Cosmetics and Toiletries magazine cites a tasty piece of research done by the Monell Chemical Senses Center:

Monell Chemical Senses Center announced that a scientific paradox linking artificial sweeteners with a sensory experience, in which plain water takes on a sweet taste, has guided researchers to an increased understanding of how humans detect sweet taste. As reported in Nature, scientists from Monell describe how certain artificial sweeteners, including sodium saccharin and acesulfame-K, paradoxically inhibit sweet taste at high concentrations. The researchers further reported that taste perception switches back to sweetness when these high concentrations are rinsed from the mouth with water, resulting in the aftertaste experience known as sweet water taste.

Well Beauty Brains, what does this have to do with personal care products, you ask? Well, imagine a mouthwash or toothpaste that doesn’t taste sweet when you use it, but “magically” makes anything you drink AFTER you brush your teeth taste sweet! Is it really possible? We’re not sure, but the concept of a Stealth Sweetener is intriguing.