Classification and Analysis of Leather Deodorizers

Based on their working principles and chemical composition, leather deodorizers can be divided into the following eight major categories. For easier comparison, the table below summarizes the core characteristics of each category:

Category	Main ingredients/principles	Advantages	Disadvantages/Precautions	Applicable scenarios	Representative cases
Physical adsorption type	Porous materials (activated carbon, nano mineral crystals, nano graphene) adsorb odor molecules	High safety, intuitive operation, and does not damage leather	Adsorption is easily saturated and requires regular replacement or treatment	Stored in home leather goods, with mild odors	Deodorizer pack containing clove extract + nano mineral crystals
Chemically degradable type	Catalytic decomposition technology breaks down VOCs, formaldehyde, and other substances into water and carbon dioxide	Thorough decomposition, no rebound, eliminating at the source	Pay attention to the acidity or alkalinity of the formula to avoid damaging the leather	Formaldehyde/TVOC removal from new leather products (sofas, car seats).	Wood Child Leather Deodorizer (Catalytic Decomposition Technology)
Bioenzyme type	Sulfide oxidase and other directed catalytic decomposition of odorous substances	Environmentally friendly, highly specific, and biodegradable	Temperature sensitivity (activity decreases above 35°C), requiring precise control conditions	Industrial wastewater treatment, specific workshop exhaust gases	“Enzyme Clean” Deodorizer (Sulfide Oxidase)
Plant extract type	Natural plant ingredients such as tea tree essential oil and clove extract	Natural, environmentally friendly, non-irritating, biodegradable	High concentrations have higher costs and limited effectiveness against high-concentration industrial exhaust gases	Home care, high-end leather goods, daily odor removal	Laikebao “Antibacterial, Deodorizing, and Formaldehyde Removal” (Plant Extract + Nano Semiconductor)
Zinc ricinoleic acid type	Natural ricin oleic acid complexes with zinc, targeting and capturing sulfur- and nitrogen-containing odor molecules	Selective adsorption does not damage leather fibers, and has good biodegradability	Choose products with different formulas accordingly	Industrial-grade purification, everyday spraying, and high-end formaldehyde removal	Evonik TEGO Sorb A30/B80/DEQ100 series
Photocatalytic type	Nano titanium dioxide (TiO₂) degrades VOCs under ultraviolet light	Theoretically long-lasting, with a removal rate of up to 88% of benzene odors	Requires a UV light source, and its effectiveness drops significantly when there is no light; May damage the leather surface	Industrial workshops tailored to specific lighting conditions	TiO₂-Ag composite catalyst “light clear” system
Chemically synthesized type	Quaternary ammonium salts, organic zinc, formaldehyde trappers, and other synthetic chemicals	The cost is relatively low, and some effects are significant	Some ingredients may have safety controversies; Flavorings can only mask odors	Industrial leather making (requires professional operation), neutralization of specific chemical odors	An antibacterial and deodorizing finishing agent combining quaternary ammonium salts with organic zinc
Closed type	The surface forms a film, locking the scent inside	The effect is fast, and you can’t smell it immediately	Highly prone to rebound, alters the leather’s breathability, making it sticky when wet	Strongly not recommended for leather	Water-soluble sealants, chitosan derivatives

Physical adsorption type

      Physical adsorption deodorizers utilize the large specific surface area of porous materials to adsorb odor molecules into the pores. The patented technology shows that combining clove extract with nano mineral crystal activated carbon can significantly improve adsorption efficiency, while adding nano graphene dispersion accelerates absorption and reaction time. These products are extremely safe, but they need to be replaced promptly after absorption saturation, otherwise secondary contamination may occur.

Chemically degradable type

       Chemically degradable products represent the current mainstream technological direction. Take Mutu leather deodorizer as an example: it uses catalytic decomposition technology to break down toxic and harmful substances in leather such as VOCs, benzene compounds, and free formaldehyde into water and carbon dioxide. It also contains leather care ingredients, making the treated leather feel supple and flexible. The core advantage of these products is eliminating odors at the source, preventing secondary pollution.

Bioenzyme type

       Bioenzyme technology is highly specialized. For example, the “Enzyme Clean” deodorizer uses sulfide oxidase, which catalyzes hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur and water. In an application by a leather company, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the tanning workshop dropped from 18 mg/m³ to 9 mg/m³ (national standard ≤ 10 mg/m³), and the prevalence of rhinitis among workers dropped from 35% to 12%. However, biological enzymes are sensitive to temperature; above 35°C, their activity drops by 40%, so the dosage needs to be increased.

Plant extract type

       Plant-derived products are marketed with natural ingredients. For example, Laikebao’s “Antibacterial, Deodorizing, and Aldehyde Removal” uses a dual-effect formula of plant extracts + nanosemiconductors: tea tree essential oil adsorbs odor molecules, nano titanium dioxide excites hydroxyl radicals to break down pollutants into carbon dioxide and water, continuously deodorizing for over 72 hours. A patented technology uses clove extract, giving the deodorizer both antibacterial and antibacterial properties.

Zinc ricin oleic acid

       Zinc ricinoleate has been a technological hotspot in recent years. It uses natural ricinoleic acid as its base and forms a unique molecular structure by complexing with zinc atoms, enabling precise identification and capture of odor molecules containing sulfur (such as hydrogen sulfide), nitrogen-containing (such as ammonia), and organic acids (such as isovaleric acid). The TEGO Sorb series developed by Evonik:

      A30 : 30% high-concentration zinc castor oleate, mildly alkaline formula, specially designed for leather production, forming a reactivable protective film on the leather surface.

      B80 : Water-based formula, containing 30% active zinc ricin oleate and nano disinfectant, neutralizes smoke odors, sweat acid, and other odors within 30 seconds, suitable for instant daily leather cleaning.

      DEQ100 : Combines zinc castor oleate complex with solubilizer, specializing in stubborn odors such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, capable of decomposing over 95.4% of aldehydes.

Photocatalytic type

      Photocatalytic technology uses nano titanium dioxide under ultraviolet light to generate strongly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals, decomposing organic matter. In the TiO₂-Ag composite catalyst, silver ions enhance adsorption, titanium dioxide degrades VOCs under ultraviolet light, and the removal rate of benzene odors can reach 88%. However, this technology relies on lighting conditions, and its effectiveness drops significantly without light, and its strong oxidation may damage the leather surface.

Chemical synthesis type

      Chemically synthesized products cover a wide range, including formaldehyde scavengers, quaternary ammonium salts, and organic zinc composite finishing agents. These products have clear functions and controllable costs, but should be chosen carefully to avoid containing ingredients harmful to the human body. For example, deodorizers containing sodium hypochlorite may reduce the tensile strength of leather by 15%.

Enclosed type

      Closed products “lock” the smell inside by forming a film on the leather surface. Although it works quickly, this method easily rebounds and alters the leather’s softness and breathability, making it sticky when wet. Industry experts Strongly not recommended Use such products on leather.