Imagine a hot, humid day where sweat beads on your forehead and sticks to your skin. The discomfort is real, but for most people, the bigger concern is the odor that comes with it. Now, picture a life where sweat is just sweat—no lingering body odor, no need for deodorant, and no embarrassing whiff in crowded spaces. For many Koreans, this scenario is reality, not a fantasy. The reason? A fascinating genetic quirk that spares millions from the daily battle against body odor.
Sweat Isn’t the Problem—Bacteria Are
Before diving into the science of why some people can skip deodorant, it’s essential to understand what really causes body odor. Sweat itself is odorless. It’s a watery secretion from the eccrine glands meant to cool the body. The real culprit behind body odor is bacteria. When sweat from the apocrine glands—found in the armpits and groin—mixes with bacteria on the skin, the bacteria break down the sweat’s proteins and fats, producing that unmistakable smell.
The ABCC11 Gene: A Genetic Blessing or Mutation?
The secret to odorless sweat lies in the ABCC11 gene. This gene determines the type of earwax a person has—yes, earwax—and body odor. People with a functional version of the ABCC11 gene produce wet earwax and have sweat rich in proteins and fats, perfect for bacteria to feast on. Those with a non-functional version, however, produce dry earwax and sweat lacking the compounds bacteria love, resulting in little to no odor.
The Genetic Quirk of East Asia
Around 98-99% of Koreans, and a high percentage of other East Asians, carry the non-functional ABCC11 gene variant. This rare trait means the vast majority never develop body odor and have dry earwax. It’s an evolutionary adaptation, but the exact reason remains unclear. Some scientists speculate it provided an advantage in colder climates by reducing scent markers for predators, while others suggest it’s simply a random mutation.
A Cultural Advantage
This genetic blessing has led to a unique cultural reality—deodorant is nearly nonexistent in Korea. In fact, when Western tourists search for antiperspirants in Korean convenience stores, they often find empty shelves. It’s not a product in high demand. Some global deodorant brands have even stopped selling their products in Korea due to low sales.
Global Fascination and Misunderstandings
When news of this genetic quirk spread online, it sparked fascination and envy. It’s one of those facts that sounds too good to be true—a population genetically immune to body odor. However, the reality is more nuanced. Some Koreans still prefer deodorant for freshness, and the gene variant doesn’t eliminate sweat itself.
The Bigger Picture: Genes, Evolution, and the Future
The ABCC11 gene serves as a reminder of how deeply genetics can influence daily life, from earwax to personal care habits. It also highlights the incredible adaptability of humans. As genetic research advances, we may uncover more ways our DNA shapes our behaviors, preferences, and even our sweat.
For Koreans, the blessing of odorless sweat is a curious twist of fate—an unexpected benefit of evolution that makes everyday life just a little less sweaty.