A New Era in Personal Hygiene

At the confluence of biomedical engineering, sustainability, and philosophical inquiry lies PlaDeo—a device destined to transform not just the deodorant market but the broader conversation on self-care, the human body, and our relationship with technology. Created by visionary scientists Dr. TaeHo Lim and Dr. JungChi Seo and developed by CodeSteri Inc., a company spun out of Hanyang University’s College of Medicine, PlaDeo is celebrated as the world’s first bio-plasma-powered deodorant device—a chemically non-invasive, residue-free, and clinically validated answer to one of humanity’s oldest nuisances: body odor. More profoundly, PlaDeo marks the crystallization of new philosophical and technological paradigms, suggesting that the frontiers of personal care can be simultaneously innovative, safe, and harmonious with both our biology and the planet.

This report illuminates PlaDeo’s journey from conceptual origins to clinical validation and global launch, interweaving scientific details, market analysis, environmental context, and reflections on its broader significance for humanity.

Conceptual Origins of PlaDeo

PlaDeo did not begin as a passing idea or a marketing ploy; it is the product of years of interdisciplinary research and reflection on the fundamental science of hygiene. In the early 2010s, increased scrutiny arose concerning traditional deodorant ingredients—including aluminum salts, parabens, and triclosan—due to mounting evidence linking them to skin sensitivities and possible connections to systemic health concerns. Europe, in particular, began legislating tighter controls on these chemicals, inspiring a global movement toward chemical-free or minimal-ingredient personal care products.

Against this backdrop, the minds at Hanyang University—most notably Dr. TaeHo Lim, an expert in emergency medicine and medical engineering, and Dr. JungChi Seo, a leading specialist in biomedical device design—were engaged in plasma medicine research. Their question was fundamental: if plasma-based sterilization was revolutionizing wound healing and surgery due to its ability to generate bactericidal reactive species at room temperature, could this same technology be adapted for daily dermatological use, particularly for the management of underarm odor—a domain hitherto reliant on palliative, chemical-laden solutions?

The vision: a device that would neutralize odor-borne bacteria without applying chemicals to the skin, clogging pores, or interfering with the body’s natural functions—a leap from symptom-masking to root-cause resolution.

Evolution from Pragant to PlaDeo

The first public manifestation of this vision was “Pragant”, an electronic deodorant prototype that won the CES Innovation Award in 2020 in the Health & Wellness category—a milestone that validated both the technical viability and commercial potential of the technology.

Pragant’s approach was groundbreaking: it introduced cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a means of odor control, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to disrupt odor-causing bacteria. However, early iterations revealed the need for greater safety, usability, and miniaturization for everyday consumer use outside controlled settings.

With the lessons from Pragant, the team iterated rapidly, focusing on device miniaturization, energy efficiency, and developing a user experience suitable for daily routines—culminating in PlaDeo. The rebranding to PlaDeo (from “plasma deodorant”) signaled a maturity of the concept, the stabilization of the technology, and a philosophical commitment to scaling the solution for real-world impact.

Founders’ Profiles: Dr. TaeHo Lim and Dr. JungChi Seo

Dr. TaeHo Lim is recognized in biomedicine for his dual expertise as a clinician and biomedical engineer. At Hanyang University Hospital, his research interests span emergency medicine, infectious disease prevention, and medical device innovation. He has led numerous plasma medicine and infection-control projects, forging links between pressing healthcare problems and practical technological solutions.

Dr. JungChi Seo brings a complementary perspective rooted in medical technology and human-centered design. His academic and professional path blends research in medical instrumentation, user experience, and safety engineering. Together, Lim and Seo exemplify the power of multidisciplinary collaboration: their work is informed by clinical need, rigorous engineering standards, and the nuances of human physiology.

This partnership—bridging the theoretical (plasma physics), the practical (clinical protocols), and the everyday (personal care habits)—has been crucial to the rapid but robust evolution of PlaDeo from laboratory idea to a globally marketed device.

Company Background: CodeSteri Inc.

CodeSteri Inc. is a Hanyang University spinoff founded in 2018, initially focused on plasma-based disinfection technologies aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infections. The company quickly established itself as a leader in safe, non-contact sterilization protocols for medical and public settings—a foundation that made the leap to personal care both logical and innovative.

As regulatory reforms and consumer awareness about cosmetic safety intensified, CodeSteri saw a remarkable opportunity to apply its plasma expertise beyond institutional hygiene and into the realm of consumer wellness. Backed by a philosophy of “Safe Innovation,” CodeSteri’s mission is to develop technologies that are simultaneously groundbreaking, rigorously validated, and gentle both physically (on the skin) and ecologically (on the planet).

Notably, CodeSteri has an impressive intellectual property (IP) portfolio in plasma-based disinfection and clinical safety technologies, with FDA and CE-certified products. The company continues robust R&D, often collaborating with academic and hospital partners to establish strong clinical evidence for all its products.

Bio-Plasma Technology Mechanism

What is Bio-Plasma?
Plasma, often referred to as the fourth state of matter, is an ionized gas containing free electrons and ions, capable of generating unique reactive compounds when energized. “Cold atmospheric plasma” (CAP), unlike the high-temperature energy forms familiar from industrial or astronomical settings, operates at room temperature—making it suitable for application on living tissue.

In PlaDeo, air is ionized via a compact dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma module, creating a localized, gentle flux of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—including hydroxyl radicals (OH–) and superoxide ions (O₂–). These ROS act rapidly to:

Rupture Bacterial Cell Walls: Targeting major odor-causing bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus hominis, Corynebacterium xerosis).
Degrade Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Breaking down the chemical byproducts of bacterial metabolism (notably 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid and 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol), the direct culprits behind body odor.

A buffer zone—a 1-cm air gap maintained by a silicone gasket—prevents physical contact and ensures that the generated ROS reach the skin yet disperse before any potential for irritation, in stark contrast to many chemical agents that often trigger sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Session Details:
A standard PlaDeo session involves holding the powered device under each clean, dry armpit for 90 seconds, or for more persistent odor, up to 3 minutes. The process is adjustable and non-invasive, with no residue or pore blockage afterward. Key safety innovations include the absence of ozone emission at levels exceeding international standards, and minimal skin heating (typically less than a 2°C increase).

Clinical Validation and Scientific Studies

A central pillar of PlaDeo’s credibility is its robust scientific and clinical validation.

Peer-Reviewed Clinical Study

A landmark 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports documents the efficacy and safety of the device in both in vitro and clinical settings.

Key Findings:

Laboratory tests demonstrated over 90% destruction of target bacteria (S. hominis and C. xerosis) after a 3-minute plasma exposure.
A 33-participant clinical trial, with volunteers from 19 countries (all of whom were regular deodorant users and many of whom had considered medical treatment for excessive odor), found that 94% reported significant or complete reduction in underarm odor over a one-week test period.
Electronic-nose sensor analysis showed a reduction of approximately 51% to 70% in the major VOCs responsible for axillary odor after 3–5 minutes of plasma exposure.
Safety measures confirmed that short-term ozone exposure remained well below established occupational thresholds, and that device-induced skin heating was negligible.

These compelling results substantiate the dual claim that PlaDeo is both an effective hygiene device and a clinically relevant intervention for axillary bromhidrosis (chronic, treatment-resistant underarm odor).

Usability and Additional Trials

Real-world usability studies highlight further advantages:

No reported skin irritation or allergic reactions over extended usage among sensitive-skin users.
No chemical residues, artificial scents, or clothing stains—issues historically associated with creams, sticks, roll-ons, and aerosols.
Portability and discretion, with a charge (in “90-second” mode) lasting up to 20 days of use—supporting integration into mobile, urban lifestyles.

Market Launch and Crowdfunding: PlaDeo’s Commercial Journey

With validation in hand and a clear regulatory path, CodeSteri launched PlaDeo for pre-order on the international crowdfunding platform Indiegogo in 2025.

Campaign Highlights:

Offered at an introductory price of $149 for early backers (with the planned retail price set at $249).
The campaign achieved rapid traction, securing over $52,000 from nearly 300 backers in just the first month.
Global pre-orders, with a strong response from the United States, Europe, and parts of East Asia.

Manufacturing and Scaling: The product’s “working demo” status at campaign launch ensured transparency about ongoing development and scaling. By July 2025, CE certification for the European market was secured, with initial shipments scheduled for September 2025. This careful, phased rollout balanced demand with a commitment to maintain high quality and safety standards.

The company’s DTC (direct-to-consumer) strategy via e-commerce and niche wellness retailers allows for transparent, rapid customer feedback, which will likely inform future iterations and wider retail distribution.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

PlaDeo’s chemical-free technology is a strategic advantage in a regulatory climate increasingly intolerant of controversial cosmetic ingredients.

European Union (EU) Regulations

The European Union has progressively banned or restricted a range of parabens, aluminum salts, and triclosan due to health and environmental concerns. Notably, new concentrations for various parabens and triclosan have been adopted, and many cosmetic ingredients now require detailed safety evaluations.
PlaDeo’s ingredient-free mode of action allows it to bypass complex chemical safety reviews, as the device only generates plasma on demand without any topical formulation. CE certification ensures that electrical safety, emissions, and user warnings meet rigorous consumer electronics and health standards.

U.S. and Global Regulatory Perspective

FDA and similar agencies in other advanced economies currently treat plasma devices as medical or wellness appliances rather than cosmetics, streamlining the approval and distribution pathway.
Safety data, including laboratory and real-user testing, have consistently shown negligible risk under prescribed use conditions.
Ozone emissions, always a concern in plasma devices, were found to be well below established time-weighted average (TWA) and short-term exposure limit (STEL) occupational safety thresholds.
Device heat increases (less than 2°C during use) are far below skin-damaging levels.

Environmental Sustainability and Design

PlaDeo is characterized by a “sustainability by design” ethos. This manifests in several dimensions:

Zero chemical pollutants: No persistent parabens, alcohols, or VOCs are introduced into water streams or the environment.
Residue-free: No microplastics, aluminum particles, or heavy metals are released during use or rinse-off—a critical ecological plus given mounting evidence of cosmetics-related micropollution.
Reusable: The device is designed for years of daily use, reducing the single-use waste burden from conventional deodorant packaging.
Energy-efficient: The internal battery supports up to 2.5 hours of plasma emission per charge (good for dozens of sessions). A typical user might only need to recharge every 10–20 days, leading to an extremely low carbon footprint per use.
Lightweight and compact: Suitable for travel and on-the-go use, supporting lower transportation emissions.

In sum: PlaDeo does not merely claim “eco-friendly” credentials—it systematically displaces the core sources of pollution and waste that have shadowed the legacy personal care market.

Philosophical Foundations of PlaDeo Technology

PlaDeo’s scientific foundations are inseparable from profound philosophical questions about the self, cleanliness, health, and the nature of technology.

Philosophies of Science and Education

Pragmatism: Drawing on John Dewey and the tradition of experiential learning, PlaDeo embodies the ideal that “truth is what works”—innovations must be empirically validated and demonstrably solve real human problems. PlaDeo’s journey—rooted in clinical evidence and real-user feedback—echoes this philosophy.
Idealism and Holistic Well-Being: There is a tacit Platonism in PlaDeo’s commitment to a “clean” that does not simply mask but fundamentally restores, supporting the cultivation of the body as part of a fuller human flourishing.
Existentialism: The device’s user-driven design aligns with existentialist emphasis on personal choice and agency: PlaDeo enables individuals to define their hygiene practices independently of externally imposed product templates.

Plasma Science, Bioplasma, and the Human Body

A strand of contemporary science and metaphysics explores plasma not just as a technological tool but as a bridge to deeper understandings of life and consciousness. Russian biophysicists, for example, posited the “bioplasma” theory: that living beings have coherent, plasma-like energy bodies, and that health and consciousness are rooted in the flow and resonance of these subtle energies. While PlaDeo itself is not a spiritual device, its mechanism—harnessing plasma’s power non-invasively and harmonizing with the body’s natural processes—reflects an emerging scientific and philosophical view of the human as an energetic as well as material being.

Future Applications and Global Impact

PlaDeo’s implications extend far beyond deodorization.

Medical and Clinical Prospects

Management of Axillary Bromhidrosis: As clinical studies confirm, PlaDeo’s efficacy in severe, therapy-resistant underarm odor offers a significant alternative to surgery or chemical interventions.
Infection Control: The biocidal properties of cold plasma could find uses in managing skin infections and wound care, potentially targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria—a rising concern in hospitals.
Dermatology: CAP technology is recognized for promoting wound healing, supporting treatment of chronic skin conditions, and even as an adjunct in cancer therapy due to its selective action on pathogenic or malignant cells.

Expansion to Broader Hygiene Markets

The commercial and practical potential for plasma-based devices is enormous:

Foot odor and scalp care: Similar plasma modules could target other body areas affected by microbial imbalance.
Healthcare environments: Elevated hygiene standards post-pandemic create demand for residue-free, touchless hygiene solutions (e.g., in clinics, eldercare centers).
Travel, fitness, and military: Portable, chemical-free solutions are highly desirable where traditional deodorants are impractical or banned.

Paradigm Shift in Consumer Health Technology

PlaDeo embodies a broader movement in personal care—transitioning the category from “cosmetic masking” toward “technology-driven, data-backed self-care.” It stands at the crossroads of:

Wellness electronics: Integrating personal health trackers, wearables, and smart hygiene devices.
Gender-inclusive, sensitive skin, and allergy markets: Solutions that serve populations underserved by fragrance-heavy or irritant-prone traditional products.
Eco-sustainable lifestyles: Meeting the rising demand for environmental stewardship without sacrificing efficacy or convenience.

Industry Context and Competitive Landscape

The global personal care appliance market was valued at approximately $22.4 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at over 5% CAGR through 2032, driven by innovations in home-use, smart, and sustainable grooming solutions.

Traditional Competitors

Aluminum-based antiperspirants and conventional deodorants: Marketed primarily by Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, and similar major corporations.
“Natural” deodorants: Niche brands using baking soda, magnesium, or botanical extracts. While attractive for ingredient-conscious consumers, these often fall short in clinical efficacy or suit only select populations (many are irritating to sensitive skin).

Adjacent Technologies

LED/UV Disinfection Devices: While effective for non-biological surfaces, these are generally not skin-safe or easy to use daily.
Other CAP Devices: Some CAP wound-care and sterilization products exist (mainly for medical professional settings), but PlaDeo’s consumer-optimized size, safety, and usability are unique. Regulatory pathways for many new plasma devices are still evolving.

PlaDeo’s Distinct Advantages

Parameter	Traditional Deodorants	“Natural” Deodorants	PlaDeo
Mechanism	Mask/Suppress (chemical)	Absorb/Neutralize (chemical)	Neutralize at source (plasma/ROS)
Chemicals Used	Yes (aluminum/parabens)	Yes (botanicals/salts)	None
Residue	Yes	Often	None
Skin Sensitivity Issues	Frequent	Occasional	Rare (non-contact, no direct application)
Efficacy	Variable	Often Low	Clinically Proven (94%+ efficacy)
Sustainability	Low (single-use, chemicals)	Moderate	High (reusable device, no waste)
Regulatory Hurdles	Tightening	Increasing	Moderate (consumer electronics)
Price Point	Low–Moderate	Moderate–High	Moderate (device: $149–$249, years of use)

PlaDeo thus occupies a science-first, clinically validated, and environmentally responsible niche with substantial first-mover advantage.

Patent and Intellectual Property

Patent strategy has underpinned CodeSteri’s position. The company has secured IP rights on:

Plasma generation modules optimized for safety, user-friendliness, and efficacy in dermatological settings.
Device design—miniaturization, airflow systems, and ergonomic considerations.
Application methods for non-contact, daily use of plasma for personal hygiene.

Although detailed filings are confidential, public patent office records (USPTO, EPO, KIPO) and CodeSteri itself confirm numerous granted and pending applications covering both core plasma generator technology and specific use-cases in deodorization.

Conclusion: PlaDeo’s Transformative Contribution to Humanity and the Universe

PlaDeo is not simply a product—it is an exemplar of what can be achieved when science, ethics, design, and environmental stewardship are deeply integrated. Its journey illustrates a future in which:

Advanced physics (plasma technology) is rendered accessible, gentle, and practical for daily use.
The boundaries between medical, wellness, and consumer products are increasingly porous, opening new spaces for care, agency, and empirical self-management.
Environmental and ethical considerations are not afterthoughts but are intrinsic to product conception, design, and rollout.
Technology, for all its power, is always ultimately an expression of human values—our desire for health, dignity, and harmony with the world around us.

PlaDeo teaches us that the future of personal care is not just about eliminating inconvenience or conforming to cosmetic norms, but about realizing the fullest expression of health, safety, and sustainability—a vision as pragmatic as it is idealistic. If adopted widely, this device has the potential to reshape not merely how we address body odor, but how we conceive our role as conscious, caring, and creative beings—at home on Earth, and aligned with the deeper harmonies of the universe.

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PlaDeo: The Bio-Plasma Deodorant Revolution