Earwax type and armpit odour are genetically determined by a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the ABCC11 gene. East Asians usually have a genotype that produces dry earwax and no axillary odour, while Europeans and Africans are more likely to have wet earwax and axillary osmidrosis.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that deodorant use is influenced by genotype, however there were many people who used deodorant despite not producing armpit odour (77.8%) and some who did not despite being genetically predisposed to be odoriferous (4.7%).
People can be sensitive to deodorant chemicals which may trigger conditions such as asthma and eczema, so it is important that people do not expose themselves and their families to deodorants that are not necessary.