Technically speaking, everyone doesn't need to wear deodorant. Researchers have discovered that a particular gene is responsible for producing certain acids in sweat. Bacteria feeds upon these acids, breaking down into other acids, which emit unpleasant body odor. Those people who lack this gene, which include a small number of individuals with a European background but a high number of people of East Asian descent, do not really generate armpit odor and therefore don't have a real need for deodorant. Proper hygiene, including daily bathing, may, however, still be required to avoid smelly pits.
More information about body odor:
- Even those people who do not need deodorant might still want to use an antiperspirant, especially if they tend to sweat profusely or engage in heavy labor.
- Generally, people who lack the chemical that results in underarm odor also produce dry earwax. If you produce wet earwax, you probably also produce underarm odor.
- People who lack the gene that creates odorous armpits still have some smell, since all healthy people have a natural scent. They simply do not have the kind of armpit body odor often considered unpleasant.