A powder for an underlayer of a coating-type magnetic recording medium comprises acicular iron oxide particles having an average major axis length in the range of 20-200 nm, has a specific surface area measured by the BET method of 30-100 m2g and has a powder pH of not greater than 7. The method includes detecting at a controller the type of device attached to or to be attached to the machine. The fermented TCM extracts are characterized by reduced odor andor color in comparison with unfermented TCM extracts and are therefore more suitable for use in cosmetic products.