This thesis is concerned with the preparation, and subsequent application of, hydrogels as devices for analysing axillary malodour in order to test the efficacy of antiperspirant/deodorant products. Using the well documented ability of hydrogels to absorb water and small molecules, the absorption, storage and subsequent extraction of a model sweat was investigated. Ten volatile fatty acids, one unsaturated aldehyde and one thiol were used in an aqueous solution to represent malodorous sweat in order to investigate the plausibility of such a device. Quantitative analysis of the malodorous compounds was carried out via GC-FID, with unknown compound identification carried out via GC-MS. Qualitative analysis was acquired with the addition of pH indicators such as bromophenol blue and quinine to the hydrogel device. The physical properties of the hydrogels were also probed by investigating a range of crosslinker concentrations and alternative hydrogel materials. The swelling kinetics in deionised water and the mechanical properties were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis and Universal tester. Bacterial studies illustrated the hydrogels’ suitability for in vivo testing which then illustrated that the model protocol could be transferred to natural samples.