>ABCC11 gene: This gene encodes a protein involved in the transport of molecules out of apocrine sweat glands. The gene's single nucleotide polymorphism leads to a loss-of-function variant strongly associated with little to no axillary odor.
>Prevalence by ethnicity:
>Among East Asians (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean), 80–95% carry the nonfunctional ABCC11 allele, resulting in significantly less typical underarm odor and dry-type earwax.
>Among people of African descent this gene variant is extremely rare (estimated <3%), meaning most individuals have the typical functional gene and thus stronger axillary odor and wet-type earwax.
