Febreze

Febreze is a brand of household odor eliminator manufactured by Procter & Gamble, sold in North America, Brazil, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. First introduced in test markets in 1993, the product has been sold in the United States since June 1998, and the line has since branched out to include air fresheners (Air Effects), fabric refreshers, plug-in oils (Noticeables), scented disks (Scentstories), odor eliminating candles and automotive air fresheners.

The active ingredient in Febreze is hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). Procter & Gamble claims that these molecules bind hydrocarbons within the doughnut shape, retaining malodorous molecules, which reduces their release into the air and thus the perception of their scent. The original formula was developed in Plymouth, England. The use of a cyclodextrin as a sprayable odor absorber is patented by Procter & Gamble.