the present invention is directed to the control of noisome odors created by the decomposition of human waste in a personal hygiene product . control of the decomposition process is by the pre - application of an odor control compound comprising a hydroxydiphenyl ether in a modified acidic environment to one or more components of the personal hygiene product . the odor control compound exhibits a multi - functional performance , affecting not only the odiferous decomposition byproducts , but the biochemical decomposition and degradation pathways .