Dialkyl carbonate compounds of formula (I) are used in deodorant preparations which contain other conventional materials, particularly to emulsify the component of the preparation and to improve its storage stability. Deodorant preparation comprises: (a) one or more dialkyl carbonate compounds of formula (I); and (b) antiperspirant agents, esterase inhibitors, bactericidal or bacteriostatic agents and/or sweat-absorbing substances. R1O(CH2CH2O)n-C(=O)-(OCH2CH2)mOR2 (I) R1 = linear 6-22C alkyl, linear 6-22C alkenyl, 2-ethylhexyl, isotridecyl, isostearyl, or a group which is derived from a polyol which contains 2-15C atoms and at least two hydroxyl groups; R2 = 1-5C alkyl or a group R1; n, m = 0-100.