage in India’ by Cinthol DeoStick in collaboration with AC Neilson. Young men and women from North, West and South India were polled for their views on body odour and usage of deodorants.

Survey Results:

• Only 30 percent of the respondents regularly used personal hygiene products such as deodorants
• 87 percent of respondents believe that their social confidence is linked to their personal presentation. Perfumed hygiene products enhance smart presentation and social presence
• 78 percent respondents also reported that body odour in other people was a repulsor in social situations. The usage of perfumed hygiene products (deodorants and perfumes) is definitely noticed in social interactions.
• Socially, body odour as well as bad breath are considered as negative attributes. A comparison shows that most respondents are tolerant towards bad breath. However, presence of body odour is a serious barrier in interacting with other people. Resolving body odour assumes high priority
• 53 percent people gift deodorants to friends and family
• 54 percent said body odour can affect personal relationships
• 79 percent perceive body odour as a negative trait in professional social settings like job interviews
• A significant 51 percent of people polled were aware of deodorants, but did not purchase them because of the high price
• Interestingly, 47 percent of people surveyed bought deodorants despite the high cost of purchase
• 69 percent people expressed readiness to buy deodorants regularly, if the price of these products is reduced further
• The Nielsen survey also showed that women were more vocal about the fact that deodorant products are quite expensive