Why many East Asians don’t have body odor or need deodorant

While some extra deodorant swipes can feel like a necessity during these sweltering temps, there’s one group that’s not really sweating it.

While some extra deodorant swipes can feel like a necessity during these sweltering temps, there’s one group that’s not really sweating it. 

Social media users are using the heat wave as a chance to point out many Asians simply don’t smell. According to experts, there’s actually a gene mutation behind it. 

Between 80 and 95% of East Asians have a dysfunction of the ABCCII gene, which is linked to smelly pits, a number of studies say. And this means their bodies don’t release the same acidic odor smell the rest of the population does when exposed to hot temperatures and perspiration.

“It’s just going to be a lot less pungent and a lot less prevalent,” Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, an Oregon-based dermatologist, said of those with East Asian ancestry, including herself. “So we can go a little bit longer without needing to mask our body odor.”

With the heat kicking in, body odor has been on many people’s minds. Dermatologist Heather Kornmehl posted an Instagram video earlier this month explaining how “the potential for stinky armpits is genetically determined.” The video went viral with more than 4 million views. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/east-asians-no-body-odor-dont-need-deodorant-rcna156778

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