Dermatologists have revealed that body odor can be largely determined by genetics, the Daily Mail reports.
While sweating is a natural process for almost everyone, how much someone sweats and the intensity of the body odor they produce may be influenced by their DNA.
Heather Kornmehl, a Texas-based dermatologist, recently shared insights with her TikTok followers about the genetic factors behind body odor. According to Kornmehl, variations in the ABCC11 gene play a key role in whether a person produces a noticeable odor after sweating, whether it’s during exercise or throughout the day. This gene controls the production of compounds in sweat that, when broken down by bacteria on the skin, can result in body odor.
There are two main variations of the ABCC11 gene: GG and AA. People with the GG genotype tend to produce stronger body odors, while those with the AA genotype produce fewer odor-causing molecules, often resulting in little to no body odor. Research indicates that only about 2% of people have the odorless AA variant.
The genetic predisposition to body odor is also linked to ancestry. Studies suggest that individuals of European or African descent are more likely to have the GG variant, while people of Asian descent, particularly those of Chinese or Korean heritage, are more likely to have the AA genotype. Kornmehl explained that between 70-100% of people with European or African ancestry carry the GG gene, which is associated with stronger body odors, while a similar percentage of people with Asian ancestry carry the AA gene, which is linked to less odor.
The key factor in body odor lies in the apocrine sweat glands, found in areas like the armpits and genitals. The ABCC11 gene influences the production of odor precursors in these glands. These compounds, which don’t smell on their own, are broken down by bacteria on the skin into molecules that can have a sulfur-like, musky, or urine-like odor.
Although genetics plays a significant role, there are steps people can take to manage body odor. Deodorants are commonly used to combat the odor-causing bacteria on the skin. Dr. Kornmehl recommended washing the armpits daily with products like benzoyl peroxide or Hibiclens to reduce bacteria, as well as using clinical-strength antiperspirants before bed to help control odor.
Interestingly, a 2013 study found that while a small percentage of people with the odor-causing gene don’t use deodorant, most people without body odor still choose to use it due to cultural norms. The study also noted that in parts of East Asia, where body odor is less prevalent, deodorant use is not as common.
Body odor is also linked to earwax consistency. Those with the AA genotype, who are less likely to have body odor, typically have dry earwax, while those with the GG genotype often have more sticky, honey-like earwax.
